Not all light bulbs are the same or used for the same purpose. We explain how to choose without getting lost in the shop
Going into a shop to buy light bulbs and being faced with an entire wall of options is an experience that puts anyone off balance. Different wattages, different light colours, different fittings, different prices… and in the end you just end up grabbing the one that looks most similar to the one you had before and crossing your fingers.
The good news is that choosing well isn't that complicated if you understand two or three basic concepts. And choosing well has a real impact on how every room in your home feels.
The most important thing: the colour temperature
Colour temperature is what determines whether a bulb gives off a more yellowish, warm light or a whiter, cooler one. It is measured in kelvins (K) and is the factor that has the greatest influence on the ambience of a room.
A warm light, between 2,700K and 3,000K, has a yellowish hue that creates a cosy and relaxed feel. It works best in spaces where you want to rest or be comfortable. A neutral light, between 3,500K and 4,500K, is whiter and gives a sense of clarity without quite being cold. A cool light, above 4,500K, is very white or slightly bluish and is the one that gives the greatest sense of energy and concentration, but is also the least pleasant for spending a long time in.
Bedroom: warm and without doubt
The bedroom is the quintessential space for resting, and light plays an important role in how the body prepares for sleep. Warm lighting, between 2,700K and 3,000K, is the most suitable. It helps you to relax and does not overstimulate the nervous system before bedtime.
If you have a reading lamp on the bedside table, you can go for something slightly more neutral for that specific area, but for general bedroom lighting, the warmer the better.
Living room: warm for ambience, neutral if you work in it
The living room usually serves several functions: relaxation, entertainment and sometimes also work or study. For general use and atmosphere, a warm light works very well. If the living room is also your work area, having a desk lamp with a more neutral light for those moments is a practical solution that does not require changing all the lighting in the room.
Kitchen and bathroom: neutral or slightly cool
In the kitchen and the bathroom functionality rules. You need to see clearly what you are doing, perceive colours correctly and have a sense of cleanliness and clarity. Here, a neutral light, between 3,500K and 4,000K, is the most recommended option.
Too warm a light in the kitchen can make food look unnatural, and in the bathroom it can make tasks like applying makeup or shaving properly more difficult.
Walkways: the most practical above all else
In hallways, entrance halls and stairwells, the most important thing is to have enough light to move about safely. Colour temperature is less of a concern here, although neutral lighting usually works well as it provides brightness without creating an atmosphere that is too cold.
If you have a motion sensor in these areas, make sure that the bulb you choose is compatible with it, because not all LED bulbs work well with all sensors.
At Iluminamos tu Vida, we help our customers choose the most suitable lighting for every room in their home in Madrid. If you’d like us to give you a hand, please give us a call.