The calculations are suitable for a standard ceiling height of approximately 2.4 meters. It is estimated that 20% (30% with very high or dark walls) more lumens are needed for the area, per meter of ceiling height above 2.4 meters. This should be evaluated based on the specific situation. For light levels above 250 lm/m², there should be an option to turn off parts of the lighting or dim it during darker hours. Light sources should be evenly distributed; otherwise, they will cause glare and create dark areas. It's important to illuminate tables. The floor, walls, and ceiling should also be lit. Therefore, make sure to choose fixtures that provide upward and wide-angle lighting. Lamps arranged in a row can be positioned according to the lighting rule, with double the distance between lamps compared to the distance to the wall. This can be done both lengthwise and crosswise in the room. Individual fixtures should not exceed 3000 lm and must be placed out of the line of sight. Light sources over 800 lm should not be close to the eyes without effective shielding.
Total lumens for area is the total amount of lumens that should be in the entire area, which should be the sum of the specified lumens from the purchased light sources.
Estimated light fixtures is the recommended number of light fixtures for the area to ensure optimal light distribution. This includes all fixtures such as ceiling, table, wall, and floor lamps. More or fewer fixtures may be necessary depending on the situation. For a different number of fixtures, it is recommended to use the "Total area lumens" value to divide among the fixtures.
Lumens per light fixture is a suggestion for how many lumens each of the purchased light fixtures should have. It may be better for some to be higher or lower depending on their placement.
With spotlights, way more than the number of "Light fixtures" will likely be necessary. Spotlights should be placed with 1 to 1.5 meter spacing between spotlights. Spotlights provide more uniform lighting and are best in kitchens and bathrooms, while living spaces are better illuminated with cozier lighting. Lighting with spotlights is ideal for being too bright and dimmable. Remember dimmable spotlights. With dark walls can lumens be increased, as white walls reflect light more than dark ones. A color temperature of around 2700-3000 Kelvin provides a comfortable, soft light that is used indoors in private homes (including kitchens). 4000 Kelvin gives a cooler but clearer light, and is used in workshops, outdoors, and more industrial areas as work lighting. Lamps should be placed so they do not cast shadows on others, TV, or anything else. However, lamps should also be positioned so that there is nothing or no one blocking the light. More light sources with lower brightness are often more comfortable, except for spotlights, which provide slightly direct and less cozy light. Generally, fixtures should have a shield so that the light source cannot be seen directly, except when they are in the ceiling or in some cases with low-level task lighting (recommended 150cm from floor, for low hanging high intensity fixtures). Hanging lamps should have a very soft cord/string, and hang from a solid, balanced point on the lamp, so that the cord straightens out and the lamp hangs horizontally. Use white cotton gloves when handling white surfaces, as fingerprints are easily visible and can be difficult to remove.
As a guideline for lighting over tables (guidance only): 700 lm per meter of table for worktables, including kitchen work surfaces. 400 lm/m for dining tables (and office desks for paperwork). 500 lm/meter for bathroom countertops. Light surfaces reflect light and require lower illumination, while dark surfaces absorb light and can handle stronger illumination.
This website is a prototype, use at your own risk. The values in this website are indicative. Any decision you make is your own responsibility, whether you follow the website or not.