All About Lumens and What They Mean
Choosing the right lighting isn’t just about selecting a fixture or a light source – it's also about understanding how much light a space actually needs. This is where the concept of lumens plays a central role.
What Are Lumens?
Lumen (abbreviated lm) is the unit used to describe the light output of a light source – essentially how much visible light a lamp emits. The higher the lumen value, the more light is spread into the room. Lumens indicate the strength and perceived intensity of the light.
Lumens are sometimes confused with watt and lux, but these measure different things:
Watt measures energy consumption, not brightness. It used to be a rough way to estimate brightness, but with LED technology this no longer works since LED produces much more light per watt.
Lux measures how much light actually hits a surface (lumens per square meter). While lumens describe how much light a lamp emits, lux shows how the light is perceived on a specific surface or in a specific room.
Why Are Lumens Important in Work Environments?
For companies and industrial settings, the amount of light directly affects both the work environment and productivity. Too little lighting can cause fatigue, headaches, or missed details in work tasks. Too much lighting can cause glare, unnecessary energy use, and a stressful environment.
Getting the right lumen level means finding the balance between comfort, energy efficiency, and safety—something that is essential in offices, schools, industrial facilities, and warehouses.
Recommended Lumens for Good Light Levels
How many lumens are needed depends on the size of the room, ceiling height, and the type of work performed. Here are some guidelines expressed in lux (lumens per square meter):
Offices – approx. 500 lux, provides even and comfortable lighting for computer work and meeting rooms.
Retail – 750–1000 lux, highlights products and creates an attractive shopping experience.
Industry & production – 300–750 lux, higher levels are required for precision work or tasks with detailed visual requirements.
Warehouses & logistics – approx. 200–300 lux, sufficient for general lighting, with higher levels needed at picking stations or work areas.
Simply looking at lumens is not enough—the light must be distributed correctly. A powerful fixture can produce many lumens, but if the light isn’t directed properly, the lux level (usable light on surfaces) will still be too low. That’s why the placement and design of fixtures are just as important as the lumen output of the light source.
LED and Lumen Output
LED is a modern lighting technology capable of delivering very high lumen output per watt—meaning more light with less energy. This makes LED one of the most energy‑efficient options on the market. For businesses and industries where lights are on many hours per day, LEDs reduce electricity costs and support more sustainable energy use.
LED lamps come in many different lumen levels depending on the intended application. For smaller areas or decorative lighting, a few hundred lumens may be enough. General lighting in offices or retail spaces commonly requires 2,000–10,000 lumens. In large spaces such as warehouses or industrial environments, fixtures may need to deliver 40,000 lumens or more.
How Can Your Company Optimize Lighting With the Right Lumens?
To get the most out of your lighting, you can:
Assess the needs of the space – What tasks are performed and what are the current light conditions?
Choose the right fixtures – Match fixtures to the size of the room and ceiling height.
Combine lumen output with proper light distribution – This ensures correct lux levels on work surfaces.
Use smart controls – Occupancy sensors, daylight control, and dimming systems can optimize your lighting further.
By ensuring that both lumens and light distribution are properly planned, you create lighting that is both energy-efficient and ergonomic.
We Help You Find the Right Lumen Levels for Your Facility
Do you want to optimize the lighting in your business and achieve the right lumen output with modern LED technology?
Contact us at Aura Light – our experts help you analyze your facilities, calculate energy savings, and develop a solution that combines high light quality with long-term sustainability.
With the right lighting, we help you create a safer work environment, lower operating costs, and a more sustainable business.