How do I determine how much lighting I need

August 20, 2020

Determining the amount of lighting that you need in a room is mostly personal preference. Of course, you want the bathroom and kitchen to be very well lit and you probably want adjustable lighting in the living room and bedrooms. However, there is a more scientific way to find out how much lighting your room needs. Try this formula:

Width of Room X Length of Room = Square Footage of Room Square Footage of Room X Foot Candles Needed = Amount of Lumens

Foot candles are how bright a light is when it is one foot away from its source. These are some general guidelines for the number of foot candles needed per room:

• Living room – 10-20
• Kitchen – 30-40
• Over stove and sink – 70-80
• Dining room – 30-40
• Bedroom – 10-20
• Hall – 5-10
• Bathroom – 70-80

You can find the rated lumens on most pendant lighting fixtures. If you aren’t certain, you can contact the company and they should be able to provide you with the information.

Pendant lighting is a great way to add your own personal touch to even the starkest of rooms. Take the time to find something that speaks to you as well as works in your room. The beauty of decorating is that you don’t have to stick to the standards. You can write your own rules. 

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