What Are the Different Types of LED Light Bulbs?

LED technology started over forty years ago when Nick Holonyak, Jr. invented the first visible-spectrum light-emitting diode in 1962. Since then, LED bulbs have improved a lot, coming in various shapes and styles and ultimately changing how we light up our homes and offices.

Have you ever thought about the different types of LED light bulbs available? While some are designed specifically for indoors, some work outdoors, while others work both indoors and outdoors.

We have everything all laid out in this article so that in the end, you’ll be better informed on which option to go for and one that will fit your space perfectly.

What Is LED Lighting?

LED simply stands for "light-emitting diode." It’s a special type of technology that converts electricity directly into light. Each LED light bulb contains a small semiconductor chip that emits light when current passes through it, which is then housed in a lamp or fixture, that you use in your homes, offices, or other spaces. Although LED technology has been around since the 1960s, its impressive lighting features weren’t much known until the 1990s.

They are a huge leap from the traditional incandescent or fluorescent bulbs and are known to be more energy-efficient, longer-lasting, and highly versatile. It’s no wonder LED lighting is an excellent choice for anyone looking for modern, efficient lighting solutions that perform better and save on energy costs in the long run.

Indoor LED Light Bulb Types

There are different types of LED lights designed specifically for indoor use. Some of them include tube lights, household LED light bulbs, high bay fixtures, high bay Retrofit bulbs and many more. Let’s look at a more detailed description below:

1. Tube Light (Stick Light)

Remember those long fluorescent tube lights in office ceilings, often hidden behind plastic panels? LED tube lights are the modern replacement for those. They work just like the old versions but with better energy efficiency and long service life. The only difference is that they’re used in fluorescent tune luminaries with G5 and G13 bases.

2. Household LED Light Bulb (A19)

Unlike your regular old light bulbs, household LED light bulbs are more bright and energy-saving. They give off 1500 lumens of daylight brightness while using just 15 watts, so you get all the light without the high energy bills. They shine light in all directions, unlike old bulbs that needed reflectors. Some even come as smart bulbs, like the Philips Hue or GE ‘C,’ where you can change the color temperature to set the right mood for your space.

3. High Bay Fixture (UFO)

UFO high bay lights get their name from their round, "UFO-like" shape. They are commonly used in warehouses, workshops, and other industrial or commercial spaces with high ceilings (between 20 to 40 feet). These lights are designed to produce strong, focused light that works well in large areas where regular bulbs just won’t cut it. They are just the perfect replacement for those old, energy-draining metal-halide bulbs.

4. High Bay Retrofit Bulb

Similar to the UFO lights, this bulb is a quick and easy replacement for older warehouse lights. Instead of replacing the entire fixture, you simply screw this LED bulb into the existing setup. They fit into these fixtures and sockets without hassle.

5. Hanging Troffer

A troffer light is a square or rectangular fixture that fits into a dropped ceiling grid, often called a "recessed" grid. Traditionally, troffer lights used fluorescent bulbs like T12 or T8 but now LED troffers are available as a more energy-efficient option. These fixtures are commonly found in commercial settings and are designed to provide focused lighting for specific areas or tasks. They are installed in grid ceilings and offer brighter light and illumination.

6. Recessed Troffer

Recessed troffers are mostly seen in office ceilings and are typically hidden behind those plastic squares that hold fluorescent tubes. LED recessed troffers are designed to replace those dull, flickering lights.

7. Retrofit Kit

If you want to upgrade to LED lighting without replacing the entire fixture, LED retrofit kits are the way to go. These kits allow you to install LED lights in existing fixtures where a regular screw-in bulb won’t fit. It’s a handy solution for tricky spaces where a simple bulb replacement just won’t cut it.

Indoor/Outdoor LED Light Bulb Types

Various types of LED lights work both indoors and outdoors. They are all peculiar differences which we will discuss below:

1. Corn Bulb (LED Corn Light)

This LED light is quite versatile. They can screw into your regular household fixture socket and even the usual big-bulb warehouse socket. The reason why it’s called corn cob lamps is because of its unique design which features rows of individual LEDs arranged on a metal structure that resembles a corn cob.

2. Paddle Bulb (LED Paddle Light)

The Paddle Bulb is named for its paddle-like shape. It’s also known as a "180-degree corn light" because it works similarly to corn bulbs. This bulb is great for upgrading old lights in street lamps, canopy fixtures, or wall pack lights. It fits easily into directional fixtures and is an energy-efficient way to switch from older lights to modern LEDs.

3. Post Top Light (LED Acorn Light)

Another great indoor/outdoor LED light you should check out is the LED Acorn Light. It’s quite a charming option as you’ll usually find it sitting atop poles, posts, or columns, adding a decorative touch to these outdoor spaces.

4. Drop Light (LED Work/Construction Light)

This type of indoor/outdoor LED light is mostly found in workspaces or construction sites. Unlike the traditional drop lights that came with long cords allowing you to “drop” the light where needed, LED drop lights are much more durable. They often come with the light already installed.

5. Wall Light (LED Wall Fixture)

You’ll need these LED Wall Lights to light out outdoor areas including pathways, porches, and the exterior walls of your home. They stand out because of their decorative accent and functional lighting that makes any space inviting and visually appealing.

What's more, eufy provide wall light camera that can luminate and secure your outdoor space. 

6. Cutoff Wall Pack (LED Cutoff Wall Pack)

Cutoff Wall Packs are designed to direct light downwards, rather than flooding a space. The “cutoff” design helps focus light where it’s needed without creating excessive glare. You should consider LED lights like this if you want to light up walkways, building exteriors, or specific areas like doorways.

Outdoor LED Light Bulb Types

Some of the types of LED lighting for outdoor spaces include permanent outdoor lights, canopy lights, shoebox lights, flood lights, wall pack lights, rotatable wall packs, and security lights. Let’s look at some of their features below:

1. Permanent Outdoor LED Lights

Permanent outdoor LED lights are a versatile and energy-efficient solution for enhancing any space with customizable lighting. They offer a wide range of colors, brightness levels, and effects, making them ideal for everything from mood lighting to holiday decoration. Outdoor LED lights are flexible, easy to install, and perfect for accentuating architectural features or outdoor areas.

For outdoor spaces, the eufy Permanent Outdoor Lights offers a triple-LED design with RGB, warm, and cool white LEDs, providing 16 million color options and equipped with AI, ensuring your space looks stunning and special.

2. Canopy Light

This kind of outdoor light is perfect for illuminating areas like gas station awnings while you fill up your car. The acrylic covers of this light help to take away the yellowish hue often seen with metal halide and high-pressure sodium fixtures. You can find them in both square and round designs.

3. Spot Light

As the name implies, an LED spot light is designed to light up large areas. They are perfect for showcasing architectural features or illuminating gardens and trees.

Besides, eufy spot lights can even change color to sync with music and also work with security cameras to welcome guests and scare off intruders.

4. Shoebox Light

You’ll mostly see this type of LED light in streets and parking lots. They are usually mounted on poles with different mounting options, such as slip-fitters or direct mounts.

5. Wall Pack Light

Wall pack lights are your go-to if you want to light up parking areas and building exteriors. While traditional metal halide versions look similar to these LED options, the variety of styles and designs available today is much greater.

6. Rotatable Wall Pack

A rotatable wall pack is the way to go if you want flexibility. Unlike traditional wall packs, the LED modules in these lights can be adjusted to direct light exactly where you need it, whether outward, downward, or even upward.

7. Flood Light

From the name, it’s clear that these types of LED lights are great for keeping your space safe. They can be mounted on poles or walls and often come with motion sensors to automatically turn on at night or when someone approaches. 

eufy's smart floodlight is also equipped with dual-lens camera. Besides lights, you can rely on security cameras that can detect motions and notify you anything unusual happens.

How to Choose the Right LED Bulb for Your Needs?

It’s not enough to know the types of LED lights, you should also know the important factors to consider before purchasing one. Below are some of the things to look into:

1. First, be sure where you’re using the light - whether indoors, or outdoors. To be in a safe space, you can get an LED light that swings both ways.
2. Ensure that you choose the right color temperature for your space. Opt for a warm color temperature (2700K-3000K) for bedrooms and living areas, and a cool color temperature (5000K-6500K) for kitchens and workspaces.
3. Since LED bulbs come in different shapes, ensure that the one you’re choosing fits your fixture at home and achieves the desired lighting effect.
4. Also, check the base type to determine the bulb’s connection to the fixture.
5. You can also choose energy-efficient LED bulbs that meet strict energy guidelines to help reduce your energy bills.
6. If you want adjustable brightness, select an LED bulb that is compatible with dimmer switches.

Conclusion

To wrap it up, knowing the types of LED light bulbs will help you make a great choice while also influencing how your home looks and feels. With so many options available, it’s important to think about where you need to place it. Consider the color and brightness you want and make sure the bulbs fit your fixtures and are energy-efficient to save on your bills. And overall, choose the LED light bulb that goes with the space where you’re using it. Some bulbs are for indoors, while others work outdoors, and some swing both ways. Make no mistake of using an indoor LED light bulb outside and vice versa.

FAQs on Types of LED Light Bulbs

What are the different types of LED lights available?

LED lights come in various types designed for specific settings. For indoor use, there are household LED bulbs, tube lights for kitchens and offices, and high bay lights for warehouses. Indoor/outdoor options include corn bulbs, paddle bulbs, and post-top lights, which can work well in both environments. For outdoor lighting, you’ll find flood lights for large areas, wall-pack lights and strip lights for parking lots and building exteriors, and security lights that enhance safety around your home.

Which types of LED lighting are best for outdoor use?

For outdoor use, flood lights are great for illuminating large areas, while wall-pack lights are perfect for parking lots and building exteriors. Canopy lights work well under awnings, and security lights with motion sensors enhance safety by turning on when someone approaches. Strip lights can add a decorative touch to your outdoor space.

How do I select the right LED bulb for my home?

When choosing an LED bulb for your home, consider the specific fixtures you have at home and ensure the bulb is compatible with them. Additionally, think about the color and brightness you want; different bulbs offer various color temperatures and lumen outputs to create the desired ambiance in each room.