Lighting Phase|Step 13 of 23
Upgrade to Warm LED Bulbs
The cheapest lighting upgrade with the biggest impact. Wrong bulbs make everything look harsh. Right bulbs make your home feel like a magazine.
Time Required
15-30 minutes
Cost
$3-$8 per bulb
Difficulty
Easy
Understanding Color Temperature
2700K - Soft/Warm White
RecommendedLike incandescent. Cozy, golden, relaxing. Perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, anywhere you relax.
3000K - Warm White
Slightly crisper than 2700K. Still warm. Good for kitchens, bathrooms. Works in living rooms too.
4000K - Cool White
Neutral, energizing. Offices, garages, workspaces. Too clinical for living spaces.
5000K+ - Daylight
Blue-white, harsh. Makes skin look bad. Avoid in living areas entirely.
Brightness Guide (Lumens)
- Ambient lighting: 1,500-3,000 lumens total for average living room.
- Table lamps: 400-800 lumens each. Softer glow.
- Floor lamps: 800-1,200 lumens. Depends on purpose.
- Reading lamps: 450-800 lumens for task lighting.
- Accent lights: 200-400 lumens. Mood, not function.
Old reference: 60W incandescent ≈ 800 lumens. 100W ≈ 1,600 lumens.
LED Bulb Types
- A19 (standard): Classic bulb shape. Most common. Works in most fixtures.
- Globe (G25/G40): Round, decorative. Great in exposed fixtures.
- Edison/Vintage: Visible filament. Decorative, lower output. Statement pieces.
- BR30/BR40: Flood lights for recessed cans.
- Candelabra (B/C): Small base (E12). For chandeliers, sconces.
Pro Tips
- •Consistency is key: All bulbs in room same Kelvin. Mixing looks weird.
- •Dimmable bulbs: Worth the extra $1-2. Even without dimmer, they work better.
- •High CRI bulbs (90+): Colors look more accurate. Worth it for living spaces.
- •Replace all at once: Buy a multi-pack. One room, one trip.