Light Source Guide

MASTERING THE ART OF LIGHT

Light Source Guide

Getting the bulb right

To ensure your lamp delivers the best lighting, it is essential to select the right light source, especially if the lamp is not equipped with built-in LED. Choosing the right light source can be a complex task, but we have gathered a set of recommendations to help you make the best choice for your interior and well-being.

Mood, productivity, & well-being

Lighting plays a crucial role in our daily lives, not only fulfilling functional needs but also contributing to improved well-being. Today’s lamps make it easier than ever to achieve the desired lighting, which meets both aesthetic preferences and ensures comfort, regardless of the amount of natural light available.

LED LIGHT SOURCES

The benefits of LED

Energy efficiency – LED bulbs consume significantly less energy than traditional light sources and have a long lifespan, making them a sustainable choice.

Minimal heat generation – Unlike incandescent and halogen bulbs, which convert up to 90% of energy into heat, LED bulbs emit very little heat. This improves both energy efficiency and safety.

Long lifespan – LED bulbs last considerably longer than traditional light sources, reducing the need for replacements and maintenance.

Eco-friendly choice – LED bulbs reduce CO₂ emissions due to their low energy consumption.

Instant light – LED bulbs turn on instantly and reach full brightness without warm-up time, making them ideal for all types of lighting.

Do you know your lamp's socket type?

The socket type of your lamp determines which bulbs are compatible. The most common types are E27 as well as GU10, used in spotlights. E14 and G9 are also very common light sources that are primarily used in smaller lamps. Each socket type has specific electrical and mechanical requirements that match particular bulbs.

Knowing your socket type is essential to ensure compatibility and optimize both energy efficiency and lighting quality. This information can be found under product details.

Please note that your lamp may already be equipped with built-in LED, which means no separate light source is needed. If the light does not function as expected, you can contact our customer service for assistance with replacing the LED light.

See recommended light sources for all Nuura products here.

LUMEN

Choose the right light for your needs

Brightness, measured in lumens, determines how much light the bulb emits. To achieve the desired lighting in your room, it is important to choose the right lumen output, depending on the room’s function.

Task lighting

In areas where focused lighting is required,
high lumen output, high color rendering index (CRI), and an appropriate color temperature (Kelvin) are recommended.

Primary lighting

For general lighting, light sources with
moderate lumen levels provide a pleasant and balanced light, good color rendering (CRI), and an appropriate color temperature (Kelvin).

Mood-creating lighting

To create atmosphere, light sources with lower lumen output and a neutral to warm color temperature (Kelvin) should be selected. Dim-to-warm light sources are often ideal in this context, as they allow the color of the light to shift from cool to warm.

KELVIN

Colour temperature and atmosphere

The color temperature of light, measured in Kelvin (K), greatly influences the atmosphere you want to create. A lower Kelvin number provides a warm, yellow light ideal for relaxation and social settings, while a higher Kelvin number provides a cooler, bluish light better suited for concentration and focus.

Warm light

2700K–3000K produces a cozy, inviting glow that’s often used in lounge areas. It mimics the natural light at sunrise or sunset, making it ideal for relaxation.

Neutral light

3000K–4500K provides a balanced white light, often used in kitchens, bathrooms, and workspaces. It offers more clarity than warm light without being harsh.

Cool light

4500K–6500K mimics daylight, and is great for task-oriented spaces like offices. It’s also commonly used in settings where attention to detail is needed.

CRI

Colour rendering index

CRI measures how accurately a light source reveals the true colors of objects. The CRI scale goes from 0 to 100, with natural sunlight having a CRI of 100. A higher CRI means colors will appear more vivid and true to life, which is important in areas where color precision is necessary, such as in kitchens, art studios, or bathrooms.

CRI 80+: Suitable for most general lighting purposes, offering good color rendering for everyday tasks.
CRI 90+: Best for spaces where color accuracy matters, like in makeup areas, photography studios, or retail environments. High CRI lights make colors pop and appear more natural.

Create a harmonious lighting experience

Once you have chosen the right light source, it is important to consider how the lighting works in the room. By combining different types of lighting, such as pendants, floor lamps, and table lamps, you can create a dynamic and balanced light that supports a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. This principle is well-known in Scandinavia, where lighting plays a central role in interior design, particularly during the long, cold, and dark winter months.

All in the details

For optimal lighting, use a combination of different light sources and adjust brightness as needed. This creates flexible and functional lighting that also supports the desired ambiance.

LIGHT SOURCE GUIDE

Download our light source guide

At Nuura, we work with several different light sources, both for private and professional use. We have compiled a light source guide for our products, which you can view and download here.

View our light source guide

Light is essential

Combine the benefits of natural daylight with well-planned artificial lighting to
create an environment that promotes better physical and mental well-being.

IP-rating guide

When selecting lighting, it is essential to consider the IP classification. Explore the different ratings in our IP-rating guide.