The Right Light Intensity

When selecting the perfect lamp, it's not just about aesthetics; the functional aspects are equally important. A lamp should not only be visually appealing but also provide the right amount of light for its intended purpose. However, choosing the right (LED) lamp can be a confusing process due to the many technical specifications often listed. To help you make the best choice, we'll explain some essential terms that are important when selecting the right lamp.

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  • Noord See Lights Lamp met Hoge Lumen

    Nautilus | Smal with High Lumens

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When buying a lamp, you’ll often come across the terms Watt and Lumen on the packaging. Wattage indicates the amount of energy the lamp consumes, but it doesn’t tell you how much light the lamp actually produces. Lumen, on the other hand, accurately measures the light output of the source. With the advent of LED lighting, which provides significantly more lumens per watt, wattage has become a less relevant indicator of light output.

Lux measures the amount of lumens per square meter (m²). For example, a spotlight focuses its light on a small area, resulting in a higher lux value. In contrast, a lamp with a broader shade that emits the same number of lumens disperses the light over a larger area, thus achieving a lower lux value.

Candela is a measure of the intensity of light in a specific direction. It gauges how much light a source emits in that direction and is typically less used in interior design contexts.

How Much Light Do You Need?

Determining the required amount of light for a room can be challenging, but a simple rule of thumb can help. By combining the room's square footage, the desired lux level, and the type of lighting, you can calculate the total amount of lumens needed.

For example, in a living room of 10 m² where you want to create a cozy ambiance, you'll need between 1,100 and 2,200 lumens. For specific tasks, such as reading, you'll need between 300 and 400 lumens per square meter in the area where the task is performed.

Other Factors Influencing Light Requirements

The rules of thumb mentioned above are useful, but several factors can affect whether you need more or less light:

Ceiling Height: A higher ceiling can make a room feel visually larger and more open, meaning fewer lumens may be needed to create a comfortable atmosphere.

Room Colors: Dark colors absorb more light, so more lumens are required to achieve the same brightness as in a lighter-colored room.

Personal Preference: Everyone has a unique preference for light intensity, influenced by factors such as culture, eye color, and personal taste.

  • "Nonnetje" with a twilight brown shade.

    The lampshade has been adjusted to meet the functional requirements (ambient lighting) and the desired light intensity.

At Noord See Lights, we understand that lighting plays a crucial role in creating the perfect atmosphere in your home. That’s why we offer you the opportunity to design your own lamp, fully tailored to the needs of your space. For example, you might choose a light-colored lampshade with a smooth pattern to enhance brightness, ideal for task lighting. Alternatively, opt for a darker shade with a more playful pattern for subtle ambiance or accent lighting.

At Noord See Lights, your style takes center stage. Together, we’ll make your interior personal and unique.

Design your own lamp

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