I'm replacing a fixture in my dining room, and the old bulb was a funny shape. What's the difference between a candle and a bent-tip candle shape, and when would I use them?

<a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Lighting-Light-Bulbs/Candle/N-5yc1vZbmbuZ1z17hnl?emt=plpfaq_2504_lightbulbs" style="text-decoration: underline;">Candle bulbs</a>, with their classic flame-like shape, add a touch of elegance to chandeliers and decorative fixtures; the <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Lighting-Light-Bulbs/Bent-Tip-Candle/N-5yc1vZbmbuZ1z21m6l?emt=plpfaq_2504_lightbulbs" style="text-decoration: underline;">bent-tip candle</a> variation enhances this by offering a more ornate and softer lighting effect. Both types are great for creating a warm, inviting ambiance in your dining or living room.

Which color temperature should I choose for a cozy, relaxing living room atmosphere?

For a warm and inviting atmosphere, choose light bulbs with a <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Lighting-Light-Bulbs/Soft-White/N-5yc1vZbmbuZ1z1whhb?emt=plpfaq_2504_lightbulbs" style="text-decoration: underline;">Soft white</a> or <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Lighting-Light-Bulbs/Warm-White/N-5yc1vZbmbuZ1z1whhw?emt=plpfaq_2504_lightbulbs" style="text-decoration: underline;">warm white</a> color temperature. These bulbs emit a yellowish light, like traditional incandescent bulbs, which helps create a comfortable and relaxed feel, perfect for living spaces.

I'm looking for a tubular bulb for my fixture, and I see "T8," "T5," and "T12" listed. What do these "T" numbers mean, and how do they differ?

The "T" in these codes indicates a tubular shape, often used for fluorescent or LED tubes, and the number represents the tube diameter in eighths of an inch; thus, a <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Lighting-Light-Bulbs/T8/N-5yc1vZbmbuZ1z0vvri?emt=plpfaq_2504_lightbulbs" style="text-decoration: underline;">T8 bulb</a> is 1 inch in diameter, while a <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Lighting-Light-Bulbs/T5/N-5yc1vZbmbuZ1z0vvq7?emt=plpfaq_2504_lightbulbs" style="text-decoration: underline;">T5 bulb</a> is 5/8 of an inch, and a <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Lighting-Light-Bulbs/T12/N-5yc1vZbmbuZ1z0vvrc?emt=plpfaq_2504_lightbulbs" style="text-decoration: underline;">T12</a> is 12/8 of an inch (or 1.5 inches), with the smaller diameter often correlating to newer, more energy-efficient models. Choose the correct number that matches the socket in your fixture.