Residential properties have different recommendations for illumination based on the room or task that requires completion.
The primary measurements for residential lighting requirements are in footcandles and lux.
A footcandle measurement involves how many lumens are needed per square foot, while lux takes the same measure by each square meter.
Here is a look at the minimum recommended lighting levels for homes today.
| Room or Environment | Footcandles | Lux |
| Bedrooms | 5 | 50 |
| Basements, Recreation Rooms, Enclosed Floors | 14 | 150 |
| Laundry Room | 19 | 200 |
| Bathrooms | 28 | 300 |
| Hallway, Entryway, Transition Spaces | 3 | 30 |
| Garage (General Environment) | 20 | 200 |
| Garage (Task Lighting, Workbench) | 93 | 1,000 |
| Formal Dining Room | 19 | 200 |
| Reading Area, Writing Space, Library | 19 | 200 |
| Informal Dining Space | 9 | 100 |
| General Kitchen Area | 9 | 100 |
| Kitchen Stovetop and Cooktop Area | 29 | 300 |
| Kitchen Prep Spaces | 47 | 500 |
| Living Room | 3 | 30 |
Although any light bulb style or technology can provide this resource, the most efficient installation involves LEDs. Lower wattage requirements combine with equitable lux and footcandle ratings to create desirable residential spaces to use.
What Is the Overall Recommendation for Residential Lighting?
Local building codes, HOA rules, and other standards sometimes dictate a building's lighting requirements.
If you find that the recommended minimums aren't enough, the table below offers an updated reference that improves a building's lighting.
| Room or Environment | Footcandles | Lux |
| Bedrooms | 20 to 50 | 215-538 |
| Basements, Recreation Rooms, Enclosed Floors | 30 | 323 |
| Laundry Room | 20 to 100 | 215 to 1,076 |
| Bathrooms | 20 to 50 | 215 to 538 |
| Hallway, Entryway, Transition Spaces | 10 to 20 | 108 to 215 |
| Garage (General Environment) | 30 | 323 |
| Garage (Task Lighting, Workbench) | 100 | 1,076 |
| Formal Dining Room | 50 to 100 | 538 to 1,076 |
| Reading Area, Writing Space, Library | 50 to 100 | 538 to 1,076 |
| Informal Dining Space | 20 to 50 | 215 to 538 |
| General Kitchen Area | 20 to 50 | 215 to 538 |
| Kitchen Stovetop and Cooktop Area | 50 to 100 | 538 to 1,076 |
| Kitchen Prep Spaces | 50 to 100 | 538 to 1,076 |
| Living Room | 10 to 20 | 108 to 215 |
The difference in lux is massive when comparing the minimum amount to a recommended level in many homes. That's why it is crucial to understand how much space is in each area to ensure an LED light bulb delivers an appropriate performance.
Commercial Building Lighting Needs
The recommended lighting levels for businesses depend on the purpose of the environment. Working in a warehouse is a different experience than putting together a retail display, which means the fixtures must meet specific minimums to provide safe and efficient lighting.
The average office space requires about 40 lumens per square foot. That's the same amount you'd want to have in a classroom, conference area, or department store.
Shops, showrooms, and grocery settings benefit with a boost to 50 lumens per square foot. By creating a better color rendering environment, the items it contains have more realism to the average person.
By understanding what a building needs, whether it's a residential or a commercial setting, it is easier to create a safer and more productive space. If you're looking for lighting options today, use this guide to think about the minimums you'd like to incorporate into those areas.
