What Are Lumens in Lighting?
While shopping for LED strip lights, smart lights, or regular light bulbs, you’ll likely see mention of “lumens” or “lm” somewhere on the packaging or in the marketing materials. But what are lumens? We shed some light on the subject.
Lumens Are a Measure of Brightness
A lumen is a scientific unit that represents the visible light output of a light source. The brighter the light source, the more lumens it produces. The measurement of lumens is weighted and adjusted based on how humans perceive light.
So, for example, if you compare one light bulb that outputs 900 lumens and one that outputs 2000 lumens, the 2000 lumen bulb will be brighter than the 900-lumen bulb. The more lumens a light bulb emits, the brighter the bulb.
This means a good measurement for light bulb efficiency is lumens per watt (lm/W). A typical 100-watt incandescent bulb uses 100 watts of power and outputs about 1,600 lumens. Meanwhile, a 14-17 watt LED bulb can also output about 1,600 lumens. That means you’re getting more light for less power, which saves you money on your electricity bill.
The same principle applies to any type of lighting device: smart bulbs, LED light strips, or otherwise. The more lumens emitted, the brighter the output device.
Understanding The Lighting Facts Label
For almost 100 years, people primarily used incandescent bulbs for lighting at home, and that allowed us to compare relative brightness by how much power each bulb used.
For example, you’d buy a “60-watt bulb” or a “100-watt bulb.” With the invention of radically more efficient lighting options such as LED bulbs that might only consume 15 watts but output as much as a 100-watt incandescent bulb, consumers needed a new way of comparing different lighting technologies.
To solve this problem, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission instituted a requirement that the packaging for any light bulbs sold in the US must carry a “Lighting Facts” label. This label shows the bulb’s brightness in lumens, its estimated yearly energy cost, its lifespan, and its color temperature.
Other countries have similar labels that show light intensity or energy efficiency, such as the BEE Star Label in India.
To solve this problem, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission instituted a requirement that the packaging for any light bulbs sold in the US must carry a “Lighting Facts” label. This label shows the bulb’s brightness in lumens, its estimated yearly energy cost, its lifespan, and its color temperature.
Other countries have similar labels that show light intensity or energy efficiency, such as the BEE Star Label in India.
You can now compare bulbs or other light sources by their brightness in lumens instead of relying on a general understanding of how much light a certain wattage of bulb should produce. It’s a vast improvement over the old ways. And, with energy-efficient bulbs getting cheaper, smarter, and more versatile all the time, it’s an exciting time to light up your life. Have fun!
Eldridge 7314 Pendant
Key Features
1 Year Limited Manufacturer
Finished with industrial elegance. The Eldridge 7314 Pendant by Hudson Valley Lighting draws instant attention with its bell-shaped shade made of Opal Shiny Glass. Metal framework traces the shade, fixed to a brace with exposed hardware on its bottleneck top. Suspended from a pendant O-ring hoop with alternating round and oval chain links, this piece works well above an entryway, dining space or in multiples above a kitchen island or bar. An incandescent bulb powers the piece to emit a soft, white light.
Hudson Valley is known for its strong traditional, vintage, reproduction and contemporary lighting. Offering the same attention to detail that was evident during the early twentieth century, Hudson Valley boasts a range of classic finishes and silk material selections that will surely satisfy even the most discriminating customer.
Details:
- Opal Shiny Shade
- Material: Metal
- Shade Material: Glass
- Location Rating: UL Listed Damp
- Warranty: 1 Year Limited Manufacturer
- Made In China
Options:
- Finish: Aged Brass, Old Bronze, Polished Nickel
Octo 4240 Pendant
Key Features
Airy, wondrous, elegant. Inspire and delight with the floating wood composition of the Octo 4240 Pendant from Secto Design. The artful piece comes through with an inviting personality, one refined by Finnish designer Seppo Koho in his handcrafted wooden prototyping process. The pendant uses Finland’s national tree, the birch, for its sustainable wood construction. Artisans begin by form pressing slender birch wood slats into flowy contours. One at a time, the contours are arranged in a circle, creating an airy, curve-wrapped form. The minimalist yet sculptural form surprises as it conceals the light source. A single bulb on top beams a warm light through the open design, creating an energetic play of light and shadow. Softness describes the light filtering through the contours and streaming through the wide opening at the base.
Founded in 1995 by Tuula Jusélius and Seppo Koho, Secto Design creates lighting made of PEFC certified Finnish birch wood. Its unique pieces blend innovative Scandinavian design with quality craftsmanship to offer distinctive lighting recognized by designers worldwide.
Details:
- Dimmer Not Included
- Lighting Style: Soft/Diffused/Ambient
- Dimmable when used with a Standard Dimmer (Not Included)
- Designed by Seppo Koho
- Material: Form pressed Birch
- Location Rating: ETL Listed
- Made In Finland
Options:
- Finish: Birch, Black, Walnut, White
- Lighting:
Choose an option from the tabs below to see complete lighting specifications.
Nordic Bell Pendant
Key Features
Ships To Canada
Dimmable
Limited 1 Year
Evoking a sense of simplicity, the Nordic Bell Pendant from Maxim Lighting presents a soothing, simple form for a classic feel in your modern home. A sense of flow follows throughout the piece, from the smooth aluminum body that gradually widens to the tasteful leather strap that connects to the thin wire downrod. A single bulb resting within the shade spreads a full, even glow throughout the space, creating a timeless sense of comfort.
Maxim Lighting, headquartered in California, offers high-quality lighting fixtures in a variety of designs, finishes, and glass styles that complement contemporary and transitional interiors.
Details:
- Dimmer Not Included
- Lighting Style: Soft/Diffused/Ambient
- Dimmable When Used With a Standard Dimmer (Not Included)
- Designed in 2019
- Material: Aluminum, Leather
- Location Rating: UL Listed
- Warranty: Limited 1 Year
- Made In China
Options:
- Finish: Black Leather with Brushed Platinum, Tan Leather with Black, Tan Leather with White
- Size: Medium, Large
Lighting:
- Choose an option from the tabs below to see complete lighting specifications.
Warehouse Shade Pendant
Key Features
Ships To Canada
Made In USA
A versatile design blurring the lines between an array of styles. The Warehouse Shade Pendant from Hi Lite delivers with a surge of warmth-filled light. The durability and ruggedness of the piece are evident by its thick-gauged metal shade. Layered striations make their way from the cylindrical lamp holder to the flaring edges of the structure, capturing fine shadows that emphasize their movement. Pop in a clear incandescent bulb and feel its golden filaments embrace your open spaces with generous illumination.
Hi-Lite was founded in 1959 by Mrs. Ohai, and it continues to be operated under her direction with her sons Reynolds and Jeffery. From the facility in California, the brand designs and creates a full range of ceiling, wall, and table lighting in a variety of styles, though it’s known for industrial, rustic, and contemporary fixtures. It offers full-scale manufacturing and fabrication using quality raw metal and other materials, ensuring the resulting fixtures are of the highest caliber.
Details:
- Not OK for Outdoor Use
- White finish has a white cord, other finishes have a black cord
- Machine Washable: No
- Location Rating: UL Listed
- Made In USA
Options:
- Size: 14 Inch, 16 Inch, 17 Inch
- Finish: Black, White, Dark Green, Galvanized, Rust
Lighting:
- Choose an option from the tabs below to see complete lighting specifications.
Agnes Pendant Light
Key Features
Sleek, minimalist form meets functional lighting in the Agnes Pendant Light by Visual Comfort. Its body features a rounded, parabolic head (made of metal) which suspends from a near-invisible support stem. Contrasting inner and outer finishes provide additional warmth and depth to the fixture, culminating in a dazzling reflective display once lit.
Founded in 1987 by Andy Singer, Visual Comfort has years of experience collaborating with world-renowned artisans and has accumulated a diverse collection of quality products. The Visual Comfort collection, including pendants, chandeliers, floor lamps and outdoor lights, incorporates natural materials and distinctive hand-applied finishes, creating a unique look and ambiance that leaves a long lasting impression.
Details:
- Not OK for Outdoor Use
- Lighting Style: Downlight
- Sleek, minimalist form
- Rounded, parabolic head
- Near-invisible support stem
- Contrasting inner and outer finishes
- Cannot be modified in the field
- Designed by AERIN
- Material: Metal
- Location Rating: ETL Listed
- Assembly Required: No
- Made In China
Options:
- Finish: Burnished Silver Leaf with White Interior, Gild with White Interior, Matte Black with Gild Interior,
- Plaster White with Gild Interior
- Size: Small, Medium
Lighting:
- Choose an option from the tabs below to see complete lighting specifications.
