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2771 West 116th Court Westminster, CO 80234
Mon-Fri 07:00 AM - 05:00 PM
2771 West 116th Court Westminster, CO 80234
Mon-Fri 07:00 AM - 05:00 PM
23 May, 2022
Posted by Vittetoe Web Team
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How to Choose Light Bulbs for Each Area of Your Home

Electricity is arguably the most valuable resource we have in our modern society. Without electricity, most of the things we do and rely on on a daily basis wouldn’t be there.

– Teresa and Kevin K.

Lighting for each room

As like most things in our homes, the humble light bulb has come a long way! Whereas before we could pick up a similar watt bulb and expect it to match other bulbs in our room, now we must consider bulb base size, shape, and fixture to ensure the perfect fit. Your lighting isn’t just part of your decor either, it can affect everything from your sleep schedule to visual discomfort and fatigue.

Before you purchase your next bulb, consider these top tips from our professional electricians at Vittetoe Electric.

Determine each room’s function

Before we consider sizes and shape, let’s dive into an important element to think about when choosing your room’s lighting. Certain types of lighting in our home are to serve a specific purpose, and you’ll want to ensure that you’re choosing the best bulb that is up to the task.
You’ll usually find that the lighting function naturally falls into one of these three categories: ambient, task, and accent.

  • General or ambient lighting will provide illumination of the entire room and is considered the room’s ‘natural light’. Its goal is to radiate a comfortable level of brightness without targeting specific areas.

  • Task lighting is a direct lighting source used specifically for certain tasks. This could be reading, cooking, sewing, other intricate work. It’s used to aid visibility to a small area and will be brighter than your ambient lighting. Task lighting is valuable in your home as it illuminates your workspace and reduces eye strain.
  • Accent lighting is used to highlight a particular area, perhaps a painting on the wall or a bookcase. It will typically aim to create a shadow around the object for a dramatic effect.
    Once you understand the different lighting options, then it’s easy to picture where they may be utilized. For example, an ambient and accent lighting mix may best suit your living room, whereas a lower task lighting to light-up your counter tops in your kitchen may help with cooking and baking.

Lumens vs Watts

Wattage is no longer the best way to ascertain which bulb is the best bulb for the job. Whereas watts measure how much electricity a bulb needs to be powered, lumens measure brightness and how much light comes from the bulb.

  • 100W = around 1600 lumens LED
  • 75W bulb = around 1100 lumens LED
  • 60W bulb = around 800 lumens LED
  • 40W bulb = around 450 lumens LED

The fixtures in your home will have a rating for the maximum watts they are capable of safely handling, and if you’re unsure, a professional electrician can offer further advice.

Checking your bulb base size and shape

Light bulbs come in a variety of sizes and shapes, depending on where you’re using them. The standard light bulb used in U.S. households is an A19 bulb with E26 base. They work well in various household fixtures, including hall lighting, ceiling fans, and more.

Color temperature
Color temperature refers to a bulb’s color rating, which is measured on the Kelvin scale (K). No matter what space you’re lighting, it’s important to balance warm and cool temperatures. You’ll usually find warmer temperatures in bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms because of their calming and inviting properties. Whereas cooler color temperatures are often used to enhance concentration, perhaps in a kitchen or for a work environment.

  • 2700 – 2800K: Warm, yellow light
  • 3000 – 3200K: Still slightly yellow, warm light
  • 3500 – 4000K: A neutral, bright white light
  • 5000 – 6500K: A slightly bluish, bright white light


Do you have questions about the best lighting for your home? Our expert service team can help you find the perfect bulb for your space. Contact us today for a no-hassle, friendly conversation about your needs.

  • Lighting Installation
  • Pool/Spa Lighting
  • Electrical Panel Replacement
  • LED Lighting
  • Commercial Service
  • Outdoor Lighting
  • Dimmer Lighting
  • Home Wiring
  • Electrical Troubleshooting & Repairs
  • Wiring Replacement
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Always Hire a Professionals

No matter urgent any electrical repairs seem, it’s never okay to attempt to handle them on your own. Trying to take care of electrical problems without professional training is extremely dangerous. If you or someone else aren’t hurt during your attempt, there’s still a chance that you’ve left something undone that poses a huge risk to you, your home, or your family. In fact, faulty electrical wiring is the number one cause of house fires in the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Agency. So in order to make sure that your home is safe, rely on a professional for any electrical services.

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