Much like finding the right romantic partner, finding the perfect lighting can be a difficult journey fraught with questionable choices, embarrassing miscues and impulsive decisions.
You could be attracted to the wrong type of light bulb or make the same bad choices in the lighting aisle. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to believe that a healthy lighting relationship for you exists in the future. But where to start?
Given that 2% of married couples today met through online dating, we’ll take the same approach to help you find lighting love. Much like there is a dating website for seemingly every subset of the population, there’s also a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) and light emitting diode (LED) for nearly every type of lighting fixture.
How would their personal ads appear? We’ve taken the liberty of penning a few:
Seeking versatile and easy-going mate with a can-do attitude, who wants to curl up at home.
You can use the screw-in types of CFLs and LEDs to replace a variety of incandescent lamps in standard lamp sockets. And these energy savers are no commitment phobes. CFLs last up to 10 times longer than traditional bulbs and LEDs can last 25 times longer. Both come in “covered” bulb styles to give the appearance of a traditional bulb.
Looking for the outdoorsy type who isn’t afraid of a little rain or snow. Plus sizes welcome.
From candles to tubes to reflectors and more, these days you’ll find lots of outdoor lighting options. Small scone bulbs and oversized floods, too, can come in both CFLs and LEDs. And don’t forget to use LED string lights during the holidays.
I’m petite and good-looking without being high maintenance—remember the best things come in small packages.
From globe-shaped bulbs that are ideal for bathroom vanity bars and ceiling pendants, to sleek flame tips used in ornamental fixtures, decorative lighting in both CFLs and LEDs has come a long way. Three-way lights and dimmables are also readily available.
Seeking fellow hipster who appreciates being cool. Must love to party.
Pin-based LEDs are ideal for track lighting. These extroverts love to hang out with their friends and won’t contribute to heat buildup in a room no matter how long the party lasts.
Hard-working single in search of someone who will appreciate me for what’s on the inside.
Commercial tube lighting. It’s not meant to be pretty; however, a business-savvy customer will find the energy savings simply irresistible. Since lighting contributes to 30% to 50% of many companies’ energy bills, the LED and CFL tube lighting can be everything a gold-digging shopper is looking for.
Although being in the dark offers its own rewards—like sleeping, stargazing and napping—finding a fulfilling lighting relationship can offer decades of satisfaction. So don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and try something new.
Article by Mary LaLone and Elizabeth Sklaroff, appearing courtesy Xcel Energy Blog.
