How Many Lumens Do I Need? - Lumens Lighting Chart

If you're looking for a new lighting fixture, you'll first want to know how many lumens your current light bulb has. Then, depending on the type of room and tasks performed, you may want to choose a brighter or dim fixture. For example, kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms may all require brighter light than a bathroom or bedroom.

900 lumens is enough for a living room

When choosing a LED bulb for your living room, you'll need to ensure that it is rated for at least 900 lumens lighting. This is much brighter than the 800-lumen setting and is the best choice for areas such as the living room, kitchen, and bathrooms. However, you can choose a lower wattage bulb for a living room if you need a lower illumination level. This is also an appropriate setting for outdoor areas and large commercial spaces. Generally, a light bulb with 900 lumens output is suitable for illuminating a room up to 100 meters.

The lumens per square foot (LxW) rating will tell you how much light a specific area requires. This measurement's general rule of thumb is 10-20 lumens for a 200-square-foot living room and 20-100 lumens for a bedroom. In addition to the lumens per square foot rating, you can find out the lighting requirements of a given room using some basic math. To find the number of lumens per square foot, multiply the width and length of the room by the square footage. The result is 120 square feet. Therefore, a 100-square-foot living room requires ten to twenty-foot candles, while a 300-square-foot dining room needs thirty to forty-foot candles of light.

ENERGY STAR certified bulbs may appear brighter

ENERGY STAR-certified light bulbs are more energy-efficient than other types of bulbs, but you may be wondering if they make the difference. They seem brighter, but this isn't necessarily because they're more efficient. Instead, it may simply be because the bulbs are designed to produce less heat. Fortunately, you can find bulbs that meet or exceed ENERGY STAR standards for color rendering.

LEDs and CFLs have made considerable advances in lighting technology, but not all LEDs live up to their unique names. Because consumers want cheap bulbs, retailers have responded by introducing lower-priced versions that might not live up to the hype. ENERGY STAR certified bulbs, however, are usually of higher quality and are generally more energy-efficient. They are also backed by stringent testing and must meet high standards to receive the coveted ENERGY STAR label.

LEDs are directional

LEDs are directional. When using an LED for a lighting fixture, the light produced is directed toward the surface to be illuminated. The total lumen output of a directional bulb includes spill light, which is of little use. In general, 7,000 to 8000 lumens should be sufficient for directional lighting. However, several factors influence light output, including ambient temperature, voltage, and optics. In addition, LEDs may experience burnouts and lumen depreciation, so it's essential to know the exact number of valuable lumens.

Although LED bulbs are more expensive than conventional ones, they are more energy-efficient and have a long life. Although early LEDs only emitted directional light, they were better suited for task lighting. Today, more common LED luminaires are omnidirectional. They point the light at high-quality surfaces and through lenses. However, some LEDs have a reputation for poor color accuracy, which is reflected in the color rendering index (CRI).

Projectors with 3000 lumens are a good choice

If you want a new projector, you'll need to decide which brightness level to get. While you'll want a projector with at least 2000 lumens, you can also opt for higher-lumen projectors. For example, a projector with 3000 lumens is an excellent choice for larger rooms, while a smaller one is ideal for bedrooms.

A projector's brightness refers to the bulb's strength inside the device. While a higher lumen rating will result in a brighter picture, it's essential to consider the ambient light in your room and any decorative lights that may be present. If your room has too many decorative lights and other elements that make it challenging to view movies, it may be better to go for a projector with lower brightness.

One of the easiest ways to understand the lumen rating is to view a projector in action. You may not have access to a projector at your local electronics store to test it, but you can always watch videos of projectors to get a feel for the brightness of the device. Of course, the lumen rating is easier to understand when visuals are present, but it might be worth the extra money if you have the budget to spend.