Light Bulb Types: How to Choose the Best Light Bulbs (2024)

FAQs

How to choose the best light bulb? ›

You can usually find the maximum lightbulb wattage for a ceiling light or recessed lights by checking the labels on the bulb sockets. For fixtures with a single bulb, you can use a lightbulb of any wattage up to the safety limit. If your fixture has multiple bulbs, it may have a combined maximum wattage limit.

People tend to look the best when illuminated by light bulbs that measure around 2700 kelvins. Most bulbs, whether incandescent, LED, compact fluorescent or halogen, are labeled “soft white/warm white” (2,700-3,000 kelvins), “bright white/cool white” (3,500-4,100 kelvins) or “daylight” (5,000-6,500 kelvins).

Here are some recommended kelvin levels for various rooms: Living room: 2,700 – 3,000 K (warm white) Kitchen: 3,000 – 4,000 K (neutral white) Dining room: 2,700 – 3,000 K (warm white)

For most rooms, a 60 watt bulb is the standard. A 25 watt bulb gives off low levels of light, where as a 100 watt bulb is very bright.

Warm White (Between the Yellow and White Ranges, 3000K to 4000K): These bulbs are perfect for kitchens, workspaces and bathrooms. Bright White (Between the White and Blue Ranges, 4000K to 5000K): These bulbs work best in kitchens and bathrooms with chrome or white fixtures.

LED light bulbs use a light-emitting diode (LED). This is a solid-state semiconductor that emits light when a current passes through it. These high-efficiency bulbs emit more lumens per watt and last 20 times longer than incandescent bulbs. A 10W LED bulb produces as much light as a 60W incandescent bulb.

What does a Watt mean? The Wattage of the light is the amount of energy it takes to produce a certain amount of light. The higher the wattage, the brighter the light, but also the more power it uses. The efficiency of this system was introduced using incandescent lamps.

To determine the energy efficiency of a light bulb, check for its lumens per watt rating and ENERGY STAR certification.

What type of light bulb is best for a bedroom? ›

Pure red and amber light bulbs are best as they help to create a relaxed and ambient environment that is conducive to sleep. Warm colors like red and amber are similar in color temperature to the light emitted from the sun when it is setting.

If you look up the lumen output of different size bulbs, you will see that higher wattage bulbs give more lumens per watt than lower wattage bulbs. So, yes, the 60 watt bulb will be brighter than two 30 watt bulbs This is because the bulb design is a compromise between brightness and lifetime.

450 lumens (40 watts) – This level is enough for some everyday purposes like writing and reading. 800 to 1100 lumens (60 to 75 watts) – It is the recommended level for delicate tasks like heavy-duty drafting or working with small pieces.

Which light bulb is the most energy efficient? LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs are the most energy efficient lighting option available, and can therefore save you the most money on your electricity bills. They produce 40-80 lumens per watt, and offer several other benefits, including longevity and brightness.

Wattage That is Too High

If you buy one that has higher wattage than what is called for, you stand the chance of the bulb experiencing overheating. This is also referred to as “overlamping”. While this may not seem like too big of an issue, it is. It could result in the actual socket melting.