What to look for when buying bulbs, fixtures, and smart lighting. Value vs premium.
Lumens: Match the brightness you need. Don’t rely on “equivalent watts.”
CRI: 80+ for general use; 90+ for kitchens, bathrooms, anywhere colour matters.
Dimmable: If you use dimmers, buy dimmable. Check compatibility.
Warranty: 2–5 years is common. Longer = manufacturer confidence.
Canless (wafer): Thin, no housing. Good for shallow ceilings. Some are IC-rated.
Traditional cans: Deeper, more options for trim and bulb. Better for insulation contact.
Both work. Choose by ceiling depth and whether you need IC rating.
Plug-in: Easiest. Cord can be visible. Good for renters.
Hardwired: Cleanest. Needs electrician. Best for new builds or reno.
Battery: No wiring. Recharge or replace. Convenient but less bright, more maintenance.
Budget: Wi‑Fi bulbs, no hub. Works. Can be slower, less reliable with many devices.
Premium: Hue, LIFX, etc. Hub or direct Wi‑Fi. Better colour, reliability, support.
Start with a few bulbs to test. Expand if you like the system.