Room Lighting (Lumens) Calculator
A dimly lit kitchen makes food prep harder, while an overly bright bedroom feels clinical rather than relaxing — the right lighting level depends on both room size and how the room is used. Enter your dimensions and room type below to see how many lumens and bulbs you need.
Work out how many lumens and bulbs you need
Enter your room dimensions and pick the room type.
For a 14.0m² living room, you need approximately:
2,100 lumens
That's around 3 standard LED bulbs (~800 lumens each), or fewer, brighter fittings for the same total output.
Recommended products
A few well-reviewed ceiling lights.
- Dining room
- Grey
£45.00
Pros
- Industrial-style grey metal shade
- Great value for a statement fitting
- Suits kitchens and dining areas
Cons
- E27 bulb not included
- Living room
- Black
£129.99
Pros
- Tuneable warm-to-cool white light via the Hue app
- Physical dimmer switch included in the box
- Works with Bluetooth, Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit
Cons
- White Ambiance only — no colour-changing LEDs
- Hue Bridge needed for full automation and voice routines
- Bathroom
- Chrome
£24.99
Pros
- IP44 rated, safe for bathroom zones 1-3
- Chrome and frosted glass finish resists steam damage
- Easy flush fitting for low ceilings
Cons
- Basic on/off only, no dimming
- Bulb not included
Frequently asked questions
Why does a kitchen need more light than a bedroom?
Task-focused rooms like kitchens need brighter, more even lighting for safe food preparation and cooking, while bedrooms are generally used for relaxing and sleeping, where softer, lower-level lighting feels more comfortable.
Is it better to have one bright ceiling light or several smaller ones?
Several smaller light sources (ceiling spots, lamps, under-cabinet lighting) usually give more even, flexible lighting than a single bright fitting, which can leave harsh shadows and doesn't allow for adjusting brightness by area or mood.
What does lumens actually measure, compared to watts?
Lumens measure the total amount of visible light a bulb produces, while watts measure the electricity it consumes. LED bulbs produce far more lumens per watt than older incandescent bulbs, so comparing lumens rather than watts gives a more accurate sense of actual brightness.
Should I choose warm or cool white bulbs?
Warm white (around 2700-3000K) suits relaxing spaces like living rooms and bedrooms, giving a cosy, yellow-toned light. Cool white (4000K+) gives a crisper, more energising light that works well in kitchens, bathrooms and home offices.