A Guide to Understanding Lighting Brightness

Ever wondered why some light bulbs seem brighter than others even if they have the same wattage? It's time to uncover the secret behind lumens and watts!

The Basics: What Are Lumens and Watts?

When we talk about lighting, two terms often come up: lumens and watts. Lumens measure the amount of light a bulb emits, whereas watts measure the amount of energy a bulb consumes. Essentially, lumens tell you how bright a bulb is, and watts tell you how much power it uses to 
produce that light.

Historically, people have chosen light bulbs based on wattage. Incandescent bulbs, for example,
have been labeled with wattage ratings like 60W or 100W. However, with the introduction of more energy-efficient lighting technologies like LED bulbs, wattage is no longer a reliable indicator of brightness. This is where lumens come into play.  

Why Lumens Matter More Than Watts           

In the past, higher wattage generally meant a brighter bulb because incandescent bulbs had a consistent relationship between watts and lumens. However, modern lighting technologies have disrupted this relationship. LEDs, for example, can produce the same amount of lumens as an incandescent bulb while consuming fewer watts.

This means that if you're looking for a certain level of brightness, it's more accurate to look at
lumens rather than watts. For example, a 10W LED bulb can produce the same amount of light
as a 60W incandescent bulb (about 800 lumens). Understanding this difference helps in selecting energy-efficient bulbs without compromising on brightness.

How to Choose the Right Bulb for Your Needs

Choosing the right bulb involves considering both lumens and watts, along with other factors such as color temperature.

• Start by determining the amount of brightness you need, which is measured in lumens.
  Where a cozy atmosphere is preferred, you might want a bulb with 450-800 lumens, whereas
  a kitchen or other place requiring more brightness might require bulbs with 800-1,600 lumens.
• Next, consider the energy efficiency of the bulb, which can be understood by looking at the lumens-to-watts ratio. A higher ratio means the bulb is more energy-efficient.
• Additionally, think about the color temperature, measured in Kelvins (K). Lower color temperatures (2700K-3000K) emit a warm, yellowish light, creating a relaxing atmosphere. Higher color temperatures (4000K-5000K) produce a cool, bluish light, which is ideal for task lighting and enhancing focus.
  
  
  

Future Trends in Lighting Technology

The lighting industry is continually evolving, with new technologies and innovations on the horizon. Smart lighting systems that can be controlled via smartphone apps or voice assistants are becoming increasingly popular. These systems offer features like dimming, color changes, and scheduling, providing greater convenience and energy savings.

Additionally, advancements in LED technology are leading to even more efficient and versatile lighting options. Organic LEDs (OLEDs) have emerged as a promising technology, offering thin, lightweight, and highly efficient lighting solutions. As these technologies continue to develop, we can expect even more improvements in energy efficiency, lifespan, and practicality in the lighting industry.

We Can Help!

When you're shopping for light bulbs, the Lighting Facts label on the box will give you a lot of information (see example here).  But don't hesitate to contact us to help you choose the right combination of lumens, watts, color temperatures, and light fixtures themselves to achieve the desired ambiance and functionality in your space at the best money savings for you.