Understanding Kelvin Color Temperature
A light bulb’s color temperature can describe warmth and coolness. The Kelvin temperature scale (K) measures the amount of energy in a given space and correlates it with the appearance of objects illuminated by that light. A lower number indicates bluer, while higher numbers are warmer looking. The lower the number on your thermostat (or, in this case, Kelvin), the warmer it feels!
The Kelvin color temperature scale is a way of describing the warmth or coolness of a light source.
The Kelvin color temperature scale is a way of describing the warmth or coolness of a light source. The lower the number, the warmer (more orange) it will be; higher numbers indicate more excellent (more blue) light. For example:
- A candle flame has a color temperature of 1,800K
- A halogen lamp has a color temperature between 2,000K and 3,000K
- An incandescent bulb has a color temperature between 2,700K and 3,500K
Guide To Understanding Kelvin Color Temperature
The color temperature of a light source is measured in degrees Kelvin (K).
Kelvin (K) is a unit of measurement for color temperature. Light will appear cooler as the number increases.
- K = Kelvin
The lower the color temperature number, the warmer the light will appear.
If you’re looking for a warmer color, lower Kelvin temperatures are for you. The lower the number on your light bulb’s packaging, the warmer it will appear. For example, a 2700K bulb will have a yellowish hue similar to candlelight or incandescent bulbs. If you want something closer to daylight (like me), look for lights with higher color temperatures like 5000K or 6500K–these are considered “daylight” colors because they closely match what we see outside during mid-day hours when sunlight is at its brightest.
Light with a higher Kelvin rating has a more bluish-white appearance.
Kelvin is the unit of measurement for color temperature. The higher the Kelvin rating, the more blue-white light you get. Conversely, lower Kelvin ratings produce warmer colors–yellow and red tones.
Light with a lower wattage and more lumens tends to be warmer.
You can think of it like this:
- A light with a higher wattage and more lumens tends to be brighter.
- A light with a lower wattage and fewer lumens tends to be dimmer.
- A cooler Kelvin color temperature will produce less heat than a warmer Kelvin color temperature of the same brightness level (lumens).
Color Temperatures of Light Bulbs
Kelvin (K) is the unit of measurement for color temperature. Red/yellow will appear brighter and warmer as the number decreases.
Different types of bulbs can produce different colors, including:
- <2000K – Very warm yellowish white; similar to incandescent bulbs
- 2000K – 3000K – Warm white; similar to halogen bulbs
- 3100K – 4500K – Neutral white; similar to compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs or LED lights with less blue coloration
Knowing how different light sources look can help you choose the right one for your space.
Knowing how different light sources look can help you choose the right one for your space.
Warm-colored bulbs emit a yellowish hue, while cool-colored ones give off a more blue or white light. This doesn’t mean that warm colors are bad and cool are good–it just depends on what kind of mood you’re trying to set. For example, if you want an inviting atmosphere in your kitchen at dinner time but don’t want it to feel too formal (i.e., like a restaurant), then using warm colors would be ideal because they make people feel relaxed and comfortable. On the other hand, if you’re hosting an event where guests should feel energized and excited about being there (e.g., a birthday party), cool colors do better since they stimulate brain activity better than warm colors.
Conclusion
If you want to add warmth to your space, consider using a bulb with a lower color temperature. You can also switch out your current bulb with a higher lumen rating and wattage, which will help create more light while maintaining its warm appearance.
