With the extensive collection of LED light bulbs to choose from, it can be difficult and, honestly, a little bit confusing. Follow our LED bulb buying guide to make sure you're finding the right one for you.
1. The Base
Obviously, one of the easiest ways you can begin your search is by having a base. Many existing fixtures around your house will be built to only fit a specific fixture.
Don't worry, if you're making the transformation from incandescent to LEDs, you don't have to change all your fittings. LED bulbs accommodate for the most common (Bayonet and Edison) and unique fixtures.
2. The Colour temperature
The temperature of an LED light bulb refers to the amount of white light it produces. A warm light bulb emits a yellow tone, whereas bright white produces a bluer, intense tone.
Both temperatures are utilised in different ways, depending on the function, decor and size of the room. Below is the guide for different colour temperatures.
3. The lumen rating
Simply defined, a lumen is a name given to describe the light output. Basically, it's your way of knowing how bright a light will be.
LED bulbs are fantastic because, amongst other reasons, they give out more light with less energy. For example, an 8W LED bulb with 820 lumens will give out the same lumens as a 60W incandescent bulb.
You have to decide how bright you would like your room or a specific area to be.
4. Dimmable / non-dimmable
For those that can't decide how bright they want their bulb to be, or their room might have different needs for different brightness levels. Dimmable bulbs could be your lifesaver, or should we say; light-saver?
Bad puns aside, dimmable LED bulbs are a great way to have flexibility in the home.
5. Efficiency
The good news is, LED bulbs are automatically more efficient than older models.
The easiest way to test the efficiency of a light bulb is by comparing the lumens output to the wattage used.
If you have a low wattage but high lumens output, you have a truly efficient bulb. Typically LED bulbs are tonnes more efficient than incandescent.
6. Function
Really take into consideration what the bulb will be used for. Accent lighting in a living room? Overhead counter kitchen lights? Bedroom lamp? Office lighting?
These all require different colour temperatures and aesthetics.
7. Design
What does the interior of your room look like? Vintage? Modern? Industrial? Minimalistic?
Are you searching for a dramatic pendant light? Did you envision festoon string lighting hanging around? LED bulbs allow you to achieve this, whilst remaining efficient.
Once you have all the basics figured out, you can focus on a style. The good news is, with LED lighting you don't have to compromise any style points for practicality.
We hope this LED buying guide helped you with your lighting journey. Click here to shop a wide selection of LED light bulbs