Which colour temperature?

Which Colour Temperature?

Choosing the right colour temperature for your room is vitally important, but it is a matter of personal taste. We can only show you the door, you must be the one who walks through it.

For many years before LED lighting technology became mainstream, nobody was given a choice of which colour temperature to choose. You just bought a light bulb and without knowing or caring, you got extra warm white, with a colour temperature fo 2700K to 2800K. As soon as LEDs came onto the scene, they were immediately available in warm white 3000K and cool white 4000K. This gave consumers the dilemma of which colour temperature to choose?

Colour temperatures are measured in Kelvin which is symbolized by the letter K. The higher the Kelvin rating, the whiter and then bluer the light appears. Our colour temperature chart shown below, shows the scale of colour temperatures ranging from candlelight at 1800K to a clear blue sky at 8,000K to 12,000K.

colour temperature chart

Contrary to popular belief a higher colour temperature is not a measurement of brightness but appearance, brightness is measured in lumens. Because LEDs are blue to begin with, more phosphor is coated over the LED to provide the warmer colour temperatures; which does make the cooler colours appear slightly brighter. Generally cool white is around 5% brighter than warm white in terms of lumens.

Here are the main three colour temperatures used in modern day LED lights such as retrofit LED light bulb lamps and downlights:

  • Extra warm white 2700K
    Similar to a traditional incandescent light bulb or halogen. A 2700K LED will still appear slightly whiter than a halogen but is more orange in appearance than the other colour temperatures. This is sometimes called 'soft white' by people in the trade. Extra warm white is not always an option with some brands of integrated LED downlights, so if you know you want this colour temperature you can narrow down your search to just a few options. If you like the cosier setting for your living room, this option can be taken a level further with DimTone dimming. DimTone reduces the colour temperature as its dimmed in brightness, mimicking the effects of a halogen and creating a more ambient, relaxing vibe.

  • Warm white 3000K
    Clearer in appearance but still quite warm. This has become the 'new norm' for general lighting and is by far the most popular choice that we sell. Not too warm and not too cold.

  • Cool white 4000K
    A much clearer and whiter appearance that is predominantly used in commercial locations like super markets and offices. Cool white appears brighter than warm white meaning it's also more energy efficient. It can make a room feel cold and clinical but when used in the right environment it can make a room appear more modern and cleaner. This is also referred to as neutral white or cold white but as long as the Kelvin rating is the same then it can be called whatever you like. This is a popular option for kitchens and bathrooms. If you want a relaxing bath, can you really relax with cool white?

  • Daylight 5000K-6500K
    This goes a step beyond cool white, adding more of a blue tinge to the environment. Too harsh for some, but adored by others.

When comparing colour temperatures, you won't be able to fully appreciate the dramatic difference that each tone offers until a room is fully illuminated with one of them. Just testing a sample will give you an idea of the difference but until you've seen a room fully lit in one of the colours, only then will you truly understand the difference.

Each option also accents the colours of your walls, floor and surrounding area. If your kitchen has grey walls and cupboards, the cool white version could make your room appear too clinical like a doctors surgery. Compared to 3000K which makes less of a statement.

The images below show the impact that can colour temperatures can have in the same kitchen:

extra warm white 2700K example
warm white 3000K example cool white 4000k example

As you can see from the images above, choosing the right colour temperature has a major impact on a room, which is why we advise seeking counseling. The colour of the walls, floors, cupboards etc should also be considered during your decision making process. The right colour temperature will emphasize the colours of the environment and bring the room to life. For example an orange/yellow room may be more suited to extra warm white, whilst a blue or white room may be more suited to cool white. Light can bring your room to life and make it feel bright and vibrant.

More Colour Temperature Examples

colour temperature ideas

Here are some examples detailing which colour temperatures may work better in different room types:

Extra Warm White 2700K

Lounges, living rooms and bedrooms. This style of light appears warmer and sets a more relaxing, homely scene. If you like halogen, this is for you, but if you think halogen is too warm and want something clearer then try 3000K instead.

Warm White 3000K

Kitchens, conservatories and bathrooms. The slightly whiter appearance allows you to see better but is not too cold. Although this colour temperature can be used anywhere.

Cool White 4000K

Although I wouldn't recommend this in lounges, cool white can be used effectively in kitchens. The most popular destination for this colour temperature is bathrooms. In a white bathroom it can make the area appear brighter and cleaner although if your planning on spending time in the bath it you may want to go for a more warmer appearance.

Dim Tone / Dim to Warm

Some LEDs will change colour temperature as they get dimmed down lower. Starting at full brightness at a regular 2800K or 2700K warm white colour temperature, as they get dimmed they start appearing more warmer. The lower the brightness becomes the warmer they become, until they reach a colour temperature of 1800K to 2200K which is similar to a candlelight effect. This can be used effectively in bathrooms to set a relaxing low lux lighting effect that appears just like a candle. They can also be used in bars and restaurants to create a more relaxing or romantic setting at night times.

The Philips 4.9W GU10 LED features this technology and our Sunset LED strip tape too, which goes from 3000K down to 1800K.

Colour Temperature Switchable Lighting

If you really can't decide, even after years of counseling, you don't always have to. Colour temperature switchable lighting contains multiple colour temperatures in one. The JCC V50 downlight for example is fitted with a small dip switch located under the bezel. Switching this allows you to select warm white 3000K or cool white 4000K whenever you like.

Or taking this is a step further with the Centorio from Ricoman which is colour temperature adjustable with a remote control or wall switch. This particular downlight has 3000K, 4000K and 5000K in one, providing even more flexibility.

Smart lighting provides you with even more flexibility, with some LEDs options that also include colour changing and CCT (Correlated Colour Temperature) adjusting in one light bulb. This allows you to unlock the full colour spectrum of light whenever you light. This really shows how far LED light has come and how much its surpassed incandescent.

This video made by Aurora Lighting explains some of the science behind choosing the right colour temperature:

Summary

There's no right or wrong answer, it's your room and your choice. Consider what the main activities and what the main function of the room will be. Some people have different colour temperatures in each room, but you can get a contrast as you go from one to another. If in doubt feel free to order samples from us on a sale or return basis, simply return the ones you don't like.

colour temperature examples