Bulbs 101: Part 2
Beau Wynja
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How to Choose a Light Bulb: LED vs INCANDESCENT vs CFL
Watt’s the Difference?
Each type of light bulb creates light in a different way, providing unique illumination, distinct energy consumption, and different longevity. Check out a brief description of how each light bulb creates light and what pros and cons you can expect from bulb performance.
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LED: Light-emitting-diode (LED) light bulb option is a semiconductor device that emits visible light when an electric current passes through it. INCANDESCENT: This type of bulb is an electric light with a wire filament heated to a high temperature, by passing an electric current through it, until it glows with visible light otherwise known as incandescence.
CFL: Compact fluorescent light bulbs are a low pressure mercury-vapor gas-discharge lamp that use fluorescence to produce visible light. An electric current in the gas excites mercury vapor which produces short-wave ultraviolet light that then causes a phosphor coating on the inside of the lamp to glow.
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So how to choose a light bulb for your needs?
Explore this guide from the Color Cord crew to learn more!
Light Bulb Performance
As you can see from the chart below, a lot goes into how to choose a light bulb. Is the initial cost more important to you? Then you should be looking at compact fluorescent light bulb options to save money right away. Are you more interested in saving energy and money in the long term? LED light bulbs may cost more at first, but they have triple the lifespan and half the CO2 emissions.
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Bulb Shape
How you choose a light bulb is about a lot more than just performance! We know that you’re updating your light fixture for aesthetics too.
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Color Cord offers a ton of different shapes for light bulbs other than just your basic globe design. Explore our most popular configurations, including the Volta (G30), Joule (A19), Edison (ST19), and Tesla (T14) shapes. Shop All Light Bulbs |
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Why Consider the Light Bulb’s Shape?If you love an exposed light bulb, shape definitely matters! The shape of your light bulb also matters when you’re adding a transparent glass globe shade over it. Consider how an elongated Tesla bulb will look when you install it onto a multi-port beam chandelier. Or maybe you love the way a classic candelabra bulb looks on the Junction double wall sconces. Whatever shape or design you like from your light bulbs, you can see how it looks with compatible fixtures when you build a fixture from the ground up in our customizable light fixture selection. |
Bulb Tint
Once you’re done exploring your light bulb options, you need to next think about bulb tint! The color of the glass is going to play a major role in the look of your bulb. The bulb tint also affects the color of the light, with amber shades creating warmer light and clear options making a slightly cooler light color.
These are the bulb tints we offer in our selection. We hope to make it easy to learn how to choose a light bulb with visual guidance and expert advice.
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Clear Glass |
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Clear glass bulbs are great for getting bright light with maximum diffusion. They provide a clean, sophisticated look. |
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Amber Glass |
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Amber glass bulbs offer similar benefits to clear glass with most of the light getting through, but they have a slightly warmer temperature and a vintage feel. |
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Milk Glass |
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Milk glass bulbs offer a stunning diffused glow. This light bulb option is great if you want to recreate a midcentury modern inspired lighting look. |
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Mirrored Glass |
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Mirrored bulbs provide directional light upwards, great for achieving a soft worklight when paired with a shade or adding a unique decorative look for secondary lighting. |
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Now that you know a little bit more about how to choose a light bulb, you’ll have an easier time finding the light bulbs that fit your next project!
Explore our entire light bulb inventory.
BULB-INSPIRATION
Are you still on the hunt for the perfect light bulb? This is how our Instagram friends light up their homes. Check out these chic images that may help you figure out how to choose a light bulb for your space.
Keep it simpleThere’s something so elegant and sophisticated about minimalist lighting design. If you love contemporary lighting elements in neutral hues, these Instagram inspo pics are for you.
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Get creativeAre you hoping to infuse a bit of DIY charm or part of your unique personality into your light fixture? These Instagram creators have ideas that you can easily transform to make them your own!
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Are you seeing how each one of the light bulb styles are transforming these spaces?
Is there something a bulb can't do?
For even more inspiration, follow @colorcord on Instagram.
Reach Out for Help
If you have any questions about how to choose a light bulb, check out our previous posts for additional guidance. Start at the beginning with Bulbs 101 Part 1 before moving on to our blog about Lumens and Color Temperature to find out how much lighting you actually need for your space.
Still feeling a little lost in the dark? Our team is free to chat online or by phone. Reach out to us today for personalized guidance.
