Calculate the lumens and number of LED shop lights needed for your workshop. Get personalized recommendations based on your space dimensions and work type.
Based on your 400 sq ft workshop with general woodworking tasks, you need approximately 50,000 lumens.
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For detail work areas like a workbench or assembly table, supplement overhead lighting with adjustable task lights to reduce shadows and eye strain.
LED shop lights are the clear winner for workshops. They offer instant-on operation (no warm-up time), better energy efficiency (40-60% less power), longer lifespan (50,000+ hours vs 20,000), and consistent light output in cold temperatures. Fluorescent lights dim significantly in cold garages, while LEDs maintain full brightness. LEDs also contain no mercury and produce less heat.
5000K (Daylight) is ideal for most workshops. It provides excellent color accuracy for seeing wood grain, paint colors, and metal finishes accurately. 4000K (Cool White) is a good alternative if you find 5000K too harsh. Avoid 6500K for extended work as it can cause eye fatigue, and avoid warm tones (3000K) as they distort colors and reduce visual acuity for detail work.
The required lumens depend on your work type:
Higher ceilings require more lumens due to light loss over distance.
For 4-foot shop lights in a standard 8-10ft ceiling workshop, space fixtures about 4-6 feet apart and 2-3 feet from walls. Run them parallel to your main work direction to minimize shadows. In a 20x20 shop, a grid of 4-6 lights typically works well. For high ceilings (12ft+), consider high bay lights which concentrate light downward more effectively.
Yes, for any detailed work. Overhead lights create shadows when you lean over your work. A good adjustable task light (swing-arm or gooseneck) at your workbench provides shadow-free illumination right where you need it. Look for task lights with high CRI (Color Rendering Index) of 90+ for accurate color representation.
CRI (Color Rendering Index) measures how accurately a light source reveals colors compared to natural daylight. A CRI of 80 is acceptable, but 90+ is recommended for workshop use where you need to see wood grain, finishes, paint colors, and weld quality accurately. Most quality LED shop lights are rated CRI 80-85, while premium lights offer CRI 90+.
Yes, most LED shop lights are designed to be "daisy-chained" or linked together. Check the fixture specifications for the maximum number that can be linked (typically 4-8). This makes installation easier and reduces the number of outlets needed. Just ensure your circuit can handle the total wattage of all connected fixtures.
Plug-in lights are easier to install and relocate, making them ideal for renters or evolving shop layouts. Hardwired lights provide a cleaner look, can be controlled by wall switches, and are better for permanent installations. Many fixtures offer both options. For most hobby workshops, plug-in lights with a switched outlet or smart plug work great.