These are the universal bulbs many of us use in our homes for the majority of lighting purposes. They are cheap to buy and are made with either a bayonet or screw cap (usually in a large size) to fit most light sockets. With a wide variety of wattages, and the use of coloured glass, standard light bulbs are perfect for any room in the house.

Round bulbs are ideal for providing a feeling of warmth around a fitting or within a small delicate shade, whilst also continuing to provide the same level of light required for the purpose. Rounds work well as a light above a mirror or a wall hung picture.

Globes are ideal as an alternative to standard bulbs in large open shades, and they provide a discreet light that will not dominate a room. Combined with under unit lighting, globes work well as the main ceiling light in a kitchen.

These are decorative light bulbs which when used instead of standard light bulbs can enhance a lighting feature, for example a hanging chandelier. Candles come with both bayonet and screw caps and are usually available with large and small fittings, making them ideal for use in lampshades as well as ceiling and wall lights. Through a careful combination of wattages and light fittings, candle bulbs can create wonderful background lighting for a living room or dining room.

Energy saving bulbs last up to 15% longer (approximately 6,000 hours) and are 80% more energy efficient than conventional light bulbs. These bulbs are ideal replacements for standard and candle bulbs in rooms or areas where the lights are left switched on for long periods. Energy saving bulbs can also be used outdoors, where some models can last up to 12,000 hours.

Halogen lightbulbs are more frequently becoming an alternative to standard lighting, as they generally last longer and produce more light than a standard bulb of the same wattage. Producing a clear and pure white light, halogen bulbs are ideally used in areas where you may wish to read, or do close up work such as sewing. Halogen bulbs are best suited to bathrooms and kitchens, however, due to the large variety of shapes and wattages, they are being used increasingly as a contemporary form of lighting in living rooms.

Available in almost any size and shape, spotlights are ideal for highlighting areas that need direct light. Spotlights are particularly useful when used externally to light a pathway or a feature in the garden.

Reflectors are used instead of standard bulbs where the aim is to produce more white light for the same wattage, thus making them ideal for use in angle poise lamps and reading lamps.