Joybuy Insights

Choosing lamps and lighting: how to avoid making the wrong purchase

The right lamps and lighting make a room both practical and pleasant. Yet many people in the Netherlands choose a lamp based solely on its appearance. It is only when they get home that they discover the light source does not fit, the lamp is too bright for the bedroom or the design leaves too little room for a desk.

With this practical guide, you can consider usage, fitting, colour temperature and safety first. You can then choose the right table lamp, desk lamp, wall lamp, LED lamp or cordless lighting.

Common pitfalls when buying lamps

1. A beautiful lamp with the wrong fitting

A light fitting is not automatically suitable for every light source. Check whether you need an E27 fitting or an E14 fitting. An LED lamp with an E27 fitting has a larger screw fitting than an E14 lamp. Also check the maximum wattage of the fitting.

For example, a lamp with an E27 fitting may have a maximum rating of 40 W. A 13 W LED lamp that produces a similar amount of light to a traditional 100W lamp remains within this limit, but always check the fitting’s specifications.

2. Looking only at wattage

Wattage mainly indicates energy consumption, not brightness directly. To assess light output, look at lumens. An LED lamp can produce a lot of light with relatively low wattage.

Around 200 to 500 lumens is often enough for ambient lighting, while a desk lamp or reading lamp may require more light. The amount you need depends on the shade, the height and where you use the lamp.

3. Ignoring colour temperature and protection

Warm white lighting of around 2700 to 3000 kelvin is usually suitable for a living room, bedroom or dining area. Cooler light can be practical in a workspace, but may feel less restful in a bedroom.

Also pay attention to the IP rating. IP20 is intended for dry indoor areas. A lamp with IP44 offers protection against splashing water and, according to the product specifications, may for example be used on a sheltered balcony or terrace. IP44 does not mean that the lamp is waterproof.

Three specifications you should always check

Fitting, light source and dimmability

Check whether the light source is included. With some fittings, such as a wall lamp with an E14 fitting, you will need to buy an E14 lamp separately. This gives you more choice, but you also need to consider the colour temperature, size and maximum wattage.

If you want a dimmable lamp, check that both the lamp and the light source are dimmable. According to the product information, the Philips UltraEfficient LED lamp with an E27 fitting is not dimmable. An integrated LED lamp may offer several brightness settings, but that is different from dimming it with an external dimmer.

Dimensions and adjustability

Measure the space before ordering a lamp. A 70 cm-high desk lamp may be useful above a large desk, but too big for a narrow shelf. An adjustable lamp with a rotating head or hinges helps you direct the light onto a book, keyboard or work surface.

A table clamp saves desk space, but check that the edge of your desk is suitable and that the clamp is securely attached.

Indoor or outdoor use

A lamp with an IP20 rating should not be used in a damp area or outdoors. For balconies, gardens and terraces, choose a product with a suitable IP rating. According to the product description, the Brilliant Viani solar table lamp has an IP44 rating, an integrated battery and can be charged using solar power or USB. Make sure the lamp is placed securely and protect it from submersion and direct jets of water.

Recommended choices for different user profiles

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
TP-Link Tapo L430C LED lamp Multi 6500 K 4.8 W E14 F

TP-Link Tapo L430C LED lamp Multi 6500 K 4.8 W E14 F

Why it suits this profile: This compact E14 light source is practical for small fittings, bedside lamps and table lamps where you want to check the fitting beforehand.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product details state an E14 fitting, 220/240 V and a diameter of 3.8 cm. Still check these measurements against your fitting before ordering.

Main benefit & highlights

LED technology, compact size and a stated power rating of 4.8 W.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Philips UltraEfficient LED Bulb Transparent 40W E27

Philips UltraEfficient LED Bulb, Transparent - 40W - E27 Base - Warm White Light, 2700K - 6-Pack

Why it suits this profile: A pack of six E27 lamps is ideal if you want to replace several light sources at once and are looking for warm white lighting.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The fitting, colour temperature, light output and lack of a dimming function are specified. According to Philips’ own product information, the lifespan is up to 50,000 hours; this is a brand claim and not a guarantee for every usage situation.

Main benefit & highlights

E27 fitting, 2700 K, energy label A and six lamps per pack.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users
Brilliant desk lamp 70 cm E27 adjustable

Brilliant Desk Lamp, 70 cm Height, Adjustable Head and Joints, E27, 40 W

Why it suits this profile: This adjustable desk lamp is ideal for people working from home, readers and hobbyists who regularly need to direct the light to a different position.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The head and joints are adjustable, while the E27 fitting and maximum load of 40 W are clearly stated. The fitting is IP20 and therefore suitable only for dry indoor areas.

Main benefit & highlights

70 cm height, rotating head, adjustable joints and a table clamp that keeps desk space free.

Extra considerations for bedrooms, nurseries and hallways

A night light with a motion or light sensor can be useful in a hallway or nursery. Choose a low light output if you mainly need orientation lighting. According to the product details, the Light Sensor Night Light produces warm white light of 2800–3200 K, 20 lumens and 0.5 W. Before use, check its placement, ventilation and any instructions on the packaging.

For ambient lighting, you could also use a wax melt lamp. The Wax Melt Lamp with double straight stem has a bell-shaped shade and a solid wooden base in a natural wood colour. Use this type of lamp only in accordance with the supplied safety instructions and place it on a stable, heat-resistant surface.

A rechargeable lamp is practical when you do not want a cable. The Xiaomi Flexible Rechargeable Lamp has a 2000 mAh lithium-ion polymer battery and a maximum charging voltage of 5 V. The Brilliant Viani works with solar power and USB, has three dimming settings and an integrated LED light source.

Energy-efficient use at home

Energy-efficient LED lamps generally use less electricity than traditional light sources while providing a similar light output. To compare them, look at both wattage and lumens, rather than just the wording on the packaging. Also check the energy class: according to the product information, the Philips UltraEfficient lamp has energy label A, while the other LED products mentioned have energy label F.

Switch off lights in rooms you are not using and choose an appropriate light level. A lamp that is too bright is not automatically more functional and can provide unnecessarily much light in a small room.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about lamps and lighting

Which colour temperature is suitable for the living room?

Many households choose warm white lighting of around 2700 to 3000 K for the living room. This creates a softer atmosphere than cool white light. For reading or working, you can use a separate desk lamp, so you do not need to illuminate the entire room more brightly.

How long does an LED lamp last?

The lifespan varies depending on the product, fitting, temperature and duration of use. Check the stated number of hours on the packaging. According to Philips’ own product information, the UltraEfficient lamp has a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours. This remains a product specification and is not a guarantee for every home or usage situation.

Does a dimmable lamp always include a dimmer?

No. The fitting, light source and wall dimmer must be compatible with one another. Therefore, check whether the LED lamp is dimmable and whether the dimmer is suitable for the low power consumption of LED lighting. If this information is not provided, choose a lamp with its own switch or built-in brightness settings.