How to Choose Brightness for Light Bulbs

Brightness is measured in lumens—the more lumens, the brighter the light. Looking at lumens is a universal way to compare brightness across all light bulb technologies. Small lumen differences are difficult to notice, so you don't need an exact match to your old bulb. As brightness increases, it takes a bigger jump in lumens to notice a difference.

Light appearance also impacts how bright your light looks. Replacing a warm bulb with a cool bulb will make your room look brighter even if the lumens are exactly the same.


  • 50-200 lumens

    Panel Light

    Increase brightness by about 50 lumens to see a difference.

  • 400-2,000 lumens

    Task Light

    Increase brightness by about 200 lumens to see a difference.

  • 3,000-5,000 lumens

    Ceiling Light at 10 Feet

    Increase brightness by about 1,000 lumens to see a difference.

  • 10,000-45,000 lumens

    Ceiling Light at 30 Feet

    Increase brightness by about 10,000 lumens to see a difference.

Different brightness levels for light bulbs

Choose from our selection of light bulbs. In stock and ready to ship.