The Most Impressive Developments in Light Bulbs For the Home and Garden

The development of modern light bulbs has resulted in some of the most impressive products that the pioneers would hardly have believed possible in their day. It is mainly a matter of energy efficient products, which have been embraced by consumers conscious of their carbon imprint. The common incandescent light has been shown to be damaging environmentally speaking, and compared to the florescent and halogen alternatives that are available today, are an unnecessary drain on electrical power.

While these have been important breakthroughs, with some halogen bulbs, there have been other strides made that directly and very positively impact everywhere in the home, from living room, bedroom and bathroom lighting to outdoors, where solar technology has played a major role in making garden lighting an affordable feature.

It would be fair to describe the development of solar lights as one of the most impressive progressions, although solar power is taken for granted these days. However, the effect it has had on lighting in the home and, more specifically outdoors has been huge.

The main advantage is that the power required to run these lights is free, since it comes directly from the sun. It therefore saves money for the owner, while also lending a freedom to place the lights anywhere in a garden or on a driveway without having to facilitate the move with more wiring. The solar cells are usually situated on the roof of the light case, at the top of a short pole with a spiked end, which is pushed into the ground.

The only factors to consider is the need to keep the lights in direct sunlight during the day and to keep its solar cells clear of debris to ensure its storage batteries are suitably recharged. All that this means is keeping an eye on the condition of the solar lights.

Generally, these lights are sold in pairs, since one would have little effect in lighting a garden. However, any number of pairs can be purchased to match the requirements of the exterior area to be illuminated. It means that a pathway can be set in lights through a lawn, or lights can be placed in the middle of shrubberies or flower beds, or even next to water features to enhance the visual effect of the garden.

The LED bulb is another development that has created a host of affordable possibilities. The highly energy efficient bulbs can be used indoors and outdoors, but while their ordinary bulb equivalents will drain a significant amount of voltage to run, LED lights are far more economical with some reports claiming they are 300 percent more efficient. That represents huge savings, while a life span of 25 years means they can be virtually forgotten about once purchased.

Amongst their varied uses are ground spot lights, which are used to mark parking spaces or the margins of a driveway to a home. These lights are recessed beneath a thick plate of glass with stainless steel or chrome finishes, and can be simply driven over by a car. However, the illumination provides a hugely stylish effect. The fact that bulbs of just 3 watts are used shows just how affordable this space age effect is.

Halogen bulbs, meanwhile, have provided a highly affordable option inside the home. Estimated to be as much as 40 percent more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs, they emit a better quality, cleaner light. They are also capable of lasting more than 2000 hours, with a simple 28w halogen SES candle light emitting 40w of light.

These bulbs are highly popular in almost any room, though they are particularly favoured in bathroom lighting as one bulb can produce a lot of light in what is generally a small room. They are easily placed in spotlights, while the emergence of smart halogen bulbs has meant that light dimming can be accomplished by remote control. Even colour hues can also be altered through this new technology.

When it comes to other areas of the house and home, the modern developments in light bulbs have had an equally beneficial effect. From home lighting powered by energy efficient LED bulbs to garden lighting powered by solar energy, these developments have made a meaningful difference to life and living.

Kathryn Dawson writes articles for Litecraft, where you can find the largest selection of lighting products and light bulbs in the UK. Litecraft not only offers the highest quality products, but also at rates that are up to 75 percent lower than high street prices. Their products have been featured in TV shows such as 60 minute makeover and Channel 4, so you know you are getting nothing but the highest quality lighting products, including garden lighting and bathroom lighting.