Buying a lamp seems simple, until you discover that not every lamp is suited to the room or purpose you have in mind. A floor lamp, for example, may provide enough light for a reading corner but not enough general lighting. A decorative ceiling light may look attractive, but without a suitable light source it may not be very practical.
So don’t just consider colour and shape. Check the light output, dimensions, controls, moisture protection and included components too. This will help you avoid a poor purchase for your living room, bedroom, dining room, bathroom, office, balcony or garden.
Wattage mainly tells you about energy consumption. Lumens are more important when it comes to the amount of light. An LED bulb can produce plenty of light while using relatively few watts. So always check the lumen rating if you want to light a room well.
A dimmable lamp changes in brightness. A lamp with adjustable colour temperature, on the other hand, can switch between warm white, neutral white and cool white light. These are two different features. Also check whether the dimmer is built in, operated by remote control or needs to be bought separately.
An indoor lamp isn’t automatically protected against moisture. When choosing outdoor lighting, check the IP rating. IP44 means protection against splashing water, but not submersion or powerful jets of water. A solar-powered outdoor lamp is practical for a balcony or garden, but it needs enough daylight to charge its battery.
Colour temperature is measured in kelvin:
Also check the lumen rating. A ceiling light with 2400 lumens is designed for general lighting, while a table lamp with 170 lumens is mainly for accent or mood lighting.
Measure the available space before you buy. A 180 cm floor lamp won’t always fit under a low windowsill or beside a compact armchair. Check the base diameter and cable length too. A table lamp needs a stable, flat surface, especially on a narrow side table or balcony ledge.
For a ceiling light, check that the mounting point can support the fitting. Switch off the power during installation and follow the instructions. If you’re unsure about fixed electrical wiring, it’s best to contact a qualified installer.
Check whether the LED module or bulb is included. Some fittings have an integrated LED light, while others use a socket such as E27 or G9. With a replaceable light source, you can change the colour or brightness more easily later on.
A lamp with a remote control is useful when you want to switch it on or off from the sofa or bed. Check whether the remote adjusts brightness, colour temperature or just switches the lamp on and off. A soft, dry cloth is usually all you need for cleaning. Don’t use water on fittings that aren’t designed for it.
Why it suits this type of buyer: This floor lamp is an easy way to add lighting to a living room, dining room or bedroom. Its E27 socket lets you choose a suitable light source yourself.
The lamp is supplied without a bulb. This is clearly stated, so you can choose a suitable E27 light source yourself rather than being caught out by an unexpected light colour.
150 cm tall, metal construction, E27 socket and a 2-metre cable.
Why it suits this type of buyer: If you’re looking for one ceiling light for everyday use and different occasions, this fitting offers adjustable brightness and colour temperature with the included controls.
The specifications list both dimmability and an adjustable range of 2700K to 6500K. This makes it easy to assess brightness and light colour separately.
24 W, 2400 lumens, 30 cm diameter, integrated LED and remote control.
Why it suits this type of buyer: This tall LED floor lamp is designed for living rooms, bedrooms, offices and reading corners where it’s useful to operate the light from your chair.
The product description lists three colour temperatures and a remote control with a range of up to 10 metres. Before buying, check that these settings suit the way you’ll use it.
180 cm tall, 14 W, 3000K/4000K/6000K, metal base and remote control.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Many households choose warm white light around 2700–3000 K for general and mood lighting. If you also want to work in the same room, a lamp with adjustable colour temperature may be more practical.
An LED lamp generally uses fewer watts than a traditional light source for a similar light output. Compare the wattage, lumen rating and estimated operating time on the energy label. Actual energy use depends on how many hours the lamp is on and the selected brightness.
Lifespan varies by model and conditions of use. Check the stated lifespan in hours. With an integrated LED module, the light source usually can’t be replaced by the user; if it fails, you may need to replace the entire fitting. This is an important difference compared with a lamp with an E27 or G9 socket.