Light Bulb Shopping Guide

This buying guide for bulbs can help you understand the various options available on the market and ensure you use the right bulbs for your specific needs. Below are the key factors to consider when purchasing light bulbs.

Step 1: Choose the Bulb Technology:

There are several types of bulbs based on technology, each with its own characteristics and advantages. The main ones are:

LED Bulbs (Light Emitting Diode):

An LED bulb is a low-power light source that emits light using light-emitting diodes. This bulb produces illumination when an electric current passes through it.

Advantages of LED Bulbs:

• Highly energy-efficient: They are the most efficient bulbs available, consuming up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and 80% less than halogen bulbs.
• Long lifespan: They can last between 25-30 years.
• Cost savings: Although more expensive to purchase initially, they are the cheapest option long-term. The energy savings mean they can pay for themselves within just a few months.
• Instant light: They reach full brightness almost immediately when switched on.
• Low operating temperatures: This makes them ideal for outdoor use, unlike some other bulb types.

Disadvantages of LED Bulbs:

Compatibility: They may not work with old dimmer switches; an upgrade to a dimmer that recognizes low electrical loads may be necessary.

Fluorescent Bulbs (CFL):

A CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lamp) consists of a glass tube with a fluorescent coating, filled with mercury vapor and gas. When electricity passes through the tube, it emits invisible UV light, which reacts with the coating to produce visible white light.

Advantages of CFL Bulbs:

• Energy Efficient: They use 60-80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs.
• Long lifespan: They can last up to 10 years.
• Quick to brighten: Modern CFLs reach full brightness almost immediately (unlike older versions which warmed up slowly).

Disadvantages of CFL Bulbs:

• Switching cycles: Turning them on/off for short periods reduces their lifespan; they should remain on or off for at least 15 minutes to maximize longevity.
• Environment: They do not perform well in low temperatures, making them unsuitable for unheated rooms or outdoors.
• Availability: Due to the global shift toward LED technology, specific CFL shapes and sizes may become harder to find in the coming years.

Halogen Bulbs:

Halogen bulbs use an older type of technology. They consist of a glass-encased filament surrounded by halogen gas to produce light.

Advantages of Halogen Bulbs:

• Instant brightness: They reach full intensity the moment they are turned on.
• Excellent Color Rendering: They include all colors of the visible spectrum, meaning colors appear more consistent than with other older technologies.

Disadvantages of Halogen Bulbs:

• Inefficiency: They only use 20-30% less energy than incandescent bulbs. Since LEDs use 80% less, halogens are much more expensive to run.
• Short lifespan: They typically last less than two years.
• Heat emission: They become very hot; care must be taken not to touch them while they are on.

Step 2: Choose the Energy Efficiency of the Bulbs:

LED bulbs consume 90% less energy, CFL bulbs consume 60-80% less, and Halogen bulbs consume 20-30% less than traditional incandescent bulbs. While incandescent bulbs last only up to 1,000 hours (6-9 months), a Halogen bulb lasts up to 2,000 hours (approx. 1 year), a CFL up to 15,000 hours (approx. 10 years), and an LED bulb can last up to 50,000 hours (25-30 years). When looking at energy consumption per year in kilowatts, the savings are clear. For example, based on using 20 bulbs for 4 hours a day, in one year, incandescent bulbs would use 1752 KW, whereas LEDs would use only 292 KW.

Step 3: Choose the Bulb Base Type (Socket):

Bulbs are classified into various types based on the base (socket) they use. Each base type corresponds to a specific type of lamp holder. Specifically, the following bulb types are defined by their base:

AR111 Bulbs:

AR111 bulbs are circular LED lamps known for high-intensity lighting. They are frequently used in fixtures that require powerful illumination while consuming less energy compared to traditional reflector lamps.

B22 Bulbs:

B22 bulbs, also known as "bayonet" bulbs, feature a push-and-twist B22 base. These are common bulbs with a simple installation mechanism used in various general-purpose applications.

E14 Bulbs:

Bulbs with an E14 base are small screw-in lamps, often called Small Edison Screw (SES). They are commonly used in fixtures with small shades and are available in various shapes such as "candle" and "ball."

E27 Bulbs:

Bulbs with an E27 base are the most common type, known as "Edison Screw" bulbs. They are widely available and fit a vast array of household and commercial fixtures.

GU10 Bulbs:

GU10 bulbs feature a bi-pin "twist-lock" base. They are most commonly used in recessed spotlights and track lighting.

MR16 Bulbs:

MR16 bulbs are widely used in directional spotlights and have a circular shape. They are an excellent choice for targeted interior lighting.

R7s Bulbs:

R7s bulbs are linear lamps often used in floodlights or long horizontal fixtures. They provide powerful, efficient lighting for large areas.

T5 and T8 Fluorescent/LED Tubes:

T5 and T8 lamps have a tubular shape and are widely used for general lighting in offices or garages. T5 tubes are thinner and more efficient, while T8 tubes are the more traditional standard. Both are now available in LED versions.

To choose the right type, match the base (socket), intended use, style, energy efficiency, and brightness characteristics to your specific needs.

Step 4: Choose the Bulb Shape:

Bulbs come in various shapes that affect both their appearance and how they distribute light. Some of the main bulb shapes include:

• Ball (Globe): These bulbs are spherical and distribute light evenly in all directions. They are ideal for general lighting.
• Candle: Candle-shaped bulbs have a thin, elongated profile. They are typically used in fixtures where a classic or romantic aesthetic is desired.
• Sphere: Similar to globe bulbs but often with a more uniform surface, dispersing light evenly across the room.
• Tubular: These are long, slender bulbs suitable for applications requiring wide-area illumination.
• Spot: Spotlight bulbs have a shape designed to concentrate light into a beam, perfect for highlighting specific objects or areas.
• Cone: Cone-shaped bulbs have a circular base that tapers toward the top, often used for corner or surface lighting.
• Filament: These LED bulbs mimic the look of traditional incandescent lamps with visible internal filaments, creating a decorative "vintage" glow.
• Novelty/Eccentric: Unique shapes like hearts, stars, diamonds, or trees are ideal for minimalist fixtures that rely on the bulb itself as a design statement.

Every bulb shape offers a different light diffusion pattern and aesthetic result. Choose the one that best suits your space's decor and functional needs.

Step 5: Choose the Brightness (Lumens) of the Bulb:

In the past, old incandescent bulbs indicated their brightness measured in watts. Thus, a 100W bulb would be brighter than a 60W bulb. But today, wattage is only a measure of the bulb's power consumption, not its brightness. Modern LED bulbs consume much less energy to produce the same amount of light. Therefore, brightness is now measured in lumens. The higher the lumen count, the brighter the light. To replace a 60W incandescent bulb, you will need an equivalent LED bulb of approximately 806 lm, which will consume about 10W. Or, if the incandescent bulb is 100W, the corresponding LED bulb would be around 1525 lm and 18W.

The amount of lumens needed for your bulb depends on the space you want to illuminate and the desired brightness level. To understand roughly how many lumens you need, you can consider the following guideline numbers per room type:

Bulbs for the Living Room:

The required number of lumens for lighting the living room depends on the size of the space, the location of the fixture, and the desired brightness. Recommended lumen counts for living room lighting range from approximately 1500 to 6000 Lumens, depending on the room size. For example:

• Small living room (approx. 10-15 m²): Roughly 1500-3000 Lumens.
• Medium living room (approx. 20-25 m²): Roughly 3000-4500 Lumens.
• Large living room (approx. 30+ m²): Roughly 4500-6000 Lumens.

Bulbs for the Kitchen:

The kitchen is a space that requires plenty of light for cooking, food preparation, and cleaning. It is also important to have uniform and effective brightness throughout the area.

• E.g.: Small kitchen (approx. 5-10 m²): Roughly 1500-3000 Lumens.
• Medium kitchen (approx. 15-20 m²):  Roughly 3500-4000 Lumens.
• Large kitchen (approx. 25+ m²): Roughly 4500-6000 Lumens.

Bulbs for the Dining Room:

Proper lighting for the dining room helps create a pleasant and functional atmosphere for meals and gatherings. A general direction for sufficient dining room lumens is:

• 10-20 m²: Roughly 1500-3000 Lumens
• 20-30 m²: Roughly 3000-4500 Lumens
• 30-40 m²: Roughly 4500-6000 Lumens
• 40+ m²: More than 6000 Lumens

Bulbs for the Bedroom:

The required lumens for bedroom lighting depend on the level of brightness you wish to achieve and how the space is used (e.g., if used only for sleeping or also for reading and dressing). Here is a general guide:

• Small bedroom (10-15 m²): Roughly 1500-2500 Lumens
• Medium bedroom (15-20 m²): Roughly 2500-4000 Lumens
• Large bedroom (20+ m²): More than 4000 Lumens

Bulbs for the Bathroom:

• The number of lumens required for bathroom lighting depends on the size and function of the space. In the bathroom, it is important to have sufficient light for grooming and cleaning. High-intensity lighting is recommended for the mirror or sink area to ensure good visibility and avoid shadows.

General Lighting: Lighting that covers the space uniformly, usually via a central ceiling fixture.

• Small bathroom (4-6 m²): 400-600 Lumens
• Medium bathroom (6-9 m²): 600-900 Lumens
• Large bathroom (9+ m²): 900-1200 Lumens

Sink Area Lighting: Provides task lighting for shaving, grooming, etc., usually via fixtures above the mirror.

• 60 cm wide mirror: 600-800 Lumens
• 80 cm wide mirror: 800-1000 Lumens
• 100 cm+ wide mirror: 1000-1200 Lumens

Shower or Bathtub Lighting: Additional lighting specifically for these areas.

• Shower or bathtub: 300-500 Lumens

These are orientation values and may vary according to your personal preferences. By choosing the right number of lumens, you can create the desired illumination and atmosphere. Another way to choose the brightness of your lighting fixture is to consult a general lumen-to-space chart for uniform light in every room.

Step 6: Select the power (Watt) of the bulb:

The wattage of the bulb you need will depend on where the bulb will be used and its purpose. If you simply want to replace an old incandescent bulb with an LED bulb, you might want to find the lumen equivalent for the wattage of the old bulb. If you are changing a CFL or halogen bulb with an LED lamp (or vice versa), the equivalent lamp will display the same number of lumens, but the wattage will be different. Bulb wattage, usually measured in Watts, refers to the amount of electrical energy consumed by the bulb to produce light. The key roles of a bulb's wattage (Watt) are as follows:

• Brightness: Bulb wattage is largely related to its brightness. Usually, the higher the wattage of a bulb, the brighter it is. However, it is worth noting that brightness does not only depend on wattage, but also on the bulb's efficiency and the technology used (e.g., LED, halogen, fluorescent).
• Energy Efficiency: Bulbs with high wattage consume more electrical energy to produce light. Consequently, choosing bulbs with lower wattage is usually combined with greater energy efficiency, leading to a reduction in electrical energy consumption.
• Operating Cost: Bulbs with higher wattage consume more electrical energy and, therefore, have a higher operating cost. Choosing bulbs with lower wattage can contribute to reducing the cost of electricity bills.
• Thermal Dissipation: Bulbs with higher wattage usually generate more heat. This can affect their lifespan, as well as the environment around them. Bulbs with lower wattage may be more efficient in this area. It is important to choose bulbs with the appropriate wattage for the lighting needs of your space. See the table below to understand the relationship between brightness (lumens) and energy consumption (watts) for each type of bulb:

Step 7: Choose the color of the light:

The color of the lighting refers to the color emitted by a bulb. Color temperature is measured in Kelvin (K) and determines how the light emitted by the bulb will appear. The main categories of color temperature include: The color temperature of lighting, measured in Kelvin (K), affects the color and the feel of the lighting emitted by the bulbs. Below, the various levels of color temperature are described in detail:

• Extra Warm White (1700K - 2000K): Produces an extremely warm and bright light, similar to the hue of candles. It is used to create a cozy and relaxing atmosphere.
• Very Warm White (2200K - 2700K): Reproduces a warm, welcoming, and natural feel. It is a common lighting color in homes and is often used in bedrooms and living rooms.
• Warm White (3000K - 3500K): Provides a bright atmosphere with a balance between a warm and cool feel. It is suitable for many interior spaces, such as bedrooms and living rooms.
• Neutral White (4000K - 5000K): Offers a bright, neutral light similar to natural daylight. It is used for workspaces, offices and other activities that require good visibility.
• Cool White (5500K - 6500K): Produces a cool, bright, and rich light. It is used for workspaces, shops, workshops, and other activities that require high brightness. The choice of lighting color depends on the needs and use of the space.

Before you decide, consider the type of atmosphere you want to create and how the lighting will affect activities in the space.

Step 8: Choose the color of the bulb glass:

The choice of bulb glass color depends on the overall decor style of your space, the atmosphere you want to create, and the role the lighting fixture plays in the room. Here are some thoughts on different glass colors:

• Clear Glass: Clear glass is classic and timeless. It allows light to diffuse freely, offering brightness and clarity to the space. Clear bulbs are ideal if you want the design of the lamp to stand out even during the day, as these bulbs are almost invisible. Caution: bulbs with clear glass often create shadows on the wall when the light is on and reflects off crystals or other fixture details.
• White (Opal) Glass: White glass diffuses light with a warm and soft shade. It is suitable for creating an atmosphere of calm and comfort. It prevents the creation of reflections and shadows on the walls.
• Amber Glass: Amber glass lends a warm, interesting, and welcoming color to the lighting. It can be used to add character and depth to the space.
• Gold or Silver Glass: Gold or silver glass can create a more luxurious and elegant feel in the room. It is suitable for decorative light fixtures that you want to be eye-catching.
• Colored Glass: Colored glass can create unique and interesting lighting, adding color and atmosphere to the space. The choice of color depends on your personal taste and decoration style. When choosing the glass color, consider the tone, aesthetics, and purpose of the lamp.

Step 9: Choose additional features for a bulb:

Beyond the basic role of lighting, some bulbs may feature additional functions that add flexibility and functionality to your space. Depending on the bulb and the technology it uses, the following additional features may be offered:

Dimmable Bulbs:

A dimmable bulb is a bulb that can be adjusted to various brightness levels, also known as "dimming." The term "dimming" refers to the bulb's ability to change its brightness level from a softer, more atmospheric light to a more intense and bright light. Dimmable bulbs allow the user to tailor the lighting to their preferences and needs. This can be done using special dimmer switches or via remote control, smartphone, or other technologies that support lighting adjustment. Dimmable bulbs can create different atmospheres in a room, offer more energy savings, and adapt to various situations, such as romantic evening moments, work, or reading light.

RGB Bulbs:

RGB bulbs are bulbs that can produce light in various colors using three primary colors: Red, Green, and Blue. The term "RGB" comes from the initial letters of these three colors. RGB bulbs are usually equipped with LED technology and can be set to emit different colors depending on the user's preferences. Mixing the primary colors can create hundreds of different shades and lighting atmospheres. RGB bulbs are popular for decorative purposes, especially in interior spaces where the lighting can be adapted to the style, mood, or event taking place. Furthermore, using technologies such as smart lighting systems, users can control RGB fixtures from remote devices, adjusting the color, brightness, and atmosphere of the space.

Waterproof Bulbs:

Ingress protection in bulbs refers to the ability of a bulb to withstand the entry of liquids (such as water) and solid objects (such as dust) into its interior, thereby protecting the fixtures and electrical installations from damage. The degree of protection of the bulbs is determined by the IP (Ingress Protection) rating usually printed on the packaging. The IP code consists of two numbers. The first number refers to protection against solid objects and dust, while the second number refers to protection against liquids, such as water. Each number corresponds to specific levels of protection. Let's look in detail at what each number indicates:

First digit (protection against dust and solids):

• 0: No protection against dust.
• 1: Protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm.
• 2: Protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm.
• 3: Protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm.
• 4: Protection against solid objects larger than 1 mm.
• 5: Dust protected, but ingress is not entirely prevented.
• 6: Dust tight (complete protection).

Second digit (protection against water):

• 0: No protection against water.
• 1: Protection against vertically falling water droplets at an angle up to 15° from the vertical axis.
• 2: Protection against water droplets falling at an angle up to 60° from the vertical axis.
• 3: Protection against water droplets falling at an angle up to 60° from any direction.
• 4: Protection against water splashes from any direction.
• 5: Protection against water projected by low-pressure jets from all directions.
• 6: Protection against water projected by high-pressure jets from all directions.
• 7: Protection of the fixture when immersed underwater, at a depth of 15 cm to 1 meter, for up to 30 minutes.
• 8: The fixture is protected against water even under pressure while being submerged for long periods.

Smart Bulbs:

"Smart" bulbs are bulbs that can be connected to the internet and controlled via a smartphone, tablet, or other electronic device. These bulbs use advanced technology to allow users to adjust their lighting, change the light color, set timers, and create various lighting scenarios through a mobile app. Smart bulbs usually use LED technology, which is energy-efficient and can provide various levels of brightness and color. You can control them using dedicated apps and, in some cases, even via voice commands through digital assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Siri. Smart bulbs can add an extra level of flexibility and comfort to your home, as you can customize the lighting according to your needs and mood. Additionally, some smart bulbs may offer security features, such as occupancy simulation when you are away from home.

With the tips above, you can make the perfect choice of bulbs for every space in your home. At designdrops, you will find a variety of high-quality and modern bulbs that will upgrade your space's lighting with style and functionality. Combine them with ceiling lights, floor lamps, table lamps, children's lighting, wall lights, desk lamps, outdoor lighting, and more to create the lighting of your dreams! 

At designdrops you will also find lighting buying guides and lighting cleaning guides, which contain valuable tips to help you choose the ideal fixtures and keep them like new!