Bulb Color Temperature: How to Pick the Best Light for Your Home Light color temperature is an important characteristic that you need to consider according to the place, area, and application. You can’t install extremely bright lights in your bedroom and warm lights in your workplace. Each light color temperature has a different application. In this article, we will explore what color temperature means. We will explain the types of bulb color temperatures and how you can choose the right one for your needs. Part 1. What is Light Color Temperature? The light color temperature represents the color in which the light appears. It is measured in Kelvin (K) and is usually mentioned on all lights. Now, you might think that if the color temperature is 3000K, the bulb will produce light at the same temperature. But that’s not true. This temperature represents the temperature of a theoretical black-body radiator. If you bring its temperature to 3000K, it will emit light of that color. That said, light color temperature is just a representation or a way to explain the color. Just by looking at the temperature, you can have an idea of whether the light color is cool or warm. Part 2. Types of Bulb Color Temperatures The light color temperature gives us an idea of how warm or cool the light is. Depending on that, we can divide the bulbs into five types for better understanding. Candlelight (Below 2000K) The light below 2000K appears extremely orangish. It is just like the color of candlelight. It is quite dim and not widely used. Warm White Light (2000K-3500K) The warm white light appears to be orangish or yellowish. Its temperature is between 2000K to 3500K. If you go with the 2000K, it will appear extremely yellow, and as the temperature increases, the color starts to fade. Thus, 2000K is more yellowish than 3500K. Neutral White Light (3500K-4500K) The temperature range of this light is 3500K to 4500K. Now, the light appears white. At the lower temperature end, 3500K, there is a slight hint of yellow, which is not noticeable. Then, as the temperature increases, the light becomes whiter. It seems to be neutral and balanced light. Bright White Light or Daylight (4500K-6500K) Bright white light is pure white light, which is very bright. It’s completely white or with a slight hint of blue at the higher end. If you look directly into the light, you will feel the brightness. Daylight (Above 6500K) When you go above 6500K, the light appears very bluish, and it increases as you go up. It’s extremely bright and bluish light, which resembles daylight. Part 3. How to Choose the Right Color Temperature for Your Space? Depending on the application of your space, you have to choose the right color temperature. Let’s see where lights of different color temperatures are suitable. Warm White Light The warm white lights offer a relaxing sensation, and it’s ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, etc. You can install it anywhere you want to relax and feel comfortable. Its light appears like a flame. The benefit of installing these lights is that you don’t feel strain on your eyes. Neutral White Light Natural white light is between the warmth and whiteness. It is suitable for locations where you relax as well as work. It’s the best of both worlds. You can install it in your kitchen, bathroom, etc. Bright White Light If you are looking for lights for your workplace, you should go with bright white lights. It illuminates everything well so that you can see things clearly. You will see the accurate color of objects. You can install it in your office, workshop, etc. Daylight Daylight is extremely bright and blue. It is used for special purposes, such as the studio, laboratory, grow light, etc. Part 4. Recommendation of LED Color Changing Light Bulb If you can’t decide which color to choose, go with Govee LED Color Changing Light Bulbs. These smart bulbs allow you to change the color as you like and according to the application. You can control them through the application and create the ambiance you love. And not only the color, you can also adjust the brightness. FAQs About Light Temperature 1. What would the color temperature of a regular bulb be? If you have an incandescent bulb, it will be 2700K. In the case of LED bulbs, warm white is 2700K-3000K, natural white is 4000K, and bright white is 5000K-6500K. Regular bulbs are usually in these color temperature ranges. 2. LED light bulb that's the same color as incandescent light bulbs? If you want an LED light bulb of the same color as the incandescent light bulb, you can go with 2700K to 3000K color temperature. The 2700K will be more near as it will appear a bit more yellowish. These are warm white colors ranges in LED light bulbs. 3. Is the color temperature value and CRI enough to tell if a light bulb is full-spectrum? No, these two cannot provide enough details. Color temperature tells how the light appears in color from warm to cool, while CRI tells how the light bulb renders colors compared to sunlight. Based on these two, you can’t say a light bulb is full-spectrum. 4. Is 5000K or 6000K better for a garage? Both are suitable for a garage. You can go with 5000K for common applications in your garage, and it’s a suitable option. But if you want extreme brightness, you should go with 6000K. 5. Is 4000K or 5000K better for a kitchen? For most kitchens and people, 4000K is the best option. But if you want more brightness, you can go with 5000K. 6. What is the K stands for in light measurement? K stands for Kelvin, and it is used for light color temperature. It gives an idea of how the light color appears and how it deviates from being warm to cool. 7. What is the max on the color temperature scale? For the commonly available lights, the max is 6500K. However, it can go up to 10,000K for specific applications. Final Words When buying light bulbs, considering color temperature is a must. Bulbs are not for every location; they are designed for specific purposes. Depending on the application, you need to choose the light color temperature. And this guide will help you go with the right color temperature according to your needs.