Choosing the right level of brightness is essential to set the mood in every space. So it’s a no-go to have spaces that are too dark, where you can’t read or cook.
But you also need to be careful not to overdo it, avoiding a “dazzling” light when a relaxed and comfortable mood is needed. In any situation, it’s essential to choose the light bulb (or light bulbs) with the right number of lumens.
But what exactly are lumens? How many lumens are needed per square meter? And is there a direct correlation between watts and lumens? In this article, we’ll explore these questions and find out the ideal lumen solution for different rooms like the bedroom and the kitchen.
What does lumen mean?
Lumens (lm) are the unit of measurement for the amount of light emitted by a light bulb or a light source. In other words, lumens measure the total amount of visible light a light bulb emits. The higher the lumen count, the brighter the light bulb.
And what about watt? A watt (w) is the unit of measurement for electrical power. It indicates the amount of electrical energy a device uses or absorbs.
Is there a correlation between watts and lumens?
In the past, watts were used as a measure of a light bulb’s power because the relationship between light output and energy consumption was almost constant, but with the advent of LED technology, this relationship is no longer so direct. LED light bulbs use less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs but produce the same amount of light or even more, depending on their efficiency.
Therefore, there is no longer a fixed correlation between the number of watts and lumens. All light bulb packaging indicates the number of lumens emitted: comparing different light bulbs can help you estimate the desired brightness.
Photo @archifact_srl
If you’re used to thinking in old watts, here are some general conversion examples between lumens and watts for LED light bulbs, commonly found on today’s market:
- A 400-600 lumen LED light bulb (which today typically uses 4-5 watts) could correspond to a 40-watt incandescent light bulb.
- An 800-1000 lumen LED light bulb (which today typically uses 6-8 watts) could be equivalent to a 60-watt incandescent light bulb.
- A 1000-1200 lumen LED light bulb (which today typically uses 10-12 watts) could correspond to a 100-watt incandescent light bulb.
In general, it’s accurate to say that with current technology, it takes about 1-2 watts to produce 100 LED lumens.
However, the conversion between lumens and watts in LED light bulbs is highly variable and depends not only on the energy class of the light bulbs, but also on the color of their glass. For example, with the same wattage (10W), the Cone140 light bulb in its clear version emits 1100 lumens, while the smoky glass version outputs only 470 lumens.
These numbers make it pretty clear how high-quality LED lights are, both in terms of brightness and energy savings. In fact, LED solutions allow you to save up to 90% compared to old incandescent light bulbs, and they last up to 15 times longer.
Photo @cockyhome
How many lumens per square meter?
The amount of light needed per square meter depends on the characteristics and use of the space. For example, a workspace like an office or kitchen may require brighter light and generally a higher number of lumens compared to areas like a bedroom, where softer light is sufficient. Additionally, keep in mind that dark walls will tend to “absorb” more light, making a higher number of lumens necessary. In general, though, to achieve adequate lighting it is recommended to use an average of 200-400 lumens per square meter.
Light in the bedroom and light in the kitchen: is there a difference?
Yes, there is a difference in the recommended number of lumens for rooms with very different uses, like bedrooms and kitchens. Here’s an average, keeping in mind that the numbers vary based on the size, colors, and furnishings of the room.
In the kitchen, it’s essential to have good lighting to handle daily tasks like cooking and chopping ingredients. Excellent lighting and great color rendering are crucial here. That’s why we recommend a bright, intense light with about 1,000–3,000 lumens, with a higher concentration and more directionality over the work surface and the dining area.
Photo @duelinee_architettura
The living room is a very versatile area where we can do a variety of activities, such as watching TV, entertaining friends, playing cards, or reading. Finding the right lighting is therefore very important. A lumen level starting from 600-800 is considered adequate, but the number can easily go up to 3000 if the room is large. Ideally, you should combine different light sources, from softer to brighter, to suit every moment or space. So yes to a chandelier in the center of the room, but also to multiple light points, cleverly created with wall sconces or table lamps. And remember: a dimmer can really make a difference.
In the bedroom, the amount of lumens needed varies depending on many factors, including size, furnishings (especially whether there’s a wardrobe or not), or the function of the room (for example, if it’s a children’s room). Generally, though, lighting between 1000 and 2000 lumens can work well for different needs. For bedside tables, however, you want a soft light that doesn’t dazzle but is still enough for reading: a light bulb of at least 150 lumens is the ideal choice.
Taking a relaxing bath or an invigorating shower. Doing your makeup and shaving, but also brushing your teeth and hair removal. These are just a few of the things we do in the bathroom, all different and each requiring dedicated lighting. You can consider lights of about 800 lumens above or beside the mirror to avoid shadows on your face. Then add a softer light with lower brightness, around 300 lumens, to create the right mood for relaxing moments in the tub.
Passage areas like hallways or entrances, finally, need good visibility but not overly intense light: about 500-800 lumens will be sufficient.
But what exactly are lux?
It is a unit of measurement used to quantify illumination or the perceived light intensity on an object or surface, in other words, the luminous flux per square meter. One lux corresponds to the illumination produced by a candle placed one meter away and evenly distributed over a surface. Simply put, lux measures the amount of light that reaches a specific area.
The higher the lux value, the more intense the perceived lighting.
