5 Step Guide to Finding the Right Light Bulbs

Hands holding two light bulbs in a dark setting.

Ultimately, the right light bulb is more than just a utility; it’s the final design element that brings a beautiful home to life. Whether you’re seeking a warm, sunset glow to soften your lounge or a crisp, energising clarity for your kitchen, the right choice in globes makes all the difference.

Navigating the world of modern lighting doesn't have to be complicated. Our 5-step guide is designed to take the guesswork out of your selection, making it effortless to find the ideal globe for every corner of your home.

Wall display of various light fixtures in a modern setting.

01. Identify Your Fittings

Don’t guess your socket type. Look at your current fixture or the box it came in to identify the base.

Screw Bases (Edison): Rotate the globe clockwise to secure the "E" base (most common in modern pendants).
Bayonet Bases: Push, twist and lock the "B" base into place.
Pin Bases: Simply push the small pins into the socket (common for spotlights and downlights).

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Diagram of different light bulb bases used in Australia

02. Choose a Light Bulb Technology

When choosing a light bulb, it's often true that the more modern the technology, the more energy efficient the light. This means saving on electricity bills and having less impact on the environment.

PRO TIP: LED every time. We recommend choosing LED light globes for their efficiency, durability and longevity. The table below outlines the most commonly used light globe technologies.

Flat Disc Concrete Wall Light-Lighting Collective

A diagram outlining the energy efficiency of different light bulb technologies

03. Master the Brightness

Historically, we relied on wattage as the primary shorthand for a bulb’s brightness. However, the rules of lighting have evolved significantly alongside modern technology. Because of this shift, today’s LEDs generate a far greater output of light while consuming much less electricity than legacy incandescent or halogen bulbs. Consequently, wattage is no longer a reliable metric for performance, as it simply measures power consumption rather than actual brilliance. Therefore, understanding the transition to lumens is essential for lighting your home effectively.

To ensure your room achieves the perfect balance of brightness and ambience, you should now select globes based on their lumen rating. By focusing on lumens - the actual measure of visible light - you can confidently choose the right glow for every space in your home.

A table comparing the wattage of different light globe technologies

Pro Tip: Layering your Lighting

Instead of simply installing a few high-lumen fittings in the centre of the room, consider incorporating multiple layers of light. By doing so, you effectively eliminate harsh shadows and gain far greater control over the atmosphere of your space. Furthermore, layering allows you to transition seamlessly from bright, functional task lighting to a soft, relaxed evening glow.

Ambient Lights: Your general illumination via ceiling fixtures such as downlights and ceiling lights.
Task Lights: Targeting specific areas, such as kitchen benches or desks. Track lights can be a good option for superior flexibility.
Accent Lights: Adding depth by highlighting textures, plants, or artwork. Spotlights are ideal for accent lighting.
Decorative Lights: Bringing style to the space with feature lights such as wall sconces and pendants.

Brass Curved Fixed Arm Wall Light placed over a mirror

04. Select a Colour Temperature

Determine the mood of your space using the Kelvin (K) scale.

Super Warm (2200K - 2700K): Ideal for an intimate atmosphere in bedrooms.
Warm White (2700K – 3000K): Create an inviting, cozy glow. Use this in living areas to mimic the warmth of a sunset.
Cool White (4000K+): Sharpen your focus. Install these in offices, laundries, and garages for a clean, neutral light.

Diagram of different lighting colour temperatures

05. Pick the Perfect Shape

Match the globe shape to your fixture’s design.

Exposed Bulbs: Choose a Large Globe (G95) or a Teardrop (ST64) with a visible filament to add architectural character.
Hidden Bulbs: Use a standard A60 (GLS) shape for lampshades and frosted covers to ensure even light distribution.
Directional Light: Use Reflectors (GU10) to aim light precisely where you need it.

Need help selecting Light Bulbs?

Our team are here to help! Reach out to our friendly team for advice on what light bulbs to pair with your fixtures to bring the right ambience to your space.

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Antique Brass Rotatable Ceiling lights which design allows to direct the light where needed

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know what light bulb fitting I need?

Check your current fixture or the box it came in — this will tell you your base type. Common types include Edison screw bases (rotate clockwise to secure), bayonet bases (push, twist and lock), and pin bases (simply push the pins into the socket, common for spotlights and downlights).

Should I choose LED light bulbs?

Yes — LED is recommended over other technologies for its efficiency, durability and longevity. More modern light bulb technology is generally more energy efficient, meaning lower electricity bills and less environmental impact.

Is wattage or lumens the better way to measure brightness?

Lumens. Wattage measures power consumption, not actual light output, and modern LEDs produce far more light using far less electricity than older incandescent or halogen bulbs. To choose the right brightness for a space, look at the lumen rating rather than the wattage.

What colour temperature should I choose for each room?

It depends on the mood you want. Super Warm (2200K–2700K) suits intimate bedroom lighting, Warm White (2700K–3000K) creates a cozy, inviting glow for living areas, and Cool White (4000K+) sharpens focus — ideal for offices, laundries and garages.

What shape of light bulb should I use?

Match the shape to your fixture. Use a Large Globe (G95) or Teardrop (ST64) for exposed bulbs to show off the filament, a standard A60 (GLS) for hidden bulbs like lampshades or frosted covers, and a Reflector (GU10) when you need directional, targeted light.