Full spectrum LED

Article Full spectrum LED - Why less is sometimes more

Why less lumen is often better

More lumens, more light, more power? Sounds logical - but the full-spectrum light source with maximum lumen output is not always the best choice. Because when it comes to light quality, naturalness and biological effect more" is not automatically "better". Why, you ask?

Find out in this article! We will explain why a full-spectrum LED lamp offers you exactly what you have never consciously asked for from light - but intuitively miss. And why you should opt for fewer lumens with more effect from now on.

What is a full-spectrum LED actually?

Comparison of sunlight, full spectrum LED, standard LED, fluorescent tube

One full spectrum LED is a light source that produces the broadest possible light spectrum - i.e. light that is very similar to sunlight in terms of composition and effect. This means that you can also imitate natural daylight at home (even in closed rooms) with this type of LED.

While conventional LEDs often only emphasize certain wavelengths (e.g. blue or cold white), a full spectrum LED lamp also covers areas in the red, deep red and near-infrared spectrum (NIR) - sometimes even UV light, depending on the area of application. This creates a more natural, balanced color spectrum that offers many benefits for both people and plants:

Better color perception: Colors appear more realistic, skin tones more natural, white is really white - ideal for living rooms, bathrooms, studios or screen work.
Support for the biorhythm: A balanced spectrum without excessive blue peak means that the day-night rhythm is less disturbed. This is particularly important in the evening so as not to suppress melatonin production.
Less visual fatigue: Full spectrum light is more comfortable for the eyes, especially during long periods under artificial light. This reduces headaches, flicker stress and increases concentration.
Mood-enhancing effect: A fuller light spectrum has an effect on the psyche - similar to natural daylight. This can have a positive effect on mood and well-being.

Fewer lumens - but still better?

If you have ever asked yourself when buying a lamp why a high-quality full-spectrum LED lamp appears less "bright" on paper than a cheap standard LED, this is not due to poor technology - but to a fundamental error in the evaluation system. Because when it comes to light, people often only look at the pure lumen count. This is precisely where the pitfall lies.

Example: Comparison of lumen to CRI (Ra) for LED lamps (10W)

Lumens only indicate how bright the light appears to the human eye - not how complete or natural the light spectrum is. And this is where the misunderstanding about the efficiency and effect of full-spectrum LEDs begins.

Although a full-spectrum LED produces very high-quality light, it produces fewer lumens per watt than standard LEDs. The reason: the additional coverage of rare wavelengths (such as red, deep red or NIR) costs energy - without our eyes perceiving it as "brighter".

So what does that mean? The lumen value merely describes how bright the light appears to the human eye. Areas such as infrared or UV are not included, although they have an important biological effect.

The graphic makes this clear: Full spectrum LEDs are not the brightest, but they come closer to daylight. This provides more natural light, more realistic colors and more well-being in everyday life.

So close to the sun: why your body needs full spectrum

Full spectrum LEDs for increased well-being indoors

You spend many hours a day under artificial lighting. That is, whenever you're not outside in the open air. But this is natural daylightwhich is constantly changing and covers a broad spectrum, is essential for your internal clock, your mood and even your metabolism.

So what should you do? Move your life outside? Unfortunately, that's difficult to do. So it's better to bring natural light directly into your rooms: with full-spectrum LEDs.

A full-spectrum LED lamp comes amazingly close to natural light - it provides:

better color rendering (high CRI value)
more harmonious light color (no glaring blue peaks)
balanced effect on the hormone balance
natural activity patterns and healthy sleep

Applications in everyday life - where full spectrum really scores

4000K full spectrum LED lamps from Lichtblock

Living spaces: Pleasant light for eyes and soul
Home office: Focus without shimmering cold
Bathroom/make-up mirror: Natural color rendition
Kitchens: Colors of food appear "real"
Workshop/studio: Reliable representation of colors and materials
Growing stations: Promotion of plant growth with optimized spectrum

Whether for people or plants: A full-spectrum LED ensures that light not only illuminates, but also supports - physically, visually and emotionally.

Typical features of a high-quality full-spectrum LED

Comparison of CRI values 98, 90, 80, 70 using colored pencils

CRI value of 95+: For realistic color rendering
Specification of the spectrum: often as a graphic
No extreme blue peaks
Optional NIR or UV component: depending on application
Uniform light distribution
Flicker-free: important for the eyes
Good energy efficiency: despite a broad spectrum

Why full spectrum often doesn't shine on the label

Here comes a point that surprises many: full-spectrum LEDs usually have a lower energy efficiency class than conventional LED lamps. Why is that?

Quite simply, the EU label evaluates almost exclusively the lumen/watt output. As full-spectrum LEDs produce fewer lumens per watt due to their broad wavelength distribution, they are rated lower - even though they are much more biologically effective.

Comparison of full spectrum LEDs - quality over quantity

If you take a look at the light bulb market, you will quickly notice that there are many products that call themselves "full spectrum" - but in reality only mix a little more blue and red into a classic LED. Genuine full spectrum LED light sources on the other hand, give you:

a consistently broad color spectrum
stable performance over the entire operating time
low electricity costs with high impact
a noticeable improvement in the quality of light in the room

Conclusion: fewer lumens - but more effect

A full-spectrum LED is not a glare grenade with maximum values on paper. It is a well thought-out, holistic lighting system - developed to meet the needs of people, animals and plants.

Fewer lumens here means less glare, less blue, less stress. What you get in return:

better colors
a more pleasant feeling of daylight
more natural atmosphere
A long-term plus for your well-being

So if you're looking for a sustainable, healthy and versatile light source, it's worth taking a look at full-spectrum LEDs - whether for your living room, your home office or your houseplants.

Want to find out more? Soon you will find in the store of Lichtblock shop - with the highest quality of light, deliberately reduced lumen output and an uncompromising focus on effect rather than watts. Because good light changes everything. Not only what you see - but also how you feel.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about full spectrum LEDs

Why do full-spectrum LEDs often have fewer lumens than other LEDs?

This is due to the way the light is generated. A full spectrum LED also covers areas that are barely visible to the human eye - such as deep red, NIR or even UV light. Although these wavelengths produce biologically effective light, they are not taken into account when measuring lumens. The result: the lamp appears "less bright" on paper, although in reality it offers a higher quality and healthier light spectrum.

What are the benefits of a full-spectrum LED plant lamp in cultivation?

A genuine full-spectrum LED plant lamp provides all the important wavelengths that a plant needs to live - not just blue and red, but also UV and infrared. This promotes plant growth as well as flower formation, cell structure and nutrient uptake. In contrast to garish, often purple-colored grow lights, full-spectrum lights look more natural, have a more pleasant effect on the room - and often require less power to achieve a greater effect.

For whom is a full-spectrum LED lamp worthwhile in everyday life?

In short: For anyone who spends a lot of time under artificial light every day - in other words, almost everyone. The better quality of light is particularly noticeable in the home office, when reading, in the kitchen or in the bathroom. You see colors more realistically, relieve your eyes and support your biorhythm. A full-spectrum LED lamp is therefore also a worthwhile choice for creative work, photography or simply feeling better at home.