Lumen: what it is and what it is for
Explains the role of lumens in lighting and how to choose the appropriate intensity for each space.
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Lumens are a crucial measurement for understanding and comparing the amount of light emitted by different lighting sources. They help us select the right bulbs or lamps to meet our lighting needs in different environments and activities. At GreenIce, we detail their differences and give you tips to know how many lumens you need depending on your project.
1 What are lumens?
It is a unit of measurement used to quantify the total amount of visible light emitted by a light source in all directions. Essentially, lumens provide us with a measure of the total luminosity of a light source.
This measurement allows us to understand how much light is available to illuminate a space in its entirety. The more lumens a light source has, the brighter it will generally be. In other words, lumens give us a way to compare different light sources and determine which one is best suited for our lighting needs.
2 Differences between lux and lumens
Although often confused, lux and lumens are two different measurements related to light:
- Lumens measure the total amount of light emitted by a light source in all directions. It is a measure of the total light output of the source.
- Lux, on the other hand, measures the amount of light that reaches a specific surface. That is, lux indicates the intensity of lighting in a given area. Lux is calculated by dividing the lumens by the area over which the light is distributed.
So while lumens tell us how much light a light source produces in total, lux tells us how bright that light will be in a specific area.
3 Differences between lux and watts
Watts and lumens are two different measurements that are also often confused:
- Lumens measure the total amount of visible light emitted by a light source.
- Watts, on the other hand, measure the amount of electrical energy consumed by a light source. Watts are not directly related to the amount of light emitted, but rather the amount of energy needed to produce it.
Thus, lumens measure luminosity, lux measure the intensity of light in a specific area, and watts measure the power consumed by the light source.
4 How many lumens do I need?
The number of lumens you need depends on several factors, such as the size and use of the space, as well as your personal lighting preferences. However, at GreenIce we believe there are some general guidelines for different types of spaces:
- For work areas where detailed tasks are performed, such as kitchens and desks, brighter lighting is recommended, generally between 300 and 500 lumens per square meter.
- For living areas such as living rooms and bedrooms, where softer, more welcoming lighting is preferable, lighting of around 150 to 250 lumens per square meter is suggested.
- For activities that require brighter, more focused lighting, such as reading or detailed work, more than 500 lumens per square meter may be necessary.
Remember that these are just general guidelines, and the exact number of lumens you need may vary depending on your personal preferences and the specifics of your space. It is important to also consider light distribution, light color and other factors when selecting appropriate lighting.
