Lighting is one of the most powerful design tools in your home. The right light doesn’t just brighten a space — it sets the mood, softens the atmosphere, and brings your interior to life.
At Lumiere Shades, we’re often asked: “What’s the best light bulb to use with my shade?” Choosing the right bulb can completely transform the way your linen shade glows — and how your room feels. Here’s our guide to finding the perfect light bulb for every space.
1. Start With the Mood: Warm vs Cool Lighting
The colour temperature of your bulb — measured in Kelvins (K) — determines how warm or cool the light feels.
• Warm white (2200–2700K): Soft, golden light ideal for bedrooms, dining rooms, and relaxed living spaces. It complements natural materials like rattan, linen, and wood beautifully.
• Neutral white (3000–3500K): Balanced, clean light that works well in kitchens or home offices where clarity matters.
• Cool white (4000K+): Crisp, modern light best for bathrooms or work zones, but can feel stark in soft, natural interiors.
Designer tip: All Lumiere linen shades gently diffuse light — keeping the warmth within 2200–3000K maintains that calm, natural glow we love.
• Warm white (2200–2700K): Soft, golden light ideal for bedrooms, dining rooms, and relaxed living spaces. It complements natural materials like rattan, linen, and wood beautifully.
• Neutral white (3000–3500K): Balanced, clean light that works well in kitchens or home offices where clarity matters.
• Cool white (4000K+): Crisp, modern light best for bathrooms or work zones, but can feel stark in soft, natural interiors.
Designer tip: All Lumiere linen shades gently diffuse light — keeping the warmth within 2200–3000K maintains that calm, natural glow we love.
2. Match the Bulb Shape to Your Shade
Bulb shapes are more than just aesthetics — they influence how light spreads through your pendant or lamp.
Bulb shapes are more than just aesthetics — they influence how light spreads through your pendant or lamp.
• Globe bulbs (G80 or G95): Perfect for larger pendant lights like our Empire or Margot styles. They cast a soft, even light across the linen.
• Candle bulbs: Beautiful in smaller wall sconces or table lamps where you want a more delicate, sculptural look.
• Filament bulbs: Add a nostalgic, warm touch to exposed fittings and create an artisanal, ambient glow.
For most of our shades, we recommend frosted or opal bulbs — they create a smooth, diffused light that complements the handcrafted texture of linen.
3. Choose the Right Brightness (Lumens, Not Watts)
Brightness is measured in lumens (lm) — not watts. The higher the lumens, the brighter the bulb.
• Bedroom or living room: 250–450 lumens for soft, relaxing light.
• Dining area: 400–800 lumens for inviting, ambient lighting.
• Kitchen or workspace: 800–1100 lumens for clarity and function.
Tip: If your shade has heavier linen or rattan layers, you can go slightly brighter — the fabric will naturally soften the light output.
• Dining area: 400–800 lumens for inviting, ambient lighting.
• Kitchen or workspace: 800–1100 lumens for clarity and function.
Tip: If your shade has heavier linen or rattan layers, you can go slightly brighter — the fabric will naturally soften the light output.
4. Go Dimmable for Flexibility
A dimmable LED bulb allows you to shift the atmosphere from day to night — from bright and energising to soft and intimate. Use dimmable warm white LED bulbs with a quality dimmer switch for smooth performance and longer life. It’s the easiest way to create layered lighting that feels elegant and intentional.
A dimmable LED bulb allows you to shift the atmosphere from day to night — from bright and energising to soft and intimate. Use dimmable warm white LED bulbs with a quality dimmer switch for smooth performance and longer life. It’s the easiest way to create layered lighting that feels elegant and intentional.
5. Check the Fitting: E27 or E14?
Before you buy, check your lamp holder type:
• E27 (Edison screw): The most common fitting — and standard for all Lumiere Shades pendants and table lamps.
• E14: Smaller screw type, often used in sconces or decorative accent lighting.
Choosing the correct fitting ensures a secure and safe installation.
Before you buy, check your lamp holder type:
• E27 (Edison screw): The most common fitting — and standard for all Lumiere Shades pendants and table lamps.
• E14: Smaller screw type, often used in sconces or decorative accent lighting.
Choosing the correct fitting ensures a secure and safe installation.
With love & Light,
Wendy & Lumiere Shades' team.