When shopping for lights, one of the most important factors to consider is the color of light that will be produced. It may even be something you haven’t really thought about before, but color temperature can make a world of difference in your lighting.
What is Color Temperature?
You’re likely familiar with the warm, yellowish hue that is typical of incandescent bulbs. With LED technology, however, lights now come in a wide variety of precise colors. Not only that, but LEDs are much less likely to change color over time, meaning you now have much greater control over the exact color you want the light in your room to be.
Light colors are rated on what’s known as a Kelvin scale. The Kelvin scale is based on the color which a metal object will glow if heated to a certain temperature in degrees Kelvin. For example, a rating of 2000K would be a soft red glow, while a rating of 10,000K is an intense blue light.
But wait, don’t we just want the light to be white?
If this is what you’re currently thinking, it’s quite understandable! But you might be surprised to find that even many lights in your own home are likely not totally white.
When choosing a color for your LED fixtures, it is important to keep in mind the purpose of the room, and the general atmosphere you’d like it to have. Here’s a few examples:
Home Use: Try lights between 2700K and 3500K. These produce soft, relaxing light that gives the room a cozy feeling. These colors mimic lighting you would see at sunset, creating a naturally restful environment. If you prefer something more similar to daylight, go up to 4000K or even 5000K.
Office/Commercial User: If your goal is to stay focused, keep small details visible, or to really make your merchandise pop, consider lights at 5000K and above. These colors more closely mimic daylight, which is known to increase alertness and help people stay awake and focused. 6000K most closely resembles the lighting you would expect outdoors on a normal, sunny day, making it perfect for offices, workshops, and stores.
As you can see, color temperature is one of the most important decisions you can make about your lighting, so be sure to consider what temperature works best for your needs before buying!
For more tips on choosing your lighting color, check out our color guide: Choose Color Temperature – Central Lighting Service, Inc.