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Kelvin Light Scale Indication
The Kelvin light color temperature scale is used to describe the way various light temperatures appear visually. Light is measured in degrees on a Kelvin scale (K), and the typical light color temperature range is from 2700 – 5000 degrees Kelvin.
Having a complete understanding of what these temperature choices mean and how they will look in your home will help you make the best lighting choices.
The Kelvin Light Scale Indication picture above will give you a general idea of the various typical ranges of temperature offered in-home lighting. The lower the number, the "warmer or redder" the color. As the number goes higher on the scale, the color temperature gets colder(bluer).
Choosing the right light temperature is more critical than selecting the light fixture. If you do not match the temperature with the room correctly, you will never be happy with how the room looks. In fact, you may not even be able to sit in the room for an extended period of time because the light will make you uncomfortable.
The most common temperature offering you will find in this range is 2700. This temperature range is often called "Warm White or soft white." This is considered to be a very warm temperature for a room, and it will give off more of a yellow color. You would use this color in your family room or anywhere else where you want to feel relaxed. It is used in places that have a lot of warm wood tones. You may use a color temperature of 2700 for a bulb in a lamp sitting on a beautiful wooden end table because it will complement the wood grains.
The Kelvin color temperature of 3000 is best used in the bedroom or your family room if you have many white walls and not so much wood or wood furniture. You still get that bit of warmth but also are providing adequate light.
This Kelvin temperature color range is what I would use for a kitchen, an office, and even your bathroom. This color range is often called "natural white." The décor (colors used) and the size of the room will help you to decide whether to go with 3500 or 4000. The 4000k LED strip lighting is generally used in office space or retail space.
This temperature range is sometimes called "Daylight," and I would use this color range for your basement or a work area. This is a suitable temperature for task lighting where the brightness is more important than the "mood" or feeling you are trying to reach.
This led color range is often referred to as "cool white" and is used in areas such as your basement or garage or in the display industry.
Another place where this Kelvin temperature range is appropriate is a commercial space or warehouse.
What does color temperature mean?
Color temperature is measured on the Kelvin scale. The lower the temperature number, the warmer or more yellow the light will be. The higher the number, the colder or more blue the light will be.
Why is color temperature critical?
The temperature is critical because if you do not match the room temperature, you will likely have lighting that looks horrible. Light can also be annoying or unpleasant if you are using the wrong temperature. If the temperature is not right, it can be uncomfortable to sit in the room.
Which color temperature is best for your eyes?
During the day, the temperatures with the higher numbers around 5500 are best for your eyes. At night, the lower temperatures closer to 3000 are best for your eyes.
Which color temperature is best for a kitchen?
The best color temperature range for a kitchen is 3500-4500, but it will vary based upon your kitchen. We recommend testing the various colors in your kitchen to see which works best for you.
Which color temperature is best for a bathroom?
The bathroom color temperatures need to be a bit higher and colder. A temperature of 4500 works best for the bathroom. Meanwhile, the light in your shower may need to be a little warmer.
What color temperature is daylight?
A temperature of 4500 is typically referred to as "daylight." It is one of the colder light temperatures.
What color temperature is best for outdoor lighting?
The outdoor lighting color depends upon what you are trying to light. If you are lighting your landscaping, then a temperature of 3000-4000 is appropriate. If you are lighting the exterior side of your home, you want to go a bit colder to the 5000 range.
Who invented the Kelvin color temperature scale?
It was invented by Lord Kelvin in 1848 in Belfast Ireland. He was a mathematical physicist and engineer.
We usually have a complete range of the various led strip light temperatures here in Knoxville Tennessee, USA - see here
We also have Hybrid led strips that enable to select the exact kelvin that suits your application- see here
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