In any given space, you might have varying degrees of color temperaturean approach that canadd warmthand dimension.

They are less energy efficient than CFL and LED bulb types and heat up while theyre in use.

LED:These long-lasting bulbs are energy efficient and offered in a variety of color temperatures.

Living room with soft white light and bedroom with warm white light

Credit:(L)Kwanchai_Khammuean/ Getty Images, (R) Oleg Breslavtsev / Getty Images

Theyre ideal for use throughout the home.

Incandescent lightbulbs were banned in the United States in 2023 because they use too much energy.

But, it’s possible for you to still buy appliances lamps for the oven and microwave.

coral entryway with blue lamp

Credit:Carson Downing

Kelvin Rating

Kelvins play an integral part insetting the right atmospherefor any given space within your home.

As you move from lower to higher Kelvin ratings, the color temperature changes to create different color light.

<2000K-2600K (Warm White):This creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Bedroom nightstand cart

Credit:Cameron Sadeghpour

Most lightbulbs within the home are likely to fall within this range.

A Kelvin rating over 5000 is best suited for industrial spaces and other non-residential areas.

A higher-wattage lightbulb uses more energy than a lower-wattage variety.

Bulb to Watt Lumen Comparison

Cameron Sadeghpour

How Much Light Do You Need Per Room?

How the room is used affects how much light is needed.

Kitchens and bathrooms are spaces where the most light is typically needed.

Hallways fall on the other end of the scale, whereas dining rooms are somewhere in the middle.

Use this guide for finding the right light temperature and lumens for each room: