The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Light Bulbs for Every Room

Lighting doesn’t just affect a space’s décor; it impacts the quality of your sleep, plays a role in brain power, and influences mood. That’s why you should light it appropriately. Proper lighting can affect your overall well-being, improve your productivity, and optimize your sleep quality. With so many lighting options on the market, it becomes challenging to select the right lighting. This guide will take you through the steps to choose the right lighting.

Consider The Room’s Function

Lighting function is categorized into three broad categories. They include:

  • Task Lighting: Task lighting provides lights for specific tasks.  Task lighting is used alongside ambient light to illuminate a space. Task lights help users to see and perform tasks such as sewing, reading, cooking, etc. Common task lighting options include desk lamps, under-cabinet lights, and many more.
  • Ambient Lighting: This is the primary source of lighting in a space. It offers a space with overall illumination. It is used to set the overall tone in a space. Wall-mounted lighting fixtures, floor lamps, and recessed lights are examples of ambient lighting.
  • Accent Lighting: Accent lighting highlights a specific area, such as a bookcase, art, special feature, etc. Usually, accent lighting works by creating shadows around the highlighted area. Creating the shadows can bring that dramatic effect, making a space look cozy and exciting. Examples of accent lighting include wall lights, landscape lights, etc.

Before choosing a lighting fixture, consider how you would like to use it. According to experts, start with task lighting. Then move to task lighting. Accent lighting should come last.

Pick the Right Light Bulbs

Another important consideration is the type of bulbs you plan to use. Choose the right bulbs. Remember, the performance of different bulbs isn’t the same. Bulbs are categorized into 5 basic types.

  • Incandescent: Incandescent bulbs are traditional lighting fixtures. They have been on the market for decades. They consume more energy. Countries are phasing them out and bringing in energy-efficient ones.
  • LEDs: The Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are energy efficient (just like the CFLs). However, they last longer (three times that of CFLs). LEDs are preferred for task lighting. This is because LEDs can only emit hash, direct lighting.
  • CFLs: CFLs, just like LEDs, are energy efficient. They also last long-lasting
  • Halogen: Halogen bulbs emit bright, white light, just like natural daylight. These bulbs are ideal for providing task lighting. Research shows that halogen bulbs are more efficient than incandescent light, consuming 10 to 20% less energy.

Consider Color Temperature

Consider the color temperature of the lighting fixture. Years back, CFLs were not a great choice. This is because they emitted very blue, cool-based light. However, things have changed and these bulbs have developed. Nowadays, you can find warmer, yellowish tones in CFLs.

Measure in Kelvin, color temperature determines the ambiance of a lighting fixture. Softer white or warm white (with a color temperature of 2700K) is suitable for bedroom spaces and living rooms. This is because they provide a warm, cozy feel.

On the other hand, a color temperature of 4,100K emits bright white or cool white tones. These lighting fixtures are ideal for kitchen spaces, bathrooms, garages, etc. They give these spaces a whiter, energetic feel.

Still more, daylight (with Kelvin rating ranging from 5000 to 6000 Kelvins), is usually preferred in spaces such as bathrooms, kitchen areas, and basements. These lighting sources are perfect for studying, handling intricate projects, and applying makeup.

The Bottom-Line

Don’t just light it. Do it in style. Light your home with the best lighting. Switch to LED lighting because it’s the best option. First, LED lighting is energy efficient. Second, it saves money. Third, it’s long-lasting. The list goes on. That’s why you should choose LED lighting. Choose wisely. The above tips and tricks will help you select the best lighting for your home.

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