Room Lighting Calculator
How many lumens does your room need? Enter your room dimensions and get instant recommendations for optimal lighting.
1Room Details
Relaxing, watching TV, socializing
2Lighting Requirements
5
bulbs needed
(4 - 6 bulb range)
Total Lumens
3,600
Total Watts
36W
20 Foot-Candles
Recommended light level for living room. This is the standard for comfortable relaxing, watching tv, socializing.
Placement Tips
- ✓Distribute bulbs evenly across the ceiling for uniform lighting
- ✓Add task lighting (desk lamps) for detailed work areas
- ✓Consider dimmers for flexible brightness control
Understanding Room Lighting Requirements
The right amount of light depends on both room size and purpose. A kitchen needs much more light than a bedroom because cooking requires better visibility than relaxing. Lighting professionals use "foot-candles" to measure light levels - one foot-candle equals the light from one candle at a distance of one foot.
Recommended Light Levels by Room
| Room Type | Foot-Candles | Lumens per sq ft | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | 50 | 50 lm | Task-intensive cooking |
| Bathroom | 50 | 50 lm | Grooming tasks |
| Home Office | 50 | 50 lm | Reading, computer work |
| Dining Room | 35 | 35 lm | Eating, conversation |
| Living Room | 20 | 20 lm | Relaxing, watching TV |
| Bedroom | 15 | 15 lm | Sleeping, relaxing |
| Hallway | 10 | 10 lm | Navigation only |
The Lighting Formula
Total Lumens = Room Area × Foot-Candles
Example: 180 sq ft × 20 fc = 3,600 lumens
Common LED Bulb Outputs
450 lumens (5W LED)
Replaces 40W incandescent. Good for accent and decorative lighting.
800 lumens (8W LED)
Replaces 60W incandescent. Most common for general lighting.
1100 lumens (11W LED)
Replaces 75W incandescent. Brighter option for larger spaces.
1600 lumens (15W LED)
Replaces 100W incandescent. Best for high-output needs.
Layered Lighting Approach
- 1
Ambient Lighting (General)
The main light source that illuminates the entire room. Usually ceiling-mounted fixtures or recessed lights.
- 2
Task Lighting
Focused light for specific activities like reading, cooking, or working. Desk lamps, under-cabinet lights.
- 3
Accent Lighting
Decorative lighting to highlight artwork, architecture, or create atmosphere. Wall sconces, track lights.