Borealo.

Lighting & Lumen Calculator

Stop guessing bulb brightness. Calculate exactly how many lumens you need for a given space based on its primary function.

Room Dimensions

Required Output

3,600 lm

Total Area: 180 sq ft

Target: 20 lumens per sq ft

Example Setup:

  • • 1x Main pendant (~ lm)
  • • 2x Floor/Table lamps (~ lm each)
  • • 1x Main ambient (~ lm)

Why Lumens over Watts?

In the era of incandescent bulbs, we used watts (power consumption) to estimate brightness. With LED technology, watts no longer correlate reliably to light output. A 10W LED might produce the same light as a 60W incandescent. Lumens measure actual visible light output.

The Nordic Approach to Layering

Meeting your total lumen requirement with a single overhead bulb is a mistake that creates harsh shadows and clinical atmospheres. Instead, divide your total required lumens across three layers:

  • Ambient: The baseline illumination (ceiling fixtures, sconces).
  • Task: Focused light for reading, cooking, or working.
  • Accent: Low-level lighting to highlight architectural features or create warmth in corners.