Choosing the right type of lightbulb can have a great impact on the look of the finished light and itÕs performance. At Dusk Lighting weÕre dedicated to helping our customers by providing them with electrical and lighting advice, so weÕve put together a helpful guide to demonstrate the various types of light bulbs and how to choose the right bulb types for your requirements. Different Bulb Types There really are so many different types of light bulb on the market, and they all serve various purposes. ItÕs all about choosing the correct wattage, shape, and fit of the attachment to whichever light fitting or fixture youÕre working with. Picking the correct light will affect the overall performance of the light, so itÕs imperative to get it right! HereÕs an overview of the many light bulb types available:

• Incandescent bulbs - often viewed as the standard light bulb of sorts, the incandescent light bulb uses a filament that is heated with electricity to emit a glow - usually seen in bedrooms and lounges in a ceiling light
• Fluorescent bulbs - long tubes or u-shaped bulbs are filled with mercury vapour that emits UV when in contact with electricity - often used in bathrooms and kitchens
• Halogen bulbs - this type of bulb is similar to the incandescent bulb but use less energy and are often shaped differently LED light bulbs - these bulbs are cool to the touch, energy efficient and the most long-lasting

Lumens and Watts Usually accompanying a light bulb description will be lumens and watts. Lumens basically means the amount of light emitted from a bulb, with more lumens providing a brighter light than low lumens, which will be a dimmer light. Watts equates to the amount of energy a bulb uses. Low wattage will mean that less energy is being used when the light is switched on. LEDÕs have a lower wattage than the standard incandescent light bulb, but they emit the same light output in terms of lumens - Incandescent bulbs - often viewed as the standard light bulb of sorts, the incandescent light bulb uses a filament that is heated with electricity to emit a glow - usually seen in bedrooms and lounges in a ceiling light.

• Fluorescent bulbs - long tubes or u-shaped bulbs are filled with mercury vapour that emits UV when in contact with electricity - often used in bathrooms and kitchens
• Halogen bulbs - this type of bulb is similar to the incandescent bulb but use less energy and are often shaped differently
• LED light bulbs - these bulbs are cool to the touch, energy efficient and the most long-lasting

Decorative Lamps A recent home interiors trend has called for vintage inspired lamp shades with exposed light bulbs. Now, itÕs certainly not to everyoneÕs taste but lighting companies such as Elstead Lighting have taken on the trend fantastically with their range of decorative light bulbs. Not to be hidden away underneath unassuming lamp shades, the Elstead Lighting vintage decorative lamps are available in various shapes, such as candle and Edison lamp and are designed to be on show. All light bulbs from this range give an attractive warm retro filament look that is ideal for pairing with a geometric cage lamp shade. What is the difference between warm or cool tone light bulbs? Each light bulb will give a slight different colour tone, with the most recognised being a cool white or warm white. Some light bulbs also offer a Ôneutral whiteÕ, but itÕs easiest to differentiate between the warm or cool tones.

• Warm white - a warm toned light gives a yellow based look and is a relaxing option suitable for lounge and bedroom lights
• Neutral light - this tone tends to imitate natural light as closely as possible, and is the perfect in-between shade for spaces that get minimal sunlight, such as offices or rooms with small windows
• Cool white - a white based light that often has an artificial look to it, this type of lightbulb is used in retail shop floors, bathrooms and kitchens for itÕs high clarity and brightening effect

LED Lights There are many positives for opting for LED lights, and in recent times theyÕve become the go-to lightbulb option for many people. Our range of LED lights at Dusk Lighting can be fitted in recessed downlights in kitchens and bathrooms, or fitted in outdoor lighting solutions. The range of LED drivers in our lighting accessories department also provide the tools you need to enable dimmable lighting. LetÕs take a look at some of the pros of LED lights:

• Energy efficient - this type of light uses less energy, which is kinder for the environment and your wallet when the time comes to pay the electricity bill
• Long lasting - LED light bulbs have an impressive lifespan, with some studies suggesting that 8 hours usage per day would take approximately 20 years before the bulb would need replacing!
• Highly durable - these lights are built to last and are resistant to many things that the standard light bulb cannot withstand, including shock, vibrations and external impacts - they are also excellent in extremely hot and cold temperatures
• Low-voltage compatibility - LED illumination is viable with a low-voltage power supply, ideal for rural or remote areas
• Environmentally friendly - the materials used in the creation of LED lights are non-toxic and recyclable, unlike many fluorescent light bulbs which may contain harmful chemicals such as mercury
• LED light bulbs are also cooler, with less chance of experiencing burnt fingers or combustion when left on for a long time.

Which light bulb types can be used with outdoor lights? When considering exterior lighting options itÕs important to recognise the difference in conditions that a lightbulb will experience outside as opposed to internally. With vibrations, shocks, rain, snow and even direct sun possibly having an impact on the lifespan of a light, itÕs fair to say that outdoor lights are a specialist area! This is where LED lights come back in as a popular choice for outdoor lighting. Our collection of solar powered lights use responsive LED light bulbs that are dimmable and efficient when installed on exterior walls or bollards. For some garden lighting fixtures, 60 watt E27 (ES) lamps can be used when the light fixture offers protection around the bulb i.e clear glass or plastic casing, such as the Aloria exterior cast aluminium wall light from EGLO. We hope that youÕve taken something away from our guide on how to choose the right light bulb types for your light fitting. Be sure to check the size, wattage and fit to ensure youÕre getting the perfect light bulb for your requirements. Browse our comprehensive selection of light bulbs and lighting accessories here at Dusk Lighting and receive free UK delivery on orders over £39!