How to Pick the Perfect Light Bulb to Complement Your Room

Choosing the right light bulb for the right space can help shed the best light on your room. Proper lighting and the choice of a flattering color will accent your room and make it more visually pleasing for you and everyone who enters it.

Start off by calculating how much wattage you will need to light your room. To do this, multiply the rooms square footage by 1.5. For example, a 200 square foot room will require 300 watts total. This wattage can be covered effectively by using 5 lamps with each lamp using a 60-watt bulb. It is best to use several light bulbs at different heights to create a layered look to ensure all areas of your space receive proper lighting. Too few light sources will leave areas of your room shadowed, while other areas are in the spotlight.

Use tall lamps near a chair or a sofa; they seem to look best when placed behind furniture. For a reading light, try an angled light fixture. Your goal is to have different levels of light sources that will accentuate your space and give a pleasing effect as well as provide you with proper lighting for your needs.

Now it is time to decide on what type of light bulb you want to use in your space. You may have noticed that there are many varieties of light bulbs on the market. Let's define a few of them.

Colored Light Bulbs - Colored light bulbs can be very flattering. For a subtle glow, choose a pink colored light bulb. Pink light bulbs cast off a light that complement most skin tones. A more rose-colored bulb is perfect for a dining room, bedroom, ar any space in your home that needs a softer glow.

Incandescent Light Bulbs - Incandescent light bulbs give off a warm, yellow light that seems to enhance the colors of your room. They are ideal for family gathering areas such as the living room or family room.

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs - Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (also known as CSVs) are an attractive alternative to standard light bulbs. A CSV bulb is energy efficient and typically uses about 75 percent less energy which saves you money. Compact fluorescent light bulbs come in compact shapes and work best in kitchens and office spaces, places where brighter lighting is most important.

With the proper amount of lighting, some attractive light fixtures, and the proper choice of a light bulb, you can use lighting as a simple and easy accessory to your home to truly bring out it's warmth and eye-appeal.