Common Light Bulbs Shapes

Light bulb shapes describe the general physical characteristics of the light bulb. LED light bulbs vary in shape from tube shaped bulbs to funnel or pear shaped light bulbs.

• Omnidirectional: A, BT, P, PS, S, T
• Decorative: B, BA, C, CA, DC, F, G
• Directional: BR, ER, K, MR, PAR, R 

 

PAR lamps: generally have a flat face and come in many sizes, from PAR16-PAR64. The numbers behind the "PAR" (this rule applies to all light bulbs, all bulbs are named by taking a letter(s)-numbers-optional letter format, though the last letter is optional) stand for the diameter of the bulb measured in increments of 1/8 of an inch. For example, a PAR16 means the bulb is 16 eighths of an inch in diameter, which works out to two inches in diameter. PAR style LED bulbs are ideal for a number of applications, from outdoor lights above your garage to track lights in your favorite museum.

Dimmable PAR20 9W LED bulb, more info at this page

R/BR: These two lamps are very similar to each other in terms of shape and application. The "R" stands for "reflector", while the "BR" stands for "bulged reflector". and both bulbs have a smooth, frosted face, evenly dispersing the light. These bulbs are typically used for creating warm, soft, even dispersions of light in recessed cans in living rooms and restaurants, but are also used for wall washing and in track lights.

LE 3W R39 LED bulbs warm white, read more

MR: also called multifaceted/mirrored/mini reflectors, are very similar to the PAR and R-type bulbs in terms of lighting applications. And just like the PAR and R lamps, these bulbs come in different sizes (MR8-MR16), and some come with a glass face, a frosted face, or even with no face. These bulbs get their names from the tiny mirrors located inside the face of some bulbs that disperses the light, while others have a smooth face, giving you a controlled beam of light. Look for MR bulbs in track lights in homes and department stores, in jewelry or display cases, or in museums highlighting a particular piece.

MR16 4W GU5.3 12V LED bulb from LE

Candle/Candelabra: Candelabra base bulbs come in many shapes and sizes, from bent tip, to torpedo shape, even vintage antique bulbs. These bulbs can either be frosted or clear, and don't put out too much light because the small base size limits the maximum wattage. This is why candelabra base bulbs are perfect for decorative chandeliers in your entryway, wall sconces in hotel hall ways, even in your porch light fixture, just as long as the fixture is sealed.

3W C37 E12 dimmable LED candle bulb from Lighting EVER

A19/A60: This is your standard household bulb and is the easiest bulb to recognize. In fact, when someone says light bulb, this bulb shape probably comes to mind. A19 bulbs are measured the same way as the other types. Instead of measuring the diameter of the bulb, like PAR lamps, the bulb's face is measured at its widest point. So an A19 bulb is 19 eighths of an inch, or 2 3/8 inches at its widest point. A19 bulbs are extremely common bulbs and are used in many applications, from reading lamps, to ceiling fans, and to just about anything you can think of.

10W A19 LED light bulb from Amazon