Don’t be dim, lightbulbs are important
You found the perfect lamp and selected a great shade. You’re done, right? Well, not quite. What about the light bulb? Just like lamps and shades, bulbs are available in many varieties. Your lamp will have bulb limitations, such as the plug/base type and the maximum allowable wattage. You still have many choices to make regarding performance and appearance.
Factors to consider when choosing light bulbs
Lumens (brightness)
The higher the number of lumens, the brighter the bulb is. This is critical for task lighting or when the bulb needs to provide ambient light for a large area.
Color rendering index (color accuracy)
The greater the number, the more accurately the light source reveals the true colors of the illuminated object. LEDs emit a broader spectrum of color than fluorescent bulbs, so they render colors better and have a higher CRI [R Lenk, C Lenk 2017]
Kelvins (color temperature)
The higher the number of kelvins, the “cooler” the light temperature. Blue light is the preferred color for task lighting. Bulbs with a low kelvin rating emit a warmer light.
Helpful Article
Look at our in-depth article Light Bulb Buying Guide for a deep dive into light bulbs.
Wattage
The higher the number of watts, the more electrical energy the bulb consumes to generate light.
Size
You may have limitations on how big your bulb can be to stay within the critical radius of the shade.
Rated life
Different bulb types have longer or shorter life expectancies with LEDs being the longest
Eco-friendliness
Some bulbs are more energy-efficient than others. LEDs are “greener” than CFLs. These, in turn, are better than incandescent bulbs. CFL bulbs should not be thrown into the regular trash. They require a special disposal process.
Cost
There are always trade-offs for brightness, energy efficiency, long life and eco-friendliness. LEDs are much more expensive than CFLs or incandescent light bulbs.
Miscellaneous lamp features
Some lamps offer subtle accents and unique functional capabilities which are unavailable with most lamps.
- Finials – These decorative accents screw into the top of a lamp and secure the shade to the base.
- Dimmers – Certain bulbs permit a manual switch to dim or brighten the illumination.
- Wireless charging or USB ports – Modern lamps increasingly have charging options for smartphones, tablets and laptops.
- Double pull chains – Lamps with multiple bulbs often include two chains for controlling the sockets individually.
- Storage & shelves – Some table lamps have storage compartments for pens and other small items. Floor lamps may include fixed or rotating tabletops for setting books and magazines.
- Touch control – Some lamps offer touch controls for power or dimming, rather than switches or knobs.
Cool lamps – Novelty lighting for the fun of it
Sometimes, you want something for no logical reason. The choice is impractical and doesn’t serve a necessary purpose, but you still want it. It’s whimsical, fun, spiritual or just plain cool. Whatever your reason, novelty lamps are a great expression of the inner you, whether that’s a child, a dreamer or a total geek. Remember the fishnet stocking leg lamp from “A Christmas Story?” It’s impractical but unforgettable. Sometimes, you just have to have fun decorating, regardless of whether others think it’s cool.
Himalayan salt lamps
Some of the most popular specialty lights these days are Himalayan salt lamps. The granular blocks are made from pink salt crystals harvested from the Pakistani Khewra salt mine. They’re hollowed out and fitted with bulbs to produce light and generate heat. The glow ranges from light pink to bold orange, depending on the concentration of the mineral. In addition to their natural aesthetic appeal, salt lamps are said to possess health and wellness benefits, because they’re “natural ionizers.”
Air ionizers produce negatively charged ions, which neutralize pollutants in the air. Himalayan salt lamps are believed to improve air quality, mood and sleep. They have a soothing pinkish glow that creates a relaxing atmosphere. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. The benefits of salt lamps may be psychosomatic, but the mind is powerful, so…
Lava lamps
These dynamic colorful lamps are iconic symbols of the psychedelic hippie movement of the 60’s and have become popular kitsch items. In 1963, the original lava lamp, called the “Astro,” was invented by Edward Craven Walker. Lava lamps consist of a simple base with a glass cone filled with clear liquid and a special colored wax. An internal light bulb heats the wax, which causes it to rise through the liquid and cool.
At this point, the wax loses its buoyancy and falls to the bottom of the cone, where it begins the process again. The viscous cycle is reminiscent of pahoehoe lava flows and, if you’re not careful, you can quickly become entranced in the mesmerizing undulations of the wax. Lava lamps come in several styles and colors. Trendy bars and restaurants sometimes display massive floor versions.
Moon lamps
There’s something truly magical about a full moon in the night sky. It has been a symbol of the divine and mystical power throughout time immemorial. Moon lamps capture that timeless wonderment and create a serene and calming ambiance. These unique high-grade plastic spherical lamps sit in a cradle and emit a gentle glowing light. The cradles can vary from the simplest angular holder to a graceful and artistically sculpted hand.
Some contemporary stands can suspend and rotate the globe in the air. The best moon lamps use high-tech 3D printing techniques to capture a realistic rendering of the lunar surface. Most versions provide color adjustment capability and dimming options. Moon lamps are great as nightlights or decorative accents for bookshelves and tabletops.
Cloud lamps
What is it about rain and gentle thunderstorms that soothe restless minds and make it easier to drift off to sleep? Is it the faint, but perpetual sound of the raindrops coming down or the soft rumblings that calm our subconscious? Cloud lamps look and sound like actual thunderclouds, creating a relaxing environment. Polyester fiber is often used to form the fluffy cloud-like exterior of these lamps.
Lightweight plastic protects the internal speaker and LED lighting systems. Some interactive models are Bluetooth® compatible and have motion sensor technology. So, you can control the sound and illumination remotely or through simple movement. Color changes may be synced with music or set to nightlight modes. How great is that? Most versions hang from the ceiling, but there are also tabletop models.
You better believe lamps are a bright idea
Kudos to you for making it through our Lamp Buying Guide and learning how various lamps serve different roles in lighting a space. This knowledge should help you make educated decisions to build your layered lighting. Don’t forget your outdoor lighting either. A well-lit deck or patio extends your time with friends and family outside.
References
- Lenk, R., & Lenk, C. (2017). Practical lighting design with LEDs. John Wiley & Sons.
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