There are many different types of lighting. Find out how lighting affects your everyday life, the different types of bulbs and which bulbs can create the perfect lighting for your home.
Your best choice of light bulbs
There are tons of choices when buying light bulbs, but choosing the right type of bulb doesn’t have to be difficult. Today’s light bulbs are mainly light-emitting diodes (LEDs). LED bulbs fit into standard sockets and are the most energy-efficient option. LEDs have a lower wattage than incandescent bulbs but emit the same light. This allows them to produce the same amount of light while consuming less energy. LEDs can last more than 20 years and contain no mercury.
LEDs work thanks to an electric current that passes through a semiconductor material to light up the tiny diodes. The heat produced is absorbed by a heat sink, allowing the bulbs to remain cool to the touch. This also means that they do not contribute to heat build-up, saving on air conditioning. LEDs can also be used outdoors. Just check that the packaging states that the bulb can be used outdoors.
The facts about light
The type of lighting you choose for a room directly affects its atmosphere and mood. With the right combination of light fittings and bulbs, you can brighten up your home and achieve results that are both flattering and useful. To get the best bulbs for your lifestyle and home, it helps to know a little about the science of lighting. To find out more about lighting and its role in interior design, read Home Lighting Tips.
Lumens and watts
Table of light output in watts and lumens.
Lumens and watts are important for determining light output and energy consumption.
Lumens: The amount of light emitted by a bulb. The more lumens, the brighter the light; the fewer lumens, the dimmer the light. Standard 100-watt bulbs produce around 1,600 lumens.
Watts: The amount of energy used by a light bulb. The lower the wattage of the bulb, the lower the electricity bill. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and LEDs have a lower wattage than incandescent bulbs, but emit the same light.
Colour of light
The colour of light is measured on the kelvin temperature scale.
The colour or appearance of light is measured on the Kelvin (K) temperature scale, and is the difference between soft white and daylight bulbs. The lower the Kelvin number, the more yellow the light. The higher the Kelvin number, the whiter or bluer the light.
- Soft white (yellowish range) 2700K to 3000K: This is the standard colour for incandescent bulbs. Perfect for bedrooms, living rooms or living areas and for highlighting dark woods.
- Warm white (between the yellowish and white ranges) 3000K to 4000K: Perfect for kitchens, workspaces and bathrooms.
- Bright white (between the white and blue ranges) 4000K to 5000K: These bulbs, like GE Reveal bulbs, work best in kitchens and bathrooms with chrome or white fixtures.
- Daylight (blue range) 5000K to 6500K: Perfect for reading as they are easy on the eyes and provide bright illumination.
Breakdown by wattage
The Energy Independence and Security Act 2007 requires light bulbs to use 25% less energy, which has led to the phasing out of standard incandescent bulbs and CFLs. Use this table to find an energy-efficient equivalent.
- LED – Halogen – CFL – Incandescent
- 14 – 16 watts – 72 watts – 23 watts – 100 watts
- 12 – 13 watts – 53 watts – 20 watts – 75 watts
- 8 – 9 watts – 43 watts – 15 watts – 60 watts
Read the packaging label
Lighting labels provide quick tips to help you get the most for your money. The Federal Trade Commission now requires them to appear on light bulb packaging. Information includes brightness, estimated annual cost, lifespan, appearance of light, energy used and information on mercury.
Incandescent bulbs
Incandescent bulbs used to be the industry standard, but legislation now requires new energy efficiency standards for basic bulbs. All standard 100, 75, 60 and 40 watt incandescent bulbs have been phased out and will no longer be produced. Many specialist incandescent bulbs, such as chandelier bulbs, will remain available.
Incandescent bulbs use a filament that is heated until it becomes incandescent. The incandescent filament produces the light from the bulb.
- Incandescent bulbs last an average of one year.
- Incandescent bulbs do not contain mercury.
- They can be used with a dimmer switch.
Fluorescent bulbs
Fluorescent bulbs or tubes are filled with mercury vapour, which emits ultraviolet (UV) rays when electricity is applied. The bulbs or tubes have an inner coating that transforms the UV rays into visible light. They consume less energy than an incandescent bulb and are ideal for offices, kitchens, corridors and other places that need a large area of light. Fluorescent bulbs also produce around 75% less heat than incandescent bulbs, keeping rooms cool with less energy.
- Fluorescent bulbs are usually long and tube-shaped, but there are also U-shaped bulbs.
- Fluorescent tubes do not work with incandescent bulbs.
Halogen bulbs
Halogen bulbs use a filament that is heated until it becomes incandescent. They are identical to incandescent bulbs but consume less energy.
- Halogen bulbs last an average of one year.
- Halogen bulbs do not contain mercury.
HID bulbs
High intensity discharge (HID) bulbs are mainly used in large spaces, such as warehouses, commercial buildings or street lamps. They are filled with sodium or mercury vapour, which conducts electricity. HID bulbs do not have a filament like most bulbs, which means they last longer.
Bulb shapes and bases
Bulbs are available in a variety of shapes and bases to suit your needs. Different types of LED bulbs can be used in table lamps, pendant lamps, ceiling fans, wall sconces and other lighting fixtures. Vintage and decorative bulbs are perfect for adding a little style to your room decor.
If you’re looking to replace a broken bulb, have your old bulb with you when you shop so you can buy the right replacement. You can also check out other stylish, energy-saving options.
Lighting innovations
If you like to keep up to date with the latest technological innovations, there are several new lighting features to choose from.
Voice control
Manufacturers have created bulbs that turn on and off via voice recognition.
Music
These LED bulbs have a built-in Bluetooth speaker so you can stream your playlists wirelessly. There’s also colour-changing technology that syncs with the music or can be switched on independently, offering up to 16 colours to suit every occasion and mood.
Smartphone technology
Want to turn on your house lights before you get there? Or maybe you’re at the best part of the film and don’t want to leave the sofa? You can control your lighting from your smartphone with smart lights. Dim the lights, turn them on or off, or programme your lighting to come on.