Here are a few tips that will save you time and a bit of money when purchasing light bulbs!
1. Try to find bulbs with better than 115/120 V filaments. Some companies sell bulbs than are rated at 130V. These bulbs have stronger filaments and will burn longer.
2.Always buy bulbs that have brass bases. If you look at the typical lamp socket you will notice that it is made of aluminum. Sometimes, you may have noticed that , after using an aluminum based bulb, when you go to replace it (esp. in out door fixtures), the bulb is stuck. you end up with a broken bulb and the base and naked filament stuck in your fixture. Using brass based bulbs will aleviate this problem. The problem with using the aluminum based bulbs is that the base of the bulb and the inside of the socket are made of the same metal. The heat from the lit bulb fuses the metal together. Using Brass against aluminum will solve the problem, and will prolong the life of the bulb significantly, as well. This tip works for halogen, fluorescent and incandescent versions of your needed bulbs.
3.If you are trying to light up a decorative fixture, such as a Tiffany styled table lamp, that has a beautifully crafted shade. Use halogen or fluorescent bulbs to ehance the color of the lampshade.
4.If you have a lamp with a transformer (sometimes they are visible, sometimes hidden) make sure to use low voltage replacement bulbs, as regular voltage bulbs will be dim and may not even light. However, remember that the reverse is true for lamps that do not have transformers. If your lamp (ie: many newer style halogen desk lamps) does not have a transformer, and you install a low voltage bulb, it will not work. As a matter of fact it will blow and could even shatter.
When buying fluorescent bulbs, whether tubes or compacts, check the color rendering and kelvin temperatures. Most bulb manufacturers will have these listed on their packaging. Higher kelvin temperatures create brighter whiter light, thereby rendering color differently. There are specialty bulbs for kitchen and bath, reading, macro-degenerative ailments and the like. I know you just thought you were buying a light bulb, right. Well I am here to tell you that a homeowner using the proper bulb is like a carpenter using the proper tool. One wouldn't use a wrench as a screwdriver, so one shouldn't use the wrong bulb either:-).
FAQ: What Light Bulb Should I Use With My Lamp Or Fixture?
This is probably the most asked question regarding lighting. There is an easy answer and a lot of more in depth ones. First, most lamp manufacturer's test their merchandise so that it can pass muster with UL's (the Underwriters Labratories) product compliance. Then they mark the socket with the wattage and voltage of the bulb that tested best with each product. That's the easy answer. Check the socket or the paperwork that comes with the lamp or fixture for the maufacturer's recommended light bulb.In some cases the manufacturer will even throw in the bulb that they recommend..
Although it is a good thing if the socket is marked, or the manufacturer supplies a light bulb,. remember, this is not the full story. There is more to consider. For instance, is the bulb included the best one to give out the most light for your usage? (Lumens) Will it be the best bulb to save you the most money? Is the bulb "Green" ? ( Will it help save our planet?)
Incandescent bulbs are the most familiar light source. They owe their popularity to their low cost, good color rendering, compact size, wide range of shapes and wattagesand the fact that they are easily dimmed. However they use the most energy, and Congress is constantly passing regulations to curb their usage.
Fluorescent bulbs are much more efficient than incandescent.Therefore they use much less energy for the same lamp output, as much as 80% less. They also last 10-20 times as long as incandescent. With the advent of better color-rendering and new technology, applications of fluorescent in the home and other "people oriented" spaces are increasing rapidly. There are many "compact fluorescents " on the market today that are designed to replace conventional incandescent. Ballast technology is making the bulbs more and more compact for almost every use.
Halogen are a type of incandescent bulb that is filled with a halogen gas. The gas allows the bulb to burn more intensely, therefore utilizing lower wattages, with whiter light and at higher lumen rates. Moreover, the halogen cycle redeposits the evaporized tungsten filament, so that blackening is avoided and output is maintained throughout the life of the bulb. which is often longer than conventional incandescent, thereby saving you money in replacement costs. Therefore, you could use a lower wattage bulb to get the same light output, and a crisper, whiter, light with better color rendering and longer life span, by replacing conventional incandescent bulbs with halogen compatable bulbs. The halogen bulb will cost you more at checkout, but over the life of the bulb will save you considerable money. I recommend these bulbs when you need crisper, whiter light, ie; for reading, or when you want better color rendering, such as in an art glass, "tiffany-style", lamp.
Be aware that some fixtures require low voltage bulbs. These bulbs , generally 12V instead of 120V, have the advantage of smaller filaments, permitting more precise beam control, smaller bulb size, smaller fixture size and whiter, crisper light. These fixtures require transformers, normally a part of the lamp or fixture. Be careful to use the proper voltage bulb with these lamps or fixtures as voltage is not interchangeable. The bulb will either blow out from too much voltage or not work for too little. Lamps and fixtures using low voltage are usually marked. However sometimes the markings wear off or were never there. It's best to make sure before buying low voltage bulbs, because many lamps and fixtures these days are using smaller 120V bulbs that look just like their 12 volt couterparts, due to new technologies that allow for more variation and the non-requirement of a transformer.
The three basic base types are A or regular base bulbs, B or intermediate base bulbs and C or candelabra base bulbs. There are othere base types but these are the main three. If you are searching for an incandescent bulb that is smaller than the regular base size and a tad bit larger than the candelabra size base it is most likely an intermediate based bulb. As I say though, especially when considering halogen, xenon or other bulbs, there are many different base types, for instance in some six-way floor lamps a larger, Mogul base bulb is used. If the base is not marked,or difficult to read as they often are,consult a local lighting expert or email us for assistance.
There are numerous different types of bulbs. Different base types, different glass shapes, different wattages and different voltages. The pictures on this page are just a small sample. If you need assistance in proper bulbing, please find a local lighting store in yiour area (best to bring the fixture, lamp or light in with you), or you can contact us through our "Contact Us" page with the specifications of your fixture, lamp, or light and we will try our best to assist you.
Replacement Shading
There really are no fast and rigid rules regarding replacing lamp shades, in my experience. The shade should reflect the owners taste, and style. It should cover the lamps working hardware, but after that everything else I write here is strictly guidelines for finding a shade that will both look proportional and fit the style of the lamp for which it is purchased.
You don't necessarily have to purchase a replacement shade that matches the one that came woth the lamp perfectly. Feel free to change it up. Like changing the color of paint in a room or changing the fabric of upholstery, changing a lamps shade can add an instant transformation to any lamp. The shade can change the style of the lamp, make the lamp appear larger or smaller, or add a touch of flair or drama to any old lamp.
Having said that, the first thing to take into account is Shape.
The shape of the replacement lampshade should follow the contour of the lamp base. Again, it doesn't have to, but it will "fit" better if it does. For example, if the base is square and blocky, then go with a square style shade. If the lamp has curves or round aspects to it, go with a more round style.
Also take into accountplacement of the lamp, when choosing your shape for a replacement shade. For instance, sometimes the placement of the lamp is restricted by limited space or proximity to a wall or other obstacle. In this instance choose an oblong style shade such as a rectangle or oval style.
Shades also come in various shapes that affect style. Fluted shades reflect elegance, refined or traditional. Pleats are more casual in appearance. Scallops intimate ralaxed graciousness, and are wonderful on bedroom lamps.Bell and coolie style shades are very adaptable and will fit in different decors.
Next up Color and Fabric. (COMING SOON)
