Have you ever found yourself staring at rows of light bulbs in a DIY store, unsure which one to pick? With so many options available today, finding the right bulb can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, modern bulbs are more energy-efficient, long-lasting, and cost-effective than ever before. 

Whether you're looking to brighten up a space, create the perfect ambiance, or cut down on electricity costs, this guide will help you navigate the different light bulb types available in Ireland and choose the best one for your needs. 

The Four Main Light Bulb Types 

When shopping for bulbs in Ireland, you'll generally come across four main types: CFL, LED, ECO-Halogen, and Appliance Bulbs. Each has its own advantages and best-use cases. 

CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lamp) Bulbs 

CFL bulbs were one of the first energy-efficient alternatives to traditional incandescent bulbs. They use about 75% less energy and can last up to 10 years. 

Advantages:

  1. Lower energy consumption than traditional bulbs

  2. Long lifespan

  3. Ideal for general home use 

Disadvantages:

  1. Takes a few moments to reach full brightness.

  2. Not always suitable for dimmer switches

  3. Contains small amounts of mercury, requiring careful disposal. 

LED Bulbs

LED bulbs are the most energy-efficient option, using 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs. They can last over 25,000 hours, making them a cost-effective choice in the long run. 

Advantages:

  1. Extremely energy-efficient

  2. Long lifespan

  3. Available in various colours and brightness levels

  4. Works well with dimmers (if labelled "dimmable") 

Disadvantages:

  1. Higher upfront cost but pays off over time.

ECO-Halogen Bulbs 

ECO-Halogen bulbs are a slightly more efficient version of traditional halogen bulbs. While they aren’t as energy-saving as LEDs or CFLs, they offer instant brightness and are dimmable. 

Advantages:

  1. Bright, instant light

  2. Cheaper upfront cost

  3. Compatible with dimmer switches 

Disadvantages:

  1. Shorter lifespan than CFLs and LEDs

  2. Less energy-efficient than LEDs

Appliance Bulbs

Designed for specific household appliances like ovens, fridges, and microwaves, these bulbs can withstand extreme temperatures. 

Advantages:

  1. Specially designed for appliance use

  2. Available in different wattages and fittings 

Disadvantages:

  1. Must be replaced with the correct type for your appliance.

Understanding Kelvins, Lumens & Watts 

Beyond bulb type, brightness and colour temperature are key factors in selecting the right lighting. Modern bulbs use different measurements than older incandescent ones. 

Kelvins (Colour Temperature) 

Kelvins (K) measure the warmth or coolness of light: 

  • Warm White (2,700K – 3,000K): Ideal for cosy spaces like bedrooms and living rooms.

  • Cool White (3,500K – 4,500K): Best for kitchens and bathrooms

  • Daylight (5,000K+): Suitable for workspaces and outdoor lighting

Lumens (Brightness) 

Lumens (lm) indicate brightness—the higher the lumens, the brighter the light: 

  • 200-450 lumens: Bedside lamps, accent lighting

  • 450-800 lumens: General room lighting

  • 800-1,600 lumens: Bright task lighting (kitchens, bathrooms)

  • 1,600+ lumens: Outdoor floodlights 

Watts (Energy Use) 

Wattage (W) measures energy consumption, but for modern bulbs, lumens are a better guide to brightness. Here is a quick comparison: 

  • 25W incandescent = 200 lumens

  • 40W incandescent = 450 lumens

  • 60W incandescent = 800 lumens

  • 100W incandescent = 1,600 lumens 

For LEDs, a 10-12W LED provides the same brightness as a 75W incandescent bulb but uses far less energy. 

How to Choose the Right Light Bulb in Ireland 

Follow these five simple steps to find the perfect bulb: 

1.Pick the right type. 

  • LED bulbs: Best all-round option, energy-efficient and long-lasting

  • CFL bulbs: Good for general use, but not great in cold areas

  • ECO-Halogen bulbs: Instant brightness with some energy savings

  • Appliance bulbs: Required for ovens, fridges, and microwaves. 

2.Check the cap fitting. 

  • B22 (Bayonet Cap) – Common in older Irish homes

  • E27 (Large Edison Screw Cap) – Popular for general lighting

  • E14 (Small Edison Screw Cap) – Often used in smaller lamps.

  • GU10 & MR16 – Used in spotlights and downlights. 

3.Select the brightness level (lumens) 

  • Bright light for kitchens/bathrooms

  • Softer lighting for bedrooms/living rooms. 

4.Choose your colour temperature (Kelvins) 

  • Warm white for cosy spaces

  • Cool white for bright, functional areas

  • Daylight for workspaces 

5.Look for energy-efficient options. 

  • Bulbs with an A+ or A++ rating provide the best energy savings. 

So, a simple way to find an LED comparable would be to use this 5:1 or 6:1 ratio. In other words, if you need to replace a 75W standard bulb, you can divide that number by 5 or 6 and you will get the general range of 12-15W LED bulb as a replacement. 

Example: A 12W LED provides the same brightness as a 75W incandescent bulb. 

FAQs 

Do CFL Bulbs Take Ages to Light Up? 

Older CFLs were slow to reach full brightness, but newer models are much faster. However, LEDs still provide instant brightness, making them a better choice for bathrooms and stairways. 

What is the Best Type of Bulb for Each Room? 

Living rooms & bedrooms: Warm white LED bulbs (2,700K – 3,000K) 

Kitchens & bathrooms: Cool white LED bulbs (3,500K – 4,500K) 

Workspaces & garages: Daylight LED bulbs (5,000K+) 

Outdoor areas: Weatherproof LED bulbs. 

Final Thoughts 

Choosing the right light bulb enhances your home’s atmosphere while reducing energy costs. In Ireland, LEDs are the best all-round choice due to their efficiency, long lifespan, and versatility. When shopping, always check the lumens, Kelvins, and cap fitting to find the perfect match. 

Ready to upgrade your lighting? Say goodbye to outdated bulbs and start enjoying energy-efficient, long-lasting illumination today! 

Happy lighting!