Light bulb color temperature is represented in the unit of absolute temperature, Kelvin and illustrated by the symbol K.
It is measured in degrees of Kelvin (K) on a scale from 1,000 to 10,000
Color Temperature Chart
- 2700K – Homes, Restaurants, Hotel lobbies, Boutiques
- 3000K – Libraries, Office Areas, Retail Stores
- 4100K – Showrooms, Bookstores, Office Areas
- 5000K – Museums, Jewelry Stores, Hospitals
- 5600K – Used to Simulate Outdoor Conditions
Bulbs Have Vastly Different Color Temperatures
Many people are familiar with “cool” white or “warm” white light led bulbs. These bulbs have vastly different color temperatures.
Warm white led bulbs
The “warm” white light bulb often has a color temperature of up to 2800K. It imparts a more orange/red light on objects. Because you normally associate warmth with red or orange objects, this accounts for the “warm” descriptive name, even though it is a cooler temperature on the Kelvin scale.
Halogen White Led
Halogen White bulbs fall within the range of 2800K to 3500K. They impart a clear, white light with very little red or blue tones.
Cool White Led
A “cool” white bulb commonly has a color temperature of 3600K to 4900K. This is in the low range of blue color, similar to ice. Hence, the “cool” adjective.
Full Spectrum Led
Full Spectrum Bulbs have a color temperature of 5000K and above. They impart a bright, white light that makes all colors stand out. Be sure that the bulb you choose for full spectrum applications says “Full Spectrum” as all full spectrum bulbs are 5000K and above but not all 5000K and above bulbs are “Full Spectrum”.
Daylight Led
Bulbs that are 5600K and up are considered Daylight bulbs. These bulbs offer a clean, bright light.
Decorating Trick To Brighten Up Your Home
Color Temperature Can Affect the Way Things Look in Your House
If you decorate with reds, browns, and oranges, you want to illuminate these rooms with bulbs that have a color temperature in the 2750 – 3000K range. Conversely, if you happen to like green or blue colors, light these rooms with bulbs that produce color temperatures of 4000K or above.
And while full spectrum lighting sounds good in theory, many will find this type of lighting too harsh for overall home lighting applications. It’s best to install full spectrum bulbs in those fixtures that are used when you need to differentiate between colors.
What is the Perfect Color Temperature for Residential Interiors?
Most people prefer around 2700K – 3000K for a warm, cozy, romantic, and sheltered experience.
