Your Guide to Navigating the New World of Light Bulbs

First, let's clear up a misconception: Incandescent bulbs haven't been banned. They are, however, required to put out more light with less energy. That means many old standbys, such as the classic 60-watt bulb, have gone away. There are exceptions, which is why you can still find incandescent three-way bulbs, which are specially designed for lamps or fixtures with three-way switches, as well as incandescent bug lights and appliance bulbs.

They're probably the most expensive option in the bulb aisle, but LEDs will absolutely last the longest of all your choices—up to a decade or more. They come in a variety of colors to give your room either bright or soft light, and they're incredibly efficient: The LED equivalent of an 60-watt incandescent lit for three hours per day would save $6 off your annual energy bill.

Compact fluorescents, or CFLs, stand the middle ground between incandescent and LED bulbs. They're not as expensive as LEDs, but they are much more efficient than incandescents, making them a popular choice. Although there are new color options, many people still find their white light too harsh. CFLs can fail if used for short bursts, in a bedside lamp for instance, so they're best for rooms where the lights will stay on a bit longer.

Even if you've got your heart set on hardwood flooring, it's worth considering the alternatives. Sometimes, materials that only look like wood can be just as good as—or even better than—the real thing. Explore your options now!