How to Choose the Right Lightbulb
Selecting the right lightbulb for your fixture can make or
break the overall ambiance of a room. Although it seems like an easy task,
there are a few fundamental things to consider when choosing the best bulb for
your needs.
First, let’s break down what the terms on the light bulb
package mean. Lumens indicate the amount of light that a bulb emits. The higher
the lumens, the brighter the bulb. Watts are the amount of energy that a bulb
uses when turned on. The same rule to lumens applies to wattage – the higher
the wattage, the more energy consumed. LED bulbs have much lower wattage
numbers, while still producing the same amount of light as incandescent bulbs, making
them a more energy efficient option. Kelvins indicate the color appearance of a
bulb. The lower the kelvin temperature, the more yellow or warm light is
emitted, and the higher the kelvin temperature, the more blue or cool light is
emitted. Incandescent bulbs tend to have a lower kelvin temperature, which is
why they produce warmer tones. LED bulbs have a higher kelvin temperature,
which is why they produce cool, white tones.
The color and tone of light bulbs need to change in
different rooms of the home to create the perfect lighting for each. For
example, the kitchen usually has multiple light sources with each one at a kelvin
temperature of at least 3500k. It is important that all fixtures in the kitchen
have bulbs with the same kelvin temperature, so that they all look the same. Usually,
you want higher lumens in the kitchen bulbs so that the lighting is bright
enough to cook and clean.
Bedroom and living room fixtures tend to be the simplest
places to pick a middle ground light bulb. 3000k is the average temperature of
bulbs in these rooms. You do not want the lumens to be too high causing the
room to be too bright, but you also want to be able to read, watch tv, or just
enjoy the space comfortably with enough light.
The bathroom is one of the most important areas of the house
to choose the correct lighting for. Colder temperature bulbs will provide
better light for applying makeup or shaving, especially in those bathrooms that
do not have any windows. Additionally, you will want high lumens in the
bathroom for brighter light. Many people choose to install LED lightbulbs in
the bathroom in order to save energy in a room that requires so much light.
Interested in learning more about the correct light bulbs
for your Quoizel fixture? Check the instruction sheet provided in the package
or on our website under each product for the recommended bulb type.