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What Is Color Temperature And What Is The Right Color Temperature For You?

What Is Color Temperature And What Is The Right Color Temperature For You?

Jul 6th 2021

What Is Color Temperature

Have you ever walked into a store or business and some light bulbs appear more yellow or orange and others seem bright white or even blue? This is called color temperature. Color temperature is measured in Kelvin (k) – a thermodynamic temperature. The lower the Kelvin rating, the warmer the bulb will appear (Yellow/Orange); the higher the rating, the cooler, and seemingly brighter, the bulb will appear (White/Blue). Don't be confused, color temperature is not in reference to to the heat the bulb produces, but how warm or cool a bulbs color appears. 


Color temperatures range from warm (2700K), cool white (4000K) and daylight (5500K+). The bulbs in your house will generally have a warm color temperature between 2700K and 4000K. It's a common misconception that LED bulbs are only offered in color temperatures of 4000K and up, but LEDs are also offered in warmer color temperatures to match the current incandescent bulbs you've used in the past. Many LED manufacturers are now offering LEDs with adjustable color temperatures, allowing you to fine tune the color temperature to fit your application.



What Color Temperature Is Right For Me?



Warm White

Warm white bulbs will have a Kelvin temperature of 2700K; again, picture any incandescent bulb in your home. These bulbs promote a warm and cozy environment and are best utilized in restaurants, hotel lobbies and homes. Quickly growing in popularity, LED Edison bulbs mimic the look and warmth of vintage incandescent bulbs with unique filament designs. Try them in your living room or bedroom!

Soft White

Soft white bulbs have a Kelvin temperature of 3000K. They will have a slightly more white appearance than its warm white counterpart. Use these in libraries, office areas and retail stores to create an intimate and personal space. This color temperature is also great for homes and is interchangeable with warm white color tones.

Neutral White

Neutral white bulbs have a Kelvin temperature of 3500K. They have a mostly white appearance with a subtle yellow tint. This color temperature is ideal for public reception areas, showrooms, bookstores and office areas where you want it to feel friendly, inviting and non-threatening.

Cool White

Cool white bulbs have a Kelvin temperature of 4000K-4200K. Cool white bulbs have the appearance of pure white and make a room feel neat, clean and efficient. They are commonly used in conference rooms, classrooms and hospitals. Cool white bulbs are known to help with concentration in classrooms and productivity at the work place. Studies show it reduces the brain’s production of melatonin, a hormone that plays a role in our sleep, reducing daytime sleepiness.

Daylight

Daylight bulbs have a Kelvin temperature of 5000K and higher. Museums, jewelry stores and print shops commonly use daylight bulbs because they are great for exacting coloration. They are also very bright and promote alertness, making them great for use in medical exam rooms. You can also use them in warehouses because, similarly to cool white bulbs, they also encourage higher productivity and ensure your employees can see well – cutting back on workplace injuries.

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