over 40 tweets <| sep |> Shoot for 80 to 100 lumens per square foot . There was a good article in fine woodworking a couple years back . Makes a big difference , especially when you need to mind your fingers like on the table saw and jointer . Much easier to set machines up and measure for layout . My shop is 20 x 24 , and was lit by a couple 4 ' fluorescents above the bench areas , and 6 incandescent lights . I waited till some 4 bulb 4 ' fluorescent fixtures went on sale and replaced the incandescents . Also , I put warmer temp lights in the fixture above where I apply finish , so it ' s closer to what most people have in their home . Also , get something that has a cover over the bulbs like this c e i l i n g f a n s i n d o o r l i g h t i n gstripsshoplightslithonia 48 i n t e gratedledwhitetrofferptel 835 ctel 086 . htm ? tidtelrrnWoodshops are dusty , and it will settle on the bulbs and the reflector . This will decrease the light output of your fixtures something like 40 % pretty quickly .