10 New CFLs to Fit Your Life and Lamps

Have an obscure fixture? A vintage sconce, or decorative mount? What about that dimmable lamp? No problem. Enlighten 'hard to fit fixtures' with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs). Finally, compact fluorescent light bulbs are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, even colors. Check out TheDailyGreen's guide to new CFLs, and you'll be sure to find the best bulb for your buck.

Standard Shape CFL

Finally, a CFL that will work with all your lamp shades! One of the big barriers to more widespread adoption of the efficient technology has been that people don't know how to integrate the now-iconic swirly shape into their existing fixtures. But fuss no more! CFL power is now available in standard-topped shapes, like this gem from Sylvania.

Compact Fluorescent Decor Light Bulb and Converter

Don't dine in the dark. Now compact fluorescent light bulbs can fit decorative fixtures like pendants, chandeliers and wall sconces. This one from Sylvania comes with a converter, so it will fit both candelabra and medium screw base decorative fixtures. NOTE: This CFL type cannot be used with dimmers. Available at Lowes, Menards, Sears K-Mart, and many other stores.

Outdoor Post CFLs

Compact fluorescents are great for outdoor use too. Try this GE Outdoor Post Compact Fluorescent from Wal-mart for your drive and porch lights. Each bulb uses 14 watts and produces as much light as a conventional 60-watt bulb. This will reduce energy use by more than 76%.

Dimmable CFL

Many complain that dimmable compact fluorescents are hard to find. The reason: dimmable CFLs work differently from their incandescent parents -- so it must be specially designed. Don't get discouraged. Environmental Defense provides a great list of dimmable CFLs here. This dimmable CFL is from Lite Tronics and is available at 1000bulbs.com.

Flicker Flame Tip Compact Fluorescent

Use these elegant and sleek flicker flame tip compact fluorescent bulbs for decorative lighting. Perfect for sconces, chandeliers, table lamps and decorative wall lights, this flicker flame bulb from TCP lasts a whopping 25,000 hours.

Compact Fluorescent Globe Bulb

For vanity strips and swag or pendant fixtures use a compact fluorescent globe bulb. These bulbs feature a waterproof outer shell, making them ideal for bare-bulb locations in bathrooms, kitchens and outdoors. Many major companies including GE, Sylvania and Philips offer a range of CF globes. This one is from Westinghouse Lighting Company.

Anti-Bug Compact Fluorescent Bulb

Why is this bulb yellow? Believe it or not, the yellow coating emits an eye-pleasing hue that, unlike incandescent bulbs, does not attract bugs. This bulb (from Westinghouse Lighting Company) is perfect for outdoor use, especially in porch and patio fixtures.

Flood Light Compact Fluorescent Bulb

Come high water, make sure you have CFL flood lights in your outdoor fixtures. Weatherproof and durable, these light bulbs disperse intense light over a wide area, while providing cost-efficient security. This 23-watt CFL Flood Bulb is available through Home Depot's EcoOptions line.

3-Way Lamp CFL

Have a 3-way lamp? No problem! Outfit it with a 3-way compact fluorescent light bulb -- like this one from Wal-mart. Each CF bulb uses 12/23/29 watts and produces as much light as a conventional 3-Way 50/100/150 watt bulb, reducing energy use by up to 75%.

Standard CFLs in New Sizes

According to Energy Star, if every American home replaced just one incandescent bulb with a standard CFL, we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for a year, more than $600 million in annual energy costs, and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars. The good news is CFLs now come in various sizes, including Sylvania's Mini-Twists (pictured), the smallest CFLs available. They screw into regular bases, but can fit small sconces, lamps and spaces.

Recycle Your CFLs

Given the tiny amount of mercury in CFLs, it's important to recycle all CF bulbs properly. Recycling is easy with Sylvania's RECYCLEPAK program. Order the consumer pak on Sylvania's website ($15, including shipping), fill up with about 12 burned out bulbs, attach the prepaid shipping label, and your retired CFLs will be responsibly recycled. Larger sizes and community packs also available.