Lumen vs. Watt: How to Choose the Right Light Intensity?

When switching from incandescent or halogen bulbs to LED, it’s important to focus on lumens rather than watts. Lumens indicate how much light a bulb actually produces.

In the past, we determined the brightness of a bulb based on wattage, but with LED bulbs, this is no longer a reliable measure. LED lighting consumes much less energy than incandescent and halogen bulbs while providing the same light output.

To help you choose the right LED bulb, we explain how many lumens you need and which LED replacement is best for your situation.

Comparing Lumens to Watts

Below is an overview of the light output of different incandescent wattages and the corresponding wattage for LED and halogen bulbs.

These are general guidelines. The exact light output and required wattage may vary by brand and LED bulb type.

A LED bulb using only 10 watts can provide the same brightness as an old 60-watt incandescent bulb. This results in an 80% energy saving without compromising light quality.

How Many Lumens Do I Need?

The number of lumens you need depends on the room and the purpose of the lighting. Below is a handy guideline.

For a 20 m² living room, you need approximately 6000 to 10,000 lumens for proper general lighting.

Want more ambiance? Choose multiple light sources instead of a single bright lamp.

Dimmable LED Lighting for Extra Flexibility

Do you sometimes need more light and other times less? Then a dimmable LED bulb is a smart choice.

There are different dimming options:

• Manual dimming with an LED dimmer. This only works if the LED bulb is explicitly labeled as dimmable.
• Smart lighting, which allows you to adjust brightness and color temperature via an app. Ideal for smart homes with Zigbee or WiFi lighting.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lumens and LED Lighting

Why are lumens used instead of watts?

Wattage indicates how much energy a bulb consumes but does not tell you how bright it is. Lumens measure actual light output and are therefore a more reliable way to choose the right LED bulb.

Why do some LED bulbs provide less light than expected?

This can be due to several factors.

• A low CRI value (Color Rendering Index) can make colors look duller and the light appear weaker. A CRI of 80 or higher is recommended for natural-looking light.
• An incorrect beam angle may cause light to spread differently compared to a traditional bulb. A narrow beam of 10 to 30 degrees is focused, while a wider beam of 50 degrees or more is better for general lighting.
• Color temperature determines whether the light appears warm (2700K), neutral (4000K), or cool (6000K). Warm light feels softer, while cool light appears brighter.

Can LED bulbs be dimmed?

Yes, but only if the bulb is dimmable. This is clearly stated on the packaging.

How many lumens do I need for a well-lit workspace?

A minimum of 700 lumens per m² is recommended for a workspace. This helps prevent eye strain and provides sufficient brightness.

Summary: How to Choose the Right LED Bulb

• Replace old incandescent bulbs based on lumens, not wattage. Use the table as a reference.
• Determine how much light you need for each room. Workspaces and kitchens require more lumens than ambient lighting in the living room.
• Consider color temperature. Warm white (2700K) is ideal for ambiance, while neutral white (4000K) or daylight white (6000K) is better for functional lighting.
• Use dimmable LED bulbs if you want to adjust brightness. Check whether your dimmer is compatible with LED lighting.
• Smart lighting offers extra flexibility. It allows you to adjust brightness and light color via an app.

Need Advice?

Are you unsure about the right brightness or which LED bulb best suits your needs? Feel free to contact us. Our experts are happy to help you make the best choice.

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