“ONCE YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED REAL LIGHTING, LIFE IS FILLED WITH NEW VALUES” – POUL HENNINGSEN
Advancements in technology have made it easier than ever to create high-quality lighting that enhances every moment, no matter how much or how little natural light is streaming in. Achieving the ideal ambiance and aesthetic begins with selecting the right light source.
Choosing the perfect bulb for your lamp can be challenging, so we’ve put together helpful tips and key considerations to guide you in finding the best light source for your space.
Download a complete US Bulb recommendations guide
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
Halogen:
Good color 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.
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
Light color is often described by “color temperature,” which indicates whether light appears warm (yellowish) or cool (bluish). This temperature is measured in degrees Kelvin (K).
The higher the Kelvin value, the cooler and bluer the light. Lower color temperatures create a warm, inviting atmosphere ideal for relaxing and socializing, while higher temperatures with greater intensity support focus and concentration.
For detailed guidance on selecting the perfect light source for any Louis Poulsen lamp, explore the most current version of our Light Source Guide here
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.