The difference between E27 and E14 comes down to a single number: the diameter of the screw base. L’E27 measures 27 mm and is used in main light fixtures, while E14 measures 14 mm and fits compact lamps, wall lights and chandeliers. The two aren’t interchangeable: the socket in your light fixture determines which one to use, not the bulb you prefer. Here’s how to tell them apart, pair them with the right light fixtures and choose the right lighting.
In brief
- E27: large 27 mm screw base, the most common size for pendant lights, ceiling lights, floor lamps and large table lamps.
- E14: narrow 14 mm screw base, designed for compact fixtures such as bedside lamps, wall lights, chandeliers with arms and nightlights.
- An E27 bulb won’t screw into an E14 socket, and vice versa: always choose the base to match the existing socket.
- The base says nothing about the ambiance: it’s the color temperature (in kelvins) and the light output (in lumens) that make the difference in a room.
- If in doubt, read the code engraved on the old bulb or socket, or measure the inner diameter.
Table of contents
- What really sets E27 and E14 apart
- Can you screw an E27 bulb into an E14 socket?
- Which base for which light fixture?
- Identify your socket in three steps
- Wattage and lumens: what the base doesn’t tell you
- Light color matters as much as the bulb base
- An integrated LED light fixture changes the question
- Our point of view
- Find the light fixture that’s right for your room
- Frequently asked questions
- Sources
What really sets E27 and E14 apart
The letter E comes from the name Edison, inventor of the screw base. The number that follows indicates the diameter of the metal base in millimeters. This naming system is simple, and it explains why the difference is visible to the naked eye: one is almost twice as wide as the other.
According to the ADEME, the E27 base is a large screw base with a diameter of 27 mm, while the E14 base is a narrow screw base with a diameter of 14 mm. The same page also mentions the B22, a 22 mm bayonet base that is less common in French homes.
This difference in size has very practical consequences. A larger base accommodates larger bulbs, allowing for a wider variety of shapes, and naturally pairs with larger light fixtures. A narrower base makes it possible to design slim fixtures, delicate arms and miniature lampshades, where an E27 socket would be bulky.
On the electrical side, the international standard IEC 60238 (edition 9.1, 2017) states that E14 bases are for lamps with a current not exceeding 2 A, and E27 bases for lamps with a current not exceeding 4 A. In other words, E27 is designed to handle more, which explains its use in main light fixtures.
Can you screw an E27 bulb into an E14 socket?
No. According to 123elec, E14 and E27 sockets are not interchangeable because their diameters differ. A bulb that’s too wide simply won’t fit, while one that’s too small may cause a poor connection. Forcing it is never a good idea.
E27-to-E14 or B22 adapters are available, but they’re still a temporary fix. An adapter adds a component, sometimes makes the whole assembly longer, and can prevent the lampshade from closing properly. If you like a particular bulb, it’s better to look for the same shape with the other base: most decorative shapes (globe, flame, pear, tube) come in both.
A simple rule will save you many trips: never buy a bulb before checking the socket, and never change a socket just to accommodate an appealing bulb. The light fixture was designed around its base, along with its lampshade, dimensions, and ventilation.
Which base for which light fixture?
According to Qualitel, E14 bases are used for small LED lamps such as bedside lamps, wall lights, or chandeliers, while E27 is the most common base for main lights, pendant lights, and floor lamps. Let’s look at this room by room, bearing in mind that it is primarily a matter of size.
Bedroom: E14 bedside lamps and wall lights
Around the bed, the light should stay soft and low, like a little cocoon that envelops your evening reading. The lights here are compact, placed on a narrow bedside table or mounted on the wall, and E14 bulbs are a natural fit. A small bulb leaves room for a slim lampshade, a ceramic base, or an adjustable arm.
For this use, a 5 W LED bulb, or about 470 lumens, replaces an old 40 W incandescent bulb and is more than bright enough for reading. If you’re unsure how many lumens you need, our guide to choosing light output explains the guidelines room by room. Wall lights also work best when understated: the LED wall light buying guide helps you choose their format and placement.
Living room and dining room: E27 pendants and flush-mount ceiling lights
In large rooms, the goal is generous ambient light that creates a cozy bubble around the dining table or sofa. Pendants, flush-mount ceiling lights and floor lamps commonly use E27 sockets, as 123elec points out, and for good reason: they need to accommodate more powerful bulbs, and sometimes several bulbs.
To decide between a flush-mount ceiling light and a pendant, our comparison of flush-mount ceiling lights and pendants gives you the criteria for height, area and style. For the light output needed in your living room, the page on LED power for a living room helps you do the calculation.
Table, desk and accent lamps: both types coexist
This is where the choice becomes least obvious. A sculptural table lamp with a large lampshade often uses an E27 socket. A small accent lamp, a slim-legged designer model, or a night-light is more likely to use an E14. The fixture’s format is what matters: check the socket, never the lamp’s apparent size.
For a lamp that becomes the focal point of a room, the way to choose a statement lamp follows the same principle: first consider the space and the object’s silhouette, then the bulb it takes.
An office needs clearer light: neutral white helps you concentrate, and a dimmable model offers flexibility throughout the day.
Identify your socket in three steps
If you no longer have the packaging, three checks are enough.
First, read the code on the bulb currently in place. 123elec recommends checking the code on the bulb or its packaging: you’ll find E27 or E14, often next to the wattage and voltage. Next, if the bulb is broken or missing, check the socket itself: the code is sometimes engraved on the rim. Finally, measure the socket’s inner diameter with a ruler or calipers: around 14 mm indicates an E14, and around 27 mm an E27.
If you need to replace the socket itself, remove the old one to identify its type before ordering. This avoids unpleasant surprises, and it’s also the time to switch off the power at the breaker: always disconnect the power before working on a light fixture. For wiring in a ceiling or an installation you’re not familiar with, call an electrician.
Wattage and lumens: what the base doesn’t tell you
Many readers look for the maximum wattage of an E14 or E27 bulb. The safest answer is on the light fixture: a label or marking near the socket indicates the maximum permitted wattage. Follow it, even with LED bulbs, whose actual power consumption is much lower than that of older incandescent bulbs.
With LED bulbs, it’s best to think in lumens rather than watts. Les Artisans Pros recommend aiming for 800 to 1,500 lumens per main light for general lighting, and 200 to 400 lumens for ambient accent lighting. An E14 bedside lamp therefore falls into the second category, while an E27 ceiling light falls into the first.
If several bulbs share a light fixture, add their lumens together to work out the room’s total lighting. And if you like dimming the lights, choose dimmable bulbs that are compatible with your dimmer when you buy them. Our article on adjusting the brightness of an LED lamp and the one about light dimmers explain how.
Light color matters as much as the bulb base
Once the base is sorted, the color temperature sets the mood. The lower the number of kelvins, the warmer and more golden the light; the higher it is, the whiter and then bluer the light becomes. Les Artisans Pros recommend warm white between 2,700 and 3,000 K for the living room and bedroom, and neutral white at 4,000 K for the kitchen, bathroom, and home office, with a color rendering index (CRI) above 80.
They also recommend not mixing 2,700 K and 4,000 K in the same room, as this can create an unpleasant effect: use a single color temperature per room, except in clearly separated work areas. This advice applies perfectly when combining E14 and E27 light fixtures in the same living room: an E27 pendant and two E14 accent lamps should share the same light color, even if their bulb bases differ.
When it comes to bulb shape, let the light fixture guide you. An opaque lampshade works with almost anything. A transparent glass shade or an open pendant puts the bulb on display: in that case, choose a decorative shape and a warm tone that will become part of the décor.
An integrated LED light fixture changes the question
Some light fixtures don’t have a socket at all: the LED light source is built in. In that case, the question of E27 or E14 no longer applies, but the light source’s lifespan becomes a factor. Our article Integrated LED or replaceable bulb compares the two approaches to help you choose based on how you’ll use it. A fixture with a replaceable bulb also lets you change the light color with the seasons.
Our point of view
When helping homeowners choose a light fixture, the question of the bulb base almost always comes last, even though it should come right after the question of ambiance. We believe you should first decide where you want the light: a soft glow beside the bed, bright, gentle light above the table, or clear light over a desk. The bulb base follows almost naturally.
That’s why we love offering light fixtures designed for every room, whether you’re looking for designer bedside lamps, touch lamps, rechargeable lamps, or pendant lights. Each model is designed for easy installation, with a socket suited to its size, so you don’t have to worry about adapters.
Our advice: stick to one shade per room, vary the shapes rather than the colors, and let the light fixture serve as décor, even when it’s switched off. If you’re still unsure about compatibility, our French-speaking customer service team is available 7 days a week to help.
Simon
Find the light fixture that’s right for your room
If you’re looking for a light fixture with a clear-cut format, our store brings together ceiling lights, bedroom wall lights, desk lamps, bedside lamps, table lamps, cordless lamps, and bathroom wall lights. We offer reliable, fast delivery throughout the European Union and Canada, and our products are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
For the bedroom, you could discover the gold retro bedside lamp or the gold ceramic bedside lamp. For work, the industrial desk lamp with adjustable brightness lets you adapt the light to your day. And to explore the full collection, visit the Éclairage Déco store.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between E14 and E27 bulbs?
The difference is the diameter of the screw base: 14 mm for E14 and 27 mm for E27, according to ADEME. L’E14 is intended for small light fixtures (bedside lamps, wall lights, chandeliers), while E27 is for main light fixtures such as pendant lights and floor lamps. They are not interchangeable.
Which socket should you choose for a bedside lamp?
Most compact bedside lamps use an E14, but some models with large shades use an E27. Check the code on the current bulb or measure the socket before buying. For reading in bed, choose a warm 2,700 K bulb with moderate light output.
What should I do if my bulb doesn’t fit the socket?
Don’t force it: the base is the wrong size. Check the E14 or E27 code on the socket, then choose a bulb with the matching base, in the shape and color you want. An adapter is available as a temporary fix, but it may prevent the lampshade from closing.
What is the maximum wattage for an E14 or E27 bulb?
The limit to follow is the one indicated on the light fixture, near the socket or on the label. The IEC 60238 standard sets a maximum current of 2 A for E14 and 4 A for E27. With an LED bulb, you generally stay well below these limits.
Sources
- Choosing the right lighting, ADEME
- IEC 60238 standard, Edison screw bases
- Guide to E14, E27 and B22 bulb bases
- Home LED lighting: lumens and color temperatures
- Choose a statement ambient light
- Qualitel