Translating Lumens and Kelvin

Translating Lumens to Kelvin

It’s a frequently asked question: is 6000 Kelvin the same as 6000 lumens?

Let’s set the record straight. Lumens and Kelvin represent two very distinct measurements. Lumens indicate how much lig[==-ht the light bulb emits, while kelvin refers to the light colors and color temperature of the bulb. Comparing the two is like apples to oranges. While light bulbs with higher Kelvin ratings may seem brighter, they may not be as “technically” bright as one with a higher lumen rating.

For example, a halogen bulb with 3000 lumens may be plenty for a car’s headlights, but higher Kelvin ratings will make them appear brighter as the temperature falls into the blue light scale. Read on for a more detailed explanation of Kelvin vs. lumens.

What are Lumens?

Simply put, more lumens mean a brighter light. Lumens are a unit of measurement that quantifies the amount of visible light emitted by a light source.

Both LEDs and traditional incandescent lights use lumens to indicate the bulb’s brightness, or how much visible light they produce. LED lights produce more lumens at lower wattage, making them more energy efficient for the same brightness level. So, when we compare an incandescent bulb to an LED bulb, we look at the number of lumens, not wattage.

Refer to this conversion chart to compare various bulb wattages regarding lumens produced. Every bulb type varies in how much energy they produce. As you can see, the light produced by LED wattage is significantly lower than other bulbs for comparable lighting capacity.

What is Kelvin in Lighting?

In contrast, Kelvin measures the temperature of a light. The Kelvin number of light bulbs indicates the color temperature they produce. Most light bulbs for residential applications range between 2000-6500K. A lower Kelvin number produces a warmer light color, an ideal temperature for indoor living spaces, and an all-around good general scale for most home and office applications.

A higher Kelvin rating indicates brighter, cooler light temperatures. Cooler light temperatures range from white to blue, while lower Kelvin numbers produce warmer and more neutral shades that look cool white.

Understanding how Kelvin works will allow you to choose the correct bulb for your needs, as you can't always determine that based on how much power they produce.

Brighter, cooler light temperatures are better for workspaces or task lighting. Examples could include garages, workshops, bathroom vanities, task lighting in the kitchen, or any place that requires focused light for work or to see details.

Warmer light temperatures create a cozier atmosphere and are ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, media rooms, entryways, dining rooms, and outdoor spaces.

Aesthetics, ambiance, and function are the primary considerations for choosing the appropriate light temperature.

Here are some examples of Kelvin scale ranges and use cases:

• <2000K produces a soft, candle-like glow.
• 2000-3000K emits a soft white glow, ideal for the bedroom, living and dining spaces, and outdoor areas.
• 3100-4500K produces bright white light for workspaces, workshops, kitchens, offices, and bathroom vanities—virtually anywhere task lighting is needed.
• 4600-6500K is intense blue-white light for workspaces that require lighting similar to daylight.
• >6500K emits bright white-blue light, typically used for commercial businesses, outdoor spaces, or task lighting.

How to Use Kelvin and Lumens to Light Your Space

Choosing the right Kelvin-Lumen combination is integral to creating the right ambiance in each room and enhancing its purpose. Some rooms, like kitchens and bathrooms, may require a combination of light bulbs to support various tasks. For example, brighter task lighting in the bathroom enables makeup and hygiene tasks, while softer ambient light is better for relaxing in the bath.

Take a Technical Approach to Lighting Your Home

In conclusion, choosing the appropriate brightness and light temperatures can make all the difference in how your spaces are enjoyed. Every choice has an effect, imparting style, and atmosphere in equal measure.

Switching to MOD Lighting fixtures enhances design and versatility, enabling the sustainability of low-wattage LED bulbs for your wallet and the best brightness for your personal comfort.

Explore Mod Lighting’s most popular modern LED pieces, and don’t hesitate to reach out to our lighting experts for advice or inspiration.