When it comes to selecting the right light bulb for a floor lamp, there are many considerations that need to be made. Not only does this involve technical requirements and size constraints, but also your personal style, economic, and environmental considerations. Luckily, Superior Lighting has a wealth of information to guide you through this daunting task and help you find the perfect fit.
Types of Bulbs
The types of light bulbs available include incandescent, halogen, CFL, fluorescent, and LED. Each bulb has unique characteristics, referred to as a light bulb code, which can be located on the packaging of each bulb. These codes are an important part of the decision making process and are crucial to knowing if you’ve found the right bulb for your particular fixture.
Incandescent and Halogen Bulb Info
A typical incandescent light bulb has a tungsten filament that produces light when heated. It can produce bright, white or yellowish lights depending on its color temperature. For most lamps in sitting rooms, bedrooms and dining rooms you’ll want a light that has a colour temperature of around 2700k, known as ’warm white’, to give off a soft and welcoming ambience.
For general and task lighting in kitchens, bathrooms and more, a halogen or CFL bulb may be ideal as these use up to 20-30% less energy than an incandescent bulb. These are also easier on the eyes, so they’re a great choice for most applications.
3-Way bulbs, or tri-lights, are a special type of bulb that has three levels of lighting in low, medium and high configurations. These lamps are usually used as general or task lighting and can be adjusted to meet your specific needs with the flip of a switch.
This type of light is best for reading books or papers, a nightlight or for working on a puzzle. It’s especially useful for a bedroom or living room as it can be set to provide different levels of light to create ambiance.
When buying a bulb, look for the correct voltage, wattage and base. This is the most visual way to decide if the bulb is the correct type for your lamp.
Generally speaking, higher voltage (higher wattage) bulbs are more efficient, and are a good choice for rooms with a lot of natural light such as a sunroom or porch. They can be a bit more expensive, but they are usually better for the environment.
You should also check the average life, energy cost and light appearance of your bulb to ensure it will last as long as you need it to. These figures vary based on the wattage, amount of electricity it uses and the price you pay per kilowatt-hour from your local utility company.
For many people, the most important thing to consider when choosing a bulb is how much light it will generate. In addition to wattage, you should also consider the color temperature of the bulb and whether it’s dimmable or not. This can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your room and will have an impact on how comfortable it is to be in it.
