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Color temperatures
Last Updated: 01/27/2015

Color temperature refers to the hue that a light casts, and is based on the color that a flame of different temperatures will put off. A flame at 2680 kelvins will cast a yellow light equal to a 40 W incandescent bulb. At 5500 kelvins, a flame puts off the same hue as daylight at noon.

The correct lighting will affect the entire feel of a room.
  • For general lighting, warm light with a color temperature of 2700-3000K gives an inviting, calm, comfortable feeling. Perfect for places of relaxation such as bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms. Works well with earth and skin tones.
  • For a friendly, bright, clean feel, go for a color temperature of 3100-4500K. Perfect for basements, kitchens, bathrooms, garages and work environments. 3500K is generally most inviting.
  • For a more focused, crisp, energetic feel, go for a color temperature of 4600-6500K. Perfect for reading, display areas, security lighting, and garages. Provides strong contrast for tasks that require high clarity. 5000K and up will start to give a slight blue tint.
In general, 2700-3600K should be used. Higher color temperatures can give a cold, sterile feel when used exclusively in a room, so only use those when you need more clarity, such as for task lights or spot lights on paintings.




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