What is Lux?
Lux (symbol: lx) is the unit of measurement for the intensity of light. It is defined as the amount of luminous flux (the total amount of visible light emitted) per unit area. The higher the lux level, the brighter the light.
Lux is commonly used to measure the intensity of light in a specific area or space, such as an office or a shop. It is especially useful for comparing the brightness of different light sources or for determining the appropriate level of lighting for a particular space or task.
To give you an idea of what different lux levels look like in practice, here are some examples:
Moonlight on a clear night: 1-2 lux
Office lighting: 300-500 lux
Bright sunlight: 100,000-1,000,000 lux
What Lux level should the lighting in my office be?
The particular jobs being done and the preferences of the individuals working in the room will determine the proper lux level for lighting in an office. Office lighting should, in general, have an average illumination level of between 300 and 500 lux. On the other hand, different tasks could call for different amounts of lighting. For instance, stronger lighting may be beneficial for tasks requiring fine detail work, whereas lower lighting levels may be sufficient for operations requiring less precision.
It's also crucial to remember that, depending on the location and design of the business, the lighting intensity may change throughout. For instance, larger amounts of artificial lighting may be needed in places away from windows or other natural light sources in order to obtain the proper lux level. For additional information, see our Office Lighting Guide.
To create a cozy and well-lit space for office work, it's often a good idea to combine artificial and natural light sources. Additionally, you might want to think about utilizing task lighting to add extra lighting where it's needed for particular jobs or regions. Ultimately, the goal is to strike a compromise between minimizing glare and eye strain and providing adequate lighting.
What Lux level should the lighting in my shop be?
The precise actions being carried out and the tastes of the individuals using the area will determine the ideal lighting intensity for a store. Generally speaking, 500–750 lux should be the typical illumination level provided by store lighting. On the other hand, different jobs could call for different amounts of illumination. For instance, stronger lighting may be beneficial for activities requiring fine detail work, whereas lower lighting levels may be sufficient for operations requiring less accuracy.
It's also crucial to remember that, according on the location and design of the area, the lux level may change throughout the store. For instance, larger amounts of artificial lighting may be needed in places away from windows or other natural light sources in order to obtain the proper lux level.
To create a cozy and well-lit workspace in a business, it's often a good idea to combine artificial and natural light sources. Additionally, you may want to think about using task lighting to offer extra lighting where it's required for certain jobs or regions. Ultimately, the goal is to strike a compromise between minimizing glare and eye strain and providing enough illumination. For more details, see our Shop Lighting Guide.
What Lux level should the lighting in my restaurant be?
The appropriate lux level for lighting in a restaurant will depend on the specific needs and atmosphere of the establishment. Here are some general guidelines for restaurant lighting:
Use a combination of natural and artificial light. Natural light can help create a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere, especially during the day. At night, use artificial lighting to create a warm and inviting ambiance.
Consider the layout and design of the restaurant. Different areas of the restaurant may require different levels of lighting. For example, the dining area may benefit from lower levels of lighting to create a more intimate and cozy atmosphere, while the kitchen may require brighter lighting for safety and efficiency.
Use task lighting as needed. In addition to general lighting, you may want to use task lighting to provide additional illumination for specific areas or tasks.
Avoid shadows. Shadows can make it difficult to see what you're working on, so try to position lighting to minimise shadows.
Consider the color temperature of the lighting. Cooler colours (e.g., blue or white) may be more suitable for tasks that require fine detail work, while warmer colours (e.g., yellow or orange) may be more relaxing and suitable for areas where people will be relaxing or resting.
Use diffusers to reduce glare. If you're using fluorescent lighting, consider using diffusers to reduce glare and improve visibility.
As for the specific lux level, a range of 100-300 lux is generally considered appropriate for dining areas, while the kitchen may require a higher level of around 500-750 lux. However, the exact lux level will depend on the specific needs and design of your restaurant.
