LED is short for “light-emitting diode.” How they work differs from that of regular bulbs. Wire filament bulbs turn electricity into heat until that wire glows. It’s a simple method of producing light, but also a costly one since it also consumes energy to generate heat that doesn’t serve a purpose.
LEDs work differently. Electricity hits a microchip inside the bulb and activates small diodes to produce light directly. There’s no excess heat being generated, so the energy consumed every time you switch on a light fixture is used more directly and efficiently.
Incandescent bulbs waste about 90% of their energy making heat¹. That’s why bulbs can be hot to the touch, even after they’re turned off. LED bulbs, on the other hand, convert roughly 90% of their energy into actual light. If you touch an LED that’s been running for hours, it’ll just be slightly warm.
In the simplest terms, electricity runs through semiconductor material inside the LED bulb. That material turns most of the energy into light, not heat. LED chips create the light. They sit on a circuit board that directs electricity where it’s needed.
There’s also a heat sink, an aluminum component that pull the small amount of heat away from the other parts. These inner workings fit into a normal bulb shape, and a plastic lens on top helps spread the light.
LEDs are also directional, which is an important part of their efficiency. Old incandescent bulbs threw light in every direction at once, while LEDs send their light output in one direction. This makes them perfect for desk lamps, under-cabinet strips, or anywhere you need to illuminate a particular surface.
But if you need to brighten a whole room instead, the bulb’s design contains lenses and reflectors to scatter the light wider, similar to a traditional bulb.
The energy savings that come from swapping incandescent bulbs for LEDs are noteworthy. A residential LED uses about 75% less power than an incandescent and emits the same amount of light. You can have five or six light sources running in a room and use less electricity than one old bulb.
You’ll also notice a difference in wattage, or the amount of energy consumed to produce light. If you replace a 60-watt incandescent with a 9-watt LED, the brightness does not change, but the energy consumption will decrease. Your electric bill should reflect that difference every month.
LED bulbs last longer than traditional lights. You may not need to change them for 15 to 20 years if using them a few hours a day. Compare this to incandescent bulbs, which have lifespans measured in months. Not only does this spare you the cost of frequent replacements, but it also helps reduce waste.
Shopping for LEDs can be confusing because the old wattage system won’t apply. You need to look at lumens, the actual measure of brightness. A 100-watt incandescent emits about 1,600 lumens. When replacing an LED, find one with 1,600 lumens. Most packaging includes language like “replaces 60W incandescent” to help with this.
Color temperature is another factor and helps create ambiance. Look for the Kelvin scale rating on lightbulb packaging to find its temperature. Lower numbers (2700K–3000K) provide a warm, slightly yellow light that feels soft and cozy. Higher numbers (5000K or higher) provide a cooler and bluer light that feels brighter.
Color temperature is ultimately a matter of personal preference, but there are some simple guidelines to help you get started. Kitchens and bathrooms can often handle cooler light, especially in spaces where you want to be alert and focused for tasks like preparing food, cleaning, and your hygiene routine. Living rooms and bedrooms feel better with warm light since these are spaces where people expect to unwind and get comfortable.
Then there is the Color Rendering Index (CRI), which measures how accurate colors look under the light. A low-CRI bulb can make everything seem washed out. A red or burgundy couch will look brownish, and houseplants can look gray instead of vibrant green. Higher CRI bulbs, rated at 90 or above, bring out the actual color. Most LED bulbs are rated between 80 and 85, but if you’re investing in your interior design or specifically want to illuminate artwork, look for a CRI of 90 or more.
LEDs can work anywhere, but some places work better than others. Living rooms do well with dimmable LEDs, but make sure they are labelled for this use. Non-dimmable LEDs on a dimmer switch either won’t dim at all or they’ll flicker and buzz. Look for “dim-to-warm” bulbs if you want that nice amber glow when you lower the lights.
The kitchen is an ideal place for LED lighting, especially under-cabinet LED strips. They illuminate counter space so you can see clearly and work safely without making the entire room feel cold or sterile. Regular LEDs work in ceiling fixtures; bulbs up to 5000K provide plenty of light without feeling harsh.
Dining rooms are where you can have some fun. A nice LED pendant or chandelier can create ambiance—and dimmable lighting is essential here. You want a different ambiance for a weeknight dinner versus a dinner party.
Bedrooms also benefit from adjustable lighting, such as table lamps or wall sconces with dimming capabilities that let you read without brightening the whole room. This comes in handy if you share the space with someone who goes to bed earlier.
Outside, LEDs handle weather and temperature changes well, so they’re good for security lighting, landscape lights, and porch fixtures. They turn on instantly, even in cold weather, so they’re great for path lighting and accents.
LED bulbs fit into standard fixtures, so there’s no extra equipment to buy when switching bulb types. Just make sure you know what shape and size lightbulb bases your fixtures accommodate.
Start with the rooms you use most since this is where you’re likely to see the biggest energy savings and differences in lightbulb lifespan. Try to buy the same brand for your whole house as you transition all fixtures to LEDs for a more consistent lightscape. Different manufacturers have slightly different color temperatures, even when they’re labeled the same.
Look for Energy Star certifications and even rebates from your utility company. These bulbs have been tested and vetted for performance, and available rebates help incentivize the switch.
Whether you’re in the midst of a renovation or looking to make some simple home upgrades, Louis Poulsen fixtures are the perfect finishing touch in every room. View our selection online and visit our New York or Miami showroom to see your favorites in person. Find us on Instagram for room styling inspiration.
Sources:
(6 January 2025). Where to Use LED Light Bulbs. Liii&Artman. Retrieved on November 23, 2025, from https://liii-artman.com/where-to-use-led-light-bulbs/