The conversion chart for watts (W) and lumens (lm) you’ll never have to second-guess again.
Understand the standard for brightness and choose the right light bulb without the guesswork
Have you ever gone to buy a light bulb and wondered, “485 lumens… how bright is that, anyway?”
This time, we’ll explain lumens, today’s standard for brightness, in easy-to-understand terms.
What’s the difference between watts and lumens in the first place?
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Watts (W): The amount of “power” consumed. With old incandescent bulbs, power consumption was directly linked to brightness, so this unit was the standard.
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Lumens (lm): The unit for the “amount of light (brightness)” itself. Energy-efficient LEDs can produce a high number of lumens while using very few watts, which is why lumens are now the standard measure of brightness.
[Save This] Brightness Guide and Conversion Chart
Here are the general guidelines for switching from incandescent bulbs to LEDs.
|
Incandescent bulb equivalent |
LED brightness (lumens) |
Common uses |
|---|---|---|
|
20W equivalent |
150 lm–180 lm |
For floor lamps, accent lighting, and nightlights |
|
40W equivalent |
400 lm–480 lm |
For multi-light dining room fixtures, bathrooms, and entryways |
|
60W equivalent |
700–850 lm |
For living room main lighting, studies, and kitchens |
Tips for Enjoying CTSH Lighting
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Pay attention to the word “equivalent”: LED bulb packaging often includes descriptions such as “60W equivalent (810 lm).” If you want a slightly more subdued atmosphere with a CTSH brass shade, choosing a smaller “40W equivalent” bulb is a sophisticated way to create a refined space.
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Don’t forget the base size:CTSH products use either E17 or E26 bases depending on the product. Once you’ve decided on the brightness (lumens), be sure to check the base size as well.
If your lighting was too bright, you can fix the problem simply by changing the bulb. Start by using this chart to find the right number of lumens for your lifestyle. If you’re not sure, please feel free to contact us anytime.
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