Light temperature is an indicator of its warmth and its tone, expressed in Kelvin (K). A lower Kelvin value corresponds to a warmer and yellow light, whereas a higher Kelvin indicates a colder and brighter light.
For this reason, light temperature is also called color temperature, a commonly used feature for different light sources (natural or artificial). Based on this parameter, you can choose the most suitable light source for the spaces of your house.
Differences among warm, neutral and cold light
Prior to discussing the best choice of light temperature for your spaces, it is important to understand the differences among warm, neutral and cold light.
- Warm light
A warm light has a temperature between 2700°K and 3500°K, therefore a low temperature. The components of this kind of light include tones of red, yellow, orange and also white.
- Neutral light
Neutral light has a color temperature between 3500°K and 5300°K. In this segment, the color tone is tending towards white.
- Cold Light
A cold light has a color temperature over 5300°K. Typically, a cold light in this segment has tones which are tending to cyan and blue. To give you a more precise idea, you can consider that a 5000°K color temperature is normally associated with ice.
Ideal color temperature for your spaces
In the past, it was only possible to choose the socket type, the shape and the energy consumption of light bulbs. Nowadays, with the wide diffusion of LED sources, we can also pick from a wide array of options over color temperature, thus creating spaces which are much more comfortable and illuminated according to specific needs, using a colder or warmer LED lighting.
For example, if you wish to have a warm white light, the best option for the color temperature will be a 2700°K LED lamp; for a color temperature which is white with yellow tones we recommend a 3000°K LED lamp, if instead you prefer a cold color temperature, a 4000°K LED lamp is the ideal choice.
The definition of the most suitable light temperature is depending on the space where the light source will be positioned, obviously also personal taste comes into play. To give you some useful suggestions, here are our advices on how to select the right color temperature for the different rooms in a house.
Living room – The ideal lighting for the living room is a very warm white, with a color temperature lower than 3300°K. This color temperature is ideal to create a decorative lighting, ideal for a romantic dinner or to design domestic spaces which are cozy and relaxing, perfect for unwinding after a long day. Here you can watch TV, read or entertain guests, this is why a warm light is preferrable, even if it should be chosen with an intensity which is not too strong. In order to have the maximum flexibility, a great option are dimmable lamps, which allow to regulate the light intensity to fit different needs during the day.
Kitchen – The kitchen is the space destined to food preparation, sociality and therefore frequently utilized. To ensure a correct lighting, the color temperature to select is also in this case a warm one, optimal to relax and stimulate appetite for food. The best solution is to install a central pendant light, whereas in the areas where additional concentration is required, we recommend using a neutral or cold light, for example installing some LED spotlights like Favilla, featuring a minimal design and unique charm, perfect to illuminate in every direction.
Bedroom – In the bedroom the goal is to create a relaxing, enjoyable and cozy environment, this is why we will use warm lights between 2700°K and 3000°K, which have undoubtedly the most relaxing tones. In order to fulfill different lighting needs, we can install multiple lamps like pendants, wall sconces, table lamps, floor lamps and ceiling lamps. One great possibility are integrated LED lamps, which are offering additional advantages, compared to a traditional halogen or incandescence bulb, first of all due to their lower energy consumption, but also for their increased efficiency and duration.
Bathroom – As far as bathroom lighting is concerned, both warm and cold light can be a good choice, depending on the style of the room. Generally speaking, however, the most recommended color temperature is the cold one, ideal to transmit a sense of impeccable hygiene and cleanliness. Even for the bathroom, installing multiple lighting points will ensure the optimal lighting for every use.
On our website you can find a huge number of interesting proposals to illuminate your spaces with beautiful and original lamps, choosing also the right color temperature.