Do you know what colour temperature means when it comes to LED lights? It’s important to know the difference between cool white, neutral white and warm white when picking a light bulb. Each colour temperature delivers a drastically different effect, and suits different rooms and activities. Before buying new light bulbs for your home or office space, ask yourself these questions: Which room am I buying them for? And what will I be doing in that space? Once you’ve worked out your lighting goals, you can start pairing them with the appropriate LED colour temperatures.
What does colour temperature mean?
The colour temperature of an LED light indicates the ‘whiteness’ of the light on a scale from blue-white (cool white) to red light (warm light). The unit of measurement for colour temperature is Kelvin (K), generally ranging from 2700K (warm white) to 6500K (cool white). So, when choosing a light bulb or fitting, keep in mind that the higher the colour temperature (K), the whiter and ‘cooler’ the light will be.
White LED lights for different spaces
Cool white LED lights
Cool white LED lights mimic daylight, and ranges between 5000K and 6500K. Because of the strong presence of blue light, this type of light keeps you awake and alert. Cool white lights are, therefore, usually placed in task-oriented environments where concentration is imperative. In the home, desk lights are usually cool white, as well as outdoor security lights and those used in garages. In the commercial and healthcare sector, white light usually falls between 4000K-5000K. This range ensures the lighting is welcoming, but still efficient. Cool white lights are also used in industrial environments, typically in buildings where no natural light enters, like in warehouses and workshops.
Neutral white LED lights
Neutral white LED lights fall between 4000 and 5000K, and create a lively and clear atmosphere. Lights of this colour temperature are popular in office environments and homes. They are typically used in areas where lighting needs to be sufficient for basic tasks, but not too intense and off-putting. You could say that neutral white light delivers ‘sweet spot’ illumination, ideal for general indoor activities. In the home, colour temperatures usually range from 2700K to 4000K – higher in more task-oriented environments (like the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room) and lower in more relaxed environments (like the foyer and dining room).
Warm white LED lights
Warm white LED lights have a colour temperature between 2700K and 3500K, creating a cosy, calm and casual atmosphere. Lights of this colour temperature are commonly used in lounges and TV rooms, and intimate spaces like the bedroom.
Which white LED lights are right for you?
Whether you need task-oriented lighting for your workspace, subtle lighting for your bedroom, or that perfect in-between for your bathrooms, we’ve got the LED products you’re looking for. Explore our quality range of white LED lights, and don’t hesitate to get in touch with us should you have any questions about our offering.
