Lighting colour temperatures

By choosing LED lighting, you not only enjoy all the advantages of this technology in terms of durability and energy savings, you also get light with excellent colour rendering. What is more, you can choose the temperature of your white light or even opt for lighting in every colour! In this article, Silumen tells you everything you need to know to choose the best light temperature for your spaces.

What is the colour temperature of light?

Lighting colour temperature is a measure that defines the overall tint of the light emitted by a light source. It is expressed in degrees Kelvin (K) and indicates whether white light has a warm yellow or a cool blue tone (or something in between). The higher the colour temperature, the cooler and whiter the light. Conversely, the lower the colour temperature, the warmer and more yellowish the light.

The different colour temperatures of LED lighting

At Silumen, we offer bulbs and other LED light fittings in all three white light temperatures: warm white (2700 - 3000K), neutral white (3500 - 4500K) and cool white (5000 - 6500K).

To find out the light colour of a product you are interested in, simply check its technical details. Some light fitting models, such as most of our E27 LED bulbs, are available in all three lighting colours.

Warm light (2700 - 3000K)

The warm white lighting colour of an LED bulb is similar to the light temperature produced by an incandescent or halogen bulb. It is also reminiscent of the glow of a lit candle or a sunset. This light temperature is characterised by a yellow or even orange tone, ideal as indoor lighting to bring warmth to a room. As the intensity of the colour can vary depending on the light fitting model, warm white light ranges from 2700 to 3000 degrees Kelvin, the lowest values on the lighting temperature scale.

Neutral light (3500 - 4500K)

Neutral light is an intermediate shade that comes close to the light given off by the sun. This white light colour is becoming increasingly popular thanks to its very natural look. On the light temperature scale, neutral white sits around 4000K, between 3500K and 4500K. This natural light is recommended both indoors and as outdoor lighting to light up a garden or patio.

Cool light (5000 - 6500K)

Cool white light, for its part, is characterised by bluish tones. With a temperature of between 5000 and 6500 degrees Kelvin, it is the lighting colour closest to midday daylight at the equator. Cool white is less used by private individuals, but it is ideal as an industrial lighting solution in a factory, a warehouse or any situation where the most faithful colour rendering is important.

RGB and RGBW LED lighting

As LED technology evolves, more and more options are available, so that everyone can find and install the perfect lighting. Among the new LED light fittings on the market are lighting solutions that produce coloured light, notably RGB and RGBW LED bulbs.

RGB light fittings use a combination of 3 LEDs (red, green and blue) lit at different intensities to create a multitude of light colours. This lets you enjoy a variety of light colours, such as cyan, pink or purple, all from a single light fitting. When the 3 LEDs are lit at their maximum intensity, they produce white light. An RGBW LED bulb has an additional LED, allowing it to emit a "true" white light whose temperature can be controlled.

Why does lighting colour temperature matter?

The choice of light colour temperature can have a significant impact on the atmosphere and functionality of a room. Sleep, performance and visual comfort can also be directly influenced by the colour of your lighting.

The impact of lighting colour temperature on mood and atmosphere

Lighting colour plays an important role in creating a specific atmosphere in a room. This is why a particular white light temperature is best suited to particular rooms or spaces.

• To create a warm atmosphere in your living spaces such as the living room, warm white lighting is recommended.
• To energise a large workspace, choose for example a pack of 10 cool white LED battens.
• Neutral white is ideal for bringing out brightness and simplicity.

The impact of lighting colour on performance and visual comfort

Different light temperatures can also affect performance. For example, it is recommended to use neutral-toned lighting close to natural daylight, such as this 36W neutral white LED batten, to improve concentration in offices or even at a kitchen worktop.

If visual comfort is the most important factor when choosing your light temperature, go for warm white and neutral white (avoid cool white, which can seem quite dazzling).

The impact of light temperature on sleep

It is also important to note that the colour of lighting can affect sleep and its quality. Exposure to blue light before going to bed can stimulate the receptors in the retina, which can delay falling asleep. For this reason, it is not advisable to install a cool white light fitting as the main lighting in a bedroom. Conversely, low-intensity warm light is easier on the eyes and is therefore highly recommended in bedrooms. You could, for example, choose warm white recessed LED spotlights.

Warm, neutral or cool light?

Below you will find a summary table of the colour temperature to choose according to the area to be lit and the effect you want.