How to Choose the Right Light Globe

How to Choose the Right Light Globe
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How to Choose the Right Light Globe

Are you getting new light globes? Finding the right light globe for your light fitting is as easy as 4 simple steps. 

1. Type of Globe

The first step to getting the right globe is to identify the globe type. There are a couple of ways to do this:

  • Check the base of the old globe and compare it with the pictures above. If you have a match, you are done!
  • Check the globe socket on the light fitting. There should be a fine print sticker that shows the name of the globe type. If you have a match with the above pictures, you are done!
  • Check the product packaging or manual. The globe type is usually stated in the specifications section.
  • If you still have trouble finding out the globe type, simply contact us here and we will help you out.

2. Globe Colour Temperature

Colour Temperature Scale

Once you have identified the right globe type, the next step is to decide the colour temperature of the globe based on your own preference. Colour temperature is essentially the coolness or warmness of the globe when it’s switched on. Colour temperature is measured in degrees Kelvin (K) and the number indicates the warmness/coolness of the globe:

  • The higher the colour temperature, the cooler the colour produced by the globe.
  • The lower the colour temperature, the warmer the colour produced by the globe.

Expert tips – Cool white is excellent for work and task areas such as home offices, laundries and garages. For all other areas, warm white is our preferred colour temperature as they are naturally more comfortable and pleasing to the human eyes. Read here to further explore the science behind lighting, productivity and sleep.

3. Globe Technology

There are currently four main types of globe technologies in the market: LEDs, CFL, Halogen or Carbon Filament. Here’s a brief summary of each type of globe technology:


i) LED Globes (Light Emitting Diodes)

LEDs are the future of lighting technology for 4 main reasons –

  • Excellent energy efficiency – LEDs use approximately 85% less energy than halogen globes
  • Longest life span – LEDs last on average around 25,000 hours, or around 10 times longer than halogen globes
  • Excellent performance – LEDs maintain its performance output very well and runs at a much lower temperature than CFLs and halogen
  • 3 year warranty

LEDs are more expensive up-front, but its benefits and energy savings far outweigh the initial investment. They are an excellent option to upgrade your traditional halogen or CFL globes around your house and this can be done without an electrician. Click here to go to the LED globe range.

ii) CFL Globes (Compact Fluorescent Lighting)

CFLs are a newer, compact form of fluorescent lighting. CFLs have the following characteristics –

  • Good energy efficiency – CFLs use approximately 70% less energy than halogen globes
  • Long life span – CFLs last on average 8000 – 15,000 hours
  • Non-dimmable

CFL has recently been overtaken by LED technology in every aspect of performance. However, CFL is still a good cost effective energy saving solution for those looking for a lower up-front cost. Click here to go to the CFL globes range.

iii) Halogen Globes

Halogen is an outdated technology that is no longer produced by many lighting manufacturers. In comparison to LEDs, halogen globes are significantly less energy efficient, have much shorter lifespan and highly prone to overheating.

iv) Carbon Filament Globes

As its name suggests, decorative carbon filament globes are for decorative purposes. Carbon filament globes are reminiscent of the days of incandescent globes. Their low energy efficient and short life span is compensated by its stunning looks.

With this in mind, lighting designers have come up with a new solution: LED carbon filament style globe. These LED carbon filament style globes replicate the glowing design of the internal element without the downfall of poor energy efficiency and short run life. These LED carbon filament style globes achieve both form and function. They are excellent as decorative lights and at the same time serve its main purpose to provide good lighting for the room. Click here to go to the carbon filament globes collection.

4. Brightness Level

The last step is deciding the brightness level of your globe. Please check the maximum wattage of the light fitting, ensuring you don’t go over the maximum limit then use the chart below to estimate the ideal light output level.

Brightness & Light Intensity

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