The sun set before 8pm last night. Cue the sad violin. Usually the idea of our days getting shorter makes me sad, but then I remember it means cozy lamp season is just on the horizon. It doesn’t seem so bad in that regard, ya know?
I’ve been asked this seemingly random question many times in my DMs on Instagram before and figured now was the perfect time to answer: “What light bulb should I use?”
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Related: See my 4 Best Flame Light Bulbs test here.
It’s mind boggling how something that seems so small and insignificant can make or break a room.
I mean, what sort of light do you usually envision for a hospital room? Probably bright white and sterile. Then what sort of light do you think of for a romantic restaurant? Probably warm and dim. Right?
That’s because the type of light bulbs you use changes EVERYTHING about how you feel in your home. It plays with our subconscious; it sets a mood; it makes a space function in a way that’s intentional. Lighting is everything!
Spoiler alert: These are the absolute best light bulbs that I use pretty much everywhere. The color is adjustable, they’re dimmable, and the price of around $3 per bulb is awesome.
Setting the Mood with Light Bulb Changes
Check out this meeting room makeover we did for a local women’s shelter. Before, it felt sterile with 5000K daylight bulbs.
Because this was a space used for counseling where it was important for the women to feel comforted, we used 3000K soft white light bulbs. The end result gave the space a “coffee shop” sort of mood where people could feel more relaxed.
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When it comes to creating the right ambiance in your home, lighting is key. The right light bulb can make a room feel cozy, vibrant, or even more spacious. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the perfect light bulb for each space?
Here are some tips to make the best lighting choices for every room.
Related: Budget Friendly DIY Home Media Room Ideas
The Difference Between Lumens, Kelvin, and Watts
Lumens
This measures the brightness of a light bulb. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light.
For example, a 450-lumen bulb is roughly equivalent to a 40-watt incandescent bulb. When choosing bulbs, think about how bright you want each room to be.
A kitchen or home office might need brighter bulbs (around 800-1,100 lumens), while a bedroom or living room might feel more comfortable with softer lighting (around 450-800 lumens).
Related: The Best Wireless Lights from Amazon
Kelvin
Kelvin (K) measures the color temperature of the light. The lower the Kelvin number, the warmer (more yellow or orange) the light; the higher the number, the cooler (more blue or white) the light.
For a cozy, inviting feel in living rooms or bedrooms, aim for bulbs around 2,700-3,000K. For task-oriented spaces like kitchens or bathrooms, a cooler temperature of 3,500-5,000K is best. (Although, personally 5,000 is way too blue for my own liking, so I lean more toward 3500-4000K for task-oriented rooms.)
In the photo below of our media room, we’re using (soft white) 3000K light bulbs to make the room feel cozy.
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But in this photo of our media room below, we’re using (daylight) 5000K light bulbs in the can lights whenever we need more visibility for tasks. I’ve been planning to switch the light bulbs out to 4000K light bulbs because these are a little too blue for my preference.
Related: DIY Light Fixture Made from a Repurposed Sunburst Mirror
Watts
Watts measure the amount of energy a bulb uses. With LED bulbs, wattage is less of a concern since they are more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs.
However, it’s still important to know that a higher wattage will typically mean a brighter light. LED bulbs usually use between 5-15 watts to produce the same light as a 40-100 watt incandescent bulb.
What are the best types of lighting for different areas in the house?
Living Room
Use warm, soft light (2,000-3,000K) to create a cozy atmosphere. Choose dimmable LED bulbs around 800-1,100 lumens for adjustable lighting.
Related: Best Rated Fandeliers + DIY Ceiling Fan Makeover
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Kitchen
Go for bright, functional light with a higher lumen count (1,100-1,600) and cooler color (3,000-4,000K). LED bulbs work best for clear visibility during meal prep.
Related: Cordless DIY Mini Lamp Using a Thrifted Terracotta Vase
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Dining Room
Opt for a warm light (2,700-3,000K) to set a relaxed mood. Dimmable LED bulbs around 800-1,100 lumens in a chandelier or pendant fixture work well.
Related: Inexpensive Designer Dupe Lamps
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Bedroom
Use soft, warm light (2,000-2,700K) with dimmable bulbs to create a relaxing environment. Aim for bulbs in the 450-800 lumen range.
Related: 32 Best Vintage Wall Sconces for All Budgets in Every Room
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Bathroom
Choose bright, clear light (3,000-4,000K) with a brightness of 800-1,100 lumens for grooming tasks, especially in a windowless bathroom. Daylight or cool white LED bulbs provide the best clarity.
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Home Office
Select bright bulbs (4,000-5,000K) that mimic daylight to reduce eye strain. Aim for 800-1,600 lumens with desk lamps and overhead lights.
Related: Home Office Setup Quick Tips to Improve Your Workspace
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Hallways and Entryways
Choose inviting light (2,700-3,000K) with brightness between 450-800 lumens. Opt for energy-efficient LED bulbs to keep costs low.
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Is there a way to tell how much light a room needs?
I discovered this really helpful Omni Calculator to calculate how much light a room needs. The amount of brightness and the number of lights you need depends on the size of the room and how much natural light it gets.
The calculator will suggest the type of light bulb you need for you needs too whether it’s a desk lamp, kitchen ceiling lighting, or a reading lamp in a bedroom.
My Favorite Light Bulb
When in doubt, I usually stick with 3000K light bulbs and choose the lumens based on the brightness I need for the lighting task it will be used for in a room.
These are my go-to light bulbs I use in nearly every single room because I can adjust the color without changing the bulb, they’re dimmable, and the price is a steal.
More Lighting Tips for Your Home
4 Best Flame Light Bulbs for a Gas Lantern Look: Ranked
How to Install a Picture Light Without Hardwiring
The Best Wireless Lights from Amazon
