What Does Kelvins And Colour Temperature Really Mean?
Have you ever bought a new light bulb expecting it to produce the same warm, yellow light as the old one, only to be disappointed when it produces a much brighter, whiter light? You probably didn't think to check the colour temperature of the bulb before buying it.
When thinking about switching to LED lighting nothing is as discouraging as selecting the wrong colour bulb. Let's look at what colour temperature is and how it influences your lighting decisions.
What does Kelvin really mean?
From the warm, gentle glow of a candle to the dazzling blue beam of a street light, each light source has its own personality. One aspect of that character is brightness, which is measured in Lumens; the other aspect is colour temperature, which is measured in degrees Kelvin. Hue temperature refers to the colour of the light generated by the bulb rather than the ambient hot/cold temperature of our surroundings.
The lower the colour temperature, the warmer the light, and the higher the colour temperature, the cooler the light. A light bulb with a colour temperature of 5000K, for example, will produce light that is closer to the brilliance of the sun than a bulb with a 2700K colour temperature.
Warm Colour Temperatures (2000K to 3500K)
Warm lights have colour temperatures ranging from 2700K to 3500K. People tend to choose these colour lights as they are more relaxing than office and commercial lighting. Warm light, which is softer and gentler on the eyes than bright, cool-toned light, is frequently utilised in bedrooms, dining rooms, and living rooms to create a warm ambiance. Restaurants are another place to look for softer lighting. A restaurant serving dinner visitors, for example, would use softer, more orange lighting to create a welcoming atmosphere. Furthermore, warm light makes people look better.
Cool Colour Temperatures (4000K to 4500K)
While the residential standard is warm colour temperatures, some people prefer higher or "cooler" colour temperatures. Color temperatures of 4000K or higher are commonly utilised as task lighting in workplaces, kitchen under-cabinet lighting, and craft areas due to the neutral tone. Furthermore, higher colour temperatures are generally perceived as brighter than warmer temperatures, whereas cooler light is perceived as "cleaner." Imperfections and colour variations between items are more visible in cool white light. While this isn't always optimal, it's useful for things like makeup lighting or general lighting in places where cleanliness is a must.
Full Spectrum Color (5000K to 6500K)
Extremely high colour temperatures, sometimes known as "full spectrum" or "daylight," are less common. Hue temperatures ranging from 5000K to 6500K are close to the colour of a bright, sunny day. Some may find the light to have a strong blue cast that appears harsh or cold. Color temperatures in this range are uncommon in houses, save in garages or home offices. Outside of the house, there is a trend toward putting "full spectrum" bulbs in companies, which are occasionally connected with increased productivity. Museums, jewellery stores, display windows, and hospitals are some more places that use full spectrum illumination.
Color Temperature and Perception
While colour temperature is crucial for generating atmosphere in a space, it may also have a significant impact on the appearance of your walls or furnishings. Installing warm light in a room painted in cool-toned colours might lead your room to look faded and dull, and the opposite is true for installing cool light in a room decorated in warm-toned colours. This happens for the same reason that sometimes you buy something at the store that you thought was black only to realise it's actually navy in natural light. Colour is affected by the colour temperature and overall quality of your lighting, a phenomena known as metamerism.
Making Your Decision
It is critical to understand the purpose of your next bulb before acquiring it. Nothing may sour your opinion of CFL or LED illumination like purchasing a 4000K or 5000K bulb when you intended to get a 2700K bulb, or vice versa.
This is why, whenever you buy a new, energy-efficient bulb, you should always check the colour temperature. Consider your application and colour palette carefully before purchasing a bulb with the appropriate colour temperature and/or brightness.