Lighting Phase|Step 20 of 27
Upgrade Light Bulbs
Better bulbs improve how you look in the mirror. One of the easiest bathroom upgrades.
Time Required
5-10 minutes
Cost
$10-40
Difficulty
Very Easy
💡 Light Bulb Selector
Find the perfect bulbs for your bathroom
Understanding Light Bulb Specs
Color Temperature (Kelvin)
How warm or cool the light appears.
- 2700K: Warm, yellow tone. Cozy but can look dull.
- 3000K: Warm white. Good balance for bathrooms.
- 4000K: Neutral white. Bright and clear.
- 5000K+: Daylight. Very bright, can be harsh.
CRI (Color Rendering Index)
How accurately colors appear under the light. Scale of 0-100.
- 80 CRI: Standard - acceptable for most uses
- 90+ CRI: High - recommended for bathrooms and makeup
- 95+ CRI: Excellent - colors look most natural
Lumens (Brightness)
How much light the bulb produces. Higher = brighter.
- 450 lumens: Equivalent to 40W incandescent
- 800 lumens: Equivalent to 60W incandescent
- 1100 lumens: Equivalent to 75W incandescent
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Too Cool (5000K+)
Makes skin look pale and highlights imperfections. Save daylight bulbs for garages.
Mixing Color Temperatures
Different bulbs with different Kelvin ratings looks uneven. Match all bulbs in a fixture.
Too Dim
Bathrooms need good light for grooming. Don't skimp on lumens.
Pro Tips
- •Buy extras: Get the same batch/brand for all fixtures so they match perfectly.
- •Check base type: Most use E26 (standard) but some fixtures need E12 (candelabra) or GU10.
- •Consider smart bulbs: Adjustable color temp lets you change mood and brightness.
- •Read the dimmer label: Not all LED bulbs work with all dimmers. Check compatibility.