Choosing the Best Light Bulbs for Each Area of Your Home

In this brief article brought to you by Mr. Electric, we offer our two cents on selecting the right lighting for your living spaces. If you'd rather consult a certified electrician, then contact Mr. Electric to set up a face-to-face meeting or onsite visit for as soon as possible.

101: Light Bulb Basics

Before we dive into room-by-room recommendations, let’s get familiar with a few key terms:

• 1Lumens: This is a measure of brightness. More lumens = brighter light.
• Watts: Indicates energy use, not brightness. LED bulbs offer high lumens with low watts, for instance.
• Kelvin (K): This measures color temperature. Lower Kelvin numbers (2700K–3000K) emit warm yellowish light while higher numbers (4000K–6500K) give off cooler bluish tones.
• CRI (Color Rendering Index): This index indicates how accurately a light shows true colors. Look for bulbs with a CRI of 80 or above.
• LED (Light Emitting Diode): LED bulbs are the most energy-efficient, long-lasting, and versatile option for most homes.

With that said, let's light up your home the smart way.

Kitchen: Bright and Functional

There's a lot going on in the kitchen, so it's going to need layered lighting for best results. You want a mix of ambient (general), task (countertops, stove), and accent (under cabinets or over islands) lighting.

Cooler tones help keep you alert and make food look more appealing. LED recessed lights, pendant fixtures, and under-cabinet strips work well here. For better control, consider dimmer switches and/or lighting zones.

Living Room: Versatile and Cozy

This space needs lighting that adjusts to different activities. Sometimes you'll be watching TV and relaxing, and other times you'll be playing boardgames or entertaining the family.

Use a combination of floor lamps, table lamps, and overhead fixtures. Dimmable bulbs are great for adjusting ambiance. If you want game- or movie-nights to carry on uninterrupted, then smart lighting with voice-command or smartphone integration is preferred.

Bedroom: Soft and Soothing

In bedrooms, comfort and relaxation are key. You’ll want warm, gentle lighting that helps wind down your day.

Consider bedside table lamps with warm bulbs and low-glare overhead lighting. Smart bulbs work great here, too. They can be set to gradually dim as bedtime approaches or mimic natural sunrise in the morning.

Bathroom: Bright but Flattering

Bathroom lighting must balance utility and aesthetics - especially around mirrors.

Avoid harsh overhead lights. Instead, opt for sconces on either side of mirrors as well as damp-rated ceiling lights. Safety is especially important here; your electrician will make sure your lighting setup meets local code and is moisture-safe.

Home Office: Focus and Clarity

Your workspace demands crisp and clear lighting that reduces eye strain and helps you stay alert. You'll have to strike a balance in brightness and temperature.

Overhead lighting, task lamps, and even ambient backlighting can enhance productivity. Too warm and you’ll feel sleepy; too blue and it may feel sterile.

Outdoor Spaces: Safe and Inviting

Outdoor lighting needs to be practical for safety and security while also enhancing curb appeal.

Install motion-sensing floodlights for security, warm accent lighting for porches, and pathway lights for safety. Work with a certified and insured electrician to ensure weatherproof installation and code compliance.

Make Sure Your Electrical System Is Up to the Challenge

Even the best lighting plan in the world won't shine if your electrical system isn’t up to the task. Outdated wiring, overloaded circuits, or poorly installed fixtures can pose serious safety risks and limit your lighting options.

Leaving the installation to a licensed electrician not only ensures your fixtures are mounted securely and properly but also helps catch underlying issues. The electricians at Mr. Electric have the expertise and experience to handle most electrical repair the first time around.

Call or message Mr. Electric today to get in touch with a courteous representative. Our team is on standby to help today, tonight, tomorrow, or anytime you need.