The 3E Lighting Guide
Color Temperature Guide
From cozy 2700K warm white to crisp 5000K daylight – everything you need to know about choosing the right light for your home, restaurant, office or warehouse. It is written by 3e, a licensed electrical contractor in Toronto, from real installations in all four settings.
What is color temperature?
Ever purchased a new light bulb, expecting it to be the same color as the one you are replacing, but it was either a lot brighter or darker than expected? This is due to color temperature. Measured in kelvin degrees, the higher the color temperature, the cooler it is (looking more blue), the lower the color temperature, the warmer it is (looking more yellow). Not only does color temperature determine how your space looks, it also impacts the way you and others feel.
Why does color temperature matter?
Compare the lighting of a hospital or mall, to the lighting of a restaurant or diner. The lighting in the mall/hospital is at a higher temperature, in order to promote alertness and calmness. Warmer color temperatures, the ones commonly found in restaurants, provide a sense of warmth, comfort and bring out choice details in the interior design of the setting.
What color temperature should I choose?
The color temperature you choose depends on the setting that you are trying to illuminate. The light you choose should highlight the design elements of the furniture in the room.
Find the right light for your setting
Our recommended Kelvin levels for every space – in one quick, scannable guide.
Residential
Homes, kitchens and living spaces
| Tone | Kelvin | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Warm White | 2700 K | Welcoming, smooth and relaxed lighting. |
| White | 3000 K | Dynamic and even lighting. Create a neutral light for a friendly and relaxed environment. |
| Cool White | 4000 K | Radiant, clean and stimulating lighting. Design a space perfect for reading with a modern look. |
Restaurant
Dining rooms and hospitality
| Tone | Kelvin | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Warm White | 2700-3000 K | Welcoming and smooth lighting. |
| White | 3500 K | Dynamic and even lighting. Create a neutral light for a balanced environment. |
| Cool White | 4100 K | Radiant, clean and stimulating lighting. Helps increase contrast, perfect for task lighting and work environments. |
| Daylight | 5000 K | Pleasant and luminous lighting. It imitates sunlight to create a stimulating and lively environment. |
Commercial Office
Workspaces and meeting areas
| Tone | Kelvin | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Warm White | 2700-3000 K | Welcoming and smooth lighting. |
| White | 3500 K | Dynamic and even lighting. Create a neutral light for a balanced environment. |
| Cool White | 4100 K | Radiant, clean and stimulating lighting. Helps increase contrast, perfect for task lighting and work environments. |
| Daylight | 5000 K | Pleasant and luminous lighting. It imitates sunlight to create a stimulating and lively environment. |
Warehouse
Storage and industrial spaces
| Tone | Kelvin | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Warm White | 3000 K | Smooth lighting. Highlights reds and yellows – ideal for smaller warehouses. |
| White | 3500 K | Dynamic and even lighting. Create a neutral light for a balanced environment. |
| Cool White | 4100 K | Radiant, clean and stimulating lighting. It helps increase contrast, perfect for large warehouses. |
| Daylight | 5000 K | Pleasant and luminous lighting. It imitates sunlight to create a stimulating and clean environment. |
Not sure which light is right for your space?
Our Toronto electricians will help you choose the perfect color temperature – and install it flawlessly. That is the benefit of asking an electrical contractor rather than a bulb aisle: the recommendation and the installation come from one accountable team.
Call (647) 560-7995
