You may have the perfect base and the most exquisite shade picked out, but there is one more key factor that goes into creating a beautiful piece of lighting in your home.  Light bulbs can make a huge difference in the appearance and feel of a fixture.  The three bulbs that are most often seen are incandescent, halogen, and compact fluorescent light bulbs.  These differ in both look and energy consumption.  Before choosing which one is right for your fixture, know the facts about each.

1. Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFL’s) are the energy efficient light bulbs that are slightly more expensive, but last much longer and use much less electricity than traditional bulbs.  They are often seen in the spiral shape, but are also available as a regular bulb.  The light has a white, cold look because of its fluorescent quality, however, when disguised behind a darker shade CFL’s are a great choice.

2. Incandescent bulbs are the traditional light bulbs that most of us are used to.  They have a warm, yellow light that is homey and cozy.  Incandescent bulbs are the least expensive option, but are also known for being the least energy efficient and have to be replaced regularly.

3. Halogen lights emit a very bright, white light are are well-suited for office spaces and other areas that require efficient task lighting.  They also work at a very high temperature, so be careful what you put near a halogen light and handle with care.

Choosing the right light bulb can have a huge impact on the look of your fixture, so be sure to known the facts about each type and make a decision based on your desired look as well as the function that the light will need to serve.