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Lighting is one of the most impactful elements in interior design—not just for functionality but for shaping the mood and ambiance of a room. With options ranging from incandescent to LED and technical terms like light output and color temperature, finding the perfect lighting solution can feel overwhelming. At ROOM, we aim to simplify this process and empower you to make confident, informed decisions about your lighting.
Here’s a breakdown of light sources, key concepts like lumens and color temperature, and ROOM’s streamlined categories for light output, making it easier than ever to choose the ideal lighting for your space.
How It Works: Traditional bulbs use a filament that emits light when heated by electricity.
Light Quality: Warm and soft, ideal for creating cozy atmospheres.
Efficiency: Least energy-efficient, with much of the energy converted to heat.
Lifespan: Around 1,000 hours or less.
How It Works: A more advanced form of incandescent lighting, halogen bulbs use a tungsten filament encased in a quartz envelope with halogen gas.
Light Quality: Brighter and whiter than traditional incandescent bulbs, but still warmer than LEDs.
Efficiency: Slightly more efficient than incandescent but less so than LEDs.
Lifespan: 2,000–4,000 hours.
How It Works: Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) produce light electronically, eliminating filaments entirely.
Light Quality: Highly customizable, ranging from warm to cool tones, with excellent brightness control.
Efficiency: The most energy-efficient option, using up to 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs.
Lifespan: 15,000–50,000 hours, offering significant long-term savings.
Measured in Lumens (lm): Lumens indicate the total light emitted by a source. A higher lumen count means brighter light.
Energy Use in Watts (W): While watts traditionally signified brightness in incandescent bulbs, modern lighting focuses on lumens for clarity. For example, an 800-lumen LED may use just 8–12W, compared to 60W for an incandescent bulb.
Color temperature describes the warmth or coolness of light:
Warm Light (2700K–3000K): Soft, yellow tones, perfect for cozy living rooms and bedrooms.
Neutral Light (3500K–4100K): Balanced white light, ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and task areas.
Cool Light (5000K–6500K): Bright, daylight-like tones for workspaces and areas requiring high visibility.
To simplify your selection process, ROOM categorizes fixtures into three easy-to-understand lighting types:
Purpose: Creates a soft, welcoming atmosphere without focusing on specific tasks.
Ideal For: Living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas, often in conjunction with other light sources.
Output Range: 200–500 lumens per fixture.
Examples: Wall sconces, table lamps, small pendants.
Purpose: Serves as the primary light source for a room, balancing ambiance with functionality.
Ideal For: Dining tables, kitchen islands, and rooms without additional overhead lighting.
Output Range: 500–1,200 lumens per fixture.
Examples: Chandeliers, flush mounts, larger pendants.
Purpose: Provides focused, high-output lighting for specific tasks like reading, cooking, or office work.
Ideal For: Desks, kitchen countertops, bathroom mirrors, or craft areas.
Output Range: 1,200+ lumens per fixture.
Examples: Desk lamps, focused pendants, under-cabinet lighting.
To make shopping intuitive, every lighting fixture on ROOM’s website is assigned to one of these categories based on its output:
Ambient Lighting: Fixtures for atmosphere, like a 300-lumen wall sconce.
General Lighting: Central light sources, such as a 900-lumen dining chandelier.
Task Lighting: Focused lights, like a 1,500-lumen desk lamp.
Each product description also includes:
Output (Lumens): Exact brightness for informed decisions.
Color Temperature (Kelvin): Warm, neutral, or cool tones.
Recommended Use: Suggestions for placement and functionality in your home.
Determine the function of the space. Is it a relaxing environment, a functional workspace, or a hybrid?
Use ROOM’s categories to select lighting that meets your needs:
Ambient Lighting: For soft, atmospheric light.
General Lighting: For versatile, central illumination.
Task Lighting: For focused, high-intensity light.
Match the color temperature to the room’s purpose:
Warm Light: Cozy and relaxing.
Neutral Light: Balanced and versatile.
Cool Light: Energizing and task-oriented.
ROOM’s thoughtful categorization and detailed product descriptions ensure that selecting the perfect lighting is effortless. Our team is here to guide you, helping you navigate technical details like lumens and Kelvin with ease.
Lighting isn’t just about functionality—it’s about creating moments and enhancing the beauty of your home. Whether you’re designing an inviting living room, a functional workspace, or a statement dining area, ROOM has the perfect solution.
Explore our curated lighting collection online or visit one of our showrooms to discover fixtures that combine style, functionality, and innovation. With ROOM, achieving the perfect lighting for your space is simple, intuitive, and always inspiring.
This editorial is part of The ROOM Discovery Experience™. © ROOM. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.