Most Tiffany-style lamps in our catalog use a standard E26 medium base, the same screw-in fitting as most household lamps, at wattages that typically range from 40 to 100 watts depending on the fixture. A smaller number use an E12 candelabra base, usually on chandeliers or accent lighting. The exact bulb type and maximum wattage vary lamp to lamp, so always check the specific product listing for your piece before buying replacement bulbs.

That last point matters more than it might seem. Two lamps that look similar in size can call for different bulbs entirely, especially once you factor in double-lit designs, which use two separate bulbs at two separate wattages on the same lamp.

Quick Reference: Common Bulb Types by Fixture

These are the common ranges we see across our catalog, not universal specs for every lamp. Your exact lamp's listing will always state its specific bulb type and maximum wattage, that's the number to go by, not the table above.

Understanding Bulb Base Types

If you've never had to buy a replacement bulb before, the base type (sometimes called the socket or fitting) is the part that actually matters, not just the wattage.

• E26 is the standard "medium" screw base used in most American table and floor lamps, if you've bought a bulb for a regular household lamp before, it was almost certainly this size.
• E27 is the European standard equivalent. It's extremely close in size to E26 and the two are often used interchangeably in casual descriptions, but if your lamp specifically calls for E27, it's worth confirming compatibility rather than assuming.
• E12, sometimes called a candelabra base, is noticeably smaller. It shows up most often on chandeliers, multi-light fixtures, and some base/accent lights on double-lit lamps.

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Why Some Tiffany Lamps Have Two Different Bulbs

Many of our table lamps are "double-lit," meaning the shade and the base each have their own bulb and their own pull chain, so you can run them independently or together. This is why a single lamp's listing sometimes shows two different wattages: a higher-wattage bulb for the shade, and a lower-wattage bulb for the base accent light. If your lamp has two pull chains, this is almost certainly the setup you're working with, check the listing to see which wattage applies to which chain.

Do Bulbs Come Included?

By default, no. The large majority of lamps in our catalog are sold without bulbs, you'll need to pick up bulbs matching your lamp's specific base type and wattage separately.

There are a small number of exceptions: a few of our ceiling fixtures use sealed, built-in LED modules rather than a traditional replaceable bulb. These ship ready to install with no separate bulb purchase needed, and in most cases aren't designed to have the light source swapped out at all. If a listing specifically describes a built-in or integrated LED module, that's the fixture, everything else should be assumed bulbs-not-included unless the listing states otherwise.

Choosing the Right Bulb

Staying at or under your lamp's stated maximum wattage matters for more than just the bulb, excess heat can affect both the glass and the internal wiring over time. Within that limit, LED bulbs are generally a safe substitute for incandescent as long as the base type matches, they run cooler, last longer, and are widely available in E26, E27, and E12 sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size bulb does a Tiffany lamp use? Most use a standard E26 medium base, the same size used in typical household lamps. Some chandeliers and accent pieces use the smaller E12 candelabra base instead. Check your specific lamp's listing to confirm.

Do Tiffany lamps come with bulbs included? Not by default. The vast majority of our lamps are sold without bulbs. A small number of ceiling fixtures with built-in LED modules are the exception, those ship ready to use.

Can I use LED bulbs in a Tiffany-style lamp? Generally yes, as long as the LED bulb's base matches your lamp's fitting (E26, E27, or E12) and stays within the listed maximum wattage. LEDs run cooler than incandescent bulbs, which is a plus for a lamp with a stained glass shade.

Why does my double-lit lamp have two different wattages listed? Double-lit lamps have separate bulbs for the shade and the base, each controlled by its own pull chain. The two bulbs are often different wattages, so it's normal for the listing to show two numbers instead of one.

What bulb base do Tiffany chandeliers use? It varies, some use the smaller E12 candelabra base common on multi-light fixtures, others use standard E26. Always check the individual listing, since this differs from piece to piece.

Key Takeaway

Bulb type and wattage vary by lamp, standard E26 bases are most common, E12 candelabra bases show up on chandeliers and some accent lighting, and double-lit lamps use two separate bulbs at two separate wattages. Bulbs are sold separately on nearly every lamp we carry, with a few built-in LED ceiling fixtures as the exception. Always confirm the exact bulb type and maximum wattage on your specific lamp's product listing before buying replacements.

Ready to find your next piece? Browse our Table Lamps and Floor Lamps for everyday reading light, or Ceiling Lights & Fixtures if you're after a chandelier or flush mount instead. If motif matters more than fixture type, take a look at our Dragonfly collection, look closely once one's lit and you'll notice the dragonflies' cabochon glass eyes glowing along with the rest of the shade. We also carry dedicated Floral and Seaside collections if botanical or coastal motifs suit your space better.