Color Temperatures: What are They?
First, let’s get the basics out of the way. The color temperature of a bulb—measured in Kelvin—describes how the light will appear to the naked eye. Is it warm white? The light will cast orange and yellow tones. Cool white? The light will have neutral tones. Or perhaps daylight white? The light will give off slightly blue tones.
Bulb color temperatures are typically measured on a scale of 1000K to 10,000K. For residential lighting, the Kelvin temperatures fall somewhere between 2,000K to 6,500K, which allow us to visualize how warm or cool the white light will be.
Range #01: 2700K - 3500K
With its distinct brownish tint, this range of color temperature tends to create a calm (and cozy) atmosphere. So, if you’re after a comfortable space, this range is the right pick. It is often used in table/floor lamps and pendants or chandeliers installed in rooms devoted to rejuvenating (like the living room and bedroom). The subtle red and yellow hues from these bulbs are flattering against the skin and clothing. This also explains why they’re so popular in rooms meant for socializing.
Range #02: 3500K - 4500K
Being a cooler color temperature that casts bright (and neutral) white light, the spectrum of 3500K to 4500K is for accurate reproduction of lighting. This means it is suitable for task lighting in bedrooms and kitchens, as well as bathrooms. With this color temperature range, we’d recommend using 3500K in bedrooms to highlight subtle earthy decor. Atmospheres, like a home office, can benefit from the higher range of this color temperature, around 4500K, as it offers a bright and more alert atmosphere, great for a productive environment.