Turn Off the Big Light: Our Quick Guide to Dimmable Lighting

Dimmable lighting is one of the most powerful tools we have to create ambience at home. After all, who wants ‘the big light’ glaring at full brightness all the time! The beauty of dimmable lights is that you can adjust the mood with just a twist, from soft and intimate to bright and energising, whatever the vibe you’re going for.

All Spark & Bell fixtures and bulbs are dimmable

“Are they dimmable?” is perhaps the most common question we get asked from customers.  So for peace of mind (and to make our lives easier) every light we make and every bulb we sell is dimmable, so you can enjoy adaptable, cosy lighting across our entire range.  Although there is one key consideration, and that’s the dimmable range of your dimmer switches. 

Why are my dimmable lights flickering? 

While our lights and bulbs are ready to dim, it’s important to pair them with the right dimmer switch to ensure smooth, flicker-free dimming. Not all dimmer switches work equally well with energy-efficient bulbs, so choosing one with a compatible dimming range is key.

For example, our energy-efficient bulbs have a low wattage, so the safest bet is to choose a dimmer switch that can handle a range from zero watts. This way, you’ll get smooth dimming right down to the lowest setting without issues. If you find yourself experiencing flickering or limited dimming range, it could be due to a mismatch between the dimmer and the bulb. Most modern dimmer switches will be labelled with their compatible wattage ranges—just double-check to get the best performance.

Types of dimmer switches: leading-edge vs. trailing-edge dimmers

There are also different types of dimmer switches out there. Generally, you’ll see ‘leading-edge’ and ‘trailing-edge’ types. Trailing-edge dimmers tend to work better with low-wattage LEDs, so they’re usually a safer bet for modern, energy-efficient bulbs like ours. But if you’re ever in doubt, your electrician can advise on the best option.

And for those that actually care to know the technical details and differences, here’s a brief summary: 

Leading-edge dimmers: These are the older type and work by cutting off the front (leading) part of the electrical wave. They’re generally compatible with traditional, higher-wattage incandescent and halogen bulbs but can cause issues like flickering with low-wattage LED bulbs. Leading-edge dimmers are sometimes called "triac" dimmers.

Trailing-edge dimmers: These newer dimmers cut off the back (trailing) part of the electrical wave, providing smoother, more precise dimming for LED and other energy-efficient bulbs. They’re designed to handle lower wattages without causing flickering or buzzing, making them ideal for modern LEDs and low-energy lighting. They also tend to be quieter than leading-edge dimmers.

 Extra benefits of dimmable lighting

Apart from setting the mood, dimmable lights offer two practical perks: energy savings and longer bulb life. By using lower light levels when you don’t need full brightness, you’ll naturally save on electricity. Plus, running a bulb at a reduced output can help extend its lifespan, making dimmable lighting a win-win for your wallet and the planet.

Almost all the bulbs we offer are made by Tala, who in our opinion, make the best bulbs on the market.  From their energy efficiency and lifespan, to their magical ‘dim to warm’ qualities, we can’t think of a better bulb to compliment our lighting. 

So there you have it! With Spark & Bell’s dimmable lights, you have all the tools to create the perfect atmosphere—whether it’s a gentle glow for a cosy night in or full brightness for that needle-point project. Just pair our lights with a compatible dimmer switch, and you’re ready to go.