GUIDE

WHAT IS COLOUR TEMPERATURE? Everything you need to know - and more

Colour temperature – also known as light colour – is what changes the ambience in a room. Different light colours can make a room appear warmer or cooler. That's why paying attention to the colour temperature when buying a new bulb or a lamp with built-in LED technology is important. The wrong light can turn a cosy space into an uncomfortable place.

So, make sure you choose the right light colour for living and working.

What is colour temperature / light colour?

In contrast to coloured (RGB) light, colour temperature means the effect of white light. Every light bulb has different spectral colours, and the accumulation of these colours results in a variety of whites, known as "warm", "neutral", and "cool" whites. It is also important to note that colour temperature is measured in Kelvin (K).

What advantages does light control via an app offer?

Warm white light (less than 3,300 K)

Universal white light (3,300 to 5,300 K)

Daylight white light (more than 5,300 K)

Warm white <3.300 Kelvin

The perfect light for relaxing and living. Warm white looks warm and cosy, which is why it is used in the living room, dining room or bedroom.

Universal White 3,300 to 5,300 Kelvin

Universal white is a brighter light that promotes concentration and productivity, mainly used in the study, kitchen and bathroom.

Daylight >5.300 Kelvin

Due to the high proportion of blue light, daylight is often called "cold white" and has an activating effect on the body's biorhythm. It is mainly used to light dark basements or in workshops.

Can Kelvin be set?

Yes, and this is done using an additional function called CCT control. This means individual lights and lamps can be used flexibly for different situations. These are set via remote control if you’re using LED bulbs. Or, if they’re part of a smart home lighting system, you can adjust the settings to suit the mood via smartphone or voice control.

How many Kelvin is an incandescent lamp?

A conventional incandescent lamp has a colour temperature of around 2,700 Kelvin. The light of the incandescent bulb is considered the perfect living room light. This is why modern lights, such as LED lamps, are designed to look spectacular in 2,700 Kelvin lights.

What happens with HCL lights?

Modern office lighting relies on automatically regulated colour temperature and brightness to support the body biorhythm that helps maintain employees' good health. This is called Human Centric Lighting (HCL). It works by increasing brightness during the daytime and reducing it towards the evening, simulating daylight as it changes throughout the day. So, HCL lights start at 5,500K in the morning and reduce to 2,700K by the end of the day.

How many Kelvin is natural daylight?

Natural daylight has a bluish tint with a colour temperature of more than 5,500 Kelvin, depending on the time of day. The name "daylight" for bluish lights comes from the light colour of natural daylight. Similar to real daylight, this blue light has a stimulating effect to boost health and well-being.