Start with one lamp
Pick the lamp you want to change. If you like its current brightness, look for the lumen rating on the bulb or its box. Use that number as your target. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission gives about 800 lumens as a starting point for replacing a traditional 60-watt incandescent bulb.
Choose the color of the light
Look for Light Appearance on the Lighting Facts label. The number in kelvins, marked K, describes how warm or cool the light looks. A 2700 K bulb gives a warm light. A 3000 K bulb usually looks a little less yellow. If two bulbs list 800 lumens, you can compare those color choices at the same rated light output.
Check what fits your lamp
Check the lamp's label or manual for the base, bulb shape, and wattage it allows. Follow that wattage limit and check the package for any restrictions on enclosed fixtures. If the lamp uses a dimmer, check the bulb and dimmer for compatibility. Take a photo of the old bulb markings and the lamp label before shopping.
Try one bulb before buying a pack
Look at the light after dark, with the shade on and from the spot where you read or sit. Check how it looks on the page, wall or fabric you care about. If the color looks right but the light is too dim, keep the same kelvin rating and look for more lumens within the lamp's limits.