LED, halogen or a traditional bulb? A guide to light sources

Choosing a bulb today means picking from a wide range of technologies, wattages and colour temperatures. Here's a short guide to help you make an informed choice.

LED — energy efficiency first

LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last far longer — up to 25,000 hours of use. It's now the most commonly chosen technology for both home and office.

Halogen — warm, focused light

Halogen bulbs still excel where precise, focused light matters, such as display lighting or over a kitchen worktop — though they use more energy than LEDs.

What to check before you buy

Beyond wattage, check the luminous flux (in lumens), colour temperature (in kelvins) and colour rendering index (CRI) — the higher the CRI, the more accurately the bulb renders colours.

The right bulb can transform how a whole room feels — even without changing the fixture itself.

Ask our advisors

At the Lumen showroom you'll find a full range of light sources — from classic E27 bulbs to specialised LED solutions. We'll help you pick the right one for your fixture.