Which bulbs should I use?
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Daily Life : Simple Life)
Simple House,
Lighting,
6 Which bulbs should I use?
By this point, you no doubt know that Cl'Ls (compact fluorescent lightbulbs) last about six times longer than.incandescents and use 75 percent less energy, saving about $40 over a bulb's lifetime. That said, the glow they cast isn't necessarily for aesthetes. Here are four bulbs that interior designers swear by.
Silver bowl
A metallic finish on the top half of the bulb soft¬ens the light. A great solution for overheads with exposed bulbs, especially if there isn't a dimmer. (Haleo clear silver-bowl globe, $3,1000bulbs.com.)
Soft pink
Emits a gorgeous, rosy glow. Perfect for mood lighting in the living room, the dining room, or a bedroom. Once you switch, you'll never go back. (Sylvania soft pink bulbs, $5.50 for two, hardwarestore.com.)
Round candelabra
Try these in a modern chandelier. Or, for a surprise, swap them in for the flame-shaped bulbs in a traditional chandelier. (GE crystal-clear globe light bulbs, $4 for four, home depot.com.)
Edison
Inspired by Thomas Edison's original design, it has a visible filament and a rustic glow. Pricey and low-wattage, it's worthwhile only in lamps where the bu I b is exposed. (Tri pie-loop bulb, $25, rejuvenation.com.)
7 What's the deal with dimmers?
They're your best friend when it comes to illumination, because they let you effortlessly adjust the
feel of a room for mood or activity. Changing from switches to dimmers is a quickie job for an electrician, and it's fairly easy to do yourself. For a demo, go to video. about. com and type "install a dimmer switch." A tip: Dimmers are not just for overheads. You can put a lamp on a dimmer or even opt to have the whole room's "light scape"---ceiling, table, and floor lamps-all on a single dimmer switch. Dimmers also save energy and extend the lives of bulbs.
8 Where should I shop for lamps and fixtures?
CIRCALIGHTING.COM
Upscale but not over-the-top, this site features a well-edited selection of classic fixtures from designers such as Thomas O'Brien, Alexis Hampton, Barbara Barry, and Ralph Lauren.
HOME GOODS
A great place to score affordable traditional-style one-off lamps (you might even find a matching pair).
IKEA
Very inexpensive, mostly modern lighting that looks far pricier than it is.
LAMPsPLUS.COM You'll find an extensive, well-priced election of lamps and mounted fixtures in every style.
A bit of a time commitment to browse through, but worth it.
URBAN ELECTRIC CO.COM
Best known for its retro hand blown glass pendants. If you're looking for a showstopper for your entryway, this is the place. Also sells vintage bulbs.