How to Select the Best Color Temperature for Your Lighting Project
Lighting transforms any space, but color temperature is key. From cozy warm tones to crisp cool whites, learn how CCT impacts ambiance, productivity, and style—plus expert tips to choose wisely.
Typically, when you want to illuminate a room, whether for decoration or functionality, the first thing that comes to mind is the light source you’ll use, giving secondary importance to a fundamental aspect such as CCT—or Correlated Color Temperature in lighting tech jargon.
The color temperature you choose will significantly affect how that space looks, feels, and is used. That's why today, we will learn how to select the best color temperature for your project.
What is Correlated Color Temperature?
Light color temperature describes the color of white light. It can range from orange or "warm" tones to bluish or "cool" colors, giving different sensations to the spaces it illuminates.
Color temperature is measured in Kelvin. The higher the number, the cooler the color of the light. The most commonly found lights in the market have temperatures between 1800 and 6500 Kelvin.
How to Identify Color Temperature
As we mentioned, color temperature is identified by the orange or blue tone of the light, so it is ideal to understand the temperature of your LED lights when purchasing, whether they are strips, bulbs, or other fixtures.
- Ultra-Warm light (1800-2700K)
- This is the warmest commercial light, similar to candles or fire. It is softer and suitable for relaxation and intimacy. It is most recommended for nightstands, headboards, or indirect applications.
- Warm Light (2700-3500K)
- This warm white resembles that of incandescent bulbs. It is more yellow than orange. It is a soft light that boosts coziness but is still functional so that it can be the main light in bedrooms or living rooms.
- Neutral Light (4000-4500K)
- This type of light is usually referred to as neutral or natural since it is the "whitest" light, with no particular hue. It simulates daylight, making rooms feel bigger. Likewise, it is perfect for study spaces or the kitchen, where excellent visibility is needed without tiring the eyes.
- Cool Light (5000-6500K)
- This light is characterized by a bluish tone, common in spaces where one needs to be alert and attentive, such as schools, offices, and hospitals. It is also used in commercial or industrial spaces or bathrooms.
It is important to note that, some people may feel that spaces "look better" with a particular color temperature of lights. However, visibility and color rendering are determined by other factors such as brightness (lumens per foot) and CRI (Color Rendering Index)
How to Choose the Right Color Temperature
The look, feel, and functionality of a room are affected by how it is lit. A room with white lights makes us feel like we are in a hospital, making relaxation difficult, while a kitchen with yellow lights can give us the feeling that we need a little more brightness to cook comfortably.
This is because cooler light temperatures promote concentration and productivity, while warmer tones evoke relaxation. When planning your lighting project, it is ideal to consider the space's main function.
Questions to Ask Yourself When Selecting Your Project’s Color Temperature
To start your project, you should ask yourself three important questions.
1. Which atmosphere am I trying to create?
Do you want the atmosphere to be intimate or cozy? Do you want to keep yourself or your employees alert? Do you like the space to feel spacious and clean?
These questions are essential because light will affect how people relate to your space. Consider who will visit your space, what they will do, and how you want them to feel when there. If the room will have several functions, an ideal option is to use tunable white lighting that easily adapts to the moment's needs.
2. What colors and materials stand out in my space?
If your space has cool colors in the paint, decor, or furniture—such as blue, silver, or black—you may want to consider cooler or neutral color temperatures that go with that style.
If, on the other hand, you have wood and hues such as golds, yellows, or reds, consider warmer color temperatures that complement this decor.
3. What color temperature works best, depending on my project application?
Lighting and interior design have typically used specific temperatures for certain applications. These are examples of private spaces and commercial establishments and the typical light temperatures used in each.
Application |
Commonly Used Color Temperature |
| Public Places | |
| Exteriors | Efficiency usually takes priority over color temperature. It is most common to use cold temperatures in the 4000-5000K+ range, but neutral white lights also work as well. |
| Offices | Neutral or cool temperatures (3000-4000K) are most appropriate. |
| Clothing Boutiques | It depends on the brand and the objective, but the most common is warm or neutral light (2700-3500K) with high CRI to highlight the natural colors of products and create a cozy atmosphere. |
| Supermarkets | Neutral to cool light (4000-5000K) with high CRI for visibility and presentation of fresh products. |
| Jewelry Stores | It varies depending on the jewelry's brand, atmosphere, and materials displayed. It can go from 2700K to 4500K. For example, cooler temperatures for silver jewelry. |
| Luxury Restaurants | Warm temperatures (1800-2700K) are the most common in these spaces. |
| Fast Food Chains | They also use warm temperatures, but not as warm as high-end restaurants: 2700K-3500K. |
| Sports Bars | These bars prefer neutral light (3000-4000K) to ensure good visibility without sacrificing the cozy atmosphere. |
| Hospitals | They use cold temperatures (3500K to 5000K) to create a clean, crisp environment and encourage alertness among medical staff. |
| Public Libraries | Neutral light (3500-4000K) for good visibility without distractions |
| Gyms | They commonly use coo light (4000-5000K) to maximize energy and visibility. However, they are often used with RGB lights and bold lighting designs. |
| Museums | It depends a lot on the lighting designer and the particular needs of the exhibition, but what’s most common is warm light (2700-3000K) for the main halls. The exhibitions use neutral (3500K) light to highlight colors and textures. |
| Home Spaces | |
| Kitchens | Neutral or cold white light (4000-5000K) to promote visibility as a good task light |
| Entertainment or Game Rooms | Neutral to warm light (3000-4000K) for a pleasant but functional environment is a safe choice. |
| Bathrooms | Neutral light (4000K) for tasks and preparation, or warm light (2700-3000K) to create a relaxing environment. Tunable lights are an interesting option. |
| Bedrooms | Warm temperatures (2700-3000K) to promote relaxation. |
| Living Rooms | Warm light (2700-3000K) for a cozy atmosphere. |
Remember that these are just recommendations. If yours is a multipurpose space, or you want to change its atmosphere to your liking, LED lights also offer dynamic tunable alternatives. So you can have a neutral white light for reading in your room and a warm glow for your night routine before sleep.
Find the Ideal Temperature for Your Lighting Project
If you still have doubts about what type of lights to use for your lighting project, whether it is a commercial space or your home, don't worry. Flexfire LEDs' team of experts can advise you so that your project meets all your expectations.
Likewise, our products can provide everything from warm, cozy atmospheres to excellent, cool task lighting. Contact us to make your project a success.
