What is the Best Lumen for Outdoor Lights? - Outdoor Cabinets

Choosing the right lumen output for outdoor lighting can seem complicated. However, with some basic knowledge about lumens and light levels, you can easily determine the best lumen level for your outdoor spaces. This comprehensive guide will explain what lumens are, how they relate to outdoor lighting, and provide recommendations for optimal lumen levels for common outdoor areas.

What Are Lumens?

Lumens are the standard unit of measure for the amount of visible light emitted by a light source. The higher the lumen rating, the brighter the light. Lumens specifically measure the amount of brightness that is perceived by the human eye.

For example, a traditional 100-watt incandescent light bulb produces about 1600 lumens. In contrast, many modern LED light bulbs produce 800-1300 lumens while only using 15-25 watts. So lumens measure brightness, while watts measure energy consumption.

The key thing to understand is that lumens indicate brightness, not the physical size or wattage of a light bulb. Using lumens allows you to compare the brightness of different light sources. This helps ensure that you are choosing lighting with the right amount of illumination for an outdoor area.

Why Lumens Matter for Outdoor Lighting

When lighting an outdoor space, having the proper lumen output for the size of the area is extremely important. Here are some of the key reasons that lumens are crucial for outdoor lighting:

Safety – Having adequate illumination ensures people can safely navigate paths, steps, and other areas at night. Higher lumen levels allow you to see obstacles and potential hazards.
Security – More lumens cast light over a larger area, reducing shadows and making it easier to see people or security threats outside.
Ambiance – The right lumen output creates a welcoming glow for outdoor living spaces like decks, gardens, and patios. Too many lumens can create glare.
Task lighting – Matching the lumens to the task being performed, whether reading on the porch or working in the garage, ensures you have suitable visibility.
Energy efficiency – Using the optimal lumen output avoids wasting energy from excessive or insufficient lighting.

By understanding how many lumens are ideal based on the size and purpose of an outdoor area, you can provide the right amount of light and maximize efficiency.

Factors That Determine Ideal Outdoor Lumen Levels

When selecting lighting fixtures and bulbs for outdoor spaces, considering these key factors will help narrow down the optimal lumen levels:

Size of the Area

The larger the physical size of the space being lit, the more lumens will be required. A small patio will not need nearly as many lumens as a large front driveway or two-car garage. Make sure you evaluate the square footage when deciding on lumen levels.

Purpose of the Lighting

How the space will primarily be used after dark determines what light levels are needed:

Subtle accent lighting requires fewer lumens.
Task lighting for gardening, barbecuing, or dining needs more lumens.
High-traffic areas and security lighting demand the highest lumen outputs.

Match the lumen rating to the lighting purpose.

Amount of Ambient Light

Outdoor areas that receive spillover illumination from neighboring street and residential lights require fewer additional lumens. Rural and isolated areas need more supplemental lighting. Consider how much surrounding ambient light will contribute when deciding on lumen levels.

By factoring in these variables – size, purpose, and ambient light – you can zero in on the ideal lumen range.

Recommended Lumens for Common Outdoor Areas and Uses

Here are some general guidelines and lumen recommendations for typical outdoor lighting applications:

Pathway Lighting

1-2 foot wide pathways – Look for bulb or fixture ratings of 400-800 lumens. This provides moderate illumination for short garden pathways and residential sidewalks.
3-6 foot wide pathways – Go with around 1600-2000 lumens for wider paths and driveways. This lights a larger area while avoiding glare.
Parking areas – For a small residential driveway or 2-3 car parking area, 3000-4000 lumens works well. Larger driveways and lots may need 6000 lumens or more.

Porch Lighting

Front porch – A single porch light fixture should be in the 2000-3000 lumen range to brightly light a small to medium-sized porch. For larger wrap-around porches, scale up to 4000-6000 lumens.
Accent lighting – For subtle downlighting or uplighting of architectural features, plants or railing, opt for 400-800 lumens.

Post Lights

Address marker – Post lights along a driveway or yard typically require 600-900 lumens for adequate visibility.
Security or spotlight – For brighter illumination, post-mounted spot or flood lights should be in the 4000-8000 lumen range. Their focused beam can create directional lighting.

Patio Lighting

**Small patio **- Up to 300 square feet: 3000-5000 lumens, depending on amount of ambient light.
Medium patio – 300-600 square feet: 6000-8000 lumens.
Large patio – Over 600 square feet: Install multiple fixtures totaling 8000-12000 lumens.
Accent lighting – Dim string lights or downlighting: 600-1500 lumens.

Deck Lighting

Rail or step lighting – For basic visibility of decks under 600 square feet, keep it lower in the 600-1500 lumen range.
Overhead/ceiling lights – To brightly illuminate the entire deck surface, scale up to 6000-10000 lumens for medium to large decks.
Accent lighting – Try 400-1000 lumens for post and stair railing lights.

Backyard Lighting

Small yard – One 25-40 watt outdoor floodlight (2000-3000 lumens) is usually sufficient.
Medium yard – Scale up to 50-80 watt floodlight, or a combo of floodlight and pathway lighting (4000-6000 total lumens).
Large yard – For yards over 3000 square feet, install multiple floodlights totaling 6000-10000 lumens.
Accent lighting – Low-voltage landscape lighting around trees, beds, or benches only requires 500-1500 lumens.

Garage Door Lighting

Single door – One or two fixtures with at least 4000-6000 lumens.
Double door – Scale up to 6000-10000 lumens to brightly light a 2-3 car garage entrance.

Shed or Outbuilding Lighting

Accent lighting – Install 400-800 lumen wall sconces or pendant lights.
Security lighting – Motion activated floodlights in the 4000-6000 lumen range.
Task lighting – Hang shop light fixtures totaling 6000-10000 lumens.

Choosing the Right Lighting Fixtures Based on Lumens

Now that you know how many lumens are ideal for the outdoor area you want to light, use this knowledge to select lighting fixtures and bulbs that meet your needs. Here are some tips:

Check the lumen rating on the lighting product packaging or specifications. Avoid vague wattage info.
For floodlights and spotlights, pick models with adjustable heads to direct the beam.
For path lighting, look for bollard-style or low-voltage fixtures rated for exterior use.
Select ENERGY STAR-certified and Dark Sky compliant fixtures to maximize efficiency.
Utilize timers, dimmers, and motion sensors to control brightness and run times.
For spaces like patios, decks, and gardens, use a layered lighting plan with both brighter overhead illumination supplemented by targeted accent lighting.
Higher lumen LED bulbs can replace lower lumen incandescent bulbs in existing fixtures.
Work with a residential lighting company for help creating an outdoor lighting design optimized for your needs.

With the right mix of higher lumen floodlights, spotlights, and lower lumen accent lighting, you can create a customized, visually appealing, and energy efficient outdoor lighting plan.

Lumen Output for Common Light Bulb Types

To give you a sense of the typical lumen levels for generic light bulb types, here is a breakdown:

40-Watt incandescent bulb: 450 lumens
60-Watt incandescent bulb: 800 lumens
75-Watt incandescent bulb: 1,100 lumens
100-Watt incandescent bulb: 1,600 lumens
65-Watt floodlight bulb: 1,000 lumens
85-Watt floodlight bulb: 1,600 lumens
100-Watt floodlight bulb: 2,000 lumens
9-Watt LED bulb (60-Watt equivalent): 800 lumens
8-Watt LED bulb (65-Watt equivalent): 800 lumens
12-Watt LED bulb (75-Watt equivalent): 1,100 lumens
15-Watt LED bulb (100-Watt equivalent): 1,600 lumens
20-Watt LED floodlight bulb (65-Watt equivalent): 1,000 lumens
24-Watt LED floodlight (85-Watt equivalent): 1,600 lumens
30-Watt LED floodlight (100-Watt equivalent): 2,000 lumens

So when comparing retail bulb options, check the lumen ratings instead of wattages to find the right brightness level.

Outdoor Lighting Design Tips

Beyond just selecting the proper amount of lumens, there are some additional outdoor lighting design principles to keep in mind:

Light up key parts of your yard, not the entire space. Focus on pathways, seating areas, steps, entrances, and security points.
Use warm color temperatures like 2700K to 3000K to create welcoming outdoor lighting.
Position fixtures carefully to avoid glare. Light should be directed where needed, not into people’s eyes.
Use separate switches or zones to control different types of lighting, allowing more versatility.
Position lights at optimal heights for their purpose, such as pathway lights at 1-2 feet off the ground and floodlights at 8 feet or higher.
Mix and match lighting styles for visual interest. Combine elegant post lights, subtle path lighting, and brighter floodlights.
Use timers and motion sensors so lighting is on only when needed for utility, safety, and efficiency.
Check for Dark Sky compliant fixtures to minimize light pollution and impacts on the environment.

By incorporating these design principles, you can have outdoor lighting that is functional and aesthetically pleasing while also being energy efficient.

Outdoor Lighting Features and Technology

There have been rapid advancements in outdoor lighting features and technology in recent years:

Smart technology – Fixtures with integrated WiFi, Bluetooth, or radio frequency allow remote control via smartphone apps, voice commands, and automation platforms.
Color tuning – Select fixtures offer adjustable color temperatures to create different ambiances.
Solar power – Standalone solar lighting fixtures absorb sunlight during the day in order to operate at night without wiring.
Motion sensors – Detection sensors activate lights when movement is sensed, saving energy and enhancing security.
Timers and dimmers – These allow you to program when fixtures turn on/off and adjust brightness levels.
LED technology – Energy efficient, long-lasting LEDs have replaced inefficient incandescent bulbs for most outdoor uses.

Take advantage of these innovations to make your outdoor lighting more convenient, versatile, sustainable, and cost effective over the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Light Lumens

There are some common questions homeowners have when evaluating lumen levels for outdoor lighting projects:

How many lumens are needed for a porch light?

For a small front porch, a fixture with a rating of 2000-3000 lumens is usually sufficient. For a larger, covered patio a single porch light could provide 4000-6000 lumens. Accent lighting only requires 400-800 lumens.

What lumen level is best for a post light?

Post lights along a driveway or yard only need to emit 600-900 lumens for visibility. Brighter security lights range from 4000-8000 lumens.

What is the right lumen output for a backyard flood light?

For a small to medium backyard, a flood light in the 3000-4000 lumen range is standard. Larger yards over 3000 square feet may need multiple floodlights for a total output of 6000-10000 lumens.

How many lumens should deck lighting have?

For overhead lighting, a 600 square foot deck needs around 6000 total lumens. Larger decks require around 10000 lumens. For subtle accent lighting, 400-1500 lumens is usually sufficient.

What lumen rating is best for LED pathway lighting?

For 1-2 foot wide paths, small 400-800 lumen LED pathway lights work well. Wider pathways over 3 feet can use brighter 1600-2000 lumen fixtures.

How many lumens do I need to light up my patio?

A small 300 square foot patio might only need around 3000-5000 lumens. Medium to large patios require anywhere from 6000-12000 lumens, depending on the space size and ambient light.

What is the right lumen level for outdoor security lighting?

Floodlights with a 4000-6000 lumen rating are typical for illuminating yard areas with security concerns. For commercial spaces, higher lumen industrial floodlights are installed.

Achieving the Optimal Outdoor Lighting Balance

Finding the perfect balance with outdoor lighting requires mixing and matching various fixtures and lumen levels throughout your property. Keep in mind these tips:

Use higher-lumen overhead lights to brightly illuminate large gathering spaces, critical working areas like grilling stations, and high-traffic zones.
Supplement with lower-lumen pathway lights and step/stair lighting for basic visibility and ambiance.
Add even lower lumen decor options like string lights or spotlights to highlight plants and architectural details.
Consider your lighting needs at different times – brighter for evening entertaining vs. lower overnight security lighting.
Test options to evaluate real-life effectiveness and make adjustments. What looks bright at the store may not sufficiently light a large deck or yard.

The optimal outdoor lighting plan uses targeted task lighting, general area lighting, accent lighting, and security lighting in just the right lumen levels and positions for your spaces. This layered approach provides both visual appeal and practical illumination tailored to your unique property.

Key Takeaways on Choosing the Best Lumen Levels

Selecting the right lumen output for your outdoor lighting needs does not have to be guesswork. Keep these key tips in mind:

Consider the physical size, purpose, and ambient light conditions for each space.
Use recommended lumens levels based on common outdoor lighting applications.
Read and compare lumen ratings instead of wattages when evaluating bulbs and fixtures.
Incorporate layers of brighter general illumination and lower-lumen accent lighting.
Use smart controls like timers, motion sensors, and dimmers for greater efficiency and customization.
Follow Dark Sky compliant and outdoor lighting best practices for optimal visibility, beauty, and energy conservation.

With the guidelines provided in this article, you now have the knowledge to design an outdoor lighting plan that maximizes both beauty and function for your unique property. Using the ideal lumen levels for ambient lighting, task lighting, security, pathways, and accent uses will ensure your spaces are lit efficiently and effectively all year long.