Polski 
Deutsch 
Čeština 
Slovenčina 
Français 
Italiano 
Български 
Magyar 
Română 
Українська How to choose light bulbs for your home?
How much time do you spend choosing the right bulb? Paradoxically, this is very important. Light, its power, colour and arrangement, are critical to the functionality and appearance of rooms. What should be the deciding factor when choosing a light bulb? Keep reading.
H for Halogen
Halogens were the first successors to the traditional light bulbs because, just like in the traditional bulb, the light in a halogen bulb is created by the incandescence of prongs. Nevertheless, the term "light bulb" is conventionally applied to all "light sources". Despite their efficiency, unchanging brightness over a long lifetime, halogens also have drawbacks: they heat up the objects illuminated as well as consume much more electricity than fluorescent lamps or LEDs. Nevertheless, they are preferred in fixtures requiring a powerful light source to illuminate large rooms. Currently, they are used in warehouses or large industrial areas, as well as outdoors (often in the form of floodlights). They are also used in automotive lighting. Halogen bulbs last twice as long as conventional bulbs.
F for fluorescent lamp
A fluorescent lamp is the first "green" type of light source. Compared to a traditional light bulb, it is characterised by lower energy consumption (up to -80%), low price and long life (approx. 10 thousand hours). However, temperature sensitivity, the time needed for it to become fully effective, and the mercury vapour content cause their popularity to decline.
L for LED
The most popular LEDs today owe their success to energy efficiency, durability and the possibility of selecting the colour of light. In newer models, you can even change them freely, like in Kanlux XLED STEP CCT. LEDs, or light sources using light-emitting diodes, consume 80% less energy compared to traditional light bulbs and barely heat up. That is why they are perfect for places where lamps have to be on for a long time; they are also resistant to frequent switching on and off. In addition, some LED bulbs have built-in dimmers, allowing us to freely adjust light intensity in the room, depending on the needs and time of day. The lifespan of LED bulbs ranges from 15 to 30 thousand hours.
To choose light sources well, consider the following factors:
● thread/shank type,
● bulb shape,
● power and brightness,
● light colour.
Most common shank types
E27: the most common thread with a diameter of 27 mm (like the IQ-LED A60), used in LEDs, halogens and compact fluorescent lamps, standard in ceiling lights and often in wall lights.
E14: 14 mm thread, this type of thread is used for LED bulbs, compact fluorescent lamps and halogen bulbs and is mostly used for decorative lighting and small lamps such as desk lamps.
GU10: mounted on two thick pins, 10 mm apart, inserted and then turned in the socket of the luminaire, mostly used in household and decorative lamps.
G53: mounted on two legs with a distance of 53 mm, this type is used for halogen and LED spotlights.
MR16: press-fitted into the socket, designed for LED spotlights (12V), they are used in luminaires and suspended ceilings, as well as in bathrooms and other rooms with a high degree of humidity.
This may be of interest to you: Atmospheric home – everybody’s dream. We know how to do it with light.
Bulb shape
The bulb shape of the light source is now limited only by the imagination of designers. Of course, it should be matched to the format of the luminaire or the style of the room, but it is worth remembering that its shape can dramatically change the lighting effect for sources of the same power. "Candles" (such as LED XLED C35T SW), spheres, spirals and "tubes" diffuse light, so they are more suitable for ceiling and wall lights. Spotlights direct the beam at a selected object, allowing you to precisely perform manual tasks around it (e.g. in the kitchen or bathroom).
Halogens are available in three variants: classic, imitating traditional incandescent lamps (used in ceiling and wall lighting), decorative, candle-shaped (standing lamps, wall lamps and chandeliers) and "spotlight-type" (suspended ceilings, wall lamps).
Fluorescent lamps are available in a variety of shapes: spiral (quick to reach full brightness and giving lots of diffused light), decorative (e.g. candles, decorative spirals or spheres, useful where the light source will be visible) and basic (linear, circular, U-shaped).
LEDs - due to the size of diodes and operating characteristics, they are available in classic, decorative (such as XLED C35) and spotlight shapes, as well as in the form of tubes replacing traditional fluorescent lamps, such as LED T8 LED N.
See also: Lighting trends 2021
Bulb power and brightness
In September 2009, in Poland, traditional light bulbs above 100W and frosted bulbs were withdrawn from stores. Newer light sources: halogens, fluorescent lamps or LEDs, using the same power, give a much greater brightness, measured in lumens. With a consumption of 25W, a halogen gives a light output of up to 400 lumens, an energy-saving fluorescent lamp only needs 8W to achieve this, while a LED diode easily achieves this light output with a consumption of 4W.
How to choose the power and brightness of a light source for a room?
main ceiling lamps, in the centre of the room: 900-1500 lumens,
wall lamps: 140-350 lumens,
lamps for work and study areas: 400 - 600 lumens,
main lamp in the kitchen or bathroom: 800-1000 lumens, supplementary lighting, 150-300 lumens,
directional lighting in the kitchen or bathroom: 450-700 lumens.
Colour temperature
For the living room, choose neutral light bulbs - between 3500 and 5000 Kelvin. This colour range is best suited for living room lighting.
In the bedroom, make sure to provide a warm light (2700-3300 Kelvin) to improve the quality of rest.
For the kitchen, it is worth choosing a neutral light (3500-5000 Kelvin) so that it faithfully reflects the colours of items and dishes, while paying attention to the Ra parameter (90 or higher will be the best).
For a study or student room, choose a neutral or cool colour as it improves concentration. A colour temperature of 3500 - 4000 K is considered the best for reading. Cool light (5500 Kelvin and above) stimulates us and improves concentration.
Not sure which light colour to choose? Try the Kanlux XLED STEP CCT solution, allowing for gradual change of light colour in a single bulb.
What kind of light bulbs to choose for the living room?
In the main room - the living room, which has many functions, the optimal choice will be LED bulbs. Modern LEDs give the possibility of choosing the colour of the light and perfectly harmonise with other light sources, such as IQ-LED GU10 in the Kanlux LAURIN wall and ceiling luminaire.
Remember that you can also buy lamps for your home that already have a non-replaceable LED light source installed. They last even longer than replaceable LED bulbs – up to 50,000 hours! These lamps also allow you to choose the colour of light that suits you – look for the markings on the packaging.
Light bulbs for bedrooms
A slightly different rule applies when choosing bedroom lighting. Here, we should use lamps which allow us to adjust the light intensity or automatically increase it. Being blinded by white light right after waking up is neither pleasant nor healthy for the eyes. That is why it is a good idea to look for weaker LED bulbs to get used to the light in the morning. One of the possible choices when it comes to lamps that will be placed on a cabinet or bedside table is Kanlux DAIBO. Their warm light of moderate intensity will allow us to wake up peacefully in the morning.
It is very important to sleep well. At night, our bodies recuperate to function properly throughout the day. Therefore, we should remember that the warm colour "informs" the brain that... the sun is setting, preparing it for the resting phase. It is also best not to use a cell phone while lying in bed. The cold light of the display will artificially stimulate the brain and get us going.
What kind of light bulbs to choose for the kitchen?
The most important room in the house must have proper light power, such as Kanlux SONOR GU10 with IQ-LED GU10 light source. Ideally, light points should be placed above each space. Under-cabinet luminaires are also a good choice, as they will directly illuminate the area where all precision work is done.
Light bulbs for the bathroom
In the bathroom, it is worth dividing the lighting. The main bathroom ceiling lighting in combination with a minimalist luminaire, such as Kanlux ASTEN by the mirror, will produce a unique effect. For women, it is especially important to properly light the bathroom in order to accurately apply makeup.
Light bulbs for the office and a student's room
In your work and study space, it is a good idea to provide neutral or cool light to help you focus. The possibility of adjusting the direction of light, as in the case of Kanlux PIXA lamp, is also valuable. If you want to learn more about this topic, see our short guide on how to choose a desk lamp.
When choosing lighting for a room, always try to take into account what it is intended for and do not choose just one point of light in a room - also for safety reasons.
Other articles
Trends in lighting for 2025. Minimalism and innovations to change your interior
When talking about modern lighting, we think of solutions that not only illuminate a space but give it...
5 things to look out for when choosing lamps
Lighting plays a key role in interior design. The right light source can significantly impact the atmosphere...
Guide: How to illuminate a small room?
Lighting plays a crucial role in interior design, especially in small spaces. Rooms with limited square...
Lighting in a baby's room – how to ensure the right atmosphere?
One of the key elements in the design of a baby's room is the lighting. The light should be gentle with...
Lighting for the living room. Trends for autumn 2024
When autumn comes, the days grow shorter and we are more likely to spend our evenings in the comfort...
Table lamps for reading. How to choose the best one?
Autumn is around the corner and it's the perfect time for long evenings with a book. Whether you're immersed...
How to illuminate a coworking space: 5 tips for entrepreneurs
Coworking spaces are environments where entrepreneurs, freelancers, and teams can work in a collaborative...
LED lighting and healthy sleep: how to create a relaxing atmosphere in the bedroom
Good quality sleep plays a crucial role in everyday life, affecting mental and physical well-being and...
LEDs in the kitchen: How can lighting improve ambience and efficiency
LED lighting is also a great choice for the kitchen … Why? Apart from its energy efficiency, it has...
How does lighting affect your sense of security?
Lighting not only impacts comfort but is also crucial for safety. Choosing the right lamps and modern...
Energy-efficient lighting: a beginner's guide
One of the simple yet effective ways to reduce household energy consumption is to use energy-efficient...
LED technology: unusual applications for lamps
Since LED light began to revolutionise the lighting industry, fresh, innovative applications for this...
How to create a special atmosphere in the garden with LED lighting?
The garden is a place where we spend more and more time. Spring and summer are conducive to relaxing...
Which lighting to choose for the barbecue area?
The right lighting around the barbecue area can make evening gatherings with friends even more enjoyable....
Which LED lighting to choose?
LED lighting is increasingly popular thanks to its energy efficiency, long life and wide range of applications....
LEDs for the outdoors: garden and backyard lighting
LED lighting for the garden is a solution that combines efficiency, durability and a wide range of...
Energy audit – everything you need to know about it
Lighting plays a significant role in an energy audit. It is one of the key areas that can improve the...
Spring interior makeovers: How to transform your space with lighting?
Spring is often a time of change, of new beginnings. It is the ideal time to refresh interiors and introduce...
LED lighting: an investment for years to come. Why is it worth it?
Technology is constantly evolving and environmental awareness is growing. For this reason, an increasing...
Lighting in cultural institutions: museums and libraries
Lighting in cultural institutions such as museums, art galleries, or libraries plays a crucial role....
How to illuminate the attic, basement and storage spaces?
Interior design is not limited to the living room and bedroom. More and more people are beginning to...
How does lighting affect the efficiency and well-being of employees?
Properly designed and adjusted lighting can have a significant impact not only on the efficiency but...
Modern premium lighting: what is worth investing in?
Lighting at home no longer has only a practical function but is becoming an important interior design...
Artificial intelligence in lighting: innovative solutions for home and flat
Technology is constantly evolving, introducing innovations in various areas of life. One area where artificial...
Light and consumer sentiment. Lighting of stores
Store lighting is not only a matter of product visibility, but also a key element affecting consumer...
Lighting trends for 2024
What will be on top in the coming year 2024? What lighting trends will designers and architects focus...
How does light affect the perception of interiors?
Interior design is not just a question of aesthetics but also of comfort. Light is one of the key aspects...
Why is home office lighting important?
Today, remote work has become an integral part of many of our lives. More and more people are working...
How to illuminate your attic?
An attic is a space that tends to be unused and forgotten. With a little desire, it can become a place...
How to Plan Lighting for a Home (Part 1)
Planning lighting in your home should be as important as planning the layout of each room. A well-thought-out...
Which desk lamp to choose for the office, bedroom and children's room?
Desk lamps work well not only in offices, but also at home. They are multifunctional. They can provide...
What lighting to choose for the office?
We spend a large part of the day in the office. Work always requires focus, and well-chosen lighting...
How to create mood lighting in a restaurant?
A restaurant is not only a place where you can eat well, but also have a good time and relax. Appropriate...
Hidden lighting: will it work for you?
Lighting hidden in the ceiling or walls works great in modern and minimalist interiors. What rooms will...
All you need to know about light pollution
Light pollution means a situation when outdoor lighting is not properly designed. Excessive clusters...
How to light a small and large terrace?
In spring and summer, we naturally spend more time outdoors. If you have a terrace, this is definitely...
How to light plants in the garden?
Roses, tulips, trimmed shrubs, fruit trees... The garden is the place where the most beautiful plant...
How to make a small room look bigger?
Small spaces in a flat require proper arrangement so that they can be not only cosy but also functional....
How to light a garden gazebo?
Spring is the perfect time to get your garden in order. The next few months mean long hours spent in...
Everything you need to know about connecting and arranging lighting in the garden
In spring and summer, the garden becomes an often visited relaxation area. Find out how to choose a lighting...
How to turn an apartment into a relaxation zone?
You've had a hard, tiring day or maybe you've been thrown off balance at work. You overslept in the...
Lighting in a teenager's room – what to pay attention to?
Active, full of energy, with a thousand ideas a minute. Belonging to a subculture or a typical individualist....
What lighting should you choose for modern interiors?
Interiors decorated in a modern style are not only very aesthetically pleasing, but also functional and...
LED lighting: pros and cons
LED (Lighting Emitting Diode) is one of the modern lighting methods. It has gained popularity through...
7 things you need to know about Kanlux SMART
A smart home not only brings you comfort but also provides you with security. Kanlux SMART is an ideal...
Lighting trends for 2023
Focus on the lighting! 2023 is the year of lamps, luminaires and... light bulbs. Light is set to be next...
Why doesn't the lighting work? 5 reasons
Here we go again. You've checked the fuses, made sure there is no power cut notice yet the lamp still...
5 lighting ideas for house back rooms
Lighting for house back rooms? It sounds a bit strange, but it refers to cupboards, larders, storerooms...
4 changes to home lighting that will help you reduce electricity bills
Have you ever forgotten to switch off the bathroom light in a hurry? Have you ever failed to notice that...
5 tips on how to prepare lighting for painting and renovation work
Amateur painting, construction works and cleaning up afterwards are serious challenges. How do you protect...
5 things you didn't know about the way light affects your mood
You certainly know that sunlight improves your mood, even if the temperature outside does not allow you...
4 rules for setting up lighting for study corner
September brings about two things that are not necessarily everyone's favourite : the start of the academic...
7 things you need to know about LED bulbs
LED bulbs are becoming more and more popular, mainly due to their energy efficiency. They also have...
Can you configure a set of LED strips by yourself? Yes, but keep these 3 things in mind
LED strips have quickly conquered the market because they can be mounted almost anywhere and their installation...
No need to be an electrician to bring new lighting possibilities to your home
When browsing through online inspirations, you likely often come across striking ideas for adding a bit...
4 reasons to choose lighting with light intensity and colour adjustment options
Home lighting is supposed not only to brighten the rooms, but also create a certain ambience. For this...
5 ways to extend lamp life span
Replacing a bulb in a lamp is nothing complicated, but it is usually an unpleasant surprise and an additional...
9 tips to help you keep your outdoor luminaires clean
Outdoor lamps, to a much greater extent than indoor luminaires, attract dirt and then, to make matters...
5 lighting ideas for balcony and terrace
Spring is finally here, isn't it? We can finally enjoy evenings outdoors and their unique atmosphere....
4 signs indicating that a lamp needs to be replaced
If a lamp blinks after being turned on, it is a sign that it may be time to replace the light bulb. What...
4 mistakes that you can avoid when planning façade lighting
The outdoor lighting of a building's, especially the façade, requires almost as much attention as the...
5 lighting ideas to illuminate your garden in spring
The beginning of spring is the time to plan changes in the surroundings of the house and on the balcony...
3 ideas for springtime changes in lighting and light decoration
Spring usually means cleaning and changes in the house and its surroundings. Find out what's worth changing...
Living room lighting - what to consider
How to light a living room? What lamps should you choose for a room that, regardless of its size, fulfills...
What kind of lighting is the best option for a children's room?
Trying to pick lamps for your child's room? Find out what factors you need to consider in order to make...
5 tips on how to plan lighting arrangements for a small flat?
Which lamps do you choose for a small flat? How can you make any room appear bigger using multiple light...
5 things to remember when cleaning your lamps
All light sources need to be kept clean, as this not only affects the way they look and perform, but...
Kanlux iQ-LED LIFE - natural light at your fingertips
Natural sunlight makes our surroundings more comfortable. This kind of light is the healthiest light...
Four ways to lower your energy bill
Electricity costs more and more, so everyone is looking for ways to reduce energy consumption levels...
How can you use lighting to make getting up in the morning easier?
When the days are shorter and the mornings are gray, it is harder to get out of bed in the morning, isn't...
Key lighting trends for 2022
It is 2022. You have been spending more time at home for two years, which is why the appearance of luminaires,...
What you need to keep in mind when designing lighting in your dining room
When you sit down at a table together with your family, you want the light not only to brighten the space...
How to plan lighting for your kitchen or kitchenette
The less sunshine and warmth there is outside, the more time we spend in our kitchen. Autumn and winter...
4 things to consider when planning your porch lighting
Does shorter and shorter days make you realise you need better lighting of the entrance to your house?...
How to get some more light around the house in autumn?
Autumn is the perfect time to experiment with lighting, either artificial or natural. In the afternoon,...
How to choose the right garage lighting for your household?
A garage is a specific place with multiple purposes, so the lighting in it must meet a variety of requirements....
Bedroom lamps
Bedroom lighting should meet a few basic conditions. The most important include the warm colour of the...
Staircase lighting
The staircase, whether in a residential or office building, is an area that absolutely should be properly...
Hall lighting
Lighting in the hall is often neglected. You spend little time there and rarely care to equip it with...
5 tips to help you choose outdoor lighting
When choosing outdoor lighting for a building, you should take several factors into account - the choice...
Your Home – Your Style Part 3
In the last part of our series Your Home – Your Style, we want to show you ways to decorate interiors...
LED strips - stylish and functional
LED strips are the most "spectacular form of lighting". It allows you to create fancy installations....
Solar lighting. Key advantages and disadvantages
A lamp that doesn't draw power from the mains? Perfect! That is exactly what fixtures with sources powered...
Replaceable-or-non-replaceable-light source–which-fixture-to-choose?
LED lighting, which was initially treated with distrust, has won the market over thanks to its customizability...
Industrial style interior lighting. 5 practical tips
Raw concrete, steel girders and industrial windows - these are the first associations with industrial...
How to choose light bulbs for your home?
How much time do you spend choosing the right bulb? Paradoxically, this is very important. Light, its...
Grill gazebo lighting. 5 tips
Warm spring, summer and early autumn is the time for meetings with friends under the open sky and such...
6 things to look out for when choosing garden lighting
Forced by the pandemic to stay indoors, we have learned to enjoy every moment spent surrounded by nature....
How to choose lighting for your kitchen?
They say that the kitchen is the heart of the house. That is hardly surprising, given that you spend...
The effect of light on human well-being
how does light affect the way we feel, and why should we plan lighting in our homes? Read about it on...
How to choose lighting for the bathroom?
The bathroom usually does not have access to natural light. Therefore, its lighting is extremely important....
Match the sockets and switches to the style of your apartment!
Can electrical installation equipment decorate your apartment? It can now! See how we combined safety...
Lighting trends in 2021
Are your renovating your house or apartment? Or, perhaps, you are looking to change something or freshen...
Do it yourself - installation of LED strips
LED strips are an increasingly popular type of lighting. We often wonder whether it is complicated. We...
Your Home - Your Style part 2
After recent travels round the world, deriving inspirations from nature in arrangement of flats (have...
Remote work – how to make your home office functional
The current situation has forced many companies to send their employees to work from homes. So what is...
Your Home - Your Style Part 1
Have you ever wondered what interior design style is followed by your home? Are you faithful to one style...
How to choose the perfect desk lamp
A desk lamp seems to be a simple thing, but we should pay attention to several things besides its colour,...
Atmospheric home – everybody’s dream! We know how to do it with light...
We would all like our homes to be an atmospheric place where we go back with joy after a hard day of...
Dark places in your garden - 5 ways to light them up! Discover them all
This year's pleasant and snowless winter will certainly make the start of the garden season faster....
Wardrobe in a light style!
We often face the dilemma: "What to wear?", Although the wardrobe is bursting at the seams. Sometimes...
The magic of colors in outdoor lighting. Which frame color and light color should you choose?
What is the color of light, or rather the color temperature of light? Which lamp color will be the best...
Kanlux XLED: classic form, new quality of light
140 years ago, the incandescent light bulb was invented, and with it, the first safe source of light...
Lighting is the main thing! What to pay attention to in-ground lamps.
In-ground fixtures are used to light pavements, alleys, driveways and elements of the so-called landscape...
How to create atmospheric lighting for terraces, balconies and gardens
When decorating a house, let's try to approach it comprehensively from the very beginning, starting with...
Creating space with the help of light (Part 2)
In the first part we shared with you our ideas for interior lighting using lamps such as Kanlux LAURIN...
Creating space with the help of light (Part 1)
In fact, lighting a home is not an easy art at all, we only find this out when we begin to think about...
Ceiling-mounted lamps for home
Just as there is no life without light, there is no home without light. The most common luminaires in...
Ouch... who put the stairs up here?!
Stairs are present in almost every house. They usually lead to a basement or bedroom located on the first...
Bathroom - a beautiful and safe area for home relaxation
The bathroom is our private world. Research shows that on average we spend 3 years of our lives in it....
Kanlux LEDS SET – designer solutions at hand
LED strips - well known and used for years. How many of you have never decided to do it because of difficulties...
