Do good candelabra LEDs exist in 2024?

I’m searching for high-quality candelabra LEDs (E12 base) that match the level of Soraa or Waveform Lighting’s A19 offerings. Specifically, I’m looking for high CRI, great reds, and no filament style.

Should I keep looking, or should I switch to fixtures that support standard-sized bulbs?

Emery Allen offers a beautiful E12 bullet-style bulb that’s diffused and warm dim. It lacks the curled top if that’s important to you but performs well.

  • Lighting Designer

Yan said:
Emery Allen offers a beautiful E12 bullet-style bulb that’s diffused and warm dim. It lacks the curled top if that’s important to you but performs well.

  • Lighting Designer

Do you focus on interior or exterior lighting?

@Jaden
Mainly residential interiors, but I also do some exterior and landscape lighting.

Yan said:
@Jaden
Mainly residential interiors, but I also do some exterior and landscape lighting.

I’ve invented the first-ever upward-facing, waterproof decorative 12V candelabra bulb. Perfect for outdoor chandeliers in the rain. I’ll be showcasing it at LightSpec 2024 if you’re interested!

Yan said:
Emery Allen offers a beautiful E12 bullet-style bulb that’s diffused and warm dim. It lacks the curled top if that’s important to you but performs well.

  • Lighting Designer

They look interesting but seem to have a lower CRI. Do you get access to more options as a designer?

@Ainsley
I see the same catalog you do. This is the one I recommend—97 CRI with a 90 R9: https://emeryallen.com/product/b10-4-0w-dtw-led-filament/. DM me if you’d like a multi-bulb discount.

@Ev
DM me, and I’ll put together a quote for you. Thanks!

Yan said:
@Ainsley
I see the same catalog you do. This is the one I recommend—97 CRI with a 90 R9: https://emeryallen.com/product/b10-4-0w-dtw-led-filament/. DM me if you’d like a multi-bulb discount.

Do they offer any E12 options with high R9 but without dim-to-warm? I like consistent color temperature even at low brightness levels.

@Ash
Unfortunately, not with a 90 R9. Most options hover around 50–60 R9 for static white.

Yan said:
@Ash
Unfortunately, not with a 90 R9. Most options hover around 50–60 R9 for static white.

Thanks for confirming. I came across these RAB bulbs with decent specs: https://www.rablighting.com/downloads/photometricsreport/b11-5-e12-930-f-c-pr.pdf. Any thoughts?

@Ash
I’ve tested RAB bulbs, and they’re just okay. Nothing groundbreaking.

Yan said:
@Ash
I’ve tested RAB bulbs, and they’re just okay. Nothing groundbreaking.

Any better suggestions for dining room and stairwell chandeliers? The dining room has 3000K downlights, and the chandelier provides ambient lighting. I’m struggling to find high-quality dimmable bulbs.

@Ash
If you dislike dim-to-warm, I’d go with static CCT Emery Allen bulbs. Their R9 is around 50, which is common for static white options. Let me know if you need a quote!

Yan said:
@Ainsley
I see the same catalog you do. This is the one I recommend—97 CRI with a 90 R9: https://emeryallen.com/product/b10-4-0w-dtw-led-filament/. DM me if you’d like a multi-bulb discount.

These look great except for the 2700K top end, which might clash with my 3000K downlights. I’ll keep these in mind for other spaces like bedrooms.

@Ainsley
Dim-to-warm ranges from 3000K to 1800K, so it might work. People generally don’t notice mismatched temperatures between 3000K and 1800K as much as they do above 3500K.

Yan said:
@Ainsley
Dim-to-warm ranges from 3000K to 1800K, so it might work. People generally don’t notice mismatched temperatures between 3000K and 1800K as much as they do above 3500K.

I’ve only found low R9 options at 3000K, so these Emery Allen bulbs are appealing despite the lower top end. Thanks for the insight!

Yan said:
Emery Allen offers a beautiful E12 bullet-style bulb that’s diffused and warm dim. It lacks the curled top if that’s important to you but performs well.

  • Lighting Designer

I’m tempted to get these, but my chandelier has 16 bulbs, and it feels crazy to spend so much on lighting. Is it worth it?

@Lux
I’m biased, but I think proper lighting makes a world of difference.

Yan said:
@Lux
I’m biased, but I think proper lighting makes a world of difference.

Absolutely agree. I always educate clients about lumens, color temperature, and CRI—it’s worth the investment.