Light Bulb Color Temperature Guide

Ever wonder why some lighting makes a room feel warm and inviting while others make a room feel harsh and artificial? This may be due in part to the color temperature, or the color output of the bulbs. Since lighting can alter moods, choosing the correct color temperature for an application can mean the difference between feeling sleepy or alert at work.

Below is a quick guide on color temperatures and what to use in each application. However, this is not definite and is ultimately up to personal preference.

First of all, color temperature is measured on a temperature scale referred to as Kelvin (K). The lower the number, the “warmer” the light and the higher the  number, the “cooler” the light.  Some bulbs have inherent color temperatures that cannot be changed. For example, most incandescent bulbs are rated at 2700K and most halogen bulbs are rated at 3000K.

However, other light sources such as fluorescent and LED, offer a range of color options from 2700K to 6500K. Below is a common classification of each color temperature.

2700K: Warm White (equivalent to incandescent output)

3000K: Warm White (equivalent to halogen output)

3500K: Neutral White

4100K: Cool White

5000K – 6500K: Daylight

Color Temperature Equivalent of Light Bulbs:

Light Output of Different Color Temperatures:

Color Application Guide:

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact customerservice@lbclighting.