How bright should my workbench light be?

For general assembly, 500 lux is adequate. For painting and colour matching, aim for 750-1000 lux. For very fine detail work and photography, 1000+ lux is ideal. Most people underlight their workspace — brighter is almost always better for modelling.

What colour temperature should I use?

Use 5000K (daylight) for painting and colour matching — it shows true colours. Warm white (2700-3000K) is comfortable but distorts colour perception. Some modellers use adjustable colour temperature lamps to switch between tasks.

Where should I position desk lamps?

Place the main light slightly above and to the left (if right-handed) to avoid shadows from your hands. A second light from the right fills shadows. Avoid placing lights directly overhead as this creates glare. Adjustable arm lamps offer the most flexibility.

Should I use LED or fluorescent lighting?

LED is now the clear winner. Modern LED desk lamps and panels offer high CRI (Colour Rendering Index), adjustable brightness, low heat, and long life. Look for CRI 90+ for colour-critical work. Avoid cheap LEDs with low CRI.

ModelCalcs

Light Setup Calculator — Workbench Illumination

Plan workbench lighting with lux levels, bulb count, colour temperature and positioning.

Desk Width (mm)

Desk Depth (mm)

Primary Task

How We Calculate This

Calculates the total lumens needed for your workspace based on desk size and task type.

Formula

Lumens needed = Target lux x Desk area (sq.m)
LED wattage = Lumens / 100 (typical LED efficiency)
Lamp count = Lumens / 1000 (per typical desk lamp)

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities before purchasing materials.