Colour temperature is used to describe the colour of the white light that a light bulb or fixture provides. You have most likely heard people saying before, ‘this room feels so warm and cosy’ or ‘this room feels nice and cool’. These moods and the overall feel to a room are heavily influenced by the colour temperature you choose.

Colour temperature is measured in degrees of Kelvin, usually abbreviated to ‘K’, on a scale of 1,000 to 10,000 with the light appearance going from warm to blue (Red being at the low, warm white of the scale and blue being at the high, cool end of the scale.)

What Colour Temperatures are available in LED Lights?

Most LEDs are produced to be either warm white or cool white. The warmer the colour, the lower the lighting colour temperature, and the cooler the colour, the higher the colour temperature (See LED Colour Temperature Chart). Warmer colour temperatures offer a redder colour of light, whereas cooler colour temperatures give out a bluer light.

The most common light colour temperatures used for LED fittings are colour temperature 2700K (warm), 3000K which appears as colour temperature warm white, 4000K (cool white), 5000K (daylight), and 6000K (cool daylight). The most popular temperature for LED bulbs is 3000-4000K as they can provide warmth, while also being bright enough to carry out daily activities.

This colour temperature chart acts as a bulb colour temperature chart as well as an LED colour temperature chart. 

Colour Changeable Temperature

Some LED fittings are available as CCT (Colour Changeable Temperature). This gives you the option of changing the temperature of the bulb. For any of our colour-changeable fittings, it is very straightforward to change the colour temperature, you simply move the switch at the back of the fitting to the appropriate temperature. CCT fittings tend to come with 3 temperature options. For example, our CCT 16W LED Circular Bulkhead has the option of 3000K, 4000K, and 6000K.

Smart lighting offers even more flexibility when it comes to selecting your colour temperature, allowing you to unlock the full-colour spectrum.

How do I know what colour temperature my fittings are now?

This may be a question you are asking yourself if you simply want to replace bulbs that are burnt out and you want to keep the same colour temperature. Depending on the manufacturer, the fitting may have the colour temperature printed on. If not, compare your light colour temperature with the lighting colour temperature chart above, this will give you a good idea of the temperature you need to purchase.

There are several colour temperatures that are used as standard, this will make life much easier for you when trying to find replacements. The guide below will give you a better understanding of how each colour temperature appears, using the same setting.

2700K is Extra Warm White colour temperature. Very similar to a traditional incandescent bulb, one of the most common colours used today. If your current bulb gives out a yellowish glow, it is most likely a 2700K colour temperature you will need for a replacement.

3000K is Warm White. A bit clearer in appearance but still has a warm glow. The most in-demand colour temperature on our website for domestic and commercial installations is not too warm and not too cold.

4000K colour temperature is Cool White. At a much crisper temperature, this colour does not give out any warm or yellow glow. Popular in commercial areas, such as supermarkets and offices. Helps make a room look much more modern.

5000K is Daylight. This has a blue tinge to try and replicate natural light. They do not create a ‘cosy’ atmosphere, so best to avoid for bedrooms and living rooms. Popular in retail environments and other workplaces.

Why does colour temperature matter & how do I utilise it?

No matter what space you are lighting, it is important to select the correct colour temperature. Lighting has a major impact on the ‘feel’ of a room when you walk into it. First, you need to consider the following.

1) What is the function of the room? E.g., To sit and relax, or to work & be productive.

2) How do you want to feel in the room? Awake and focused, or homely and relaxed?

As a general rule, warm white colours are more relaxing and inviting, whereas cooler colour temperatures are often used to improve productivity and enhance concentration levels in schools or offices.

Picture yourself soaking in a hot jacuzzi, feeling calm, warm and extremely relaxed. The tone for this feeling is already set by the lights as soon as you walk through the door. The warm white glow from the lights helps create that warm, relaxed atmosphere. On the other hand, a cool white colour temperature is most likely used in the reception area of the spa, as it is a workspace for staff and customers filling out forms before they enter. This highlights the different colour temperatures can make to the look and feel of a room, and how to utilise it to your advantage.

Here are some examples of what colour temperatures are the most appropriate for different environments. 

• Kitchens – This is very much a workspace in the home. A cool white temperature is the best option here. As well as making the kitchen look more modern, it provides a crisp clear light, allowing you to safely complete tasks such as cutting up food. View our range of Cool White Downlights suitable for kitchens, or Cool White Bulbs.
• Bathrooms – Some people can struggle between functionality and ambience when selecting bathroom lights. For example, warm white colours are more suitable when relaxing in a hot bath. However, warm white colours are not ideal when trying to complete daily activities in a dim room. It is important to understand what you want for your bathroom. If big enough, you can use different colour temperatures in different sections of your bathroom to get the balance of functionality and ambience. It is also important to consider IP ratings in Bathrooms, you can learn more here. 
• Living Rooms – Most people use their living room as a place to switch off and relax. Therefore, warm white is ideal for living rooms, helping create a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
• Decorative Outdoor Lighting – Again, refer to what you want to achieve. Do you want your home to look warm and inviting to guests? If so, then choose a warm colour temperature. We have a great range of Outdoor Wall Lights to help light up your home.
• Work Environments / Offices – Cool white temperatures are ideal for work environments. A bright white colour is proven to increase workers' enthusiasm and productivity. An increase in productivity combined with huge energy savings makes our range of LED Panels the perfect solution for your office environments.

Summary

Lighting colour temperature plays a vital role in the look and feel of a room, but there is no right or wrong answer. It is down to personal preference. Remember to consider what the main function of the room is. If it is a workspace that you need to be focused and awake in, go with cool white temperatures. If it is a room in which you want to relax, go with a warm white colour temperature.

If you are still unsure of the colour temperature you need, please contact one of our sales advisors via the live chat or email [email protected].