How much light do you need?
A workshop needs more light than a living room. The rule of thumb is 300 to 500 lumens per square meter for general workshop lighting. For detailed work like electronics or fine carpentry, you'll need 750 to 1000 lumens per square meter. So first calculate the square meters of your workshop to determine the total lumens you need.
General lighting on the ceiling
Start with good basic ceiling lighting. LED panels or LED fluorescent fixtures provide even light throughout the room. Choose a cool white 4000K , which provides bright, natural light that's easy to work in without straining your eyes. For a 20-square-meter workshop, you'll need approximately 8,000 to 10,000 lumens of ceiling lighting.
Task lighting on the workbench
Besides general lighting, you need targeted task lighting in areas where you work. LED work lights or workbench lights provide extra light exactly where you need it. These lights often have 2000 to 4000 lumens and can be focused on your workpiece. This allows you to see every detail clearly and work without shadows.
IP rating for the workshop
Workshops can be dusty and damp. Therefore, choose lights with at least an IP54 rating . These are protected against dust and splashes. For areas where you work with water or where it's particularly humid, choose IP65. Read more about the right protection in our article on IP classification.
Energy consumption and savings
LED lighting consumes 80 to 90 percent less energy than traditional lighting. A workshop that previously used 400 watts of halogen bulbs can now be illuminated with 60 to 80 watts of LED. With 8 hours of daily use, this saves hundreds of euros per year on your energy bill. The investment in good LED lighting will pay for itself within 1 to 2 years.
Practical tips for installation
Install ceiling lighting so that shadows aren't cast on your workbench when you're standing. Place additional lighting above machinery and tool cabinets. Consider dimmable lighting for flexibility, allowing you to adjust the brightness based on the task at hand. And don't forget the corners: storage spaces also deserve good lighting so you can always find what you're looking for.
