When choosing a ceiling light, many people focus only on style and size, neglecting the most critical parameter: lumens. Lumens determine brightness: too high, causes glare and wastes energy; too low, makes the space dim and tiring for the eyes. Matching lumens to room size ensures beginners can succeed without errors. Here’s a practical, easy-to-use guide.

Core Principle

Lumens should be proportional to room size: the larger the area, the higher the required lumens. Also adjust according to room usage: spaces requiring prolonged visual attention (study, kids’ room) may need more lumens, while relaxation spaces (bedroom, living room) can use slightly lower levels to avoid overly strong or weak light.

Lumen Recommendations by Room Size

Small Spaces (1-5㎡, hallway, corridor, small storage)

300-800 lm is sufficient. These spaces don’t need high brightness, just enough to see and avoid darkness. Overly bright light may cause glare in small spaces. Use small, simple ceiling lights for practicality.

Medium Spaces (5-15㎡, bedroom, small living room, study, dining room)

800-2500 lm. 10㎡ bedroom: 800-1500 lm with warm, dimmable light for comfort and night use. Study/dining 10-15㎡: 1500-2500 lm, high color rendering and adequate brightness for reading and dining, avoiding shadows.

Large Spaces (15-30㎡, large living room, open-plan living/dining)

2500-4000 lm. Large spaces need sufficient lumens for uniform lighting. Large or decorative ceiling lights work well; supplementary spotlights or LED strips can reduce ceiling light lumens and avoid chaotic lighting.

Additional Tips

1. Don’t blindly choose high lumens, especially in bedrooms; too bright can affect sleep.
2. Adjust lumens slightly based on natural light: +200-300 lm for dim rooms, -200 lm for well-lit rooms.

Following this guide ensures the right lumens for your room size, balancing brightness and comfort, even for beginners.