subject: Bathrooms are better with the right light bulbs [print this page] Bathrooms are better with the right light bulbs
Bathrooms are often the place where we fix ourselves up and decide if we look suitable to leave the house. The quality and color temperature of bathroom light bulbs is therefore very important, due to their effect on our perception. Compact fluorescent light bulbs are currently the most optimal energy efficient light bulbs available for bathroom lighting.
Traditionally we have scrutinized ourselves in incandescent light, which has a color temperature around 2700K to 3000K. Compact fluorescents are available in a range of color temperatures from 2700K to 6500K and above, so you will not have trouble finding a suitable light bulb for your bathroom. If you prefer "warm" traditional lighting, 2700K is probably your best bet.
Some people prefer white light rather than the yellow of incandescents, and in that case 4000K color temperature and up would be best. If you like daylight, a color temperature of 6500K provides light very similar to the sun; bright white with a tinge of blue. Daylight compact fluorescent light bulbs are especially useful in bathrooms that do not have windows, as the sunlight emulation provides comforting light.
LED light bulbs are another good choice if you prefer whiter light; they have extremely long life compared to incandescent light bulbs and compact fluorescents. In addition to their long life, LEDs are as energy efficient as compact fluorescent light bulbs, if not a little more efficient! The only problem is their cost. One LED light bulb can cost as many as several compact fluorescent light bulbs, and their light spread is not as wide. Prices will eventually come down, but for now LED light bulbs are out of reach of the average consumer.
