Choose the Brightness (Lumens)
Step 4 · Pick the right output for your space
Multiply the room's square footage by 10–20 lumens for comfortable ambient light, or up to 30 lumens for a bright, task-heavy space. The total can be split across every fixture in the room.
1. Start with size and purpose. Bigger rooms and task-heavy areas need more lumens.
2. Use multiple bulbs. Brightness adds up. A fixture with 3 bulbs at 800 lumens each delivers 2400 lumens total.
3. Skip wattage for LEDs. Watts only tell you power consumption — not brightness.
Room lighting calculator
Enter the room size and how bright you want it to feel. We'll estimate the total lumens and show how many common bulbs could provide it.
Enter length and width to see an estimate. You can split these bulbs across multiple fixtures in the room.
These numbers are guidelines. High ceilings, dark walls, and task-heavy rooms may need more light.
How many lumens each room needs
Living Room
10–20 lumens per sq ft
Use the lower end for relaxed ambient light, then add floor or table lamps where you read.
Kitchen
20–30 lumens per sq ft
Favor the brighter end and add focused task lighting over counters, the sink, and prep areas.
Bedroom
10–20 lumens per sq ft
Keep general light comfortable and use separate bedside or reading lamps for focused tasks.
Bathroom
20–30 lumens per sq ft
Combine even ambient light with well-placed vanity lighting to reduce face shadows.
Bulb brightness reference
Soft, general-purpose brightness.
- Small bedrooms
- Hallways
- Accent lamps
- Reading lamps
40–60W old incandescent
Bright, versatile everyday lighting.
- Most bedrooms
- Living rooms
- Dining rooms
60–75W old incandescent
Strong output suitable for larger rooms.
- Kitchens
- Home offices
- Bathrooms
75–100W old incandescent
High-output lighting for demanding areas.
- Garages
- Basements
- Workshops
- Large open spaces
100–150W old incandescent