Plan layered bedroom lighting for every mood. Adjust brightness using area, lux, and fixtures precisely. Create restful spaces while avoiding glare and dark corners.
The following example table shows how different bedroom sizes and uses translate into approximate lumens and fixture counts using the same method as this calculator.
| Bedroom type | Size (m) | Area (m²) | Usage assumption | Target lux | Required lumens | Suggested fixtures (800 lm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small guest bedroom | 3.0 × 3.0 | 9.0 | Relaxed sleeping | 100 lux | ≈ 2,800 lm | 4 fixtures |
| Standard master bedroom | 3.5 × 4.0 | 14.0 | Multipurpose bedroom | 200 lux | ≈ 7,000 lm | 9 fixtures |
| Large suite with seating | 4.0 × 5.0 | 20.0 | Reading and tasks | 300 lux | ≈ 15,000 lm | 19 fixtures |
| Hotel-style cozy bedroom | 3.2 × 3.8 | 12.2 | Accent and ambience | 150 lux | ≈ 4,600 lm | 6 fixtures |
This calculator uses a simplified lumen method commonly applied in interior lighting design. The objective is to determine how much luminous flux (lumens) is required to achieve a target illuminance level on the room’s working plane.
First, the floor area of the bedroom is calculated as:
Area (m²) = Room length (m) × Room width (m)
Next, a target illuminance level in lux is selected, based on how the bedroom is used. Typical recommendations for bedrooms range from about 50–300 lux at the working plane level, depending on whether the space is used mainly for sleeping, reading, or detailed tasks.
The basic lumen method states:
Required lamp lumens = Area × Target lux ÷ (CU × MF)
In this calculator, CU is approximated from wall and ceiling colors (light, medium, dark), and MF is taken as a typical value of 0.80. The result is an estimate of total lumens needed from all fixtures combined.
The number of fixtures is then estimated by dividing the required lumens by the user-specified lumen output per fixture. Total installed wattage is calculated from the chosen luminous efficacy (lumens per watt) for the selected lamp technology.
Bedrooms rarely need one uniform illuminance everywhere. Sleeping and circulation areas are comfortable around 50–100 lux, while wardrobes and dressers usually benefit from 150–200 lux. Reading corners, desks, and makeup zones work better around 250–300 lux for clear, low strain visibility.
Wide beam ceiling lights reduce harsh shadows and provide gentle ambient light. Narrower beams suit artwork, wardrobes, or textured walls. To refine beam choices for stairs, hallways, or accent zones, you can also use the Cost to Install Recessed Lighting Calculator when planning recessed fixtures beyond the bedroom.
Light walls return more light into the room, allowing lower lamp lumens for the same lux level. Dark paint, timber panelling, or heavy wallpapers absorb more light. When reflectance is low, expect higher required lumens or additional fixtures to keep the space feeling bright and welcoming.
A comfortable bedroom lighting scheme usually combines one ambient layer with focused task lights and a few accent sources. Use this calculator to size the overall lumen budget, then divide it between ceiling lights, bedside lamps, wardrobe strips, and decorative fixtures for flexible scenes throughout the day.
Total wattage from the calculation helps estimate running cost. Multiply watts by hours used per day and your kWh tariff. For entire homes, pairing this tool with budgeting helpers like the Hot Tub Installation Cost Calculator gives a broader view of lifestyle and comfort energy spending.
Curtain density and overlap control both privacy and daylight. Blackout drapes reduce early-morning glare but require stronger artificial light for evening tasks. Sheers soften sunlight and reduce contrast. Matching curtain coverage to your calculated lux levels keeps the bedroom useable in bright afternoons and dark evenings alike.
For most bedrooms, a range of about 100–200 lux at the working plane is comfortable. Multiply this by the room area and adjust for reflectance using this calculator to estimate total lumens and fixture count realistically.
Light walls reflect more light back into the room, while dark finishes absorb it. The calculator approximates this through the utilization factor so darker bedrooms need more lumens or fixtures to reach the same perceived brightness level.
Yes. Select a reading or higher lux level, then use area for the whole bedroom. After you see the total lumens, dedicate a portion specifically to bedside or chair lamps to keep pages bright without overlighting the entire room.
The calculator uses standard design assumptions for utilization, maintenance, and efficacy. Real fixtures vary, so treat numbers as a solid planning baseline. Always check manufacturer photometric data and adjust fixture count before final purchasing decisions.
Children’s rooms often double as play and study spaces, so slightly higher lux levels help. Use the multipurpose setting, add strong task lighting at desks, and keep dimmable ambient lights for winding down before sleep and during night-time checks.
Dimmers let you design for the brightest task scenario while reducing output for relaxing scenes. Calculate your maximum lumens with this tool, then install dimmable drivers or lamps so you can smoothly transition from reading brightness to soft evening light.
Yes. The same lumen method applies to living rooms, hallways, and hobby spaces. Simply change the target lux level to match each room’s task needs, then rerun calculations before refining details like beam angles, fixture styles, and control methods.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.