Here’s How to Find the Perfect Light Bulb for Any Space

Light bulbs are a household necessity, but they can do much more than simply light a room. The right bulb can accent your décor, create ambiance or make it easier to complete tasks. This guide provides an in-depth review of lighting and light bulbs to help you choose the perfect bulb for every room.

Light Bulb Basics: When and Why to Change a Bulb

There are a few different reasons to change a light bulb: 

Light Bulb Basics: Wattage, Lumens, and Kelvins

All light bulbs vary in terms of wattage, lumens and kelvins. It’s important to know the difference between these factors to ensure you pick the right bulb for your needs.

Wattage

Wattage refers to the amount of energy a light bulb consumes. In general, the lower the wattage number, the lower your electricity bill will be.

Lumens

Lumens refers to the amount of light a bulb emits or its brightness. The higher the lumen rating, the brighter the light. The lumen number you choose depends on the tasks the room is used for, the ambience you want, your wall colour, the size of the room and the level of brightness you prefer.

Kelvins

Light bulbs produce either a cool light with blue tones or a warm light with yellow tones. A higher kelvin number indicates a cooler light while a lower number indicates a warm tone. Cool light is best for task lighting. Warmer light helps create a welcoming environment.

Light Bulb Types

Which type of bulb is best for your room or home? Here’s a breakdown of the types of light bulbs available and their recommended uses:

Incandescent Light Bulbs

This type of standard light bulb features a filament that is heated until it glows and produces a warm light. Less energy-efficient than some other bulbs, incandescent light bulbs are available in a range of colours and shapes. They can be used with a dimmer switch and should last about one year.

Fluorescent Light Bulbs

A fluorescent light bulb uses mercury vapour that emits ultraviolet light when electricity is applied. It produces a cool daylight-equivalent that can be harsh in small spaces but is a great option for lighting large areas in your home like a basement or attic. Fluorescent light bulbs use less energy than incandescent light bulbs.

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) consume less energy than incandescent light bulbs and last up to ten times longer. Unlike standard fluorescent light bulbs, CFLs are quieter, turn on in an instant and are available in warmer, colour-corrected tones.

Halogen Bulbs

Halogen bulbs use halogen gas to operate and will last longer than incandescent light bulbs while also using slightly less energy. These bulbs produce a bright white light similar to daylight. Halogen bulbs are ideal for reading or studying and are most often used in pendant and under-cabinet lighting, as well as other types of recessed lighting.

LED Light Bulbs

LED light bulbs are the most energy-efficient bulb on the market. These light bulbs are also less hot to the touch and last a long time compared to most other bulbs. Available in different colours, shapes and sizes, LED bulbs emit both directional and diffused light, making them a great option for both task and overall room lighting.

Smart LED Bulbs

Smart LED bulbs are Bluetooth enabled, allowing you to change the lighting via a smartphone app. A Bluetooth light bulb comes with features that allow you to dim or brighten the lighting easily, turn on multi-colour lighting for decoration, and schedule your lighting to turn on and off.

How to Choose the Right Light Bulb Per Room

Every room has different lighting needs. Bright lighting for tasks like reading and working wouldn’t work in a room where you want to relax or entertain guests. Below is a quick guide to help you learn more about general lighting requirements for each room and how to pick a light bulb that will create the ideal mood.

Kitchen and Dining Room

Kitchens are used for everything from meal prep to study sessions and require 5,000 to 10,000 lumens. Dining rooms are primarily used for entertaining and require more ambiance, such as 3,000 to 6,000 lumens. Dimmable light bulbs are best for dining rooms to provide brightness or atmosphere when needed. For kitchens, a bright cool light with a 4100 kelvin rating works best because it provides the brightness needed for tasks like meal prep and homework.

Bathroom

Since bathrooms are generally used for intricate tasks like applying make-up or shaving, light bulbs that emulate daylight at 5,000 to 6,000 kelvins are best. Bathrooms typically require 4,000 to 8,000 lumens to light.

Living Room

Living rooms require 1,500 to 3,000 lumens. A soft white light bulb helps create warmth and a cozy feel. Look for bulbs around 2700 kelvins for that effect.

Bedroom

Bedrooms require 2,000 to 4,000 lumens. Like living rooms, bedrooms are used for relaxing, so bulbs in the 2700 kelvin range are best. If you like to read before bed, consider using a brighter white light bulb in a lamp for more direct lighting.

Outdoors

Exterior light bulbs provide security, create ambience, or highlight landscaping and architecture. Cool white bulbs work best for security. For ambience, outdoor entertaining or to highlight landscaping, choose a warm light bulb with a lower kelvin range.

Other Factors to Consider When Buying a New Bulb

Here’s a few more tips to consider when purchasing new light bulbs: 

With so many different types of light bulbs available, it’s easier than ever to light your room and heighten the atmosphere at the same time. Shop our collection of light bulbs to choose the one that works best for your room and your needs.