Kelvin changes the balance of coloured glass, but brightness, CRI and bulb position must be held steady for a fair comparison.
Start with the problem, not the product photograph
Stained glass has no single fixed colour. For Warm white versus cool white behind stained glass, test daylight, LED spectrum, wall and textile inside the real room.
Photograph the proposed position straight on and from the side. Record the full dimensions, lampholder, bulb, connection method and the main task. A close product image rarely shows room scale, door movement or the angle from which a bare bulb becomes visible.
Three distinct decisions
1. Decide the job before the style
Start with warm white for a relaxed home setting, then test a cooler option only where contrast or colour balance genuinely improves.
Keep this evidence: write the main task and the one constraint that could rule the fitting out.
2. Measure the real fitting envelope
Use bulbs with the same base, similar lumens and shape; note kelvin and CRI from the packaging.
Keep this evidence: record every dimension from one named reference point and photograph the tape measure in place.
3. Test the result from normal positions
Photograph glass, skin, timber and a white sheet from the same position and exposure before deciding.
Keep this evidence: repeat the check by day and after dark, using the bulb and furniture layout you expect to keep.
Compare two models without being misled by the image
| Evidence | Why it matters | Practical check |
|---|---|---|
| Complete dimensions and weight | Glass, base, chain and canopy may sit outside the highlighted shade dimension. | Dimensioned sketch, total weight and a 1:1 mock-up |
| Connection and bulb | Voltage, plug or fixed connection, bulb count, cap, lumens, shape and maximum wattage affect suitability. | Rating label, current product page and trial with the intended compatible LED |
| Switched off and on | Dense stained glass can glow strongly at night yet read much darker in daylight. | Compare from the same angle in the actual room |
A real TiffanyLight.co.nz product as the worked case
Red dragonfly Tiffany-style desk lamp
A small red dragonfly shade used for bedside, desk, motif-scale and bulb-position examples.
This model demonstrates the method; it is not an automatic recommendation. Draw its complete dimensions, verify the current electrical specification and test the proposed light in the real room. Product details can change, so check the live page before buying.
Confirm on the product page: total dimensions, weight, voltage and connection, lampholder, maximum wattage, included parts and installation conditions.
Practical New Zealand home scenario
Try two compatible LEDs with the same shape and similar lumens but different kelvin. Photograph Red dragonfly Tiffany-style desk lamp, skin, timber and wall from one fixed viewpoint. Choose the combination that makes the whole room convincing, not simply the one that makes the glass appear brightest.
Common mistakes
- Changing kelvin, lumens and bulb shape at the same time.
- Judging the glass only when illuminated.
- Ignoring New Zealand daylight and window reflections.
Final checklist
- Glass is assessed by day and night.
- Kelvin and lumens are treated separately.
- The background is tested in the room.
- Skin, timber and textiles look natural.
- Comparisons use one camera angle.
Record sheet: model, complete dimensions, total weight, voltage and connection, lampholder, chosen LED, position, mock-up photograph and check date. The current product information and maker’s instructions take priority over general guidance.
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