Quick Tips: Lighting

Imagine this scenario: You’re reading at home by lamp light. Suddenly, the light pops and it’s dark. Panic shoots through your veins as you realize… you have to make a trip to the hardware store for a new light bulb. So many options… so many different colors and temperatures and wattage conversions. S.H.I.V.E.R.

I’m here for you. Deep breath. Let’s talk about a few quick tips to keep in your pocket to make buying new bulbs super straight froward!

Here is what you need to know:

• Color Rendering Index (CRI): You want the number to be as close to 100 as possible. 95 is a great CRI. 80 is not great. CRI is just what it sounds like: how the lightbulb will properly display the colors in your room. The lower the number the more grey and lifeless your colors will appear. The higher the number the better the color’s vibrancy.

• Color Temperature: I always shoot for around 2800 Kelvin for overhead general lighting because it’s a nice warm light without being too yellow. You could be totally good to go if you just stick with that! If you want to get really fancy try a warmer light in your lamps or wall sconces for a deep mood light. Laundry rooms or other task oriented space can go cooler to about 3000 K.

• Last is Lumens. Almost every box now has a lumen to old school wattage conversion so it’s very straight forward. Lower numbers produce less light and higher numbers put out more light.