Are you tired of working on projects in a shop or garage with dismal lighting conditions? Good lighting is essential for optimal visibility and accuracy while creating any type of project. Whether you’re getting ready to update your garage or you’re starting construction on a new workshop, here’s how to choose the right work light for your space.
Why You Need the Right Light in Your Workspace
Some people have the mistaken belief that it doesn’t really matter what type you install because they all do basically the same thing. It’s true that all lights provide illumination, but they don’t all emit the same type or degree of brightness. Additionally, there are so many other features to consider when selecting the right light for your workspace.
If you’re still not convinced you need to think carefully about the type of light you install in your garage, take a moment to reflect. What could happen if you simply chose the cheapest light without considering whether it’s the right fit for your needs? You could end up with a light that’s much too dim to accurately see the projects you’re working on. Or you might end up installing a light that’s too fragile for the environment and gets damaged within weeks. Here are a few of the top reasons you need to make sure you have the most appropriate work light for your space:
- Safety: Attempting to work with power tools and other sharp objects in low-light conditions can be dangerous. It’s crucial to make sure you have the right type of lighting to adequately illuminate your working area.
- Productivity: Have you ever tried to maintain your energy while working in a dimly lit environment? You’ll find it much easier to stay focused and productive if your workspace is bright and cheerful.
- Visual Comfort: Human eyes aren’t made to perform well in insufficient light. Trying to work long hours on a project that’s not well-lit can cause strain and visual discomfort. You’ll make things much easier on your eyes if you have the right lighting in your workshop.
- Accuracy: Most projects won’t turn out right if you’re not precise when measuring, cutting, and assembling materials. You need adequate lighting to help improve your accuracy when working on minute details.
Finally, having the right lighting in your workspace can help ensure its visual appeal. Your garage or workshop should be an enjoyable place to spend time, and proper lighting can create the atmosphere you want.
What to Look for When Choosing a Work Light
If you’ve ever walked down the lighting aisle in a home improvement store, you know there are many different types of lights out there. They’re not all created equal, and they don’t all work the same in every situation. Some lights are better for providing “mood lighting,” while others are so bright they’re meant to deter criminals.
When it comes to your garage or workspace, selecting the most appropriate light is crucial for your efficiency and enjoyment. Here are a few features you should consider when choosing the right work light for your garage or workspace:
Brightness
A lumen is the standard unit for measuring the amount of visible light produced by a source. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light. Some lights (including security lights) can deliver more than 5,000 lumens. However, brighter isn’t always better when it comes to small workspaces. The last thing you want to do is blind yourself every time you enter your garage to work on a project.
If you’re just looking for accent or ambient lighting, you’ll only need between 50 and 75 lumens per square foot. However, task lighting requires more light for proper illumination. You should aim to have no fewer than 300 lumens per square foot around your working area. Many people prefer work lights that offer between 1,500 and 2,500 lumens of focused light for general workshop tasks. For optimal coverage, consider installing multiple light sources at different angles to reduce glare and shadows.
Durable Construction
You don’t want to equip your workshop with cheap, fragile lights that might break with the slightest tap. Durability is the name of the game when it comes to choosing the right illumination for your garage. That doesn’t mean you need to purchase lights that are fully encased in rubber or bulletproof glass. It just means you should select a light that’s actually intended for rugged conditions.
A good work light is often constructed with rubber, durable plastic, or reliable metal components. It should feel solid when you handle it, but shouldn’t be unreasonably heavy or bulky. You may also want to consider purchasing shop lights that have a warranty of some sort. This indicates the manufacturer has confidence in the reliability of their products.
Energy Efficiency
A standard, 60-watt incandescent bulb emits around 900 lumens. A more efficient 10-watt LED bulb can produce comparable brightness while using less power. That’s one reason many people choose LED lighting for their workspaces.
If you want to maximize the brightness of your garage while wasting less energy and spending less money on power, consider investing in LED work lights. LED lights are also known for their reliability, long operating time, and consistent lighting. They can help you spend more time working and less time recharging or changing batteries.
Conclusion
The light you put in your garage or workshop can have a huge impact on your ability to work accurately, efficiently, and energetically. Whether you’re switching out old lights or deciding what lighting to put in a brand-new workspace, keep these considerations in mind. It’s worth it to spend a little extra time making sure you get the perfect shop light for your space.
