Colour temperature, indicated in Kelvin, determines the light colour of an LED lamp. Warm light colours looks very cozy, whereas cold white lamps often look bright. This article will give you details about the colour temperature and the Kelvin specification and also give you an idea which light colour is best for which room.
What is colour temperature
Color temperature is the color of light emitted by an idealized opaque, non-reflective body at a particular temperature measured in kelvins. The color temperature scale is used to categorize the color of light emitted by other light sources regardless of their temperature. (Wikipedia)
What is colour temperature of an LED lamp? The colour temperature of an LED lamp is responsible for how we perceive the emitted light. Different colour temperatures can be used to create different moods.
The most common colour temperature in LED lights are, Warm white (2700K / 3000K), Natural/cool white(4000K), and Daylight (6500K)
What does light colour got to do with the temperature?
There is a very long theory and scientific explanation on this topic. So to save everybody's time, this is a short explanation. The colour temperature model is based on the relationship between the temperature of theoretical standardized material, called a black body radiator, and the energy distribution of its emitted light as the radiator is brought to increasingly higher temperatures, measured in Kelvin(K).
In layman's terms, imagine a black metal ball and you apply heat on it. The colour of the black ball will change with the increasing temperature, firstly to red then to yellow, and later into a light blue tone.
Which colour temperature to use where?
So you have a slight idea of where does the term "Colour temperature" comes from, it is now time for you to find out where to use which type of colour.
Warm white - 2700K to 3000K
Warm white has a yellowish to a reddish tone. If you like a lay-back, relaxing, cosy feel, warm white lights are for you. Common areas to use this colour, are the living room (cove lights), a bar, dining area, cinema or any other rooms where you want to relax.
Natural / Cool white - 4000K to 5000K
Natural /Cool white creates an objective, positive atmosphere. The colour is white but with a yellowish tone. Frequently used areas include Kitchen, bathrooms and corridors. As the colour produces a soft tone, it does not strain the eyes when expose for a long period of time, it is ideal for illuminating offices and classrooms.
Daylight - 6500K
Daylight, just as the name suggests, it is the colour of daylight during a clear afternoon day. It is bright and white, therefore is it very suitable to be used as task lighting in factories, hospitals, etc.. places where a high level of attention are required
Photo by Petr Magera on Unsplash
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