How well do you know your lumens and Kelvins? To achieve the right lighting, you not only have to choose the right fixture for the right application but the right bulb, too. Clients often come to us with lighting dilemmas such as bulbs burning out too quickly or a fixture not emitting the right amount of light.

When choosing a bulb, consider quality, color, and light output (measured in lumens). If you want a warmer color, for example, Consumer Reports recommends looking for bulbs with a Kelvin temperature of 2700K. You also want to think about the functional purpose of the fixture as well as its location and accessibility.

“Bathrooms do best with diffused light—a mixture of compact fluorescents and halogen bulbs that give off a low contrast and soft lighting. LED bulbs are good for areas where bright, focused light is necessary—like prep areas of the kitchen.”

No matter what fixture or application, always keep these ‘best bulb practices’ in mind:

- Go Commercial: Avoid bulbs from mass market retailers as they are often lower quality. Whether it’s a big brand or a store name, it’s better to spend the extra few dollars to get the higher quality, commercial grade bulb.

- Stay Within the Wattage: Always check the fixture’s specifications to determine the maximum wattage that should be used. Do not buy a bulb that exceeds this wattage – this can shorten the life of the bulb and also create a fire hazard.

- Know Your Line Voltage: Make sure your electrician checks the line for voltage levels and variability in your home. Special rough-service incandescent or xenon bulbs may be required for line voltages that fluctuate and/or are greater than 115 v.

- Bring in the Electrician: Make sure your electrician is informed. Before any new lighting is installed, the electrician should know what type of bulb you are using for each fixture.