Light Source Buying Guide
As Poul Henningsen said, “Once you have experienced real lighting, life is filled with new values”.
Today’s lamps make it easier than ever before to achieve real lighting, making life more beautiful at any moment, no matter how much or little natural light is streaming in. The key to getting the optimal ambience and aesthetic is choosing the right light source if your lamp does not come with built in LED.
However, finding the right lightbulb for your lamp can be difficult, so we’ve compiled some tips and important things to be aware of when choosing a light source.
You can also find our recommended lightsources for your lamp in this overview.
Know your socket
The socket type of your lamp determines which bulbs are compatible. Common types include E26 (standard in the US), E27 (standard in Europe), GU10 (used in spotlights), and others.
Each socket has specific dimensions and electrical specifications that match certain bulbs. For example, E26 and E27 sockets support a variety of bulbs, including halogen, incandescent, energy-saving, and LED options. GU10 sockets are typically used with halogen or LED spotlights, ideal for focused lighting.
Understanding your lamp's socket type ensures compatibility, optimizing energy efficiency, light quality, and overall aesthetic appeal. You will find this information on the product page under "product details"and in the mounting instructions of your new lamp.
Note: Your lamp may already come with a built-in LED. In this case, no additional light source is needed. If your lamp isn't lighting up as expected, you can contact our customer service for assistance with replacing the LED.
Choose Your Bulb Type
Selecting the right bulb type is important when creating the perfect ambiance and functionality in your space. Whether you prefer the warmth of halogen, the energy efficiency of LEDs, or the eco-friendliness of energy-saving bulbs. Explore the options below to find the ideal bulb that enhances both the aesthetic appeal and practicality of your lighting setup.
Halogen:
Good colour rendering, dimmable and energy-saving compared with incandescent.
Energy-saving:
Energy-saving lightbulbs have poorer colour rendering properties than halogen and incandescent bulbs. On the upside, these lightbulbs use less energy than halogen and incandescent bulbs.
LED:
Many new LED lightbulbs deliver good colour rendering and are also dimmable. LED lightbulbs have a very long life and use very little energy compared to halogen and incandescent light sources.
Important Note on Halogen Bulbs:
To ensure fixture longevity, use halogen bulbs with wattage equivalent to the original incandescent bulb. For instance, if your fixture states 'max. 60W GLS' (incandescent), use a halogen bulb not exceeding 42W. Opt for a lower wattage and ensure the bulb fits properly to manage heat effectively and prevent damage to paint and materials.
Choose the Brightness
Understanding lumens is important when selecting a light bulb to achieve the desired level of brightness. Lumens measure the amount of light emitted by a bulb—higher lumens mean brighter light. Here's a practical guide:
For areas where detailed tasks like reading or cooking are performed, opt for bulbs with higher lumen outputs (e.g., 450-800 lumens for a bedside lamp or 1,500 lumens for a kitchen counter).
For general illumination in living rooms or bedrooms, consider bulbs with moderate lumen levels (e.g., 800-1,500 lumens).
To highlight specific features or create a focal point, use bulbs with lower lumen outputs (e.g., 100-500 lumens for accent lights).
Choose Your Desired Ambience or Activity
The colour characteristics of light are often described in terms of what is called “colour temperature” – usually either warm (yellowish) or cool (bluish), with the temperature measured in degrees of Kelvin (K).
The higher the number, the cooler the light.
Low colour temperature is best for recreational activities and socialising. High colour temperature and intensity are best for concentration.
"Islands of light" concept
Now you have found the right light source for you'r lamp, and you'r ambiance. Now it is time to think of the room as a whole. Islands or rooms of light are e.g. hanging a pendant low above the dining table, placing a floor lamp next to the armchair for reading a book, a table lamp on the window sill or on a chest of drawers or a book case – all these little light islands create the pleasant atmosphere that we call ‘hygge’ in Denmark.
You frequently see this more widespread in Scandinavian countries where inhabitants are used to coping with long, cold and dark winter periods. Fortunately, you do not need to endure a single Scandinavian winter to gain better lighting. To obtain optimal lighting, all you must do is consider the general types of light and advisably use more than one light type in each room.
Frequently asked questions about light sources
What is the difference between lumens and watts?
Lumens measure the brightness of a bulb, while watts indicate its energy consumption. As lighting technology has advanced, wattage (energy use) is no longer the primary indicator of brightness. For example, an LED bulb can produce the same amount of light (lumens) as a higher-wattage incandescent bulb but consumes less energy.
Can I use dimmers with all types of bulbs?
Not all bulbs are dimmable. LED bulbs and some halogen bulbs are compatible with dimmers, but it's essential to check the packaging or product specifications to ensure compatibility. Using non-dimmable bulbs with dimmers can cause flickering or damage to the bulb.
What is the lifespan of LED bulbs compared to halogen and incandescent bulbs?
LED bulbs typically have a much longer lifespan, ranging from 15,000 to 50,000 hours or more, compared to halogen bulbs (2,000 to 5,000 hours) and incandescent bulbs (about 1,000 hours). This longevity makes LED bulbs a cost-effective choice in the long run despite their higher initial purchase price.
Are energy-saving bulbs as bright as traditional incandescent bulbs?
Energy-saving bulbs, such as CFLs and LEDs, can produce the same amount of light (lumens) as traditional incandescent bulbs while using significantly less energy. However, it's essential to check the packaging or product specifications for the lumen output to ensure it meets your lighting needs.