How to choose a light bulb for your lamp? A short guide that will brighten everything up for you!
How to choose a light bulb for your lamp? It's not such a simple matter..
Choosing the right bulb for a lamp is not at all such a simple matter as it might seem at first glance. In an earlier article we have already written about such parameters of light as its temperature and color rendering index, and below we will look at the parameters to pay attention to when selecting a light bulb for a lamp.
Clear thread and power supply!
Light bulb threads can be divided into screw-in, push-in, "turn and lock" and special stems. The threads of the bulbs in these categories have different types of caps, powered by a specific voltage (expressed in Volts - V).
The most common incandescent light bulb threads called Edison caps are denoted by the letter E. The number following this designation refers to the nominal diameter of the stem - that is, an E40 bulb has a thread with a diameter of 40 mm, while an E14 has a stem whose diameter is 14 mm.
The E27 stem - a classic, large screw-in thread - is the most popular and widely used stem type in Europe, and E27 LED bulbs are most often used in households. E27 thread is installed not only in LED bulbs, but also in halogen, metal halide and low-power sodium lamps.
The caps in low-voltage (12-volt) light bulbs are: G4, G6.35, G53, the caps in bulbs for 230 V mains voltage are: E27 (the aforementioned large thread), E14 (the so-called small thread, and bulbs with such a cap are most often used for lighting domestic spaces - in desk lamps, night lights or small lamps), GU10, GX53 and G9. The caps in linear fluorescent lamps of the T5 type (with a tube diameter of 16 mm) are marked G5, and in fluorescent lamps of the T8 type (with a tube diameter of 26 mm) G13.
Light bulbs marked with the symbol B or BA have bayonet handles. C denotes a push-on connector used in round fluorescent lamps. G and GX (reinforced) is a simple push-on connector, GU is a connector for incandescent light bulbs with protection against rear heat emission, and GZ for those with high rear heat emission. Connector R and RX are the stems for double-capped linear bulbs, while Fa is a stem for linear light bulbs with a male connector.
Each lamp manufacturer, giving the parameters of the bulb, specifies the size and type of thread required, as well as the type of power supply. Traditionally, incandescent bulbs are powered by mains voltage (230 V), but in some cases we will need low-voltage bulbs, usually 12 V.
Light has power - or what about those lumens and watts
Another parameter you will find on the bulb package is the wattage of the bulb. Naturally, the higher the light output, the more light you get. However, it is important to remember that comparing the power of a light source only makes sense when comparing bulbs of the same type. For example, you can't compare the wattage of a traditional incandescent bulb with an LED source bulb. This is because energy-saving bulbs require significantly less power to produce the same amount of light than a traditional incandescent bulb. For example, a typical classic 15W incandescent bulb emits a luminous flux of 90 lumens, while a 15W LED bulb emits more than 1,500 lumens, or as much light as almost 17 classic 15-watt incandescent bulbs. So you can see that LED bulbs are much more energy efficient.
Nowadays, manufacturers list on bulb packaging not only the wattage expressed in watts, but also the value in lumens. What is the difference between these two parameters? The wattage of an incandescent bulb is the amount of electricity it consumes, while lumens indicate how much light a particular bulb will emit, and thus, this parameter is a better reference for comparing light sources.
Luminous efficacy - or lumens and watts
Another important parameter to pay attention to when selecting a light bulb is its luminous efficiency. Luminous efficacy (that is, the ratio of luminous flux (lumen [lm]) to power (watts [W]), which a given light source consumed during the work) is expressed in Lumens/Watts (lm/W) and tells you the energy efficiency, that is, the amount of light you get with a given light source. The higher this value is, the more light we will get from 1 Watt of energy.
How the luminous efficacy is presented for popular light sources?
- Traditional incandescent bulb - 8 - 12 lm/W
- Halogen bulb - 12 - 16 lm/W
- White LED - 80 - 300 lm/W
- Linear fluorescent lamp - 45 - 100 lm/W
- Compact fluorescent lamp - 50 - 70 lm/W
- Induction lamp - 60 - 90 lm/W
What luminous efficiency you choose depends, of course, on the size of the interior, the number of lamps and the personal needs of the household members related to your lifestyle and the distribution of functional zones in the house. If you want stronger interior lighting, choose fixtures with higher luminous efficiency.
How light color is measured?
Light color is measured in Kelvin. The warmer the light temperature, the lower the K value. Thus, incandescent bulbs in the range of 1500 K to 3000 K are considered to be those with a warm color, falling into a yellow tint. They will work best in the living room or bedroom - that is, all those places where we relax and rest. Combining bulbs of this color, for example, with mOVE wall lamp bring a romantic mood to your bedroom. At the same time, bedside lamps are a practical solution - they will work well as additional lighting while reading.
Neutral color will be provided by bulbs close to 4000 K and its falls into the shade of white, neutral. This type of lighting promotes concentration and has a stimulating effect. It will work best as the main interior lighting in combination with at least zOE pendant lamp.
While the color above 4500 K is already a cool color, falling into the blue. Cold light is most often used in doctors' offices, on production halls or in workshops and offices. Thus, the cold temperature of light will work well wherever focus, precise work and concentration on specific activities are required.
Bulb dimensions and shape
Another aspect to pay attention to when choosing a bulb for a lamp is its size and shape. Check that the bulb bulb you choose will not be too big, too wide, too high (for example, for a plafond), etc. It is also worth paying attention to the shape of the bulb, which should more or less mimic the shape of the fixture. Round lamps harmonize with round bulbs, oblong ones with those of an elongated shape, etc.
It is also important, when choosing a bulb, to pay attention to whether it will be visible to the naked eye and whether its color will harmonize with the fixture. If the bulb will be visible, it is worth choosing a bulb in milky white to avoid glaring or, if the lampshade is made of clear glass, a decorative bulb - if it matches the style of the lampshade, of course.
Depending on the type of lamp and the main task of the lighting in question, you also need to choose the right light temperature and color rendering index, of which we write more in this article.
Light distribution
Another very important parameter affecting the choice of bulb, is the light distribution (standard between 4 and 120 degrees). In typically directional light fixtures, reflector bulbs with a narrow angle of distribution will work well. To evenly illuminate the plafond, choose a bulb with a wide distribution of light, while the lampshade of a table lamp does not require such a wide angle of illumination.
Incandescent bulbs with narrower light distribution angles are great for modern fixtures and allow you to create decorative, complementary lighting in interiors. The narrow angle of distribution will also work well in stores or commercial spaces, exposing products, highlighting selected spaces and introducing a theatrical atmosphere.
The direction of the incident light is, of course, also influenced by the design of the lamp (the shape and construction of the lampshade or shade). Depending on the type of luminaire, lamps can be divided into those with indirect distribution (with light directed toward the ceiling), direct distribution (downward) and direct-direct, with light emitted in 2 directions. Spherical lampshades provide symmetrical, even light distribution, those made of white glass offer diffused, soft and cozy light, and recessed, narrow tubular light fixtures give a narrow, vertical beam of light.
Light bulb vs. style - it matters
Some lamps - especially those with stylized or transparent shades even ask for a bulb that will emphasize their style. A well-chosen bulb can conquer the atmosphere of the interior and completely change the look of the lamp, which is why it is so important to also consider the decorative aspect of the bulb when choosing it.
Remember that incandescent bulbs with a transparent bulb and a clearly visible filament have a much more austere character than the milky ones, perfectly suited for delicate classic interiors. Transparent light sources with a decorative filament are best suited to industrial, retro and vintage style interiors, as well as to lamps with transparent or openwork shades, which will expose and emphasize their charm. Light bulbs of this type are also perfect for restaurants and cafes, because like few others, they make the atmosphere!
The decorative nature of incandescent light bulbs lies not only in the decorative filament referring in its form to Edison's first light bulbs, but also in the very shape of the bulb bulb bulb, which can now take on very original and attractive forms and colors. A decorative bulb suspended from the ceiling by a textile braided cord - especially in an industrial interior - can itself be a complete light fixture for a room.
We hope you already know what to look for when choosing a light bulb.
What else to keep in mind when choosing a light bulb for a lamp?
Light intensity and temperature are not the only factors you should pay attention to. The shape of the bulb itself and its thread are also important here. The most common types of threads you will encounter are: E27, E14, G9 and GU10. So before buying a bulb, it is essential to check what thread fits the lamp in question. Manufacturers usually provide such information on the packaging, in the product description or on the lamp itself. A bulb with the wrong thread will simply not fit a particular lamp. In addition, the shape of the bulb is also important. If you have decided to chandelier with slender and narrow shades, then a large round bulb simply will not fit there. In this case, bet on tapered, oblong options. Similarly, in the other direction, if you choose large lamps or chandeliers with larger round shades, then match them with an appropriately large round bulb. Otherwise, the light source may simply "die" in the voluminous shade, failing to provide adequate interior illumination.
Light bulb for the lamp - LED or regular?
There is still the question of what type of bulb to choose. The answer to this question is not clear-cut, as much depends on the style in which you decorate the space and the type of lamp you choose. Sometimes it is better to choose a regular bulb for large, transparent lampshades, because only it will bring out the decorative potential of the entire lighting. Ordinary bulbs will also work well for lighting without a shade, where it is the bulb itself that mimics it. At the same time, it is worth remembering that LED bulbs are more energy efficient. In an ordinary incandescent bulb, only 5% of electricity is converted into light, while in the LED variant, this ratio can reach up to 90%. They also need much less electricity to produce light of the same intensity as a regular incandescent bulb. In addition, the lifespan of LED bulbs oscillates around 50,000 hours, which in some cases gives up to 5 years of reliable operation. With an ordinary incandescent bulb, this lifespan is set at 1,000 hours, while frequent switching of the light on and off can reduce this time.
How to choose the right light bulb for your lamp - summary
Lighting plays a significant role in interior design. This is because it allows you to create a practical work space or a romantic atmosphere in the place where you most often relax and unwind. It is the light that determines whether you will be comfortable working or relaxing. The shape of the bulb and its size matched to the type of lamp will together create a harmonious whole, emphasizing the style of the room in question. When reaching for a light bulb for your lamp, also keep in mind such practical aspects as the wattage of the bulb or the color of the light. This largely determines whether relaxing or working in a room is possible. We believe that with our practical tips now you can easily find the light bulb and lighting that best fits your current needs and interiors. Good luck!