The terrace of the house is a transition area between the outside and inside that needs sufficient lighting—both for safety, comfort, and aesthetics. The right lighting will help create a warm and welcoming impression when night falls. Therefore, it is important to choose the appropriate lamp wattage, because the needs of outdoor lighting are slightly different from the indoor area.
How to Calculate the Watts (or Lumens) Required for a Home Terrace
1. Understand the lumen requirements for outdoor areas
Unlike indoor spaces that require 100–200 lumens/m², outdoor areas such as terraces usually require lighting between 200–400 lumens/m². This is because outdoor light must be stronger to effectively combat the darkness of the night and support security.
2. Determine the area of the terrace
Measure the area of your terrace. For example, if the terrace is 2×3 meters (6 m²), then the lumen requirement is around 1200–2400 lumens.
3. Convert lumens to watts according to lamp type
Use the benchmark: 10 watt LED ≈ 800 lumens. So for 1200 lumens, you need a 15–18 watt LED lamp. Or you can also use two 9 watt LED lamps for even light distribution.
4. Consider the color of light (kelvin)
Use warm white light (2700K–3000K) for a comfortable atmosphere, or neutral white (4000K) for safety and better visibility.
Ideal Wattage for Various House Terrace Models
Open Model Terrace
An open patio without walls requires even lighting from one or more light sources. Use 12–18 watt outdoor LED lights with an IP65 rating or higher for weather resistance. Additional wall or spotlight lighting is highly recommended.
Closed Terrace Model (Permanent Roof + Side Walls)
This area is more protected, so you can use 10-15 watt LED ceiling lights. If the area is large enough, add outdoor hanging lights or hidden LED strips on the edge of the ceiling for a warm and modern impression.
Terrace with Dual Function (Seating Area/Guest Terrace)
For a terrace that also functions as an outdoor living room, use lighting with dimmers—12–20 watt LED pendant or ceiling lights, plus 6–9 watt wall lights on the right and left sides. Warm white light colors are suitable for a relaxed atmosphere.