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.
Residential
- 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
- 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 (5000K): Pleasant and luminous lighting. It imitates sunlight to create a stimulating and lively environment.
Commercial Office
- 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
- 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.