Everything you need to know about LED lamps
Key takeaways:
- An LED lamp is a free-standing light fixture whose light comes from light-emitting diodes, either integrated into the lamp or housed in a screw-in bulb.
- Start from the use and the room: a warm light of 2700 to 3000 K at the bedside and in the living room, a more neutral light, around 4000 K, on a desk.
- A table lamp plugs into an outlet; before changing the bulb, unplug it and respect the base and the maximum wattage shown on the product page.
An LED lamp is a free-standing light fixture whose light source is a light-emitting diode, integrated into the body of the lamp or contained in a screw-in bulb. Placed on a bedside table, a desk or a console, it simply plugs into an outlet and lights up as soon as you switch it on.
Why choose an LED lamp?
Choosing a lamp fitted with LEDs has many advantages, as it stands out for its energy efficiency, its longevity and the quality of its light. It uses little energy and gives off little heat: these qualities make it an ideal choice for a bedside lamp or a table lamp, switched on every day and placed close to you.
Compared with incandescent bulbs, withdrawn from sale between 2009 and 2012, and halogen bulbs, mostly withdrawn on September 1, 2018, an LED bulb uses far less energy and lasts much longer, which makes it suited to daily use throughout the home. LED technology relies on light-emitting diodes that convert electricity into light very efficiently, with little heat loss and a bright, steady light.
Integrated LED or LED bulb?
Lamps with integrated LEDs
The light source is part of the lamp, with the diodes fixed into the structure itself. This allows for original, slim shapes, such as rings, spirals, moon globes or sculptural lamps.
These models are also very economical with electricity. In return, the light source is generally not replaceable: the shade of the light is therefore chosen at the time of purchase, based on the information on the product page.
Lamps with LED bulbs
They work with a screw-in LED bulb, with the base shown on the product page. These bulbs come in different bases, such as E27, GU10 and many others, and in a whole range of color temperatures, from warm white to cool white. The bulb is easy to replace and you choose its shade yourself.
A warm white E27 bulb is, for example, perfect for creating a welcoming ambiance in the living room, while a cool white dimmable GU10 bulb suits task lighting in the kitchen or bathroom. In the bathroom, the light fixture must comply with the NF C 15-100 standard and its safety zones, with an IP44 rating at a minimum.
Types of LED lamps
From the bedside to the garden, every use has its own type of LED lamp, distinguished by its location, its shape and its light.
LED table lamps
LED table lamps find their place on the desk, in the bedroom or even in the living room. They offer targeted lighting that is efficient, while bringing a touch of design to your interior, like our table lamps.
A model in silver metal, or in black and gold metal, is a good example of a lamp that is both elegant and functional. Some lamps are fitted with a dimmer, which lets you adjust the light intensity to your needs.
LED bedside lamps
LED bedside lamps create a warm, relaxing ambiance in the bedroom. They often include a touch control and a dimmer, to easily adjust the light intensity.
A modern LED bedside lamp can transform the atmosphere of your bedroom, and provide a soft, pleasant light for reading as well as for resting. In a child's bedroom, a children's lamp should always be placed out of reach of small children.
LED desk lamps
LED desk lamps are designed to provide optimal lighting while you work. They frequently offer brightness settings and, on some models, practical features such as a USB port to recharge your devices.
An LED desk lamp with touch control is ideal in a modern workspace, since it combines efficiency and style. There are also flexible models, which direct the light exactly where you need it.
Outdoor LED lamps
Outdoor LED lamps, in particular rechargeable cordless lamps, light up your outdoor spaces with a pretty light and create a pleasant ambiance there. Outside, use only a model designed for this purpose, whose IP rating, which indicates its resistance to the weather, is shown on the product page.
These lamps are also very practical thanks to their portability, which lets you easily move them around the garden, on the terrace or in any other outdoor space.
Styles of LED lamps
The collection brings together decorative lamps in varied shapes: moon and galaxy globes, lava lamps, flowers, animals, lanterns, design lamps in gold or black metal. There is an LED lamp for every interior style, from the most playful to the most minimalist.
Material matters as much as shape, and three main families therefore make up our selection of design lamps.
Metal and glass lamps
Metal lamps and glass lamps offer a modern, industrial look. They are perfect in an office or a living room with a contemporary design, where the combination of these two materials produces a sophisticated effect that lasts.
These lamps come in different colors, including black, white and even red, for a bold touch. The glass, clear, smoked or opal, lets the light through or softens it depending on the effect you want.
Plastic and resin lamps
Plastic lamps and resin lamps are colorful and resistant: they are ideal for a playful or modern decor, to which they bring a touch of fantasy.
They are perfectly suited to daily use, thanks to their sturdiness and easy care: a soft, barely damp cloth is enough to clean them, once the lamp is unplugged.
Fabric and wood lamps
Fabric and wood lamps create a natural ambiance that is warm, perfect for a Scandinavian or rustic style. They are excellent for creating a welcoming atmosphere, as our wood lamps show.
Wood adds a natural note, while fabric diffuses a soft, pleasant light. Under a fabric shade, use only an LED bulb, which gives off little heat.
The advantages of LED lamps
Energy savings
For the same level of light, an LED lamp uses far less electricity than older bulbs, which shows in the household consumption when it stays on every evening.
It also lasts much longer, which means it is replaced less often: the stated value appears on the product page. These two qualities make it an economical choice for lighting the home.
Low heat
LEDs give off little heat, which is welcome near the bed or under a shade, particularly when the shade is made of paper or fabric.
An LED still gives off a little heat, however: let air circulate around the light fixture, never cover it and wait for it to cool down before handling it.
Flexibility and mobility
Cordless, rechargeable LED lamps offer great freedom of use. They are easy to move and can be used in places without an electrical outlet.
Their rechargeable battery allows extended use without a permanent connection, and the exact battery life is shown on the product page. They are also often lightweight and easy to carry, which makes them practical indoors and, for models designed for it, outdoors.
Aesthetics and decor
LED lamps come in a wide range of designs, which makes it easy to integrate them into any interior decorating style. Whether you are looking for a modern, industrial or Scandinavian lamp or a vintage lamp, there are options for every taste.
A well-chosen LED lamp enhances the overall look of your space, while providing efficient lighting. LED light fixtures also come as pendant lights, wall sconces and floor lamps, to suit every room. An LED floor lamp plugs into an outlet, whereas a pendant light or a wall sconce is installed and connected by a qualified electrician.
Features
Depending on the model, LED lamps can offer touch control, adjustable intensity, several light colors or a rechargeable battery. These features are specified on each product page, and our touch lamps give a good overview.
Some LED lamps also come with a remote control, which lets you operate them easily from a distance. These settings bring extra comfort and greater flexibility in everyday use.
How to choose an LED lamp?
Think about the size of the furniture, the style of the room and the use: reading, ambiance or decoration. The lamp must have a size and shape suited to the available space, and materials that match your existing decor. A chrome metal lamp, for example, fits very well into a modern interior, while a wood model finds its place better in a traditional setting.
Also take into account the height of the lamp, so that it lights effectively without causing glare. A warm light (2700 to 3000 K) suits the bedroom and the living room, a more neutral light (around 4000 K) an office.
Finally, look at the additional features, such as adjustment of the light intensity and the charging method for cordless models. A touch lamp or a dimmable lamp offers welcome comfort every day.
| Use | Recommended LED lamp | Light to favor |
|---|---|---|
| Bedside, bedroom | Touch or adjustable-intensity bedside lamp | Warm white, 2700 to 3000 K |
| Living room | Decorative table lamp | Warm white, 2700 to 3000 K |
| Office | Flexible desk lamp | Neutral white, around 4000 K |
| Terrace, garden | Cordless lamp designed for outdoor use | IP rating to check on the product page |
Frequently asked questions about LED lamps
Can you replace an old bulb with an LED bulb?
Yes, by choosing the same base and respecting the maximum wattage shown on the lamp.
You gain on two fronts, since an LED bulb uses far less energy than an old filament bulb and lasts much longer.
Which base should you choose for an LED bulb?
The base depends on the lamp you are using: the most common are E27, E14, GU10 and G9. Check the one on your light fixture before buying a new bulb.
This information is generally found in the product description or on the bulb's packaging.
How do you choose the brightness of an LED bulb?
Brightness is expressed in lumens, not in watts: the higher the number, the more light the bulb gives. To replace an old 60 W bulb, choose an LED bulb of around 800 lumens.
For a bedside lamp, a soft light is enough; for reading or working, choose a brighter bulb.
Which color temperature should you choose?
Between 2700 and 3000 K for a warm ambiance, around 4000 K for a more neutral light. Color temperature is measured in kelvins (K).
For a brighter light, you can go up to between 4000 and 5000 K, from neutral white to cool white.
How do you change the bulb?
Switch off and unplug the lamp, let it cool down, unscrew the old bulb and screw in the new one. Make sure it is firmly in place before switching the lamp back on.
On lamps with integrated LEDs, the light source is generally not replaceable.
Which LED bulbs are the most suitable?
It all depends on the lighting you want: for general lighting, choose an LED bulb with wide diffusion.
To light a specific task, prefer a bulb with directional light. GU10 LED spotlights are therefore ideal for precise, concentrated lighting.
Which shape of LED bulb should you choose?
The shape depends on the lamp and the desired effect: the most common are the standard bulb, the spotlight and the filament bulb. Choose one that matches your light fixture.
LED filament bulbs are perfect for a vintage look, while spotlights suit directional lighting.
Which accessories for an LED bulb?
The main accessories are dimmers, base adapters and remote controls, which let you customize and easily control your lighting.
A dimmer is used, for example, to adjust the light intensity to your needs. Any work on the electrical installation must be entrusted to a qualified electrician.
Are all LED lamps dimmable?
No. Some lamps offer adjustable intensity, and some bulbs are compatible with a dimmer. Check on the product page that the bulb carries the "dimmable" label.
Dimmable bulbs are perfect for creating a warm atmosphere and adapting the lighting to the activity of the moment.
Do LEDs get hot?
They get much less hot than older bulbs, but still give off a little heat. Always let the lamp cool down before handling it.
This is also why the LED bulb is the only one to use under a paper or fabric shade.
How do LED bulbs work?
They work thanks to light-emitting diodes, which convert electricity into light very efficiently.
They produce little heat and use far less energy than older filament bulbs or fluorescent bulbs. This technology allows for durable, economical use.