Our world is one that lives and breathes on the newest fads and electric; specifically light bulbs are no exception to this rule. Once upon a time, you used to be able to go into your local drugstore and pay your electric bill and receive 60 watt light bulbs in return. At this point, no matter how often you changed your bulbs, they were always the same. Then, CFL's became popular. CFL's seemed brighter, they came in different "hues." As a regular incandescent bulb burned out, a CFL was used to replace it. Then it was discovered that CFL bulbs are almost impossible to throw out/recycle. It was also discovered that LED light bulbs had longer life and were far more energy efficient. So now as those old incandescents or CFL's are burning out we are replacing them with LED bulbs. And what is happening? The color temperature is inconsistent throughout your home or business.
So what exactly is color temperature?
Color temperature is the way to describe the color appearance provided by a light bulb and is measured is kelvins. The range of kelvins is from 1,000-10,000.
There are 6 main types of LED light bulbs along the color range (there is a large color temperature range but the following 6 are the most commonly found and used.)
1. Warm White - 2700k
Mood application: Personal, friendly, romantic
Best used: Homes, Libraries, Restaurants
2. Soft White - 3000k
Mood application: Soft, Warm, Pleasurable Light
Best used: Homes, Hotel Rooms, Lobbies, Restaurants, Retail Stores
3. Neutral - 3500k
Mood application: Friendly, Non - Threatening
Best used: Executive Offices, Public Reception Areas, Supermarkets
4. Cool - 4100k
Mood application: Neat, Clean, Efficient
Best used: Offices, Classrooms, Mass Merchandisers
5. Soft Daylight - 5000k
Mood application: Bright, Alert
Best used: Graphics, Industry, Hospitals
6. Daylight - 6500k
Mood application: Bright, Cool
Best used: Jewelry Stores, Beauty Salons, Galleries, Museums
No matter which direction you choose to head when it comes to color temperature it is crucial to remember that all light bulbs within the same area should match. Varying color temperatures reflect varying colors of light bulbs. A daylight bulb, for example, will appear quite blue while a soft white will appear a more yellow/orangeish hue. Consistency is key when it comes to maintenance of lighting withing your home or business.
For more information or for a lighting consultation contact us so that we can help you through all of your lighting maintenance needs.
