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Light Bulbs Buying Guide

Lighting is an important factor in home and work settings. Thankfully, there are numerous types of light bulbs  available, which can accommodate all types of settings and, in some cases, environmental concerns  as well. Read up on light bulb information and other important extras.

Types

Incandescent 

  • This is your typical light bulb and luminaire setup. Halogen lights  also fall under this category.
  • Incandescent lights are inferior in life span and efficacy to other options.
  • A cost-effective choice for lamps.
  • Can endure extremely cold conditions (good for exterior lighting).
  • Halogen lamps waste energy specifically by generating about four times more heat than a standard bulb; they are also a fire hazard.
  • Low-voltage halogen lamps  may be a better choice.

Fluorescent 

  • The most efficient and longest lasting light bulbs.
  • Fluorescent lights use about 1/4 the energy of regular lighting systems.
  • Fluorescent lights with electric ballasts are silent (all fluorescent lights require ballasts).
  • Electric ballasts also prevent the flicker that occurs with magnetic ballasts.
  • Reduce overall cost, energy consumption and maintenance.
  • Compact fluorescent lights,  like the one pictured above, were introduced a few years ago and have increased in popularity as an energy-saving alternative.

High Intensity Discharge Lights (HID)

  • A concentrated light source that allows for good optical control.
  • Higher efficacy and longer life than incandescent lights.
  • An excellent outdoor light--works great in cold temperatures.
  • Produces a small flicker, giving a strobe-like effect.
  • Different types of HID serve many purposes.

More Variety

Black Lights 

  • Make whites glow in the dark and makes glow-in-the-dark toys and decorations glow brightly.
  • Great for teens.

Colored Bulbs 

  • Spruce up your lamp for a party or a themed room.
  • Pink bulbs  will give everything a pleasant rosy glow - great for Valentine's day  or any romantic evening.

Silicone-Dipped Lightbulb 

  • Rainbow spikey silicone-dipped bulbs give the room a playful atmosphere.
  • Other silicone bulbs are shaped like candle flames ; the clear silicone lights up, giving an even glow.

Fiber Optic Lamps 

  • End and side-lit cables produce lots of light.
  • Can direct light linearly.
  • Can change colors.
  • Like those toys you got at the circus, but better.

Long Lasting Light Bulbs

20,000 hour long life light bulbs are crucial for your home. Save time and hassle by installing these light bulbs and not having to worry about changing them for over 2 1/2 years. These light bulbs are offered in various types:

Light It Up!

Now that you've chosen your bulbs, here are some stylish light switches  and fixtures  to use them with. And remember, there are always alternatives such as candles  to give you a tranquil, softer set of lighting.

Tiffany Lamp 

Ok, so it doesn't have to be the real thing--it can just be a copy or a lamp in the Tiffany style. It will add lots of color and fun to your home and can be a great conversation piece.

Light Switch 

You have lots of flexibility when it comes to choosing a light switch. You can choose a modern one for your room or a fun one with a print to complement a theme or wallpaper.

Floor Lamp 

This is great for lighting up an entire room, and many designs are small enough to be placed in a corner and not take up much space.

Hanging Lamp 

If you can accommodate it, a hanging lamp can be bright enough to light up an entire room and add some decoration to your space.

Wall Sconce 

This can provide an elegant look for your room and often features intricate designs.Whether you are looking for outdoor or indoor lighting, you have a variety of options.

Related Guides

Lamps

Indoor Light Fixtures

Full Spectrum Lighting

Low Voltage Halogen Lamps

Compact Fluorescent Lights

External Links

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