Buyers guide to lighting

chandeliers and bulbs
The right bulbs can enhance natural light in your house
© Laura Ashley

Don't know your tungsten from your halogen? As well as having a wide range of lighting to help you get the best out of every room, John Lewis also has some bright advice for all lighting novices:

A basic guide to bulbs

Tungsten: Tungsten bulbs give a warm colour light which approximates natural light, are good value and have a life of around 1000 hours when used at the recommended 3 hours per day. They come in various shapes and the type required will be indicated as part of the product description. They can be easily dimmed with most standard dimmer switches. Take care when removing old bulbs and allow to cool before removing.

Under a government initiative, tungsten bulbs will be phased out by the end of 2011.

Halogen: Halogen bulbs give a brighter, whiter light than tungsten and have an average life span twice that of a tungsten bulb.

They are available in both mains voltage and low voltage types. They can be dimmed but may require special dimmers. Please ask in store for advice. Halogen bulbs are more energy efficient than tungsten bulbs but are extremely hot. Allow to cool before removing.

Soft lightinig is calming and helps diffuse the winter blues
© Laura Ashley

Energy saving: Energy saving bulbs, sometimes referred to as Compact Fluorescent or CFL bulbs, are long lasting and the most energy efficient. The light they produce is somewhere between tungsten and halogen bulbs but they generate very little heat. This makes them ideal for children’s rooms.

Bulb cap types

There are four main cap types:

  • BC (bayonet cap) –B22
  • SBC (small bayonet cap) –B15
  • ES (Edison screw) –E27
  • SES (small Edison screw) –E14

    • The cap type will also be indicated in the product description. John Lewis sell a range of bulbs online.

    General wiring information

    All light fittings must be fitted in accordance with the current IEE wiring regulations and building regulations. We recommend a qualified electrician is employed for this task and that the product's fitting instructions are always followed.

    Specialised lighting for Seasonal Affective Disorder

    SAD stands for seasonal affective disorder. Symptoms vary from feeling low and lethargic to more serious feelings of despair and anxiety. Other symptoms can include overeating and sleep problems, especially difficulty waking on dark mornings. SAD is caused by lack of bright light in winter and is recognised by the medical profession and the World Health Organisation.

    The most convenient and cost effective treatment for SAD is bright light therapy. Various bright light devices are available for treating the condition and we stock a range of lighting for sufferers, including Bodyclocks, which wake you naturally with a simulated sunrise and a portable lightbox called the “Bright Spark” which can be used on top of a computer monitor.

    The Bodyclock is a dawn simulator which uses your body’s natural response to sunrise and sunset to help synchronise your circadian rhythm (sleep/wake pattern).

    Each morning, the Bodyclock wakes you gently and naturally with light, which gets your body going before you are even conscious, so you wake up feeling alert and positive. At night, the Bodyclock gradually fades to darkness, giving your body the signal to wind down and help you sleep.

    The Bright Spark is designed for people who are sitting at a desk, so they can use it while they work. It can be placed on top of a computer monitor, or by the side of it and is easily portable. Smaller and more cost effective than many light boxes, just 90 minutes a day can help alleviate the symptoms of SAD.

    View the full lighting guide for more advice on bulbs, lighting and security from John Lewis.