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Lighting Terminology: Key Terms & Concepts
Understanding the Language of Light
Lighting terminology can often feel overwhelming, especially with so many technical terms used in product descriptions and design discussions. Understanding these terms helps you make informed choices about performance, energy efficiency, and aesthetics. This guide explains the most common lighting terms in simple language, making it easier to compare products and create the perfect lighting setup for any space.
Lumens (lm)
Lumens measure the total brightness or amount of visible light emitted by a source. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light. Lumens have replaced watts as the modern way to measure brightness.
Learn About Lumens →
Watts (W)
Watts indicate how much electrical power a light source consumes, not how bright it is. With energy-efficient LEDs, a bulb can produce the same brightness using far fewer watts than traditional incandescent lamps.
Learn About Watts →
Kelvin (K)
Kelvin measures the colour temperature of light, describing whether it appears warm or cool. Lower Kelvin values (2700K–3000K) create a warm, relaxing glow, while higher values (4000K–6500K) produce cooler, daylight-style illumination.
Learn About Colour Temperature →
CRI (Colour Rendering Index)
The Colour Rendering Index (CRI) measures how accurately a light source reveals colours compared to natural daylight. A higher CRI value (90+) ensures colours appear more vibrant and true to life.
Learn About CRI →
Beam Angle
The beam angle defines how wide or narrow the light spreads from a fixture. A narrow beam (15°–30°) highlights specific areas or objects, while a wide beam (60°–120°) covers larger areas for general illumination.
Learn About Beam Angle →
IP Rating
The IP (Ingress Protection) rating measures a fixture’s resistance to dust and water. For example, IP44 is suitable for bathrooms, while IP65 or higher is ideal for outdoor lighting or damp environments.
Learn About IP Ratings →
Dimmable Lighting
Dimmable lighting allows you to adjust brightness levels to create the right mood or save energy. Many LED lights and smart systems now include smooth dimming options for greater control and comfort.
Learn About Dimmable Lighting →
RGB & Tunable White Lighting
RGB lighting combines red, green, and blue LEDs to produce millions of colours, ideal for decorative and ambient effects. Tunable white lighting allows you to shift between warm and cool whites, supporting different moods or times of day.
Learn About RGB & Tunable Lighting →
Smart Lighting
Smart lighting connects to apps, sensors, or voice assistants for remote control and automation. You can set schedules, change brightness, or adjust colour temperature for convenience and efficiency.
Learn About Smart Lighting →
Conclusion
Understanding lighting terminology helps you choose the right products for your space with confidence. From brightness and efficiency to colour quality and control, these terms define how we experience light in both design and functionality. Explore our full range of lighting guides for deeper insight into modern lighting technology.
Learn More About Lighting Your Space →
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