LED Lighting comes in different shades that I learned recently and I this post is intended as a ready reference guide in deciding what lighting might be best in which room of my home. This post is to answer the question, "How can I make an informed decision when shopping for LED light bulbs?".
The color of LED bulbs is measured with the help of the Kelvin (K) scale. For instance, soft white or warm white LED bulbs are 2700K to 3000K. These color temperatures are best suited for residential installations, particularly living rooms and bedrooms.
While the sun's color temperature is nearly 5800K, natural daylight can vary greatly, depending on the sky color. And just because the light emitted by an LED light bulb is similar to sunlight doesn't imply that it will have the exact light spectrum as the sunlight. In case you need lighting for tasks that are color critical, you must also look at its color rendering index (CRI).
Color rendering index (CRI) tells how closely a light reproduces the colors of the object it illuminates. The scale for measuring CRI ranges from 0 – 100. Any light with a reading of 90 and more is regarded exceptionally good. In contrast, if the reading is 80 or less, the quality of light is likely to be poor.
Before we jump into lighting color ranges it is important to have the different tasks/applications that are in use to decide the lighting that best fits its purpose.
- Task Lighting: This type of lighting requires high focus and clarity.
- Utility Work: For household chores, garage work, and maintenance.
- Ambient Lighting: This is one of the few lighting options that can take up any color temperature. The main purpose of ambient lighting is to match the mood and aesthetics of the room. Hence, opting for a color temperature the same as the main room can help.
- Bedside Lamps: This utility falls under heavy use for those who love reading to sleep. Since it is a relaxing activity, you do not have to stay alert with a 4000K light and thus, you can opt for 3000K.
- Outdoor Lighting: Outdoor lighting has many uses and the main one includes security. For this reason, you can go for 4000K LED light options or even higher that emit a lot more blue light.
- Accent Lighting: For focusing on artwork, you can use 4000K as accent lights.
LED Light Ranges and how it is commercially named or called:
- 2200k : Very Warm, Flame
- Often used as mood lighting rather than function lighting. They create an extremely cozy, warm feeling to every room. They’re characterized by their yellow/orange glow.
- Instead of using this color as an accent light, use it as an additional light - something you can turn on when you want to create a certain ambience.
- Use can these bulbs in lamps.
- They can look good in living rooms and bedrooms on side tables.
- 2700k : Warm White
- Compared to 2200 kelvin, they offer a tiny bit more clarity with their glow - emitting a white-yellow rather than an orange-yellow.
- These bulbs are suitable to be used as accent lighting in living rooms, bedrooms.
- They can be great for bar lighting.
- It is not harsh on the eyes and creates a warm, comforting atmosphere.
- 3000k : White, Soft White
- The mainly used household lighting options include 3000K and 4000K LED bulbs. That is why there is usually a debate among homeowners relating to the suitability of 3000K vs 4000K LED bulbs.
- The 3000K LED bulbs to give off a warm color temperature that is more yellow than white.
- A 3000K LED bulb also integrates with white color but is slower. This warmer yellow lighting is best for in-house objects that require a natural light finish.
- In general, this light temperature is not a good option for task lighting.
- 4000k : Natural, Neutral White, Cool White
- Natural white gets its name from mimicking the natural daylight. It is a clean, clear glow with just a hint of warmth.
- On top of the blue light protection that cool white luminaires offer, glare is also minimized, avoiding eye strain and reducing the risk for macular degeneration.
- 4000K color temperature is close to residential warm-white color and not too far away from sunlight, it is a good color temperature option for different spaces. 4000K color temperatures can be often seen in office spaces as well as in retail shops. Sunlight during the morning hours also has this color temperature.
- 4000K is a good option for anyone looking for lighting that has a tad bit more crispness and clarity but is not overly stark or blue.
- A tip you should keep in mind is that a bulb that is brighter, with a cooler white to natural daylight range is best for reading and study. This is the equivalent of 4000K to 6500K. You will find yourself feeling more awake and ready to take in information.
- Fits well in most living spaces in home like dining rooms, studies, libraries and bathrooms.
- 5000k : Cool White, Bright White
- These have a blue tint rather than a yellow tint.
- Using too much cool white lights can be uncomfortable for the eyes.
- This is required for places that require absolute clarity like hospitals, dental clinics, etc.
- This can be used for mirror lighting, office lamps etc for that ultimate clarity.
- 6000k : Day Light
- These have a blue tint rather than a yellow tint.
- Using too much cool white lights can be uncomfortable for the eyes.
- This is required for places that require absolute clarity like hospitals, dental clinics, etc.
- This can be used for mirror lighting, office lamps etc for that ultimate clarity.
