Switching to LED lighting is one of the simplest ways to cut electricity use at home or at work. LEDs use a fraction of the energy of incandescent and halogen lamps, run cooler and last many times longer. But walk into any lighting shop and the choice can be confusing. This guide explains the few numbers that matter, and how to choose the right light for each room.
Watts measure energy, lumens measure light
With old bulbs, people chose by wattage. With LEDs, wattage only tells you how much power the lamp uses. Brightness is measured in lumens. As a rough guide, a typical living room needs more total lumens than a bedroom, and kitchens and work areas need the most. Compare lumens per watt to find the most efficient option.
Colour temperature: warm, neutral or cool
Colour temperature is measured in Kelvin (K):
- 2700–3000K (warm white) — relaxing, suits bedrooms, living rooms and dining areas.
- 3500–4000K (neutral white) — balanced, suits kitchens, bathrooms and home offices.
- 5000–6500K (cool daylight) — crisp and bright, suits garages, workshops and task areas.
Mixing very different colour temperatures in one room usually looks uneven, so try to keep each space consistent.
Colour rendering (CRI)
The Colour Rendering Index shows how naturally a light displays colours. A CRI of 80 is acceptable for general use; 90 or above makes skin tones, food and fabrics look more natural — worthwhile in kitchens, dressing areas and shops.
Room-by-room suggestions
Living room
Layer a warm ceiling light with floor or wall lamps for evenings. Dimmable fittings let one room feel bright for guests and calm for movies.
Kitchen
Use neutral white panels or downlights for general light, and add under-cabinet strips so you are not working in your own shadow.
Bedroom
Warm, dimmable light helps the room feel restful. Bedside reading lights avoid switching on the main light late at night.
Bathroom
Choose fittings with a suitable IP rating for damp areas and place mirror lighting at face height to avoid harsh shadows.
Office or study
Neutral to cool light with good CRI reduces eye strain. Position task lights to the side of your screen to prevent glare.
Dimmers and compatibility
Not every LED is dimmable, and not every dimmer works with LEDs. Incompatible combinations cause flicker, buzzing or a reduced dimming range. Check that the lamp is marked dimmable and ask an electrician to fit an LED-compatible dimmer.
Fittings versus replacement bulbs
Retrofit LED bulbs are an easy upgrade for existing fittings. Integrated LED fittings — panels, slim downlights and strips — often give better light and heat management, but need proper installation. Our electrical installation service covers both.
Small changes, lasting savings
Start with the lights you use the most, such as kitchen, living room and outdoor security lights. Combined with good switching — and motion sensors in corridors or outdoor areas — LED upgrades reduce bills month after month.
Planning a lighting upgrade? Talk to our electricians about efficient fittings and the right circuits to run them.