Lighting Buying Guide

The right light changes everything about a room. This guide covers the basics so you can buy with confidence.

Brightness: lumens, not watts

Lumens (lm) measure light output. As a rule of thumb: ambient mood lighting 100–400 lm, bedside or accent lamps 400–800 lm, task lighting (desks, kitchens) 800–1,500 lm, and main room lighting 1,500–3,000+ lm depending on room size.

Colour temperature: the feel of the light

Measured in kelvin (K). Warm white (2700–3000K) is cosy and relaxing — best for living rooms and bedrooms. Neutral white (3500–4000K) is clean and natural — good for kitchens and bathrooms. Cool white (5000–6500K) is crisp and energising — best for garages, workshops and task lighting. Many of our smart and RGB products let you change temperature on demand.

Layer your lighting

Designers use three layers: ambient (overall room light — ceiling lights, floor lamps), task (focused light for activities — desk lamps, under-cabinet strips) and accent (mood and character — LED strips, wall art, table lamps). A room with all three always feels considered.

IP ratings: where a light can live

The IP number tells you water/dust resistance. IP20 = indoor dry areas only. IP44 = splash-resistant (bathrooms, covered outdoor). IP65+ = rain-safe for gardens and exposed outdoor areas.

Dimming and smart control

Dimmable lights need either a compatible dimmer or built-in control (remote or app). Smart lights skip the wiring entirely — control brightness, colour and schedules from your phone or by voice. Check each product page for what's supported.

Plug-in vs hardwired

Plug-in, USB, battery and solar lights work straight out of the box. Anything wired directly to mains must be installed by a licensed electrician — it's the law in Australia.

Room-by-room quick picks

Living: floor lamp + LED strip behind the TV + a statement pendant. Bedroom: warm bedside lamps + dimmable ambient light. Kitchen: bright neutral downlights + under-cabinet strips. Office: a quality desk lamp at 4000K + soft background light. Outdoors: solar path lights + festoon for entertaining.

Still unsure? Email hello@lumenzalighting.com — we're happy to recommend the right light for your space.