What is Color Temperature?

Fengxiang Li
2021-11-04T11:00:00-07:00

What’s the Definition of Color Temperature and What is it Measured in?
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What’s the Definition of Color Temperature and What is it Measured in?

Warm-to-cold color temperature is measured using a numerical term called color temperature. High numbers correspond to bluer or “cooler” tones whereas low numbers correspond to yellower or “warmer” tones.

The Kelvin temperature of a color is expressed as a number value followed by the symbol “K.” When trying to comprehend the Kelvin scale, you may get a little lost because it works in the opposite direction of the Celsius and Fahrenheit scales. A lower number on the Kelvin scale corresponds to cooler hues and vice versa.

A renowned British scientist called William Kelvin was the first to successfully heat a block of carbon and take notes on changes in its color, which led to the beginnings of quantifying the hue of “white” in the late 1800s. When heated to its maximum, the carbon block changed color from a dark red to a variety of yellow colors before turning a dazzling blue white. Since then, the concept of varied light color temperatures has grown exponentially. The color temperature of a lamp has become increasingly important as artificial lighting has been brought into our homes and workplaces, as well as other bulb types other than “traditional” incandescent bulbs like LED and CFLs. As a result, producers were able to create lights with a wide range of color temperatures, giving consumers more options than ever before.

The following temperature scale applies to a wide range of common illumination conditions. Keep in mind, however, that certain bulbs (such as incandescent lights) are inextricably linked to a certain color temperature due to the nature of their operation. LEDs, on the other hand, are more adaptable and give a wider range of color temperatures.

What is the Best Color Temperature for Home?

Warm White: 2700 K

Due to its warm, friendly, and inviting glow, this color temperature is widely employed in residences, restaurants, and hotels. It resembles a sunset or candlelight.

Soft White: 3000K

Gentle white color temperature can provide warmth and offer clarity for you to accomplish chores. This hue is frequently used in bathrooms and kitchens because of its clean, fresh look.

Neutral Color: 3500K

Offices and retail stores that demand alertness, such as retail stores and office spaces, benefit from a neutral white color since it matches natural “middle of the day” light. This light is still comfortable to look at and helps concentrate work.

Cool White: 4100K

A cold white light is the best choice when accuracy is required. Most garages and grocery shops utilize this hue of illumination because it allows mechanics and consumers to see every aspect of a car’s interior and exterior while working on it, and to see food’s true colors.

Bright White: 5000K

For optimum clarity, some places necessitate the use of intense, pure white illumination. The brightest light is required in warehouses, sports stadiums, hospitals, emergency rooms, and other businesses where duties must be completed correctly.

Daylight: 6500K

This color temperature has a noticeable blue cast to it, simulating the appearance of natural sunlight. Indoor farming, greenhouses, and other agricultural endeavors frequently make use of this hue. You can pick lighting that gives you the style and feel you want by understanding Kelvin temperature (K).

Image source: prolighting

Conclusion

To summarize, when it comes to lighting fixtures, the color temperature scale is critical. Because various activities require different lighting tones, each place and setting has its own set of requirements. Choosing the wrong hue may have a significant impact on productivity and quality of work. Take into account the sort of work that will be done in the room, or the type of mood you want to create, to establish the appropriate color temperature.