Warm or cold lighting? Kelvin scale and light bulb shades

A brief guide to navigating the Kelvin scale and choosing the right colour temperature and light bulb colour for your rooms.

When it comes to choosing light bulbs for your home or workspace, colour temperature (measured in Kelvins) should never be overlooked. Warm, neutral or cold lighting can have a massive impact on your room’s appearance and purpose: for example, you might want to avoid a light bulb designed to improve focus in a room meant to wind down or relax and vice versa. In this article we’ll explore the Kelvin scale as well as different colour temperatures and light bulb colours to find the perfect fit for your home or work setting.

How are Kelvins used in light bulbs?

Kelvins are used to measure the colour temperature of a light source, as the Kelvin scale defines all shades of light emitted by a light source by using as a reference the temperature at which an optimal blackbody should be heated in order to emit light of a similar colour. The higher the temperature, the cooler the light, and the lower the temperature, the warmer the emitted brightness.

How to calculate Kelvins in light bulbs

Kelvins are calculated based on the colour temperature of the lighting emitted by the bulbs. The common range found in incandescent light bulbs goes from 2700K to 3000K, whilst LED light bulbs have a wider spectrum typically starting from 1800K and reaching up to 6500K. By law, all light bulb manufacturers must provide information on colour temperature on the product specifications listed on the packaging.

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Choosing the right colour temperature

The right colour temperature depends on several factors such as the room’s setting, its purpose and the desired lighting effect. For example, to achieve a welcoming and intimate atmosphere in your living room or bedroom, you might want to opt for a light bulb with a maximum colour temperature of 2700K – 3000K. The warmer tone is sure to guarantee a pleasant and soothing illumination. On the other hand industrial settings such as large retailers, warehouses, hospitals etc. usually need very different colour temperatures that exceed 5000K.

Warm lighting: where and how to use it

Warm lighting can range up to 3300K, and has a yellow-red hue reminiscent of traditional incandescent light bulbs (which are typically around 2700K): this type of bulb remains the most widely used today. To better explain the concept, we’ll use commonly found surrounding light sources as a comparison: the warmest colour temperature can be found in candles (1500K), sunsets or sunrises (around 1800K). White warm lighting would therefore look best in domestic settings like bedrooms, living or dining rooms, for a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. This is why countless decorative LED light bulbs radiate warm or very warm lighting hues.

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Natural lighting: estimated Kelvin degrees and suitable environments

Natural lighting, often referred to as 'neutral white' or 'cool white,' has a colour temperature typically ranging between 3300K and 5300K. For more reference, 5000K would be the colour temperature found in an electronic flashlight, whilst noon sunlight would hover around 5200K. Some brands label lamps and light bulbs with a 3500-4000K colour temperature as sources of 'natural lighting.' This is because they recreate a colour temperature similar to normal daylight found in any room as the sun seeps through the windows. This shade doesn't alter colours and improves focus, making it an excellent choice for spaces that require optimal colour rendering, such as offices, art studios, or work environments where good visibility is crucial.

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Cold lighting: where and when to use it

Cold lighting usually exceeds a colour temperature of 5300K, producing a blue-white hue that resembles direct daylight. For comparison, lighting on a cloudy day typically equals around 7000K. This type of colour temperature is commonly used in garages, outdoor spaces, and in commercial or industrial settings such as supermarkets, hospitals, warehouses, or other spaces where intense lighting and accurate colour rendering are important.

In conclusion, Kelvins and light tones are essential considerations when it comes to illumination. Understanding the differences between warm, natural, and cold light can contribute to setting the right atmosphere and improving energy efficiency. When choosing a light bulb, it's essential to consider not only the appropriate brightness levels in terms of Lumens and Watts but also to take into account the space, the desired lighting effect, and the activities to be carried out in that specific room, ensuring optimal lighting for every need.

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Posted on 2024-01-04

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