We’ve developed this beginner’s guide to help you understand technical lighting terms with ease.
When you visit a lighting shop or hardware store to purchase a new light or globe for your home or workspace, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the many choices available.
Let’s break down these terms in the simplest way, so you can confidently choose the right lighting to suit your needs.
What Are Lumens?
Lumens measure the brightness of light. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light. Don’t confuse this with watts (which we’ll cover next).
Here’s a practical guide:
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450 lumens – Equivalent to a standard 40W incandescent bulb, suitable for ambient lighting.
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800 lumens – Comparable to a 60W incandescent bulb, ideal for general room lighting.
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1600 lumens – Similar to a 100W incandescent bulb, perfect for task lighting or larger spaces.
Lumens = Brightness
Let’s Talk Watts
Watts measure the amount of energy a light consumes. With most lights now being LED, brightness and wattage no longer directly correspond.
For example:
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10W LED can produce the same brightness as a 60W incandescent bulb.
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15W LED can replace a 100W incandescent bulb.
This means you can achieve the same brightness while using less energy, reducing electricity costs and your environmental impact.
Colour Temperature
Many people are naturally drawn to specific lighting tones without knowing the technical terms.
Colour temperature, measured in Kelvin (K), determines the appearance of light, ranging from warm yellow tones to cool blue hues.
Here’s how to use different colour temperatures:
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2700K – 3000K (Warm White): Creates a cosy, inviting atmosphere, ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, and dining areas.
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3500K – 4100K (Neutral White): Provides balanced, natural white light, suitable for kitchens, offices, and bathrooms.
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5000K – 6500K (Cool White/Daylight): Mimics natural daylight, enhancing visibility and focus. Commonly used in workspaces, garages, and retail environments.
Colour Temperature of your Light
Lighting Applications
Let’s apply these concepts to create the desired look for your space:
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Task lighting (e.g., reading lamps, kitchen benchtops): Use higher lumens and neutral to cool white colour temperatures.
Example of Task Lighting
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Ambient lighting (e.g., living rooms, bedrooms): Opt for warm white light and moderate lumens.
Example of Ambient Lighting with Pendant
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Accent lighting (e.g., highlighting artwork or architectural features): Tailor lumens and colour temperature to suit the aesthetic.
Example of Telbix Accent Lights - Wall Lights
The Takeaway
You’re now a lighting expert! You understand lumens, watts, and colour temperatures, ensuring you’ll never feel confused by lighting labels again. With your newfound knowledge, you can create stunning ambience, enhance functionality, and make energy-efficient choices.
About Telbix
Telbix, a leading wholesale lighting supplier, is at the forefront of lighting innovation. Offering a wide range of high-quality lighting solutions, Telbix combines cutting-edge design with practical functionality. By catering to the evolving tastes and needs of Australian homes, Telbix continues to set the standard for stylish and versatile lighting options.
