Lighting Color Temperature: Everything You Need to Know

A lot of thought is usually given to the type of light you put in a room, be it a chandelier, a couple of pendant lights, or some wall lights.

One thing that we don’t think is given enough attention however is the color temperature of those lights – warm light, cool light, or natural light.

What’s the difference? What color temperature is best? What are the pros and cons of each?

Let’s take a look.

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What is Color Temperature?

Color temperature refers to the warmth or coolness of a light emitted from a light fixture. In the context of home lighting, color temperature is a crucial factor in determining the visual appearance and mood of a space.

Understanding color temperature can help you choose lighting that complements the atmosphere you want to create in different areas of your home.

Color temperature is measured in Kelvins (K), are there are three main color temperature groupings:

Warm Light (2700K-3000K)

This range produces a warm, yellowish light similar to the glow of traditional incandescent bulbs. It is often preferred in living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas to create a cozy and inviting ambiance.

Daylight or Natural Light (3500K-4500K)

This range is closer to natural daylight and provides a balanced, crisp illumination. It is suitable for areas where task lighting is essential, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and workspaces.

Cool or White Light (5000K-6500K)

This range emits a cooler, bluish white light and is often used in spaces where visibility and concentration are crucial, such as offices, garages, or outdoor security lighting.

The color temperature you choose can significantly impact the overall feel of a room. For example:

• Warmer tones create a more relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, making them suitable for areas where you want to unwind and socialize.
• Daylight or natural light tones are versatile and work well in areas where you need a balance between relaxation and productivity.
• Cooler tones are energizing and provide better visibility, making them suitable for task-oriented spaces.

How is Color Temperature Measured?

Color temperature is measured in Kelvins, or K.

The color temperature scale runs from 0K through to 10000K. Lower Kelvins mean a warmer color temperature, while higher Kelvins mean a lighter, bluer color temperature.

We say lighter and bluer because up to about 7000K the light gets lighter and whiter, however from 7000K through to 10000K the light tints towards blue.

What Does Each Color Temperature Look Like?

As you pass through the color temperature spectrum, the color of the light goes from really warm, to warm, to natural light, through to cool white, and then to blue light.

You can see this in the full color temperature spectrum below:

For an idea of how each color temperature looks in person, see the image below:

Light Temperature (K)	Description
1000K	Candlelight: Warm and inviting, like the glow of a candle, creating a cozy and romantic ambiance.
2000K	Soft white: Soft and cozy, like a warm blanket, perfect for creating a relaxing and inviting atmosphere.
3000K	Warm white: Pleasant and natural, like the light of day, suitable for everyday use in living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens.
4000K	Natural white: Pleasant and natural, like the light of day, providing a balanced and neutral illumination suitable for general use.
5000K	Cool white: Cool and refreshing, like a crisp morning, ideal for workspaces and areas that require a more focused and stimulating lighting.
6000K	Daylight white: Sharp and illuminating, like sunlight, perfect for areas that require high visibility and color accuracy.
7000K	Cool daylight white: Energetic and invigorating, like a clear blue sky, suitable for workspaces and areas that demand high alertness and focus.
8000K	Blueish white: Cool and invigorating, like a crisp winter day, creating a modern and sophisticated look.
9000K	Pure white: Sharp and clean, like a sterile operating room, providing the highest level of color accuracy for professional applications.
10000K	Arctic white: Arctic and harsh, like a frozen wasteland, creating a dramatic and futuristic aesthetic.

What are the Pros and Cons of Each Color Temperature?

While each color temperature has its uses, there are times when one is better than another, and times where you’ll have to weigh up the pros and cons before making your decision.

So, let’s look at the pros and cons of each of the three main color temperatures.

Pros and Cons of Warm Light Color Temperature

Benefits

Cozy Atmosphere: Warm light creates a comfortable and inviting ambiance, making it ideal for spaces where relaxation and socializing are priorities, such as living rooms and bedrooms.

Flattering for Skin Tones: Warm light tends to enhance warm colors, making it more flattering for people and enhancing the appearance of wood furnishings and warm-toned decor.

Reduced Blue Light Exposure: In the evening, exposure to warmer light may contribute to better sleep by minimizing the disruption of circadian rhythms often associated with cooler light.

Drawbacks

Limited Visibility: Warm light may not be suitable for areas where detailed tasks are performed, as it lacks the brightness and color contrast provided by cooler light temperatures.

Limited Applicability: It might not be the best choice for areas requiring a more clinical or energizing atmosphere, such as home offices or kitchens where task lighting is crucial.

Pros and Cons of Daylight/Natural Light Color Temperature

Benefits

Enhanced Visibility: Daylight color temperature provides a bright and crisp illumination that closely resembles natural sunlight, making it suitable for spaces where visibility is essential, such as kitchens and workspaces.

Energizing Effect: Cooler light temperatures can contribute to a more alert and energized feeling, making them suitable for task-oriented areas or rooms where focus is required.

Versatility: Daylight color temperature is versatile and can be used in various settings, offering a neutral background that allows other colors in the space to appear more vibrant.

Drawbacks

Less Relaxing Atmosphere: The cooler tones may not be as conducive to creating a cozy or relaxing atmosphere in spaces meant for unwinding and socializing.

Enhanced Blue Light Exposure: Exposure to cooler light, especially in the evening, may disrupt sleep patterns and affect circadian rhythms. It’s advisable to avoid this type of lighting close to bedtime.

Pros and Cons of Cool Light Color Temperature

Benefits

Increased Visibility: Cool light provides a high level of brightness and color contrast, making it suitable for areas where detailed tasks are performed, such as workshops or garages.

Drawbacks

Clinical Atmosphere: The cool, bluish tones may create a clinical or sterile atmosphere, making them less suitable for areas meant for relaxation and socializing.

Disruption of Circadian Rhythms: Exposure to cool light, especially in the evening, can interfere with melatonin production, potentially impacting sleep quality. It’s advisable to use warmer tones in the evening.

General Lighting Color Temperature Questions

How Do I Know What Color Temperature my Light is?

When selecting light bulbs or fixtures, you’ll often find the color temperature indicated on the packaging.

You will usually find both the color temperature group (warm light, cool light etc…) as well as the specific Kelvin measurement.

This Kelvin measurement is important if you’re buying your lights internationally, as different countries/regions have slightly different measurements for each color temperature grouping (explained more below).

Is Color Temperature the Same in Every Country?

Generally, yes, the color temperature ranges are the same in every region. However, there may be small differences culturally in how a country defines each color temperature range.

For example, in the USA color temperature ranges are defined by the ANSI and/or the IES (the American National Standards Institute and the Illuminating Engineering Society respectively).

The ANSI/IES standard ranges for color temperature are:

• Warm Light: 2700K-3000K
• Daylight/Natural Light: 3500K-4100K
• Cool Light: 5000K-6500K

In Europe however, the recommended color temperature ranges are defined as follows (note that there may still be country-specific differences):

• Warm Light: 2700K – 3000K
• Daylight/Natural Light: 3000K – 4000K
• Cool Light: 4000K – 6500K

When Is Best to Use Each Color Temperature?

There is not one single color temperature that is going to best for your whole home – some rooms/areas may want more warmer tones, while others benefit from cooler light.

You’d be surprised how often we get this question, so we’ve put together a table detailing the color temperature ranges we recommend for each part of your home.

Room/Area	Recommended Color Temperature	Reason
Living Room	2700K-3000K (Warm Light)	Creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere for relaxation.
Bedroom	2700K-3000K (Warm Light)	Promotes a comfortable and relaxing environment.
Kitchen	3500K-4500K (Daylight/Natural Light)	Provides balanced lighting for cooking and food preparation.
Dining Room	2700K-3000K (Warm Light)	Enhances a warm and inviting atmosphere for meals.
Home Office	3500K-4500K (Daylight/Natural Light)	Supports concentration and task performance.
Bathroom	3500K-4500K (Daylight/Natural Light)	Ensures good visibility for grooming activities.
Hallways/Corridors	2700K-3000K (Warm Light)	Creates a welcoming and comfortable path of light.
Entryway/Foyer	2700K-3000K (Warm Light)	Sets a warm and inviting tone for welcoming guests.
Study/Reading Nook	3500K-4500K (Daylight/Natural Light)	Provides optimal lighting for reading and focused tasks.
Closet	3500K-4500K (Daylight/Natural Light)	Ensures accurate color rendering for clothing selection.
Outdoor Spaces	3000K-5000K (Warm to Daylight/Natural Light)	Balances visibility with the desired atmosphere.

Notes

• The color temperature recommendations are general guidelines, and personal preferences may vary. Don’t feel like you need to stick to these 100%!
• Consider using dimmers or smart lighting systems to adjust the intensity of the light in different rooms according to the time of day and activities. This way you’re not stuck with one color temperature constantly, you can vary it based on mood and/or time of day.
• Pay attention to the potential impact on circadian rhythms, especially in the evening. In bedrooms and relaxation areas, warmer tones are generally more conducive to a restful environment – you don’t want bright cool light (which includes blue light) before bed.

Does Light Color Temperature Affect Sleep?

Color temperature, specifically the color of light in the blue spectrum, can have a significant impact on sleep and circadian rhythms.

Exposure to blue light, which is more prevalent in cooler color temperatures (see the color temperature charts above), can interfere with the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.

Here’s how color temperature affects sleep:

Melatonin Suppression

Blue light, which is abundant in cool color temperatures (e.g., daylight or cool white), has been shown to suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles.

Melatonin is typically released in the evening as it gets dark, signalling to the body that it’s time to prepare for sleep. This is why you’ll sometimes see people recommending melatonin pills to help you sleep when you’re jetlagged.

Anyway, exposure to blue light in the evening can delay the onset of melatonin production, making it more challenging to fall asleep at the desired time.

Circadian Rhythm Disruption

The circadian rhythm, aka your body’s internal clock, is influenced by external cues such as light.

Exposure to cool or blue-enriched light during the evening and night can disrupt the circadian rhythm, leading to difficulties in falling asleep, reduced sleep quality, and potential sleep disorders.

Impact on Sleep Structure

Prolonged exposure to blue light before bedtime has been associated with changes in sleep structure.

This includes alterations in the amount and timing of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is crucial for cognitive function and emotional well-being.

You may recognise REM sleep as one of the first sleep stages you fall into if you use a sleep tracker!

To mitigate the potential negative effects of color temperature on sleep, consider the following tips:

• Use Warm-Toned Lights in the Evening: In the hours leading up to bedtime, opt for warm-colored lights (2700K-3000K) in your home. This helps signal to your body that it’s time to wind down and promotes the natural release of melatonin.
• Limit Screen Time: Reduce exposure to screens emitting blue light, such as phones, tablets, and computers, at least an hour before bedtime. Consider using devices with built-in blue light filters or enabling “night mode” settings to reduce the amount of blue light emitted.
• Consider Smart Lighting Solutions: Smart lighting systems allow you to adjust the color temperature and intensity of your lights throughout the day. You can program warm tones in the evening and cooler tones in the morning to support your natural circadian rhythm.

By being mindful of the color temperature of light in your environment, especially during the evening, you can create a sleep-friendly atmosphere that promotes restful and rejuvenating sleep.

Closing Remarks

By taking color temperature into consideration when next re-lighting your home, you can ensure each room of your house has the perfect mood lighting (ambient lighting), as well as the right-colored task lighting when you need it.

If you haven’t picked up already, I would strongly recommend a smart lighting system, such as light bulbs that you can change the color temperature on through an app on your phone.

You won’t believe how much of a blessing these can be on those occasions where you need to stay up late working right up until bedtime, and you need the warmer light colors for that.

Thank me later!

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