COLOR TEMPERATURE OF LIGHT

By definition, color temperature is a mode to describe the light appearance made by

a light bulb. Basically, it’s measured in degrees of Kelvin (K) on a scale from 1,700 t0
10,000. Simply put, the color temperature of a light bulb allows us to know the look and feel
of the light it illuminated in a given space.
In addition, the color temperature of a light bulb is assigned by means of correlated
color temperature or CCT. For instance, a metal object appears to glow if you heat it up. With
the, the glow will produce different colors like orange or yellow depending on the Kelvin
temperature that the metal object is being heated at that time.

Why Does Color Temperature Matter?

The mood of a specific room is often derived from the color temperature of the light
bulb fixtures. No wonder identifying the best color temperature for every room is an important
factor in preparing a lighting plan. If you need an energizing light, opt for a high color
temperature. On the other hand, a lower color temperature will create a warmer, more
relaxing illumination.

Color Temperature in LED

Color temperature is directly related to the color of the light source. If you choose a
LED light bulb, your options include warm, cool, natural or daylight. In specific applications,
you should pick the best color.

Basically, LED lights color temperature affects the look of your room, how we see
things, our emotions, and sleep cycles.

In every room in your home, you will need a different color temperature based on the
application in each one. Interestingly, LED lights have a range of colors to choose from.
Warm light includes yellow, orange and red. On the other hand, cool light comprises blue and
green. Aside from that, light appears crisp and white in between the two.

The standard color temperature for home lighting fixtures are warm white light, natural
white light, daylight white light, and cool white. Overall, your choice of color is based on your
intention of using the light bulb and personal inclination.

Color temperature is often based on generally-accepted practices for type and use of a
space. For example, here’s a general list of “typical” color temperatures for various spaces:

 Residential: 2,700K-3,000K
 Hospitality: 2,700K-3,500K
  Office: 3,500K
 Schools: 3,500K
 Surgical Lights: 4,000K
 Manufacturing: 4,000K-6,000K
 Jewelry Cases: 6,000K

Here’s a breakdown of typical light bulb color temperatures and their source:
 1800k - Candle Flame, sunset/sunrise
 2400k – Standard incandescent lamps
 2550k – Soft white incandescent lamps
 2700k – Soft white compact fluorescent and LED lamps
 3000k – Warm white compact fluorescent and LED lamps
 3200k – Studio lamps/photofloods
 5000k – Tubular fluorescent lamps or cool white/daylight compact fluorescent
lamps
 5500-6500k – Daylight, overcast, electronic flash
 6500-9500k – LCD or CRT screen
 15,000-27,000k – Clear blue poleward sky

COLOR TEMPERATURE FOR HOME INTERIOR

The interior design plays an essential role in choosing the right color temperature. Is
your room traditional? Is it minimalistic? With that, your personal choice is also a major factor
in choosing the color temperature.

For living spaces, warm white bulbs are perfect. It’s also advisable for the bedroom in
which we usually relax. Since it’s mellow, you’ll feel comfortable in using the room.

The functional rooms, such as the bathroom and kitchen, need a more penetrative
form of light. After all, task-related activities are carried out in those rooms. With that, the
suggested color is cool white that is a lot brighter than warm white.

SPECIFIC GUIDELINES OF COLOR TEMPERATURES

 For the BEDROOM, the perfect choice is from 2,700-3,800K (soft white to warm
white)

 Basically, a softer, warmer light is a better option than a very white and stimulating
light. Besides, this warm white range is a fine place to start.
 Soft white (2,700 to 3,000) makes people feel cozy and warm. Warm white is more
neutral white light range, giving balance between warm and soft color light. While
warm white contains less blue light, so it has more relaxing effect on the eyes.
Also, it is widely known fact that cool colors cause sleeping problems.
 Soft white

 For the LIVING ROOM, opt for a range from 3,800-4,500K. (warm white to natural
white or cool white)

 The typical choice here is natural white. After all, it’s a soft and neutral range that
works well in “neutral” spaces like living rooms.
 Like very warm white, warm white temperatures are calming, inviting, and relaxing.
 Cool white light is not quite as cool as daylight, but similar to daylight, this color
temperature triggers our brains to stay alert, promotes focus and concentration,
and makes it easier for our eyes to perceive details and perform tasks.

 For the bathroom, the ideal range is from 3,600-4,200K.

 Obviously, it’s similar to our living room recommendation, yet a bit warmer. We find
this range to be both soothing and natural.
 For the kitchen, the best choice is from 4,000-5,000K.

 Well, a higher natural white range is perfect here. With that, 4000K is more neutral,
while 5000K will give off a whiter, brighter, and “cleaner” effect.
 This color temperature triggers our brains to stay alert, promotes focus and
concentration, and makes it easier for our eyes to perceive details and perform
tasks.

 For the office, opt for a range from 4,500-5,500K.

 It’s still natural yet white enough to promote alertness.

  This color temperature triggers our brains to stay alert, promotes focus and
concentration, and makes it easier for our eyes to perceive details and perform
tasks.
 Best for display area and work environments where very bright illumination is
needed.

 For art galleries and museums, the best choice is from 3,900-4,200K.

 This is often called neutral white. Unlike cool and warm whites, neutral white
reproduces all colors equally well, so it’s the ideal preference for displaying
merchandise, art, or photography.

 For hospitals lighting:

  Always remember that cooler color temperatures (3,500K to 5,000K) are good for
setting a clean crisp atmosphere and creating alertness in a hospital.
 this color temperature triggers our brains to stay alert, promotes focus and
concentration, and makes it easier for our eyes to perceive details and perform
tasks.
 5000K will give off a whiter, brighter, and “cleaner” effect.

 For dining areas lighting:

 In dining areas, warmer color temperatures tend to work well. Just consider lighting
in the 2,700-3,500K range.

 For common areas and classrooms:

  In common areas and classrooms, cooler color temperatures (3,500-5,000K) are
good for setting an energetic atmosphere and promoting alertness.

 For guestrooms lighting:

 Typically, guest rooms do fall in the 2,700-3,000K range, creating a warm, inviting
atmosphere.

CONCLUSION:
The brightness of a particular light has a well-documented impact on humans, but the impact
a light’s color temperature may seem less obvious. While the impact of color temperature
may not be immediately apparent, if you think about it, it’s actually fairly instinctual:

 When you want to feel cozy, relaxed, and warm, select warmer colored lighting.
 When you want to feel more awake, alert, and productive, select brighter, cool
colored lighting.
REFERENCES:
 https://jdbengineering.com/ideal-color-temperature-lighting/
 https://www.e-architect.com/articles/color-temperature
 https://www.hampshirelight.net/blog/lighting-design-tips-colour-temperature
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