Decoding the Light Bulb: LED is King
While you might still find Incandescent, Halogen, or CFL bulbs, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are the undisputed champion for modern homes. They are up to 90% more energy-efficient, last up to 25 times longer, and offer the widest range of colors and features.
Brightness: It's All About Lumens, Not Watts
For decades, we bought bulbs based on watts (energy used). Today, you should focus on lumens (brightness). More lumens means brighter light. Here's a quick reference:
- To replace a 40W bulb: Look for about 450 lumens.
- To replace a 60W bulb: Look for about 800 lumens.
- To replace a 100W bulb: Look for about 1600 lumens.
Color Temperature: Setting the Mood with Kelvin
The color of white light, measured in Kelvin (K), has a huge impact on a room's atmosphere.
- Warm White (2700K - 3000K): This is the cozy, inviting, yellowish glow we associate with traditional bulbs. Perfect for living rooms, dens, and bedrooms.
- Neutral or Cool White (3500K - 4000K): A brighter, whiter light that's great for kitchens, bathrooms, and garages where you need to see clearly.
- Daylight (5000K - 6500K): An intense, blueish-white light that mimics natural daylight. It's excellent for task lighting in home offices and workshops where focus is critical.
Color Accuracy: Don't Forget the CRI
The Color Rendering Index (CRI) measures how accurately a light source reveals the true colors of objects. The scale is 0-100, with 100 (natural daylight) being perfect. For a home, look for a CRI of 90 or higher to ensure your paint colors, fabrics, and artwork look vibrant and true-to-life.
The Power of Control: Dimmers
Dimmers are non-negotiable for modern lighting design. They allow you to adjust the brightness of your lights to suit any activity or mood, save energy, and extend the life of your bulbs. When buying LED bulbs, just make sure the packaging says they are 'dimmable'.