Practical guide: How to choose the right light bulb?

Choosing the right light bulb may seem simple, but with so many options available, it can quickly become a headache. Whether it's for a bedside lamp or a floor lamp, the bulb you choose not only influences the quality of the light, but also the ambiance of your room and your energy consumption. This practical guide will help you understand the essential criteria for choosing the right light bulb and create lighting that suits your needs.

1. Understand the different types of light bulbs

Before choosing a light bulb, it is essential to know the types available on the market and their characteristics.

a) LED bulbs

LEDs (light emitting diodes) are currently the most popular light bulbs due to their energy efficiency and durability.

Benefits :

• Energy consumption up to 80% lower than traditional bulbs
• Average life of 15,000 to 25,000 hours
• Available in multiple intensities and color temperatures

Disadvantages :

• Higher initial cost, but quickly profitable thanks to low consumption

Ideal for : Bedside and floor lamps, as they provide a soft, even light.

b) Halogen bulbs

Halogens produce bright, natural light, but they use more energy than LEDs.

Benefits :

• High quality light, close to natural light
• Immediate ignition time

Disadvantages :

• Short life (about 2,000 hours)
• Less economical and less environmentally friendly

Ideal for : People who want bright light for reading or working.

c) Compact fluorescent bulbs

Known as energy-saving lamps, they are less common today due to the rise of LEDs.

Benefits :

• Moderate energy consumption
• Longer life than halogens (6,000 to 15,000 hours)

Disadvantages :

• Sometimes long ignition time
• Contain mercury, which makes them less environmentally friendly

Ideal for : Floor lamps requiring a more diffuse light.

2. Choose the right light intensity

Light intensity is one of the most important criteria for successful interior lighting. It is measured in lumens (lm) , and the choice will depend on the use of the lamp.

a) Bedside lamp

Bedside lamps require soft, soothing lighting to create a relaxing atmosphere:

• Recommended intensity: 200 to 400 lumens
• Ideal for reading before going to sleep without tiring your eyes

b) Floor lamp

Floor lamps can be used to illuminate an entire room or provide accent lighting:

• Ambient lighting: 500 to 700 lumens
• Functional lighting (reading or work): 800 to 1,200 lumens

Tip : If your lamp is equipped with a dimmer, choose a dimmable bulb to adjust the light intensity according to your needs.

3. Understanding color temperature

Color temperature, measured in Kelvins (K) , determines whether the light will be warm, neutral or cool.

a) Warm light (2700 to 3000 K)

• Gives a cozy and relaxing atmosphere
• Ideal for bedside lamps or living rooms
• Recommended for moments of relaxation

b) Neutral light (3500 to 4000 K)

• Natural and balanced light
• Ideal for floor lamps used in multi-functional rooms

c) Cold light (5000 K and above)

• Energizing and bright light
• Less suitable for bedside or floor lamps as it can be too bright

Tip : For indoor lamps, choose color temperatures between 2,700 and 4,000 K for pleasant lighting.

4. Choose the right shape and base

a) Bulb shapes

The shape of the bulb plays a role in the diffusion of light. Here are the main shapes suitable for bedside and floor lamps:

• Standard bulb (A60) : Versatile, ideal for general lighting.
• Globe bulb (G95, G120) : Perfect for decorative light, often used with lampshades.
• Flame Bulb : Adds an aesthetic touch to lamps with open shades.

b) Types of bases

The socket corresponds to the base of the bulb, which must be compatible with your lamp. The most common are:

• E27 (large screw) : Used for floor lamps and some bedside models.
• E14 (small screw) : Common for bedside lamps.

Tip : Always check the type of base required before purchasing a bulb.

5. Think about energy efficiency

a) Energy class

With the new European regulations, bulbs are classified from A (very efficient) to G (less efficient). LED bulbs are generally in class A or B, while halogens are classified D or E.

b) Consumption in watts

Watts (W) indicate the amount of electricity consumed by the bulb. With LED bulbs, a power of 6 to 10 W is sufficient to provide lighting equivalent to a conventional 60 W bulb.

c) Long-term economy

Although more expensive to purchase, LEDs allow significant savings on your electricity bill thanks to their low consumption.

Example : A 10W LED bulb used 4 hours a day costs around €1.5 per year, compared to €9 for an equivalent halogen bulb.

6. Opt for additional features

Some bulbs offer advanced options for added convenience and comfort.

a) Connected bulbs

Smart bulbs can be controlled via an app or voice assistant. You can:

• Adjust the light intensity
• Change the color of the light
• Program the lighting

Ideal for : Home automation enthusiasts or those who want to personalize their lighting ambiance.

b) Dimmable bulbs

These bulbs allow you to adjust the light intensity with a dimmer. Perfect for bedside lamps, they allow you to switch from functional light to ambient light.

7. Common mistakes to avoid

a) Neglecting compatibility

Make sure the bulb is compatible with your lamp's base type and features (e.g. dimmers or specific sockets).

b) Oversize the light intensity

A bulb that is too powerful can be uncomfortable, especially for a bedside lamp. Follow the lumen recommendations for each type of lamp.

c) Forgetting the aesthetic aspect

For lamps with clear or open shades, choose a bulb with an attractive design, such as a filament bulb.

8. Checklist for choosing the right bulb

1. Bulb type : LED for economy and durability
2. Light intensity : 200 to 400 lumens for a bedside lamp, 500 to 1,200 lumens for a floor lamp
3. Color temperature : Warm light for relaxation, neutral for multi-purpose use
4. Shape and base : Compatible with your lamp (E27, E14, etc.)
5. Energy efficiency : Choose classes A or B

Choosing the right bulb for your bedside and floor lamps is essential to creating a pleasant ambiance while optimizing your energy consumption. By considering bulb types, light intensity, color temperature and compatibility with your lamps, you can find a solution that combines practicality, aesthetics and savings.