Color temperature is one of the main reasons why we can see everything around us. It is simply defined as the warmth and coolness of a light source. Apart from that, color temperature helps us interpret the weather where we live. It is usually measured in degrees of Kelvin (K), which scales from 1,000 to 10,000. On the other hand, residential and commercial lighting applications fall on a scale of 2000K to 6500K.
Although it may seem easy to choose the best color temperature in your space, note that color temperature can be classified into different types. These types are usually under soft white, daylight white in light bulbs, and warm white.
Color temperatures that are 2700k to 3000k can be labeled warm colors (yellowish lights), while the 5000k can be labeled as cool colors (bluish lights). Technically, the brighter the color temperature, the higher the Kelvin degrees.
To know more about color temperature, read more information on this post!
Types of Color Temperature
Color temperatures have a definite category based on the kind of lighting that they create. See all the types of color temperature below.
Soft White
First on the list is the Soft White Color Temperature. This LED light color mostly represents a compact fluorescent bulb. Its temperature can be categorized as any temperature under 3000K. Typically, Soft White Color Temperature emits a yellow tone similar to the light produced by incandescent.
And in case you’re wondering, this color temperature is best to use for the living room, kitchen, bedrooms, chandeliers, or floor maps. Its an excellent light to invite a cozy and relaxing vibe to your visitors.
Warm White
Most people often choose warm white color temperatures as they are quite similar to the soft white color temperature. Warm white color temperatures are usually warm in color. They are commonly used in the majority of areas at home because of their soothing and relaxing shade. It produces a maximum of 3000K and usually illuminates an orange hue to a yellow-white tone.
What’s more, warm white colors are ideal for any wood and earthly tone furniture as it complements each furnish style. So, if you’re looking for the light that can perfectly match up your neutral or wood designs at home, the warm white color temperature will complete your style set.
Cool White
If there’s any light fixture that can light up from 3500k to 4100k, it would be the cool white color temperature. Cool white weather has a higher end of a range of white light that it can give to any desired area. In contrast, this color temperature is purely intense. It is usually compared to natural daylight as it produces a clean and white light.
Daylight
This color temperature resembles the usual light that we see every noon. With its 5600K measurement, daylight color temperature produces natural light like the sunlight. But, note that this matter varies depending on what kind of weather you have for a certain period.
In case you’re wondering, daylight color temperature is sensed with a bluish-white and hue tone. You can also easily conjure it up using light sources that send out a color temperature of more than 500k.
Now that you’ve got an idea in mind, knowing more about these color temperatures, for example, differences, importance, and usage, will help you make better choices. So, look for more details below on this post!
The Difference Between Warm and Soft White Color Temperature
This question is one of the most common queries of people when it comes to color temperature. While others perceive that warm and soft white color temperature has many differences, some folks claim that these lights are just the same.
There is no significant difference between warm and soft white. That’s all because each of these lights renders the same warm colors. In case you’re thinking twice, better not, because yes, they are.
Warm and soft white color temperature are exchangeable terms used to describe a color temperature under 3000K. What’s more, both of this light gives off the same color shade which is yellowish-white. Take note that as the temperature rises over 3000K, you can distinguish the light in a whiter tone. It loses the yellow color. Accordingly, the light starts to produce a natural glow or termed daylight light.
So, technically speaking, there’s no substantial difference in comparing the warm white and soft white color temperature.
Using Color Temperatures
As mentioned above, color temperatures have different uses, specifically to what place you will choose to put them. Soft or Warm White color temperatures are usually right to use in areas like the living room, dining, and bedroom. They give the best comfortable and warm vibe. Additionally, soft or warm white color temperatures are also suitable for use while studying since the light gives off the most appropriate shade for the eyes.
Conversely, cool white (or bright light) provides a more lively and active color. It gives an ambiance that is perfect for a garage, kitchen, and more where attention and details are mostly needed. White light in these sections at home also clarifies directions and even in transporting materials and furniture when necessary.
Lastly, daylight can completely light up huge spaces at home like workspaces, make-up rooms, studios, or study rooms. This matter is because daylight color temperature can provide and match a high-contrast tone to other colors. For some, daylight color temperatures are also used in the kitchen and bathroom to emphasize a particular area.
In general, daylight color temperature gives out the best deal for various rooms with significant functions at home and office.
Importance of Color Temperature
In General, Color temperatures help you to do all your tasks daily. Whether it’s all about house chores, school, or office works, color temperature enables you to create a good quality outcome through the light and ambiance that it gives. Without such things, working might be a huge challenge.
What’s more, the color temperature has also benefited people in manufacturing, photography, lighting, or videography as it provides additional highlights and serves as a guide while doing work even during night.
While there are different types of color temperatures available, choosing the light that suits your home will be essential in the long run. It could be one of the reasons why your bonding moments with your family would be intimate or fun! The same thing goes with choosing the correct light pattern for your kitchen, where the magic of food preparation happens.
With the suitable color temperature at home, the feeling of having a good vibe might always be present. Whether indoors or outdoors, feel free to explore all the color temperatures and get the best that matches your space.
Ethan is an American who grew up to be a DIY enthusiast with an accounting degree and too many hobbies to count. He emigrated from Wyoming to Texas in 2011. While he is not writing he is busy taking care of his two kids Emma and Ella.