Selecting the Best Light Bulbs – Recommendations by Lamp Type

These lamps are typically used as general or task lighting. If you want a dimmable table lamp or floor lamp, a halogen incandescent bulb is a good choice. It produces a warm glow in all directions and uses 20-30% less energy than a traditional incandescent bulb. CFL bulbs are great if you don’t need your lamp to dim, provided you can find a suitable color temperature. You should probably use a spiral or closed A-shape bulb with warmer light. They tend to be easier on the eyes. You probably don’t need to use LEDs, unless the table lamp is a heavily-used desk light. LED light bulbs are often one-directional and considerably more expensive.

These high-use lights are used for ambient, task or accent lighting. However, given the continual use and relative inaccessibility (which makes changing them a bit more troublesome), LED bulbs are probably the best choice. These eco-friendly light bulbs use 80% less energy than equivalent incandescent replacements. They live longer than fluorescent light bulbs and are significantly brighter than both replacement types.

These hanging fixtures are typically used for general or task lighting in kitchens above countertops or dining rooms above tables. They may occasionally be employed in specialized work areas in the home or more industrial workplaces when there are extremely high ceilings. You’ll likely want to avoid many LEDs in favor of a traditional A-shape or globe-shaped CFL or halogen incandescent light bulb. A portion of the bulb is often exposed, so you should be mindful. Looking directly at certain LED light bulbs isn’t quite as bad as staring at the sun, but it’s unpleasant and could disrupt your ability to complete a task.

These dramatic hanging light fixtures are as much about form as function. Consequently, chandelier light bulbs are often more stylish in their design, especially if exposed. These lights are usually used for general or ambient lighting in dining rooms, entryways and bedrooms. Although, many large family rooms or high-ceiling common areas often incorporate grand chandeliers to help fill the space or make it feel cozier. Candle, flame or globe-shaped bulbs work well in chandeliers and are typically incandescent. However, newer LED options might also do the trick.

These wall-mounted lighting fixtures tend to be used for more ambient purposes. Certain home and office areas need some light to serve their purpose, but bright task lighting is often overkill. A little subdued mood lighting is sometimes helpful to transition from busy common areas to more intimate ones. Many wall lights are small and have confined lamping fixtures. In those cases, use smaller candle or flame-shaped CFLs or incandescent bulbs. Their decorative styling is also aesthetically pleasing and is reminiscent of traditional, pre-electricity lighting. If your interior design is more contemporary, small globe bulbs work well.

Lighting the exterior of your house is also important. Walkways and entries must be well-lit so people can safely find their way. Similarly, decks and patios need light for entertaining at night but don’t necessarily need as much illumination. Regardless of the outdoor location, these general or task lights must be durable to withstand the elements. Halogen incandescent light bulbs are usually sufficient for outdoor lighting unless they are continually in use or extremely bright.

The growing popularity of rustic, steampunk and industrial interior design and lighting has spurred interest in Edison filament-style light bulbs. Originally, these vintage light bulbs were incandescent and had wound filaments visible through clear glass casings. Recent LED technology, however, has opened up the possibilities with new internal “filament” configurations and bulb shapes. Now, Edison light bulbs can be used in virtually any lamp or light fixture. Their warm, glowing orange light is probably more aesthetic than functional, but they do look really cool.