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How much light do I need?
The question is actually a lot easier to answer than you may think. In a few simple steps that address a couple of practical questions, you will be well on your way to confidently selecting the right lights and bulbs for your space.
But before we do this, let’s debunk the jargon…
Lumens | This is the measure of light output from a bulb, also known as ‘brightness’.
Sqm | In other words square metres, also shown as m2. This is calculated by taking a width measurement in metres, a length measurement in metres and multiplying the two.
Task Lighting | As the name suggests, this is lighting specifically designed for illuminating a task. This might be sewing, reading, preparing food, brushing teeth or applying make-up for example.
Step 1: Which room?
Use the following interiors recommendations for Lumens per Sqm:
Kitchen… 500 – 600
Dining… 400 – 500
Bedroom… 300 – 400
Living… 400 – 500
Hallway… 400 – 500
Note: As a general rule, specific tasks should be lit with 700-800 Lumens (units of brightness) per square metre (Sqm)
Step 2: How big is the room?
Measure the width of the room and the length of the room, now multiply one by the other.
L(m) x W (m) = m2
So for example: 3m x 5m = 15m2
Step 3: Do the Maths!
Ok, so let’s say your bedroom is 3m x 4m – this means your bedroom measures 12sqm in total
Guidelines suggest a minimum of 300 lumens/sqm for a bedroom
Therefore the room requires 12 x 300 = 3600 lumens
There are already 2 pendant lights hanging in the centre of the bedroom with a combined output of 1680 lumens. There is also a small wall light by the doorway providing a further 840 lumens, so in total you already have 2520 lumens.
The bedroom needs additional light and you would like to add 2 new wall lights either side of the bed, each will provide an extra 600 lumens, so 1200 lumens in total. Add this to the 2520 lumens you already have and you will have 3720 lumens – which is plenty!
Step 4: Add to cart
Trainspotters lights are designed for low energy LED technology.
We have chosen Tala bulbs to compliment our range for their superior quality, longevity and design. We offer 5 styles of bulbs from the Tala range, each providing a different number of lumens each:
Voronoi II – 150 lumens only offered as part of the pendant light set
Alternatively there are many, many other brands of LED bulbs available that will suit Trainspotters lights and your exact lumens requirement. Simply use the equation above to work out what is best for you.
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On our travels in the former Eastern Bloc we see some incredible industrial buildings in various states of disrepair. The legendary Jawa motorbike factory once employed a whole town but has now reduced to a work force of just 150
We’re not trend setters and we’ve never tried, we just do what we do and we try to do it well. So when we’re asked what the hotspots are in the world of interiors, we prefer to look to the experts for their scoop. Thus, here is our round-up of the trends when it comes …
How much light do I need?
The question is actually a lot easier to answer than you may think. In a few simple steps that address a couple of practical questions, you will be well on your way to confidently selecting the right lights and bulbs for your space.
But before we do this, let’s debunk the jargon…
Lumens | This is the measure of light output from a bulb, also known as ‘brightness’.
Sqm | In other words square metres, also shown as m2. This is calculated by taking a width measurement in metres, a length measurement in metres and multiplying the two.
Task Lighting | As the name suggests, this is lighting specifically designed for illuminating a task. This might be sewing, reading, preparing food, brushing teeth or applying make-up for example.
Step 1: Which room?
Use the following interiors recommendations for Lumens per Sqm:
Note: As a general rule, specific tasks should be lit with 700-800 Lumens (units of brightness) per square metre (Sqm)
Step 2: How big is the room?
Measure the width of the room and the length of the room, now multiply one by the other.
L(m) x W (m) = m2
So for example: 3m x 5m = 15m2
Step 3: Do the Maths!
Ok, so let’s say your bedroom is 3m x 4m – this means your bedroom measures 12sqm in total
Guidelines suggest a minimum of 300 lumens/sqm for a bedroom
Therefore the room requires 12 x 300 = 3600 lumens
There are already 2 pendant lights hanging in the centre of the bedroom with a combined output of 1680 lumens. There is also a small wall light by the doorway providing a further 840 lumens, so in total you already have 2520 lumens.
The bedroom needs additional light and you would like to add 2 new wall lights either side of the bed, each will provide an extra 600 lumens, so 1200 lumens in total. Add this to the 2520 lumens you already have and you will have 3720 lumens – which is plenty!
Step 4: Add to cart
Trainspotters lights are designed for low energy LED technology.
We have chosen Tala bulbs to compliment our range for their superior quality, longevity and design. We offer 5 styles of bulbs from the Tala range, each providing a different number of lumens each:
Voronoi II – 150 lumens only offered as part of the pendant light set
Gaia – 420 lumens
Globe – 600 lumens
Squirrel – 210 lumens
Light Engine – 2000 lumens
Alternatively there are many, many other brands of LED bulbs available that will suit Trainspotters lights and your exact lumens requirement. Simply use the equation above to work out what is best for you.
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