In our living room we have 1 table lamp and 1 floor lamp. It is always too dark. The table lamp used to have a matching floor lamp but one of our kids tipped it over and the glass shattered. We used to have matching table lamps but they were both broken during pillow fights and balls being tossed in the house. So, it was definitely time for a living room lighting makeover. Here is my before picture.
This is the table lamp that used to have a matching floor lamp. We received the set as a gift from my in laws and we love it.
But this lamp isn’t enough to keep the family room bright. Here are the bulbs I was using in the lamp. The standing floor lamp that was in the living room is from years ago but doesn’t give off much light either.
So, I went to Walmart with Vanessa to pick out some new lamps and new light bulbs. They had a bigger selection of lamps than I was expecting them to.
I decided to go with a 4 pack of lamps. The pack includes 2 complete table lamps, 1 complete floor lamp and an accent lamp. On the back of the box it told us what kind of bulbs to buy for each lamp in the box.
The lighting aisle as Walmart has an overwhelmingly big selection of light bulbs! But I knew that I wanted to go with energy efficient bulbs so that really helped me narrow it down. Plus, I did a little research on energy efficient bulbs and this is what I learned:
A GE Energy Smart Bright from the Start CFL lasts 8 times longer and uses 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs! That saves $39 in energy cost over the life of the bulb because it costs $1.85 to operate annually vs $7.23 for a 60 watt incandescent.
GE Energy Efficient Soft White bulbs offer an energy saving of 28% due to GE’s halogen technology. They are the same size and shape with similar performance to the traditional incandescent bulbs.
I came home with a 2 pack of GE Reveal halogen bulbs that are 29 watt which replace a regular 40 watt bulb. The brightness is 325 lumens and the estimated energy cost per year is only $3.49! Those will be for the accent lamp. I also bought a GE Energy Smart 3 way bulb that uses 16/25/32 watts and replaces a 50/100/150 watt bulb. It has an estimated life of 7.3 years and can save around $66 per bulb! That light bulb is for the floor lamp. I love that it has 3 settings!! And for the 2 table lamps, I bought a 2 pack of GE Reveal halogen bulbs that are 43 watts which replace a regular 60 watt bulb. They have a brightness of 565 lumens and cost an estimated $5.18 per year.
Once I got home, I removed the lights from the box. I didn’t quite believe that all of the pieces fit into the box but they were all there along with a free 12 month subscription to Better Homes and Gardens.
Next, I set about doing a little cleaning…I vacuumed, cleaned windows and dusted. All of that will help make the room brighter! I also straightened the rug on the floor which is constantly going wonky for some reason!
Then, I set up the new lamps and switched them on. Here is one of the table lamps.
The GE Reveal halogen bulb is nice and bright.
Here is the other table lamp and the floor lamp.
This is the GE Energy Smart 3 way CFL on the brightest of the 3 options.
The accent lamp is a bit smaller but it still adds to the overall light in the room.
Now doesn’t that look better? It is so much brighter! I cleaned up, added a cream throw and pillow to the couch and of course added new lamps with energy efficient bulbs! Adding new lighting to a room and new bulbs made the atmosphere change for the better. It brightens things up and made the room more inviting. Everyone in the family commented on the lighting makeover I did and they all love how it looks! We already spend a lot of time in our living room so that will not change but now we will be able to see better.
Money Saving Tips:
Turn off lights when leaving a room
Change out incandescent bulbs for energy efficient bulbs
Put timers on some lights
Add motion sensors to other lights
Make the most of natural lighting
Print a $1.00 coupon for purchasing energy efficient bulbs
Here are my estimated savings from the bulbs I’ve replaced so far. I hope to buy more energy efficient bulbs to save even more! You can calculate your energy savings here.
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Jen@BigBinder says
That looks wonderful! It is amazing how much the atmosphere can change from different lighting! Although, I do love your old lamp too, what a bummer that got knocked over (which is exactly what happens in my house, too…)
Debra Kapellakis says
It does look better.
Terri says
Looks great! I agree, warm and inviting! Way to save and green it up!
Jennifer @ Delightfully Noted says
Wow funny how the level of brightness can really change a room! The new lamps bring a nice, new touch.
Danni Baird @ Silo Hill Farm says
Much better Tonia! I love a great lamp and a really good bulb!
Jane Craske says
So much brighter! We have a dark living room too no matter what we do. New paint, new furniture…
Lindsay @ Delighted Momma says
That little change made such a difference! I am really loving that big beautiful window behind your couch. Wow!
Rachel {BubblyNatureCreations.com} says
Looks great! I love your living room and those windows are gorgeous!!!
Lindsay says
This looks great! I love your pretty lamps!
Anne @ Domesblissity says
I love your living room Tonia. That lamp from your in-laws is beautiful. You’ve given me an idea to have lamps in my living room now. It does add a nice warm feel with the lighting.Anne xx
Nana says
I absolutely love the new look of your family room! It does look much brighter. I used to have a matching pair of your old lamp. They were from Costco, and were terrific lamps for many years, until I gave them away.Anyway, looks great!!
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