LED light bulbs are a staple in every household, business and establishment. Many light fixtures require a light bulb, and it's one of the most affordable lighting solutions you can get! However, did you know that choosing the wrong light bulb can affect your space?
So, what should you do? How can you ensure that you have the correct light bulb that can enhance the functionality and ambience of your interior?
The Advantages of LED Light Bulbs
LED light bulbs are the most energy-efficient and long-lasting light bulbs that you can find. You see, LED technology can convert most of the electricity it consumes into light with very minimal ending up as waste (heat). As a result, even if they have a low wattage requirement, they can still produce satisfactory illumination!
In addition, LED light bulbs can last long because they don't have parts that burn up easily. Incandescent bulbs tend to burn out quickly, lasting for about 1,000 hours only. An LED bulb can last 25,000 – 30,000 hours, so if you don't want to keep repeating the frustrating cycle of having to replace your bulbs every month, use an LED version.
With a lower power consumption and a longer lifespan, your electrical bill and maintenance expenses will go down, and your savings will go up!
Another advantage you'll see with LED bulb is that it comes in a wide range of options. They have different brightness levels, wattage counts, LED colours, shapes, sizes and more! With this many choices, you'll be able to find the perfect LED bulb for your space!
Understanding LED Bulb Types and Bases
When talking about LED bulbs, you may be familiar with only one look – the Edison bulb. However, there are many types of LED bulbs, and you'll need to know them because different lighting fixtures have distinct bulb requirements!
- E27 (Edison Screw) – Most homes would have this bulb, and it's common in the UK and throughout the Atlantic in the US. The E27 has a screw base that's 27mm in diameter.
- E14 (Edison Small Screw) – It's similar to the E27 bulb, but the diameter of its screw base is 14mm. This bulb is commonly used for small lighting fixtures, chandeliers, and appliances.
- B22 (Bayonet) – A bayonet bulb is another popular light bulb in the West. It has a 22mm diameter and is primarily seen in lampshades.
- B15 (Small Bayonet) – It’s the smaller version of a B22 with a 15mm diameter.
- GU10 – This is one of the most famous types of LED spotlights. It has two pins with a 10mm distance in between. GU10 bulbs are typically used for LED downlights.
Brightness and Lumens Output: Finding the Right Levels
Lumens is the unit of measurement for brightness. The higher the lumens count, the brighter your LED light bulb will be. When selecting the lumens range of your bulbs, you need to base it on the room's size and intended use.
If you have a spacious kitchen and intend to use your LED bulbs as general lighting, it's best to get a brighter bulb. Alternatively, if you're using it as ambient lighting in your bedroom, you can choose something less bright. If unsure, you can look online for lumens calculators and use the results as a reference!
Colour Temperature and Mood Setting
Colour temperature can influence the atmosphere of the space. Cool white will keep you awake and alert. On the other hand, natural white will give you a pleasant and functional working environment. Alternatively, warm white will create a cosy and relaxing vibe!
So, when selecting the colour temperature of your LED bulb, consider the activities you do in the space. Since the bedroom and living room are for recreation and rest, warm white light is better. As for a busy kitchen, cool white and natural white will ensure you get things done safely.
Choosing the Right Bulbs for Specific Rooms
Should you use the same LED bulb for every room in your home? Each room has specific functionality; therefore, the light requirement varies. Plus, depending on the fixture you're using, the type of light bulb will change.
In the living room, for your LED downlights (those without a bulb), you can use a colour temperature-changing LED GU10 bulb to have diversity for the atmosphere. Then, if you have a lamp for task lighting, you can use a cool white or natural white E27 or B22 LED bulb!
If you also have downlights for the kitchen, you can choose a colour-changing GU10 bulb or a cool white or natural white GU10 bulb. The changing option is perfect if you also entertain guests in the kitchen. However, a cool white or natural version is ideal if its sole purpose is for cooking only!
Consider a warm white GU10 LED bulb for your ceiling fittings when adding LED bulbs in your bedroom. It'll give you that cosy atmosphere to prepare you for bed!
Dimmable LED Bulbs and Compatibility
If transitioning from a traditional lighting fixture to LEDs, you need to check the compatibility of your lights and switches. There are dimmable LED light bulbs that you can integrate into your lighting design. However, traditional wall dimmers may not work with them, so you'll have to install an LED-compatible wall dimmer. Is it worth the trouble?
Well, having a dimmable lighting solution will enable you to get the atmosphere you want. If you can manipulate the brightness level and the colour of your LED bulbs, you'll be able to fully enjoy the space and have an excellent lighting experience! In addition, dimmable LED bulb is more energy-efficient since they’re not working at 100% all the time.
Conclusion: Illuminating Your Home with LED Brilliance
When selecting your LED light bulbs, consider its compatibility with your lighting fixture and system, the colour temperature and the brightness level. Also, always stick with LED light bulbs if you want to guarantee that your fittings are energy-efficient and long-lasting. So, where do you go if you wish for top-quality LED light bulbs? You can visit our website, LED Supplier and browse through our extensive collection of LED light bulbs and other lighting solutions!
