A lumen is a unit of luminous flux, which is the measure of the perceived brightness of light. In other words, lumens measure how much visible light a light source emits. The more lumens a light source has, the brighter it will appear.
Lumens are a useful way to compare the brightness of different light sources, regardless of their type. For example, a 100-watt incandescent bulb produces about 1,600 lumens, while a 10-watt LED bulb can produce the same amount of light. This means that the LED bulb is more efficient than the incandescent bulb, even though it uses less power.
When choosing light bulbs for a room, it is important to consider the amount of lumens needed to achieve the desired level of brightness. A good rule of thumb is to aim for 10-20 lumens per square foot in a living room or bedroom, and 70-80 lumens per square foot in a bathroom or kitchen.
You can also use a lumen calculator to help you determine the number of lumens you need for a specific room. There are many lumen calculators available online, such as the one from Alcon Lighting.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about lumens:
- Lumens measure the total amount of visible light emitted by a light source, but they do not take into account the quality of the light. For example, a light source with a high CRI (color rendering index) will produce light that is more natural and pleasing to the eye, even if it has fewer lumens than a light source with a lower CRI.
- Lumens are not the only factor to consider when choosing light bulbs. Other factors to consider include the type of light bulb, the color temperature, and the beam angle.
When choosing lighting for a specific application, consider the lumens needed based on the space and its purpose. For instance, a reading lamp might require more lumens than a decorative ambient light. Many lighting manufacturers provide recommendations for suitable lumens for various applications to help consumers make informed decisions.