LEDs are one of the most energy-efficient light sources you can find on the market. They come in a number of shapes and sizes and can easily replace any traditional bulb in your household.
However, LEDs are much more durable and versatile in terms of lifespan, lumen count, efficacy, and temperature.
In this article, we will talk about how you can choose the right LED light color temperature and discuss several other related aspects as well.
What Is Color Temperature?
Lights have a color temperature. This color temperature has nothing to do with the degree of warmth in the weather, but rather it indicates the light color. The color of a light source is described by the color temperature in Kelvin (K).
In the area of white light, LEDs can display different color areas. A light bulb could not do that. So we now differentiate between warm white, neutral white, and daylight. Daylight white is also called cold white.
- Common illuminants have color temperatures in the order of magnitude of less than 3300 Kelvin.
- Warm white is between 2700 Kelvin and 3300 Kelvin.
- Neutral white is at around 3500 to 4500 Kelvin
- Daylight white is at a color temperature of over 5300 Kelvin.
The color temperature describes the color of conventional light sources. So it is difficult to define those using light wavelengths due to their color spectrum. The color temperature is used as an aid.
The color temperature is also defined as the temperature of an ideal black body whose radiation is precisely known as Planck’s radiation formula. The hotter this black body, the shorter the wavelength in which it radiates.
A cold body radiates almost exclusively in the infrared wavelengths. As the temperature progresses, the body first glows red, then yellow, white, and finally blue.
The black body completely absorbs all electromagnetic waves and emits heat radiation when heated. This is used as a comparison to other color values.
As a result, black body reflection radiation is zero. The color becomes whiter as the temperature rises. The black body’s temperature is to be determined as identical in color. The color temperature is most comparable in its light source.
Light Color Temperature Range and Recommended Usage
Color temperature: 2700 K
Location: Living room
Light color: Warm white
Description: Pleasantly warm and cozy
Color temperature: 3000K
Location: Living rooms, outdoor areas, restaurants
Light color: Bright warm white
Description: Comfortable light, a little brighter than warm white
Color Temperature: 3500 K
Location: Corridors, offices, sales rooms
Light color: Neutral white
Description: Creates a businesslike, friendly atmosphere
Color temperature: 4000 K
Location: Bathroom, kitchen, cellar, garage
Light color: Neutral white
Description: Bright, inviting light
Color temperature: from 5300 K
Location: Industry and commerce, classroom
Light color: Daylight white
Description: Similar to daylight, with a high proportion of blue
Here is a brief summary:
- Warm White:
A warm white color rendering stands for cozy light. However, these lights are used in an atmosphere such as the living room, bathroom, or bedroom.
The basic lighting in the kitchen, usually the ceiling light, is also well served. Buying dimmable LEDs will help you implement your ideas in terms of brightness even better.
- Neutral White:
You need factual light in the kitchen, office, or study room. A neutral white is appropriate here.
A cool color temperature is attention-grabbing and aids concentration. That’s why officers are often equipped with this color temperature.
- Daylight White:
Cold white is another name for daylight white. It correlates to the length of daylight at lunchtime.
Daylight white encourages focus, making it ideal for workspaces.
You use these lights when you need to be creative and pay close attention. This form of light is similar to the light that comes from a sunset. The redder it is, the more relaxing its effect on you.
How to Choose the Right LED Light Color Temperature?
Moreover, to the practical element, different color temperatures generate a certain environment. And color temperature affects human biological rhythms.
As a result, LED lighting comes in a variety of light colors. The light grows warmer and more yellow as the Kelvin value decreases. As the Kelvin value rises, the color of light becomes colder and bluer.
2200K, 2700K, 3000K, 4000K, and 6000K LED lights are available at any LED panel wholesaler.
It is not easy to select the right light color that is appropriate for your workspace.
This section will assist you in comprehending the effects of various color temperatures. So that you may make the best choices possible.
How can you choose the proper LED light color temperature for your environment?
We already mentioned above the range of color temperature for LED lights.
A few considerations go into deciding which LED color temperature you use. There are three factors, low, medium, and high.
1. Low Color Temperature:
The lower color temperature range is that LED bulb which creates a cozier, more relaxing, and lighting ambiance.
In all frequent places, you will find these LED bulbs. It includes living rooms, restaurants, bathrooms, and spas.
If you want to improve your home’s lighting, choose low LED bulbs. You can simply look for LEDs with a color temperature between 2000K and 4000K.
2. Medium Color Temperature:
If you want to enhance the lighting in your workplace, classroom, restroom, and other such areas, you should go with a medium-range LED color temperature.
These bulbs are the most common for workplaces. They are frequently sought-after and put in locations where attention and good lighting are essential.
Choose these LED bulbs with a range of 4500K to 6000K. While cooking in the kitchen and working in the office, these bulbs are best for you.
3. High Color Temperature:
High color temperature LED bulbs to resemble natural daylight. These bulbs with strong white lights frequently have a blue tint to them. It is ideal for occupations that need concentration and attention.
High color temperature bulbs are used for reading, sketching, construction, and so on.
What Color LED Is Best for the Following Scenario?
Colors strongly impact our emotions, mood, and feelings. That is why it is important that you have the right color LED for the specific scenario.
Below, we have discussed different scenarios and suggested what color LED would be best suitable for them. Make sure that you consider our recommendation so that you can surround yourself with the right color lights.
For Reading/Studying/Working
Extra Warm White (2700K)
The light color is similar to candlelight although it tends to be orange. That’s why it is commonly employed as mood lighting in restaurants and bedrooms.
Extra warm white is a pure mood lighting that creates an atmosphere like candlelight. This light color can be utilized to create a relaxing or calm atmosphere which is good for reading, studying and working.
As a result, they may be created to light up bedrooms or lounges. Lights with a color temperature of around 2700K are the best choice if you want the color temperature of a standard light bulb.
For Sleeping
Warm White (2700K – 3300K):
Whenever there should be a sense of coziness and warmth, the warm white color is ideal. This color temperature is suitable for sleeping as well.
The warm white color encourages relaxation and it may be used at homes. Hotel living rooms and restaurants also use these lights for gastronomy.
For Plants
Cold White (3000K):
What color of light is best for growing plants in the greenhouse?
For the growth of your bushier plants, you should use a fluorescent light. It also emits blue light.
You may select between warm white and cool white fluorescent light fixtures for your plants’ growth. But you may use a darker blue color for the best plantation.
Moreover, fix this point in your mind while using blue light in the garden, that the emphasis is blending with other lighting spectra. The minimum intensity of blue light is enough to improve the maturity and growth rate of your plants.
It also minimizes their overall water loss. The red color is also used to grow your plants and it also works better when you combine it with blue.
For Night Hunting
Reddish Light (4000k):
Reddish light is much more suitable for night hunting. Since the reddish light mimics a sunset. This light color is much more pleasant to the eye.
The body is neither put into a day mood nor impaired sleep. The light’s most crucial role is that the hunter sees its target well enough to properly identify it. When you see your target well you make an ethical shot.
While hunting, the animal’s nervousness is crucial. But you must be able to observe the animal is even more crucial.
Moreover, it depends on a variety of conditions; in certain situations, one light is more preferable to another one. A red light is the best choice for you if you want to stay as inconspicuous as possible.
If you have enough experience or close quarters, the red light may be the best choice for you while hunting.
CCT VS CRI
Essentially, light sources are measured using two key factors:
- Correlated Color Temperature (CCT)
- Color Rendering Index (CRI)
Correlated Color Temperature
To determine how cool or how warm a light source is, CCT numbers are used and they are expressed in degrees Kelvin (K).
Usually, light bulbs will range from 2700K (warm, incandescent color) to 5000K or even higher (bright, natural daylight color).
However, it is important to note that CCT cannot assist in identifying an object’s natural color when illuminated.
For example, two fixtures with the same CCT can render colors different from each other. This is where CRI is used to create prominent distinctions.
For household or residential use, 2700K and 3000K are the ideal and most preferred color temperatures.
They create an enticing, warm, and relaxing atmosphere that is these color temperatures are suitable for household applications.
Color Rendering Index
On the other hand, the Color Rendering Index, according to the Light Research Center, helps confirm our perception of color quality.
In simple words, CRI evaluates the light source’s ability to illuminate the color of the object with accuracy.
For Example, if you are seeing an artwork under a light source of 65 CRI, the colors that it will exhibit may not appear realistic or accurate.
However, when you see a similar artwork under a light source of 90 CRI, you will see the artwork’s true colors.
CCT gives us the color of the light emitted from the light bulb by gazing straight at the light source and is instantly obvious to the observer.
Whereas the CRI number doesn’t tell us the light color itself. Instead, it shows us the color of the object to match our perception.
It is not possible to know the CRI value of a fixture just by looking at it. Rather only the approximate or estimated value can be known by seeing a light bulb through naked eyes.
FAQs
1. Which Color Temperature Is Most Accurate?
Color temperature between 5000k to 5500k ranges is the most accurate.
In this color temperature, you will get the most natural and color-balanced light. The light in this color temperature appears similar to that of sunlight at around noon.
For further accuracy, choose a color temperature with a minimum CRI of 90.
2. What Color Temperature Is Best for Eyes?
Color temperature between 4900k to 6500k is best for the eyes, allowing it to work comfortably.
Conclusion
The term that is often used to describe the color of light is the mood of the light. Comfortable light, cozy and neutral light, this is how you create your individual lighting mood.
