:format(jpeg) "Light colour simply explained")
Light colour explained simply
Colour temperature, Kelvin and suitable applicationsThe light colour has a significant influence on how we perceive a room and the atmosphere it creates. It determines whether a living area feels cosy and relaxing, whether a workspace promotes concentration, or whether functional areas are optimally lit. The light colour, also known as colour temperature, is given in Kelvin (K).
As a general rule, the lower the Kelvin value, the warmer and more cosy the light appears. Higher Kelvin values, on the other hand, produce a more neutral or daylight-like light, which has a stimulating effect and helps to maintain concentration.
What is light colour / colour temperature?
Unlike coloured (RGB) light, the term ‘colour temperature’ always refers to the effect of white light. Every light source is made up of different spectral colours. The combination of these colours results in a (varied) shade of white, which is perceived as ‘warm’, ‘neutral’ or ‘cool’.
)
Warm white light, with a colour temperature of around 2,700 to 3,300 Kelvin, is particularly suitable for living rooms and bedrooms, where comfort and relaxation are the main priorities. It feels cosy and – hence the name – warm.
)
Cool white or cool white light, with a colour temperature between 3,300 and 5,300 Kelvin, is often used in kitchens, bathrooms and home offices, as it can help to improve concentration and productivity.
:format(jpeg) "Daylight sensor")
Daylight-white light, from around 5,300 Kelvin – also known as cool white – is mainly used in workshops, basements and garages. Due to its high proportion of blue, it has a stimulating effect on the biorhythm.
Table: LED light colours
| Kelvin value | Luminous colour | Effect | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| <2.700 K | Extra Warm White / Warm White | very cosy, relaxing | Living room, bedroom, dining area |
| 2,700 K | Warm white | similar to a traditional light bulb | Living rooms, bedside table lamps, table lamps |
| 3,000 K | Warm white | cosy, a bit brighter | Living room, hallway, dining room |
| 4,000 K | Cool white / Cool white | clear, objective, functional | Kitchen, bathroom, study |
| >5,300 K | Daylight / Cool white | cooling, invigorating | Cellar, garage, workshop, work areas, utility rooms |
An overview of key Kelvin values
)
At 2,700 Kelvin, these bulbs produce a warm white light that is very similar to that of traditional light bulbs. The warm colour temperature creates a cosy and relaxed atmosphere and is ideal for rooms where well-being and comfort are the main priorities. That is why 2,700 K is often used in the living room, bedroom or dining room.
)
3,000 Kelvin also falls within the warm white light range, but appears slightly fresher and clearer than 2,700 K. This creates a balanced lighting effect that combines cosiness with practicality for everyday use. This colour temperature is particularly suitable for living rooms, hallways, dining areas or open-plan living spaces where the aim is to create a pleasant atmosphere.
)
At 4,000 Kelvin, a cool white light is produced which appears significantly more neutral and clearer than warm white light colours. It aids concentration and improves attention to detail. For this reason, 4,000 K is often used in kitchens, bathrooms, studies, utility rooms or other functional areas where practical lighting is required.
Buying light sources according to light colour
:format(jpeg) "Arcchio bulbs with a warm white light colour")
:format(jpeg) "Arcchio bulbs with a cool white light colour")
:format(jpeg) "OSRAM bulbs with a daylight light colour")
:format(jpeg) "Prios bulbs with CCT function")
:format(jpeg) "Prios bulbs with RGB colour change function")
:format(jpeg) "Lindby bulbs")
Which light colour is best suited to which room?
The ideal colour temperature depends on how a room is used. Whilst warm light colours create a cosy and relaxing atmosphere, neutral and cool white light tones help to promote concentration and good visibility when carrying out everyday tasks. The choice of the right light colour should therefore always be tailored to the room in question and its intended use. Choosing the right colour temperature not only allows you to create the desired atmosphere, but also significantly improves visual comfort and the functionality of the lighting.
)
Living room
Temperatures of between 2,700 and 3,300 Kelvin are suitable for living spaces. The warm white light creates a cosy atmosphere and encourages you to relax.
)
Bedroom
In the bedroom, 2,700 Kelvin is ideal; the maximum should be 3,300 Kelvin. Warm, glare-free light helps to create a relaxing and calming atmosphere.
)
Dining room
In the dining room, too, warm white light in the range of 2,700 to 3,300 Kelvin creates a welcoming atmosphere. The room takes on a pleasant, homely atmosphere.
)
Kitchen
In the kitchen, a colour temperature of 3,000 to 4,000 Kelvin is recommended. Work surfaces benefit from cool white light, which makes visual tasks easier to carry out.
)
Bathroom
For general lighting in the bathroom, 3,000 to 4,000 Kelvin is a good choice. Warmer light, on the other hand, creates a pleasant atmosphere for wellness and relaxation.
)
Working from home
In the study, cool white light at around 4,000 Kelvin helps to improve concentration. It comes across as clear and matter-of-fact, without appearing too cold.
)
Basement and garage
For functional areas such as the cellar or garage, 4,000 to 5,300 Kelvin is recommended. Light makes manual or organisational tasks easier.
)
Hallway
In the hallway, a warm white light colour of less than 3,300 Kelvin is recommended, so that the entrance area of the house appears inviting and welcoming and makes it easy to find your way around.
)
Outdoor area
Around the house, on the patio and in the garden, light colours ranging from warm white to cool white create a pleasant atmosphere and help you find your way around.
)
)
)
Adjust the colour temperature (Kelvin) at any time using the CCT function
An ideal solution for changing requirementsAnyone looking for maximum flexibility in lighting design should opt for LED lights or bulbs with a CCT (Correlated Colour Temperature) function. This allows the colour temperature to be adjusted to suit the specific use and time of day: from warm white light for a relaxed atmosphere to neutral or cool white light for focused work.
The CCT control system offers tangible added value, particularly in multi-purpose rooms – such as the living room, the kitchen, the home office or open-plan living areas. In the morning, energising light ensures an energetic start to the day, whilst in the evening, warm light tones create a cosy atmosphere and help you wind down for a restful night’s sleep.
Human Centric Lighting (HCL) is based on the natural cycle of daylight and automatically adjusts brightness and colour temperature to suit the time of day. Whilst in the morning and early afternoon, brighter, energising light with higher Kelvin values tends to be used, the light becomes increasingly warmer and more pleasant as the day progresses. HCL can create a more pleasant lighting environment and support daily routines, particularly in offices, educational and healthcare facilities, and in areas with little natural light.
:format(jpeg) "Kai")
Lighting expert at Lights.ie
Expert tip
“Choose the light colour not only according to the room, but also according to the activity you’re doing.” In open-plan living areas, for example, a combination of warm white light (2,700–3,300 K) for the living and dining areas and cool white light (approx. 4,000 K) for work or kitchen areas has proved effective. "This way, you can use the same lighting system to create both a cosy atmosphere and the ideal lighting conditions for everyday tasks."
 "Human-Centric Lighting")
 "What is Lumen")
 "Cosy light")
 "Indirect lighting")
 "Patio Lighting")
 "Retrofitting smart lighting control")