Are LED filament bulbs energy efficient?
Yes, and that's part of what makes them so brilliant (pun intended). LED filament bulbs look just like the old-school Edison bulbs we all grew up with, but under the glass they're a completely different beast. Where traditional incandescent bulbs converted most of their energy into heat (wasteful, and a bit toasty), LED filament bulbs use up to 90% less electricity to produce the same warm, inviting glow. So, you get all the vintage charm without the hefty energy bill. Win-win.
Can LED filament bulbs be used with a dimmer switch?
Some can, some can't, so it's worth checking before you buy. Look out for "dimmable" labelled clearly on the product listing. If it's not there, it’s best to assume it isn't dimmable. The other thing to know is that LED filament bulbs work best with a trailing-edge dimmer switch rather than the older leading-edge type. If you're using an old dimmer designed for incandescent bulbs, you might find your new LEDs flicker or buzz. Swapping it out for a modern LED-compatible dimmer usually sorts things out. Each product page on our site will tell you exactly what you need.
What is the difference between an LED filament bulb and a regular LED bulb?
Great question. Regular
LED bulbs tend to have a plastic or frosted diffuser and emit light in one direction, handy for downlighters, less so when you want a soft, all-round glow. LED filament bulbs have visible glowing "filaments" inside a clear glass bulb, which means they distribute light in almost every direction (around 300°). That makes them perfect for pendant lights, exposed-bulb fittings, and anywhere the bulb itself is part of the look. They also tend to have a warmer, more atmospheric colour temperature, closer to candlelight than your average LED.
How long do LED filament bulbs last?
A good while longer than you might think. Most LED filament bulbs are rated for around 15,000 hours of use, compared to roughly 1,000 hours for a traditional incandescent. In real terms, that's years of daily use before you need to think about a replacement. One thing to be aware of is that, over time, the brightness may very gradually reduce (this is called lumen depreciation). But it's such a slow process you're unlikely to notice it day to day.
What cap fitting do LED filament bulbs come in?
The most common fittings for LED filament bulbs are E27 (a large screw cap, popular in pendants and table lamps), B22 (the classic bayonet fitting still found in many UK homes), and E14 (a smaller screw cap, often used in
chandelier-style fittings). Not sure which you need? Just check the base of your existing bulb, the fitting type is usually printed there. All of our product pages clearly show which cap fitting each bulb uses, so there's no guesswork involved.
