What are the best options that exist on the market today in terms of efficiency?
In California, we have been doing eco-friendly lighting for so long that for us it is second nature. We’ve had building codes in place for more than 20 years that require the use of energy-efficient light sources. For all this time the lighting design community has been pushing the manufacturers to create fixtures that are not only energy-efficient but alluring as well.
Many of the less expensive LED (light-emitting diodes) and fluorescent products on the market are not very complimentary to skin tones. For more than a hundred years people have been used to the warm color of incandescent light. As these alternative light sources continue to improve, they are getting closer and closer to the inviting tones that homeowners desire. Homeowners would greatly benefit from understanding the various colors of light that are being offered. This is normally referred to as color temperature(measured in degrees of Kelvin).
Simple rule of thumb is that the higher the color temperature is, the cooler the color of the light that is produced, and the lower color temperature is warmer. One of the drawbacks of LEDs and compact fluorescents has been that they do not become warmer in color when dimmed. People want that. It reminds us of fireplaces and candlelight. LED manufacturers are now beginning to offer bulbs and fixtures in the color temperature of dimmed incandescent, or bulbs and fixtures that actually give the illusion of getting warmer when dimmed.
This effect is created by using both cool-colored and warm-colored diodes within their products that turn off in sequence, so that as the light level is lowered, the illumination becomes more amber. This is a huge step in creating an alternative light source that has the look and feel of incandescent light.
Not all homes have a ceiling fitting in the living room, and if you have lots of natural light during the day, you might not need overhead light at all. But if you have the fitting, a central pendant or chandelier helps to zone the space and create a focus. Similarly, potlights or angled spotlights will create a even layer of overhead lighting. In the absence of any overhead lights, a large, arced floor lamp will do the trick. More at https://www.brandreviewly.com/.
If you watch TV in the living room, choose the surrounding lights carefully to avoid television glare. It can be distracting to have a bright overhead light above or in front of a TV set, so ensure ceiling lights are dimmable, or use offset wall sconces or floor lamps instead.
Choose the Right Bulbs
Your bulb is your light source, so the type of bulb determines what the light will look like. Different bulbs perform differently, and there are four basic types:
Incandescent: These are the traditional bulbs most of us have used for decades, and they’re starting to phase out in favor of more energy-efficient options. They produce a warm, glowing light.
Compact Florescent Bulbs (CFLs): These use 75% less energy than an incandescent bulb. They also last longer. They usually emit a cooler tone, but you can find them in a range of brightness levels and temperatures. It’s worth noting that CFLs do contain mercury, and while the amounts are small, they still require more careful handling and disposal, says National Geographic. More at https://www.brandreviewly.com/the-best-table-lamp-for-your-living-room-a-buyers-guide/.
LEDs: These are just as efficient as CFLs, but they can last up to three times longer. They used to be mostly used for task lighting, because they only provided a harsh, direct light, but like CFLs, they’ve come a long way. They now offer the same look as incandescents, but they’re efficient, they’re less hot to the touch, and they last a long time. For these reasons, they can also be more expensive, but there are utility rebates available.
Halogen: Theese give off a bright, white light, similar to natural daylight. Great for task lighting. They also use 10-20% less energy than an incandescent bulb.
Best lamp for living room and floor lamps help to create a cozy atmosphere in the living room, especially at night. Evenly space these throughout the room, usually toward the walls, to create an even, warm glow that bounces inwards. Think creatively about this type of lighting: groups of candles even fairy lights count.
