The Lighting Lookbook - Light Sources

Light Sources Overview The right light sources can help enhance any design style. Whether you’re channeling a vintage look with warm, carbon filament bulbs or a cool, contemporary aesthetic with energy efficient LEDs, there are plenty of options to help make your dream design a reality. Let’s take a look at how some of these different light sources match up.

LIGHT SOURCES OVERVIEW

Different light bulbs produce different effects. To save energy, select the most efficient light bulb for the type of lighting you need. An ENERGY STAR速 certified light bulb uses about 75% less energy than a traditional incandescent bulb and lasts at least 6 times longer. Source: www.energystar.gov Incandescent LED

Emitting warm yellow-white light, the classic cast of incandescent bulbs explains their enduring popularity.

Because they are less energy efficient than other sources, they are best suited for task lighting that needs high levels of brightness. Beginning in 2012, the US Energy Independence Act of 2007 requires most incandescent bulbs to produce the same amount of light (lumens) using less wattage (energy).

Halogen Incandescent

Photo: Dan Piassick

Whiter and brighter, halogen incandescent bulbs are about 30% more energy efficient and can last up to 3 times longer than standard incandescent bulbs. They are available in two types: line voltage (120 watt) and low voltage (12 volt).

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Carbon Filament

Xenon Incandescent

Mirroring antique light bulb styles from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, carbon filament bulbs produce a warm, vintage glow. A defined steeple and classic filament make this design perfect for exposed or transparent light fixtures as well as industrial chic spaces.

Producing a white light similar to that of halogens, xenon bulbs operate at lower temperatures and emit more light per watt than standard incandescent bulbs. Their miniature shape allows for compact designs with intense illumination and life ratings comparable to that of fluorescents (up to 20,000 hours). They are popular choices for undercabinet and strip lighting.

LED (Light-Emitting Diode)

ESSENTIAL LED LIGHTING LAYERS

More efficient and longer lasting than any other light source, LEDs are becoming increasingly popular in home applications. While incandescent and compact fluorescent bulbs emit light and heat in all directions, LEDs are “directional� and only emit light in one direction, allowing them to use light and energy more efficiently. LEDs are usually rated for 25,000 to 50,000 hours. Turn to the next chapter for more information on LEDs.

Early Electric LED Bulbs These vintage style LED bulbs mimic the look of early electric bulbs yet possess the modern energy efficiency standards of today.

Screw-In LED Bulbs Because most common household lighting fixtures have Edison bases (also known as screw-in bases), screwin LED bulbs allow you to easily upgrade your existing fixtures with the energy and savings benefits of LEDs.

Right: Calligraphy in silver leaf and polished stainless accents (213-44) by Corbett Lighting. Bottom: Conduit hand-worked iron in old silver (F3816) by Troy Lighting.

Opposite Page: Spellbound pendant in tranquility silver leaf finish with polished stainless accents (165-44) by Corbett Lighting.

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LIGHT SOURCES OVERVIEW

CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lamp) CFLs are small fluorescent bulbs that can be used in most types of lighting fixtures. They are 3 to 4 times more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last 6 to 10 times longer. They have a lifespan around 9,000 hours.

Lighting Measurement Terminology Wattage: The amount of energy consumed by a light source

Fluorescent Fluorescent bulbs can deliver light that is cool and white or warm and bright. They use 1/5 to 1/3 as much electricity as incandescents with comparable lumen ratings and last up to 20 times longer. Note: Fluorescents must be marked as “dimmable� if used with a dimmer.

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Lumens: The amount of light a light source produces. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light Efficacy: The amount of lumens per light Foot candles: The amount of light that reaches a subject

Because fluorescent bulbs contain mercury, it is important to dispose of them properly.

Color Temperature Measured in Kelvin (K), a bulb’s color temperature determines whether its light appears “warm” or “cool.” Lower Kelvin numbers indicate a light that appears more yellow (“warmer”) while higher numbers mean the light is whiter or bluer (“cooler”).

1850K: Candle flame, sunrise or sunset 2700K – 3000K: Warm, soft white.

The color of incandescent bulbs. Good for residential settings 3500K – 4100K: Cool white, neutral, bright white. Good for kitchens and workspaces 5000K – 6500K: Natural sunlight or daylight.

Good for reading

Color Rendering Index (CRI) CRI is the measure of a light source’s ability to illuminate the full range of colors as compared to the standard of natural sunlight. It is measured from 0 to 100, with 100 being that of natural sunlight. A CRI of 90+ is required for an ENERGY STAR rating.

TIP Most ENERGY STAR

qualified bulbs are made to match the color of incandescent bulbs at 2700-3000K.

Opposite Page: Media pendant in multi-leaf and polished stainless finish (208-412). Top: Element in Vienna bronze (206-520). Right: Inertia pendant in silver leaf and crystal (140-47). All by Corbett Lighting W W W. L I TTM A N BRA N D S . C O M

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