Understanding Colour Temperature in Lighting: A Guide to Warm and Cool Light

If you are looking for the best lighting solution for your home, you must also know about the light bulb colour temperature. This will help you make the right choice.  

 

The colour temperature in lighting refers to the shade of the white light emitted from the bulb or tube light. There are two types of colour temperature: warm and cool light. Conventional incandescent lights produce a ‘warm’ visual effect, whereas fluorescent tube lights, which are usually used in industrial settings, produce a ‘cool’ visual effect.  

 

Having the right knowledge about light colour temperature and understanding the difference between cool white and warm white light can significantly help you know what kind of light works best for the space you want to light up and set the right ambience and mood in the room.  

 

The colour of the light emitted from a bulb is determined by its CCT, i.e., correlated colour temperature. When a metal object is heated, the CCT replicates its Kelvin temperature. Here, the term ‘correlated’ is important as it does not describe the heat; instead, it describes the colour of the metal object at a different degree of Kelvin, resulting in the CCT.  

When you heat up any metal object, you may notice that after sometime, it appears to glow. This glow may appear in different colours, like blue, yellow, or red, based on the kelvin temperature that is heating the object. So, kelvin is basically the unit of absolute temperature and the colour temperature of the light is also measured in kelvin.  

 

The colours are distinguished based on the kelvin temperature scale from warm to cool. The colour distinction process involves comparing the colour of the light produced from the light source to the colour of the light produced.  

 

The following table will help you understand the kelvin temperature better.  

 

There are three important shades of light, and knowing these shades can significantly help you choose the perfect lighting for your home or office.  

A warm white light shade gives your home a warm appearance and creates an overall cosy and ambient setting inside the house. The light produced between 2000 and 3000 Kelvin is referred to as ‘warm white.’ LED lighting is the best example of warm white light.  

 

You can use warm white light in your living room, kitchen, or bedroom, where you may need to illuminate the room brightly. 

As the name suggests, this light shade provides a cool, day-like appearance and feel to your home and enhances its overall aesthetic appeal. It is great for all homes and offices, making you feel fresh and focused.  

 

The light produced in the range of 4500 kelvin or above is called cool daylight colour temperature. Cool daylight colour shades may appear yellow or white. The best example of cool daylight colour temperature is the LED bulb like that of Wipro 12.5W WiFi LED Smart Bulb, which you can use to light up dark places or parts of the house, like the basement, garage, or parking area.  

The cool white light shade creates a warm and welcoming environment inside the house and gives the space a warm white appearance. Light produced between 3100 and 4500 Kelvin is known as cool or bright white.   

 

Cool white light works well in the bathroom, outdoor spaces, and entryways. These light bulbs emit a neutral white light with a tinge of blue.  

 

Warm lighting shades, usually in the 2700 to 3000 kelvin range, have a reddish-blue or yellowish hue. This can create a cosy and pleasant atmosphere, making you feel comfortable and relaxed. When you walk into a room with a warm colour temperature after a tiring day,  

the lighting can quickly change your mood and let you wind down.  

 

 

Healthcare experts worldwide have corroborated that adults must have at least seven hours of good sleep; it is paramount for good physical and mental health. If the lighting in your home, especially the room where you sleep is not right, your sleep may be hindered.  

For example, exposure to blue light for long hours can interfere with the body’s natural sleep cycle. But by using warm lighting in the evening, you can create a more relaxing and comfortable environment and enjoy a good sleep.