Bulbs

Bulb, cable

For a halogen lamp or ceiling light, this online lighting store offers a wide range of bulbs and lighting cables. Various types of mounting are available: screw-in bulbs and bayonet bulbs. To save energy, opt for low-energy LED bulbs. With a much longer lifespan than filament bulbs, they ensure perfect luminosity both indoors and outdoors.

Even though LED technology means that bulbs are changed much less frequently, it can be useful to learn more about bulbs in general to choose the right models for good lighting.

Bulbs in detail

Before making the perfect choice, it's essential to know more about these bulbs. Let's start with the LED bulb, the most economical model on the market (up to 90% less than the archaic incandescent bulb). Its average lifespan is also a very attractive selling point, since this type of bulb can last up to 20 years. It doesn't heat up, so it can be placed anywhere (indoors or outdoors). It is available in different wattages: powerful or beaconing. The former is ideal for room lighting. The latter is perfect for creating atmospheric lighting.

The compact fluorescent or low-energy bulb has a long life (up to 12 years) and reduced consumption (80% compared with an incandescent bulb). They light up well and are ideal for living rooms. The only small drawback is its progressive ignition. You'll get full power after a few seconds. So it's not the ideal bulb for a hallway or entrance. This type of bulb cannot be used with a dimmer.

The eco halogen bulb has a life of between 1 and 2 years. It can be used with a dimmer and offers excellent luminosity.

There are also filament bulbs. These have the same appearance as incandescent bulbs, but use LED technology. They add a very contemporary vintage touch.

Choosing the right bulb

There are several criteria to consider before buying a light bulb. Whether LED or halogen, bulbs have different bases. First and foremost, select the right base for your luminaire. It can be screw base (E27, E14), bayonet base (B22) or pin base (GU4, GU5.3, GU6.35 or GU10). The latter type is generally reserved for spotlights.

You'll also need to take into account the wattage (intensity) according to use and the desired ambience. Today, we no longer speak in watts, but in lumens. The equivalent is 1521 lumens for a 100-watt bulb, 1055 lm for a 75-watt bulb, 806 lm for a 60-watt bulb and 230 lm for a 30-watt bulb. The more lumens, the brighter the light.

You'll need to decide whether you prefer cool or warm light. The former is ideal for a kitchen. The latter is perfect for a cosy living room. This color temperature is indicated in Kelvins (k). From 5500 to 6000 k, it's cold light. Between 2700 and 3300 k, it's a warm light with yellow tones. Between (4200/4500 k), light is considered neutral, with a clean white color.

The beam of light is also a point not to be overlooked. The smaller the beam angle (expressed in degrees), the more concentrated the light. An angle of less than 30° provides focused light, ideal for illuminating a work of art, for example. Between 30 and 45°, the angle will illuminate a work surface. Between 45° and 60°, the light will be wider without being intrusive. An angle of over 60° will illuminate an entire room.

The shape of the bulbs can also play an important role. Standard models are teardrop-shaped and fit almost anywhere. Globe bulbs are ideal for decorative fixtures, while flame bulbs are perfect for chandeliers. Capsule bulbs are used for spotlights. Reflector bulbs accentuate luminosity and are ideal for floor lamps.

Finally, you can opt for a connected bulb that you control via your smartphone (switching on, intensity...). If you use a dimmer, you'll need to select a dimmable bulb.