How Many Lumens to Light a Garage?

How Many Lumens to Light a Garage

For most DIYers, a garage is a safe space where you get to do your projects in peace with minimal interruptions. So, it is crucial that this area be bright enough for you to see what you are doing and for a perfect job.

This begs the question, how bright should the garage be? How many lumens are needed to light up them room as required?

We have done all the hard work and compiled a detailed explanation for you.

How Many Lumens to Light a Garage?

How Many Lumens to Light a Garage?

We looked at the guidelines given by the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), and it recommends a minimum of 50 lumens for every square foot for a residential garage and 300 lumens for each square foot for a workshop.

Interpretation of Garage Size

When we apply this recommendation in real life, it means that a 1-car garage requires at least 13k lumens for optimal visibility, while a 2-car garage needs at least 20,000 lumens to be well-lit.

However, it all depends on how you use your garage. For instance, if your plan is for your garage to function as a workshop, it is vital that you go for a high lumen count as you will need the best lighting to carry out your projects well.

But if it is just for parking your car, then the number of lumens should not be too high.

Note that:

Most of us look at the wattage in light bulbs, which refers to the amount of energy it uses, rather than the amount of light it gives out. Even though a higher wattage often translates to more brightness, it is not always the case, and it is only the lumen count that will tell you how bright the bulb will be.

Also read: How Do You Change a Shop Light in An Office with a High Ceiling? & How to Install Fluorescent Light Fixture in Garage

Closing Remark

Now that you know how many lumens are required to light up your garage adequately, there is no excuse for your garage to be dimly lit. After all, this is one of the most neglected areas in terms of lighting, yet it is a crucial part of our daily lives. Hopefully, your garage’s brightness will no longer be a topic of discussion.

Was this article helpful?
YesNo