Q&A for How to Choose the Perfect Light Bulb for Your Lighting Fixture

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How do you balance lighting in a room?

Kathryn Cherne
Interior Designer
Kathryn Cherne is an Interior Designer and the Co-Founder of Design Inside, an interior design firm in Chicago, Illinois. With over 15 years of experience, Kathryn specializes in designing, remodeling, and decorating spaces. Kathryn holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from the Harrington College of Design. Kathryn uses her background in Psychology and Interior Design to ensure her design spaces are unique, beautiful, and functional.

Kathryn Cherne

Interior Designer

Expert Answer

Keep your lights at eye level—it makes you feel more comfortable. If you only have overhead lighting, it can make you feel more monitored. The way you illuminate a room really impacts your sense of control or agency in that space.

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Is it safe to change incandescent bulbs to LED bulbs?

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Absolutely. Not only is it safe, it's more energy efficient and cost effective. Just make sure you check the "wattage equivalent" on a box of bulbs and match this number to your fixture's maximum wattage to avoid overheating or electrical problems.

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I have two lamps that turn two clicks before it turns on. What type of bulb should be used for this type of lamp?

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The double-clicking feature on certain lamps doesn't have anything to do with the bulb. You can use any bulb that matches the voltage and maximum wattage of the lamp.

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Do UV lights pose any health risks?

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Yes. Overexposure to UV light can burn skin. It also increases your risk factors for skin cancer and certain carcinomas. You're better off sticking to non-UV bulbs.

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How do I know the maximum wattage I should use for a light bulb fixture on my ceiling?

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If there was a bulb in the fixture before that was working perfectly fine, you can safely assume that the wattage listed on the bulb is the max wattage of the ceiling light (it may actually be higher, but it's not worth gambling on it). If you don't have an old bulb in there, look on the inside of the base for a sticker or embossed letters that list the maximum wattage.

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What is the best type of bulb to use in a Tiffany lamp?

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You can use any bulb, but a brighter LED or CFL (around 1000 lumens or higher) is a great option. Any bulb that produces 800 lumens or fewer won't do a great job at lighting up the darker stained glass panels.

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What does CA9 and CA10 mean on a light bulb?

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These numbers refer to either the bulb size or the size of the base. CA is short for candle, so this is likely a smaller candle-shaped bulb. These codes can be kind of confusing though, since they can refer to the size of the bulb or the diameter of the base. You're better off measuring the opening on the fixture or taking the old bulb with you when you go to buy a new one to make sure you get the right kind of bulb.

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How can I tell what wattage bulb I need?

Community Answer

Usually there is a sticker somewhere on the fixture that tells you the maximum wattage you can use with the fixture (a lower wattage is always okay). If not, ask an electrician.

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Question

Is it OK to put 12V light bulbs instead of 120V?

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If the source voltage is 120V AC and you use a 12V DC light bulb, you will see a light show for about 10 milliseconds. Alternatively, the bulb will explode. Light bulbs must be matched to their source voltages.

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Question

Is it better to have the equivalent of a 40-watt bulb in a living room or bedroom rather than a 60-watt LED bulb?

Carol Lu

Community Answer

It depends on the brightness you need and the space of your living room. Generally 40 watts is enough, and you can choose warm white for the color.

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What are suitable bulbs for an enclosed globe on a ceiling fan light?

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Incandescent will work best. Try to use light savers if they are available.

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I have a free standing lamp and table lamps that can be turned three times for different brightness. What type of bulb do I have to get?

Community Answer

Any bulb that fits the socket. I am pretty sure that there is no need for a special bulb, because the different lighting settings happen because of how much power is being given to the bulb.

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How do I choose wattage for light bulbs?

Community Answer

To chose a light bulb wattage, it is best to look on the lamp itself to see what wattage it suggests. If it does not have a label, consider the type of lamp you wish to light. If it is a desk lamp, no more than 40 watts will be fine, but if it is a standing lamp or outdoor, the wattage may be higher..

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How many watts do I need for proper lighting?

Ivokaza

Community Answer

It really depends on the lighting fixture, size of the room, type of bulbs, etc. For example, if you use standard incandescent bulbs, you will need 100w for 10 square. meters of room.

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I'm unable to find the right size of halogen bulb to replace in my pendant light. There's so many to choose from. Any suggestions? Brand and size?

Ivokaza

Community Answer

Without seeing the pendant, it would be hard to answer. Usually there is a label on the inner side of the socket mounted to the ceiling where the info about the bulbs is clearly stated. If you are able to take a look there, you will find the required bulb size.

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I have purchased the item, New Spherical E27 Garden Lamp Outdoor Lighting Ball Sphere PMMA. Can you advise how it will work without a main power?

Community Answer

Read the instructions/product info, or call the manufacturer, to make sure it doesn't require underground wiring. Otherwise, it may be solar powered.

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