While working with a client recently in selecting a ceiling fan I began to really feel the impact of “The Light Bulb Revolution”! What to choose.. incandescent, CFLs (compact fluorescents) or LEDs (light emitting diodes). How can we even begin to make an informed decision in the fluid and rapidly changing area?

I called colleagues in the industry. With the help of Jimmy England, Teague Electric; George McMillen, Wilson Lighting; and Larry Sugua, Light Bulbs, Etc. It seems there are a few key factors consider.

My largest concern is the color of light that the bulb produces. So many LED bulbs produce a harsh brittle light that does not give the room a warm comfortable aesthetic. The measuring scale for lighting is measured by the Kelvin Color Temperature Scale. For a pleasing light in your home the reading should be 2700-3000.

Next on my list was the amount of light produced by each bulb, how to compare along with the hour life of each bulb in comparison to the price, and the environmental impact of the different types of bulbs. The first is relatively easy to figure out with the following chart.

Lumens     Incandescent       LEDs

  450               40W               8W

  800               60W              12W

1100               75W             15W

1600             100W             18W

The further along I went into my research I realized the need for a good conversation with my experts! They have agreed to an informational roundtable discussion and comparison at our store on Thursday March 27, 2014 at 6:00 PM. You are invited to join us at Picture Perfect Interiors, LLC, located at 11922 College Blvd. Overland Park, KS 66210 (913-829-3365).