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You have the perfect lamp and you've carefully chosen a shade for it, but what kind of light bulb should you choose? You may not think much about light bulbs, but the kind you choose has the greatest impact on the overall effect and effectiveness of your lamp.

Many people make the mistake of buying a light bulb more powerful than they need for a particular lamp. This unfortunately can make a lamp so intense or distracting that it is rarely used. The simple solution to this problem is to use a smaller bulb. Most table and accent lamps require no more than a 60-watt bulb, even if they are rated for something much higher. While it's very important to never exceed the recommended bulb wattage for a lamp, there is nothing wrong with using a less-powerful bulb.

Aside from wattage, there are other factors to consider when choosing a light bulb. Light bulbs come in four basic types: incandescent, fluorescent, compact fluorescent and halogen.

Incandescent
These are the most common type of light bulbs. They are inexpensive and available in a variety of colors and shapes, including A-line (the classic light bulb shape), globe, candle, bullet and tubular. Incandescent bulbs can be used with dimmer switches. Most bulbs of this type range from 15 to 150 watts.

Fluorescent
These bulbs have long been the standard for large areas that require a lot of ambient light. They last longer than incandescent bulbs but are also more expensive up front. Fluorescent bulbs require a special fixture to work, so they are not an option for most lamps. They are available in several different colors.

Energy Efficient (Compact Fluorescent)
Energy efficient bulbs are often referred to as Compact Fluorescents (CFL). These bulbs are the most energy-efficient of all light bulbs. Though more costly up front, they use less than half the energy and can last up to 16 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, thus saving money over the long haul. Energy efficient bulbs come in several shapes and sizes, including a unique spiral shape that can disperse light much more evenly than a traditional bulb. They also produce less heat than other types of bulbs. It is important to note that if you wish to use an energy efficient bulb with a dimmer or three-way switch, you must purchase a bulb specifically designed for this purpose.

Halogen
Halogen bulbs use the same basic technology as incandescent bulbs, but they produce up to 50% more light for same amount of energy. Halogens last up to three times longer than standard bulbs, but are also more expensive. You should never touch a halogen bulb because the oil from your skin will cause the bulb to burn hotter, reducing its lifespan. Always use a clean, dry cloth when replacing a halogen bulb.

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