So you’re standing in the lighting aisle again. You just figured out what “K” means (color temperature), and now you’re faced with another question: how bright should this bulb be?
For years, we’ve all been used to picking light bulbs by watts. But with modern energy-efficient bulbs, especially LEDs, watts don’t tell the whole story anymore.
Let’s clear things up.
Watts Measure Energy Use, Not Brightness
Watts simply measure how much energy a bulb uses. Back in the day, more watts usually meant more brightness, because all bulbs were incandescent. But today’s LED bulbs can produce the same amount of light using far less energy.
For example:
- A 60-watt incandescent bulb = about 800 lumens
- A LED bulb can produce 800 lumens using just 8–10 watts
So instead of focusing on watts, you’ll want to look for lumens.
What Are Lumens?
Lumens (lm) measure the actual brightness of a bulb or the amount of light it gives off. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light.
Here’s a quick guide:
| lm | Brightness Equivalent | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 450 lm | 40W bulb | Accent lighting, lamps |
| 800 lm | 60W bulb | Bedrooms, hallways, general use |
| 1100 lm | 75W bulb | Kitchens, bathrooms, brighter areas |
| 1600 lm | 100W bulb | Garages, workspaces, high ceilings |
So, Which Should You Use?
- For a cozy space: 450–800 lumens with a warm color temp (2700K–3000K)
- For tasks or detail work: 1100–1600 lumens with cooler temps (4000K–5000K)
Bottom Line
Watts tell you how much energy a bulb uses. Lumens tell you how much light you actually get. With energy-efficient bulbs like LEDs, you’ll use fewer watts to get the same (or better) brightness.
At Spring Garden Electric LLC, we help customers make smart lighting choices that are efficient, effective and tailored to their needs, whether you’re lighting up a cozy home or a busy workspace.