Lighting can make or break a space. It affects how your paint colors look, how your materials read, and ultimately, how your home feels. At Sage & Soul Interiors, we spend a lot of time perfecting lighting plans — but even the most beautiful fixture can fall flat if the wrong bulb is chosen. We love to help homeowners understand how to choose the right light bulbs for your home.

Here are five things every homeowner should know before selecting light bulbs for their project:

1. Match the Color Temperature to the Mood and Function of the Room

Color temperature is measured in Kelvins (K) and determines whether your light feels warm, neutral, or cool.

1. 2700K–3000K (Warm White): Ideal for cozy, intimate spaces like bedrooms and living rooms.
2. 3000K–3500K (Neutral Warm): Our top pick for kitchens and bathrooms — warm enough to feel inviting, but bright enough for clarity and daily tasks.
3. 4000K+ (Cool White/Daylight): Great for workspaces or utility areas but can feel harsh in a home setting.

When choosing color temperature, think about both mood and function. Warmer light enhances comfort, while slightly cooler light improves visibility for daily routines. We always recommend sampling your bulbs before committing — lighting can look very different once it’s actually in the space!

2. Pay Attention to the Right Details

When shopping for bulbs, there are only a few things that truly matter — and understanding them will help you choose the right one every time:

1. Lumens: Measures brightness. More lumens = brighter light. We typically opt for around 800 lumens as a standard — sometimes more, sometimes less, depending on the setting and what kind of atmosphere you want to create.
2. Filament Color: Impacts the glow — some filaments emit a golden hue, others more neutral. We prefer white filaments so the bulb looks clean and aesthetically pleasing even when the light is off (many are noticeably yellow).
3. LED Selection: Most homes today use LED bulbs for their efficiency, longevity, and color consistency. Not all LEDs are created equal, though — look for dimmable, high-CRI bulbs (90+) that don’t flicker and provide even light distribution. Quality LEDs will last longer, perform better, and help your fixtures look their best.
4. Bulb Socket: Ensure it fits your fixture type (E26, E12, GU10, etc.), and make sure you know how many bulbs your fixture requires for proper light output.
5. Bulb Style: Shapes like A19, G25, or ST64 can change the look and direction of the light. This is a design decision that should align with the style of the fixture, the space, and the mood you’re hoping to achieve.
6. Glass Color: Clear glass creates sparkle, and frosted glass softens and diffuses light. Choose based on your personal preference — whether you love seeing the filament or prefer a softer, more diffused glow.

Whether you’re making small updates, remodeling, or planning your new construction lighting plan, understanding how to choose the right light bulbs for your home makes all the difference with the details that matter. These small details can make a big difference in how your lighting feels and performs.

3. Check the CRI (Color Rendering Index)

CRI measures how accurately a bulb displays color compared to natural daylight. The higher, the better.

1. Aim for 90+ CRI in kitchens, bathrooms, and anywhere you want finishes and materials to appear true to color — like your countertops, tile, or cabinetry.

If you’ve ever noticed your wall color looks completely different at night, this is often the culprit.

4. Layer Your Lighting

A well-designed home balances three layers: ambient, task, and accent lighting.

1. Ambient lighting gives overall illumination (like recessed cans).
2. Task lighting provides function (under-cabinet, vanity, or reading lamps).
3. Accent lighting adds depth and dimension (sconces, picture lights, or toe-kick LEDs).

We love layering lighting because it brings depth and versatility to your home — bright for busy mornings, soft and cozy for evening dinners, and beautifully highlighted details in between. The right bulbs help each layer shine (literally).

5. Don’t Skip Dimmers

Dimmer switches are one of the easiest ways to elevate your lighting plan. They add flexibility — bright when you need it, soft when you want to unwind.

It’s important to discuss dimmers with your electrician to make sure all components are compatible, and to list out which rooms you want them in. We commonly add them to bedrooms, living rooms, family rooms, dining rooms, and hallways — honestly, they’re becoming nearly standard in every room at this point. Once you live with them, you’ll never go back!

The Jewelry of Your Home ✨

We like to say that lighting is the jewelry of your home — it’s not meant to be taken lightly! (Pun fully intended.)

At Sage & Soul Interiors, we’re passionate about helping homeowners make thoughtful choices that enhance not only how their home looks, but how it feels to live in. Good lighting transforms spaces — and we want everyone to experience the joy of walking into a room that feels warm, intentional, and uniquely theirs.

If you’re planning a remodel or designing a new home, our team can help you craft a lighting plan that highlights your finishes beautifully — from fixture selection down to the perfect bulb.

Contact us to learn how we can help your home shine in its best light.