Donate solar lamps
For every SUNNAN solar powered lamp sold, IKEA Foundation donates one to UNICEF and Save the Children
Read the NEVER ENDING list, story #29
SPARSAM low-energy bulbs, HALOGEN halogen bulbs and LEDARE LED bulbs are modern versions of the classic light bulb. The outdated traditional incandescent bulb was too fragile. It didn’t last very long and it was a real energy thief in your household. Here’s a quick overview of today’s bulbs plus an easy-to-get comparison with the old bulb.
Further down you can learn about the symbols we use on our packages and how to recycle your used bulbs.
Further down you can learn about the symbols we use on our packages and how to recycle your used bulbs.
Low energy bulbs have a warm tone in the full colour spectrum, which is similar to light from a traditional incandescent bulb. Use these bulbs when you want a diffused light.
- Lifetime of 10.000 hours (approximately 10 years).
- Use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs.
- Provide a good, even light. Warm white colour (2 700 Kelvin).
- Fit in lamps compatible with E27, E14 and GU10 connector.
- For dimmable options; look for the dimmability symbol.
- Contain 2 mg less mercury than the Energy Star industry standard.
- Require special waste handling.
- Bring your old bulbs to IKEA, we'll take care of them for you.
Halogen bulbs are the closest alternative to traditional incandescent bulbs in colour and tone. Use HALOGEN tracks when you need good light over a large area (wardrobes, kitchens, bookcases). Use HALOGEN reflector bulbs when you need a concentrated beam of light over a limited area (reading, working, highlighting objects).
- Lifetime of 2.000 hours (approximately 2 years).
- Provide a sparkling light. Similar to traditional incandescent bulbs in tone and colour (2 700 Kelvin).
- Fit in lamps compatible with E27, E14, bayonet and pin connector.
- Can be used with a dimmer.
- Contain no mercury or other toxins.
- Immediate start-up
LED bulbs are the most sustainable light sources. They are energy efficient and have the longest lifetime of all bulbs (up to 20 years). Technological advancements have improved LEDs to the extent that the light they emit has the same colour as traditional incandescent bulbs.
- Lifetime of 20 000 hours (approximately 20 years).
- Consume up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs.
- Provide a good, even light. Warm white light colour for spotlights (3 000 Kelvin) all other LED bulbs (2 700 Kelvin).
- Immediate start-up.
- Contain no mercury or other toxins.
- Recycle as electrical waste.
More about LED
Something revolutionaryMany of our LED lamps have the bulbs built right in. That means you never have to replace a single bulb. And with a lifetime of approximately 20 years, your children will leave home before the lamps do.
What is LED?
Light Emitting Diodes (LED) have been around since the 1960’s. We see them in traffic signals, airport information signs, and in the break lights of cars. In the past you didn’t get much light from LED, but lots of people in labs have been exploring the options of LED, and some really great things have come to light.
This evolution in lighting has made it possible to bring LED lighting into homes. And that's great news because of the positive environmental and low energy consumption benefits.
How does LED work?
Well, it’s totally different than the old incandescent bulbs, which light up because of an electrical current passing through a thin filament, heating it to a temperature that produces light. The light that emits from LED bulbs comes from the movement of electrons in a semiconducting material (like tiny microchips in an electric circuit). Brilliant isn't it?
What does the letter mean?
W = Watt (amount of energy consumed)The unit for power is Watt (W). A 60W bulb, for example, uses much more electricity than an 11W bulb. But wattage is not a measure of how much light you get – only how much energy is consumed. To find out how much light is emitted, you must look at the number of lumen or candela.
Lm = Lumen (amount of light produced)
Lumen measures the light from bulbs that shine in all directions. The more light the higher the number of lumen.
Converting Watt to lumen
Multiply the number of watts by 10 to get the approximate number of lumen. For example, if you are replacing a 60W bulb look for a bulb with approximately 600 lumen.
Cd = Candela
Candela measures light that shines in one direction, for example from reflector bulbs. The more light, the higher the number of candela.
K = Kelvin
Kelvin is a measurement of light colour temperature. In other words: how reddish (warm) or bluish (cold) the light looks. The higher number of Kelvin, the bluer the light.
IP = Ingress Protection for lighting
All lighting for outdoor or bathroom use needs protection from damage by solid objects and water. The IP system uses two numbers to tell you how much protection there is. The higher the numbers, the better the protection.
The (after) life of a light bulb
The different materials in the bulbs are sorted by the recycling facilities and reused when possible. The powder inside low energy bulbs can be reused in new bulbs, while glass and metal can be used to make fibreglass, which can be found in many things from insulation to boat hulls. Mercury from low energy bulbs can also be reused in new bulbs.
How to furnish with light
Looking for a low-lit cosy mood or the perfect working lamp? Learn all the bright ideas here.
Lighting room ideas
All our light bulbs
Here’s a handy overview of all the light bulbs and accessories you can get at IKEA.
Light bulbs & batteries
