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Color Temperature: Everything You Need To Know

August 31, 2023
Lighting Expert, @lightsdotcom

Lighting Just Right


Both the natural and the artificial sources of light present in your home influence its color palette and ambiance. You can manipulate the light’s effect in each room by selecting a bulb that matches the color temperature that suits your desired outcome.  

What is color temperature, anyway?

Color temperature is measured in Kelvin (K) - lower numbers represent warmer color temperatures, closer to that of a candle, while higher numbers are cooler and indicative of a light that more closely resembles bright daylight.

Select a light in the 2700-3000 range for warmer, ambient settings and 3000-4000 for clean, crisp task lighting.

Suit Your Mood

2700K: Ambient, cozy, for social spaces, ie: living room

3000K: Calming, warm, for social spaces, ie: living room, dining room

3500K: Friendly, inviting, for kitchen, bath, hallways, hospitality, office interiors

4000K: Crisp, clean, for garage

5000K: Vibrant, direct sunlight, for commercial, industrial

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