To quantify light, we need to look at the lumen output of each fitting and how high it will be installed. Lumens measure how much light a fixture emits, while Lux measures how much light actually falls on a surface. When both are balanced, you can achieve the right amount of light for different spaces—without glare or overlighting.
The Over-Lit Aussie Home
Many Australian homes are designed with grid-like layouts of downlights that over-illuminate rooms. While it may seem like a good idea, it often leads to glare and discomfort. That’s why people turn to floor and table lamps, wall lights, and pendants to create mood and highlight features.
At GMT Lighting, we offer a wide range of LED downlights, elegant wall sconces, pendant lights, and task lamps—so you can choose smarter lighting, not just more.
Suggested Lux Levels for the Home
Here’s a useful guide when planning your lighting:
| Room | Recommended Lux |
|---|---|
| Kitchen | 160–240 Lux (especially on benchtops) |
| Bathrooms | 80 Lux |
| Living Areas | 80 Lux |
| Bedrooms | 40–80 Lux |
| Home Office | 320 Lux (on the desk) |
🔍 Pro tip: You don’t need to light every area equally. Focus on areas where you live, not just where the ceiling grid says the lights go.
Reflective Surfaces vs. Dark Interiors
Light-coloured walls and ceilings reflect more light and may cause glare if overlit. Meanwhile, darker interiors—timber floors, bold walls, heavy furniture—absorb light and can feel gloomy unless compensated with higher-output fittings or layered lighting.
That’s why fittings with adjustable colour temperature like our Tri-Colour LED downlights are perfect for home design flexibility.
Designing your home’s lighting isn’t just about style—it’s about how you live. At GMT Lighting, we’re here to help you make lighting work for you. Whether you're refreshing a single room or lighting an entire house, our wide selection of energy-efficient, high-performance, and stylish lighting solutions will help you create the atmosphere you want.
Lighting by the Numbers: How to Balance Lumens and Lux at Home