What kind of lighting is needed for different rooms?
Lighting in a home plays a crucial role, not only for visibility, but also for creating a desired mood. Whether reading a book, cooking a meal, or spending time with family, each room in your home requires a different type of lighting. The key to achieving optimal lighting is to understand the concept of "lux", which indicates the amount of light received by a surface. This notion, combined with the lumens emitted by a light source, helps us determine the ideal lighting for each space. In this article, we'll explore how to adapt lighting according to rooms to meet their specific needs.
Understanding lux (lx), so that light can be!
The lux is used to indicate the illuminance (or luminous flux) received by a given surface, expressed in lumens per square meter (lm/m2). One lux is equivalent to one lumen per square meter.
In other words, the lux measures the amount of light that reaches a specific object or area.
To calculate the amount of lux needed in a room, we need to consider two key factors: the lumens emitted by light sources and the surface area to be illuminated. Lumens, remember, measure the total amount of light emitted by a light source. Surface area refers to the size of the room, or the specific area you wish to light.
The number of lux required for a given surface area is obtained by applying the following formula: lumens/m2 = lux.
To obtain the total number of lumens required in a room, you need to add up the number of lumens produced by each bulb installed. This information is usually indicated on the bulb or its packaging. Then divide this total number of lumens by the surface area of the room in square meters.
For example, if you have a 600 lumen bulb in a 20 m2 room, you get 30 lux lighting (600/20 = 30.00).
Inversely, to determine the number of lumens needed in a room based on the recommended number of lux, use the following formula: lumens = lux X m2. For example, if you want to achieve 400 lux forgeneral lighting in your 10 m2 kitchen , you'll need 4000 lumens (400 x 10). For specific worktop lighting, with a requirement of 500 lux over an area of 2 m2, you'll need 1000 lumens (500 x 2).
What lighting is recommended per room in your home?
Living room lighting
In this room, needs will vary depending on the moment and the situation. More discreet around the TV, a small lamp with shade or LED ribbon, for example, will suffice. A higher luminous intensity will be needed in the activity areas, with a ramp of spotlights, a large floor lamp or track-mounted spotlights. Ditto for the reading area, which will be favored more on the side of a fixed light point or recessed LED spot.
We'll look for softer in convivial areas, with small accent lamps. The important thing is to generate a beautiful harmony between the different lighting zones.
For general living room lighting, a powerful floor lamp with dimmer, a strip of ceiling-directed spotlights or several tall lamps in series can provide sufficient light without being glaring. To set the mood, a suspension luminaire above the living room table, reading lights (or cord luminaire) near the reading chair and accent lamps around the sofa can be used.
About 300 lux for reading lighting and 50-200 lux for general lighting.
Dining room lighting
A ceiling light, spotlight track or powerful pendant are ideal fordining room lighting.
Indirect light sources, such as wall sconces or table lamps on the dining table, can enhance certain decorative elements. Indeed, it's very important to generate the right lighting atmosphere.
Spotlights, wall-mounted fittings and indirect lighting integrated into cornices are very popular.
About 100-300 lux for table lighting and 100 lux for general lighting.
Kitchen lighting
Functions in the kitchen vary widely. To prepare meals, you need lots of light, while for the rest of the room, general lighting may suffice.
A ceiling light or suspension luminaire diffusing a powerful light can provide effective general illumination. For lighting work areas, fluorescent tube strips, recessed spotlights under wall units or track-mounted spotlights can be used. LED luminaires can also be added to display cabinets and storage units.
About 300-500 lux for worktop lighting and 200-300 lux for general lighting.
Lighting for an adult bedroom
A combination of different light sources, such as a discreet ceiling light for general illumination and bedside lamps, wall sconces or reading lights for a subdued ambience, can be used in a bedroom. The color of the light, whether warm or cool, depends on your preferences and the desired atmosphere.
Lighting a child's bedroom
An important point to take into account for our little ones, in order to preserve their eyesight, is to ensure that the floor and activity surfaces are well lit.
For these rooms, both adults and children, allow around 300 lux for functional lighting and 100-200 lux for general lighting.
Discover our lighting fixtures and accessories
Lighting a bathroom
First of all, make sure to comply with safety standards, light points at a reasonable distance from water and airtight housings for light sources.
It is recommended to have intense general lighting as natural as possible in a bathroom. A ceiling light, a pendant or recessed spotlights can diffuse a frank light. To illuminate above the basin, two light sources, such as wall sconces or spotlights, placed on either side of the mirror, can be used.
About 300-500 lx for mirror lighting, 200 lux for general lighting and 100 lux for the toilet.
Office lighting
Powerful general lighting is needed to work without tiring the eyes. A luminous suspension or floor lamp with intense light can be used for general illumination, while a halogen desk lamp or powerful LED can illuminate the work area.
For computer work, on the other hand, already subjecting the eyes to severe strain, a desk lamp, not too powerful, will suffice.
About 300 lux for the workspace and 20 lux for general lighting.
Lighting a passing zone
In the entrance, hallways and staircases, frank and welcoming general lighting is recommended. Hanging or wall sconces can be used for general lighting. To ensure optimum visibility on the staircase, additional wall sconces or LED light beaconing can be added.
You can also think of the LED bulb solution in recessed spotlights to light stair treads, very practical for evening returns!
Avoid ceiling lights with shades that are too dark or encompassing, which would induce unpleasant shadow zones.
About 100 lux for the entrance hall and staircase, and 50-100 lux for the corridor.
Lighting for a ggarage, workshop or laundry
Here, we'd rather choose functional lighting. Intense, cool-colored lighting is essential for working comfortably. Fluorescent tubes or spotlight strips can provide instant, intense illumination. To illuminate the work area, a spotlight rail can be installed above.
About 300 lux for the work area and 50-100 lux for general lighting.
Modify the amount of lighting according to the desired ambience
By choosing the right lighting for each room in your home, you can create the right mood for each activity and highlight decorative elements.
Keep in mind that lighting recommendations may vary depending on activity, personal preferences, room size and furniture layout.
Depending on whether you want a subdued, friendly, work, technical, stimulating or relaxing atmosphere, you'll opt either for dimmers, recessed spotlights or LEDs, track lighting, ceiling spotlights, LED bulbs, lampshades, etc.
The choices and variations are many.
Conclusion on lighting by room
The right lighting can transform the atmosphere of a room, enhancing the overall experience of the space. By using lux recommendations wisely and choosing the right light sources, you can create environments ranging from relaxing to concentrating. Keep in mind that these recommendations are just starting points, the perception of light can vary according to individuals and situations. It's up to you to play with dimmers, bulb types and placements to find the perfect harmony for every room in your home.
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