What color temperatures are there?
Light color Kelvin​
The Kelvin unit is used to indicate the colour temperature of lighting. The colour temperature determines the colour characteristics of the light source and whether it produces warm or cool tones. The colour temperature you use determines the atmosphere of the environment. In addition, the correct colour temperature is also important for the application for which you need it. This article explains which colour temperatures there are and in which situation you can best apply them.
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Overview of color temperatures
Below is a scale of the Kelvin unit. The scale is divided into a representation of warm light, daylight and cold light. Light with a lower color temperature has a warm tint. The color of the warm tint is yellow/orange. Light with a higher color temperature is cooler. The color of the light tint is blue/white.
Please note: The scale below is only a guideline of the color temperature:
Color temperature < 2200K: Extra warm white
Light with a color temperature lower than 2200K is extra warm and has an almost golden glow. The color is reminiscent of soft light such as candles or old-fashioned light bulbs. The color goes to deep yellow, orange or even red.
Applications: color temperature lower than 2200K is good to use for an atmospheric and romantic environment. This color temperature is often seen in luxury restaurants, lounges and cozy bars. This lighting can also be used in homes. Think of accent lighting in corners, behind furniture or in niches.
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Color temperature 2200K - 3000K: Warm white
Color temperature of light from 2200K - 3000K is seen as classic. This light has a warm, yellow tint. In a homely atmosphere this is seen as very pleasant. If a fresher atmosphere is desired, you can choose 3000K instead of 2200K. This temperature creates a soothing atmosphere.
Applications: this light is very suitable for use in living areas such as a living room, dining room and bedroom. This colour gives a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. In addition, this colour temperature can be used to illuminate paintings, art objects or decorative objects. This light makes it possible to accentuate this in a natural way.
Colour temperature 3000K - 4000K: Cool white
The colour temperature 3000K - 4000K refers to cool white. This provides a balance between warm and cool light. A balance between brightness and comfort. The colour has a neutral hue and is very reminiscent of morning light. It is often used for functional lighting, but also provides a pleasant atmosphere. When you use 4000K lighting in a room, it creates an alert and productive atmosphere. Here you can prevent tired eyes and increase productivity with focus.
Applications: cool white is multi-purpose. You can use it in kitchens, bathrooms and work areas. When you use neutral white light when preparing and cleaning food, this light helps very well. This light ensures that spaces, such as bathrooms, have a fresh and clean appearance. With this color temperature you can see details well, which helps when applying make-up or shaving in the bathroom. In addition, the light with color temperature 4000K - 4500K is suitable for use in home offices, workspaces, classrooms or study areas.
Color temperature 4000K > : Daylight
Lighting of 4000K or higher comes closest to the natural light of the sun. It has a bright, cool tint that tends to blue there. This tint is called 'Daylight white'. It can be used for many applications because it is versatile. With this light, everything becomes clearly visible.
Applications: daylight lamps are frequently used in multiple spaces. This light is often used in laboratories, dental practices or factories. In addition, it is also popular in photography and art studios and also as outdoor lighting, safety lights, garages, workshops and street lighting. This light ensures that an outdoor space is well lit, which is important for safety and visibility.
Color temperature +6500K is very suitable for use in industrial and commercial applications. You see this lighting in production halls, medical applications and large warehouses. But it is also used indoors in photo studios and on film sets. The lighting offers a lot of visibility, which can be necessary in supermarkets and large department stores, for example.