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VALUE-ADD What to Consider When Choosing a Light Bulb Light bulbs come in all shapes, colors, sizes, and powers. Though a bulb might look appealing, its power might not be the best fit for your home. Here are some power indicators you'll find on the packaging. LUMENS are the amount of light emitted from a light bulb. Brighter light translates to more lumens, and dimmer light means fewer lumens. A standard 60-watt incandescent light bulb emits about 800 lumens. KELVINS are the units that refer to the color of the light. Lower numbers on the Kelvin scale produce yellow-tinted light, and higher numbers produce bluer light. The warmest lights fall between 2700K to 3000K. The bluest lights fall between 5000K and 6500K. WATTS are the amount of energy used by the light bulb. The fewer watts a light bulb uses, the less you'll pay to keep it on. THE BULB STATEMENT BASICS ABOUT LIGHT BULBS. Setting the mood, lights play a big role in how your home looks and feels. Whether you're going for bright and airy or dark and elegant, there are several lighting solutions to complement your style. However, what's most important to consider is the light bulb itself, as it can make or break your vision. Keep this info handy for a more illuminating light bulb shopping experience. Common Household Light Bulbs Before scouring the light bulb aisle at the hardware store, know what you're getting into. You're likely to see these picks stocked on the shelves. Incandescent. These classic, warm-glowing, inexpensive bulbs were once the industry standard. While they still have a purpose and place in many homes, they're being phased out, and buyers are opting for longer-lasting alternatives. Light-emitting diode (LED). Versatile and the most popular product for replacing incandescent bulbs, LEDs create little heat, are energy-efficient, and last around 25,000 hours. The downside? Not all LEDs work in enclosed fixtures, so check the package before purchasing. Halogen. Halogen light bulbs are similar to traditional incandescent bulbs but have twice the service life and use less energy. With a whiter color, these lights are regularly used in spotlights and task lighting. Compact fluorescent. Typically found in ceiling and track lighting, these bulbs last ten times longer than incandescent bulbs and use only about a third of the power. However, they contain mercury and take some time to emit full brightness. Vintage & decorative. Decorative light bulbs come in unusual shapes and sizes, and vintage bulbs, often called Edison bulbs, have a glowing filament that gives an old-world appeal. These bulbs make a statement in table lamps, wall sconces, ceiling fans, and pendant lighting. Smart. Suited for fixtures that aren't connected to wall switches, smart bulbs function like other bulbs but can be controlled via a smartphone or virtual assistant. You can virtually turn your bulbs on and off, set a schedule, and even customize colors. 24