Design Implications of CFLs

“It's strange that the bulb, an object so synonymous with ideas, is almost entirely absent of imagination.”

Well, not anymore! Incandescent light bulbs are being phased out due to new federal efficiency standards that will usher in a new age of bright design. Forget about the CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) of the past with their unflattering white light. Modern CFLs come in different shapes and an array of colors. Switching to CFLs not only means lower energy bills and bulbs that last longer, but also more control over the hue highlighting your walls. From a whimsical Ice Cream Cone Hanging Lamp to cool Coroplast Pendant Lamps, the new lighting options are sure to satisfy every design aesthetic.

In a recent New York Times article, experts explain why the bulb buying experience will expand dramatically as a result of the new light bulb laws. Instead of thinking solely about the amount of light you'll need, you'll be able to play around with the quality of light and its suitability for the colors in a room, as well as the way different bulbs distribute light. For example, a halogen filament's fire-like glow is warm – orange, red, or yellow – making it a good match for warm-colored rooms, but a poor match for cooler tones, like grey or blue.

If you're looking to stay ahead of the design curve in CFLs, opt for a simple, trendy option like the Plumen 001 (featured in above photos). It won Design of the Year at the Brit Insurance Awards 2011 for its “beautiful silhouette and organic form,” and has been flying off the shelves ever since. The Plumen 001 uses 80% less energy and lasts eight times longer than a standard incandescent bulb.

If you peruse the light bulb aisle, and you'll find CFL bulbs to illuminate any fixture. Vintage sconces, large chandeliers, and even dimmable lamps can now be fitted with CFLs. Don't be turned off by the price tag. Yes, the purchase price is higher, but CFLs use less electricity per hour of use, and burn for more hours before dying. The switch to CFL is simply a switch of mindset. Try embracing the new design of CFLs and all it's design potential.