What kind of bulb/lighting should I get to brighten up an apt that doesnt have a lot of natural light?

Question

Regular lightbulbs don't work well during the daytime as there's a little bit of natural light coming in, so the effectiveness of a lightbulb is diluted in the daytime. Is there any kind of special light you can get so even when it's daytime the bulb/lighting is still bright enough to make an impact even with the natural light (currently the apt is very dark and even with the lightbulb on its not bright, only at night when theres no natural light is the lightbulb effective)

Answer 1

Halogen and bulbs labelled "full spectrum."

We have the same problem here. I find that lamps that turn up instead of having a shade are better. Also, you can get privacy film to put on your windows. That way you can open the windows during the day and maintain privacy.

Answer 2

"Normal" lightbulbs give off light that is more toward the orange/red end of the spectrum. They are considered "warm". Get light bulbs that are "full spectrum" which means they imitate natural sunlight. They may also help with depression. Paint a lighter color on the walls if the room is dark. Consider removing that screw in bulb fixture altogether and install a 4' fluorescent fixture. No need to rewire and just a coupla' screw holes in the ceiling to install this. Any handy/helpful person can install this 4 U.

Answer 3

I have the same problem - my apartment faces north and doesn't get much direct sunlight. I've found that most light bulb manufacturers now make a "daylight" bulb - it's tinted a bluish color and the light it gives off more accurately imitates natural sunlight. I have mine in a three-way lamp so it can be dimmed or brightened as needed, and it's made a huge difference.

Answer 4

Yes for standard fixtures look for a soft, or natural light bulbs, they sell alot of these do to glare on home computers, the grow lights work well for incadecent, flouresants are great for wall washing and easy to install lamp types, good luck

Answer 5

Halogen bulbs give off a "whiter" lite where regular bulbs give off a soft yellow lite

Answer 6

Florescent lighting is very good in small areas and low light.. I use it in my basement family room and its really nice. I believe most hardward stores carry the bulb style florescent now.. Ask one of their sales person..

Answer 7

Full spectrum bulbs emulate sunlight, and are said to be good for mental health.

Answer 8

if you don not have the option of changing the fixture try using one that says daylight on them.. i changed all mine to this type and have found that it provided lights much like sunlight not to bright that you have that blinding thing happening.. but you get nice light... try one bulb and see if you like if not try changing the fixture...

Answer 9

Fluorescent bulbs.