How Much Light Do You Need?

Foot-candles and the math behind lighting explained

I wrote this article after I struggled through the process of figuring out out how much light I needed for certain rooms.

Light affects our mental and emotional state and, therefore, our well-being. Sadly, we often tend to ignore its importance, resulting in inadequate interior lighting, choosing the wrong fixtures, or not placing them in the right locations. The impact of lighting is significant as good lighting can enhance different activities while bad lighting hinders us.

A common question that people ask is: How does one determine the precise amount of light required for a room or specific activities? Relying solely on conjecture can result in either excessive brightness or, worse, a dimly lit space. Neither is pleasant and both underscore the necessity for informed decision-making.