When choosing a lamp bulb, check four things in order: the lamp’s socket type (E27, E14, or G9), the amount of light you need (lumens), the color of the light (Kelvin), and how accurately it renders colors (CRI). Wattage only tells you about energy consumption; brightness is determined by lumens. In this guide we explain socket types, the difference between lumens and watts, why warm white light matters, and which bulb should be used in Nyxora onyx lamps.
What is the difference between E27, E14, and G9 sockets?
The socket is the fitting that connects the bulb to the lamp, and each bulb fits only its own socket type. E27 and E14 are screw sockets; the letter E stands for the Edison screw system, and the number gives the screw diameter in millimeters. G9, by contrast, is a small, screwless socket with two pins.
E27 is commonly known as the large or standard socket. It offers the widest choice of bulbs, from the classic pear-shaped bulb to globe and decorative filament bulbs, and it is common in table lamps and floor lamps. E14 is known as the small or narrow socket; it is used for candle, small round, and compact bulbs and is often found in sconces, chandeliers, and small lamps.
G9 is a socket for capsule bulbs with two looped pins; the 9 in its name refers to the 9 mm distance between the centers of the pins. The bulb is not screwed in; it is fitted by pushing it straight into the socket. Thanks to its small size, it is preferred in compact sconces and slim-bodied fixtures.
| Socket type | Connection | Common bulb shape | Typical use | Example at Nyxora |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E27 | 27 mm diameter screw | Pear, globe, decorative filament | Table lamp, floor lamp, pendant lamp | Brime d’Onyx (max. 15 W), most floor lamps; Orbe d’Onyx (decorative glass globe) |
| E14 | 14 mm diameter screw | Candle, small round, compact | Sconce, chandelier, small lamp | Most wall sconces (max. 8 W) |
| G9 | Two pins, 9 mm apart, push-fit | Capsule | Compact sconce, slim-bodied fixture | Alba d’Onyx (max. 5 W), Golden Aura d’Onyx Floor Lamp (max. 7 W) |
| Integrated LED | No bulb, built into the body | No replaceable bulb | Designs with slim or sculptural bodies | Orbelle d’Onyx (studio handles maintenance) |
Can you use an adapter for a different socket?
Adapters that convert E14 to E27 are available, but they are not recommended for onyx lamps. An adapter lengthens the bulb and changes its position inside the stone body; this disrupts the intended light distribution and can create a bright spot in part of the stone. The maximum wattage stated in the sheet has also been set for that particular socket and body.
G125, A60, C35: are these socket codes?
No; these codes describe the shape and diameter of the bulb. A60 is a classic pear-shaped bulb with a 60 mm diameter; C35 is a candle bulb; P45 is a small round bulb; and G125 is a globe bulb with a 125 mm diameter. In other words, G125 is a bulb shape, while G9 is a socket type. Check these two pieces of information separately on the packaging.
What is the difference between lumens and watts?
Watts show how much energy a bulb uses; lumens show how much light it gives. Because LED bulbs produce the same light with far less energy, you should look at lumens, not watts, when comparing brightness.
In the days of incandescent bulbs, 60 W meant “a normal bulb,” and brightness was described in watts. Today an LED that gives the same light usually uses 7–9 W. The word “equivalent” on the packaging is a helpful guide, but the figure you really need to look at is the lumen value.
| Old incandescent bulb | Approximate luminous flux | Approximate LED wattage |
|---|---|---|
| 40 W | 470 lm | 4–6 W |
| 60 W | 806 lm | 7–9 W |
| 75 W | 1055 lm | 9–12 W |
| 100 W | 1521 lm | 13–16 W |
The LED wattages in the table are approximate and vary with the efficiency of the bulb.
How many lumens does an onyx lamp need?
A lamp with an onyx body is designed less to light a room on its own than to show the veins of the stone from within. That is why more lumens do not always give a more beautiful result: a very powerful source can create a bright spot inside the stone and overpower the subtle transitions of the veins. A frosted (opal) LED that stays within the wattage limit in the sheet distributes light more evenly inside the stone. We described the relationship between light and stone in our article why does onyx let light through.
What is color temperature, and how many kelvins is a warm white bulb?
Color temperature describes, in kelvins (K), whether light looks yellowish or bluish. Warm white is approximately 2700–3000 K, neutral white around 4000 K, and cool white in the 5000–6500 K range.
The lower the value, the warmer the light and the closer it comes to the color of an old incandescent bulb; that is why 2700 K is a common reference for ambient light at home. The higher the value, the whiter the light becomes, shifting toward blue; this tone is mostly preferred in task areas such as kitchen counters or desks.
On packaging, names such as “daylight,” “natural white,” or “yellow light” may be used for different tones by different brands. So look not at the name but at the Kelvin value printed on the packaging.
For onyx lamps, 2700 K warm white is recommended. Because onyx lets light pass through it, the color of the bulb blends with the color of the stone: warm light brings honey, amber, and copper tones to life, while cool light fades the stone and turns it gray. We compared the two warm white tones in detail in our article 2700 K or 3000 K?
What is CRI, and why is 90 or above recommended?
CRI (Ra) measures, on a scale of 0 to 100, how accurately a light source renders colors compared with a reference light. To see the tones of materials such as natural stone, wood, and fabric accurately, it makes sense to choose a bulb with a CRI of 90 or above.
Many standard LED bulbs on the market have a CRI of around 80. At this value the light looks bright enough, but warm tones such as honey, orange, and reddish-brown can look paler and flatter. Bulbs with a CRI of 90 or above render color transitions more richly; in a stone like onyx, whose veins are read through differences in color, this difference is pronounced. If the packaging also states an R9 value, that value tells you how accurately saturated reds are rendered, and it is an additional guide for reddish-brown or orange-toned stones.
How do you choose a dimmable LED bulb?
If you want to dim the light, the packaging of the bulb must say “dimmable,” and the lamp or the wall must have an LED-compatible dimmer. If either condition is missing, the light may flicker or buzz, or the bulb may fail.
Older dimmers designed for incandescent and halogen bulbs do not work with every LED; flickering at the lowest setting, or light that never switches off completely, are typical signs of this incompatibility. Checking the bulb manufacturer’s list of compatible dimmers is the quickest route. If your lamp has a simple on/off switch on the cable or on the stand, fitting a dimmable bulb will not, on its own, let you dim the light.
The dimmable example at Nyxora is the Golden Aura d’Onyx Floor Lamp: its sheet specifies a dimmable LED source with a G9 socket, max. 7 W, and 2700–3000 K. When the light is dimmed, the onyx dome and column create a warm, low-lit atmosphere in the room.
What should you check when buying a bulb?
All you need to do is compare the socket, wattage, lumens, Kelvin, CRI, and dimming information on the packaging with your lamp’s technical sheet. The list below cuts this check down to a few seconds:
- Socket type: Is it the same as the socket in the sheet (E27, E14, G9)?
- Wattage: Is it below the maximum wattage stated in the sheet?
- Amount of light: Is the lumen value right for the lamp’s role?
- Color temperature: Is it 2700 K for an onyx lamp?
- Color fidelity: Is the CRI (Ra) 90 or above?
- Dimming: If needed, is the bulb dimmable and compatible with the dimmer?
- Size and finish: Does the bulb fit inside the body or shade, and is it frosted or clear? LED G9 bulbs can be longer than their halogen equivalents.
Which bulb should be used in Nyxora onyx lamps?
A 2700 K warm white LED bulb is recommended for Nyxora onyx lamps; depending on the model, the technical sheets specify LED sources of 5–15 W with G9, E14, or E27 sockets. Because the socket type and maximum wattage vary from model to model, always choose the bulb according to the sheet on the product page.
Nyxora is a studio that makes handmade table lamps, wall sconces, and floor lamps from natural onyx in its Izmir atelier; each lamp is checked lit in the atelier. Because an LED bulb produces little heat, it is well suited to these stone-bodied lamps.
- Table lamps: The sheet for the Brime d’Onyx table lamp specifies an E27 socket, max. 15 W, and a 2700 K LED.
- Wall sconces: Most have an E14 socket and an LED of max. 8 W; compact models such as Alba d’Onyx specify a G9 socket and max. 5 W.
- Floor lamps: Most use an E27 socket; for E27 models whose sheet states a wattage limit, that limit is max. 15 W. In some floor lamps the bulb is not included in the package; this is noted on the product page.
- Orbe d’Onyx: The light comes from a decorative Ø12 cm glass globe bulb with an E27 socket at the top; here the bulb is a visible part of the design.
- Orbelle d’Onyx: It works with concealed, integrated LED lighting; there is no bulb to change, and for maintenance and replacement you contact the studio.
For a model whose socket information is not given on the product page, simply write to the studio before buying a bulb. When changing the bulb, unplug the lamp and wait for the bulb to cool; you can find the steps for a safe change in our onyx lamp care guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between E27 and E14?
E27 and E14 are Edison-type screw sockets; the difference between them is the screw diameter. E27 has a diameter of 27 mm, E14 a diameter of 14 mm. E27 is common in table lamps and floor lamps, E14 in sconces, chandeliers, and small lamps. Because their diameters differ, one cannot be fitted in place of the other; check which socket fits your lamp in the product sheet.
How do you fit a G9 bulb?
G9 is a screwless capsule bulb with two pins. Before changing it, unplug the lamp or switch off the circuit breaker, and wait for the old bulb to cool. Remove the bulb by pulling it straight out, without twisting; push the new one straight in, aligning its pins with the socket. Because LED G9 bulbs can be longer than their halogen equivalents, check in advance that the bulb fits inside the body.
How many kelvins is a warm white bulb?
Warm white light is generally in the 2700–3000 K range; 2700 K is the warmest end of this range and gives a tone close to evening light. Around 4000 K counts as neutral white, and 5000 K and above as cool white. For onyx lamps, 2700 K is recommended, because warm light brings the honey and amber tones of the stone to life, while cool light fades its color.
Which matters in a bulb: watts or lumens?
To compare brightness, look at lumens. Watts show the energy a bulb uses; lumens show the amount of light it gives. For example, the roughly 806 lumens given by an old 60 W incandescent bulb is today usually achieved with an LED of 7–9 W. With onyx lamps, you should also stay within the maximum wattage limit stated in the sheet.
Which bulb should go in an onyx lamp?
A 2700 K warm white LED bulb is recommended for onyx lamps; LED suits the stone because it produces little heat. Depending on the model, Nyxora’s technical sheets specify LED sources of 5–15 W with G9, E14, or E27 sockets; for the socket type and maximum wattage, always go by the sheet on the product page. If possible, choose a bulb with a CRI of 90 or above.