Colour in Lighting affects how we interact, our moods, and most certainly how we feel. In the modern day, different lighting products are available at different colour temperatures, or Kelvin Temperature.
The definition of Kelvin according to dictionary.com is the following:
“Thermodynamics. noting or pertaining to an absolute scale of temperature (Kelvin scale) in which the degree intervals are equal to those of the Celsius scale and in which absolute zero is 0 degrees Kelvin and the triple point of water has the value of approximately 273 degrees Kelvin.”
So now that we have got a little bit idea of what colour temperature is, let’s discuss the use of colour temperature in different situations and applications.
Lighting Colour Temperature in Residential Areas
I think the goal behind lighting in the household is to perform as a tool where you can accomplish your daily tasks while maintaining the mood or decor of the environment. The most commonly recommended colour temperature is the warmer and more inviting. The Kelvin temperature would be somewhere between 27000 – 3000 Kelvin. This stems from the imitation of colour from the incandescent light; That is, the first lamp or light bulb to be commonly placed in every house. Here at LumenAir, we have seen product returns and not happy homeowners who have bought lighting with too high of a color range in the 4000 Kelvin. The sole reason being is it gave off the wrong mood or vibe.
Lighting Colour Temperature in Commercial Zones
Typically commercial areas and zones have cooler lighting temperatures. This creates a feeling of cleanliness and work type atmosphere. Interior and exterior lighting are usually in the 4500-5000 Kelvin range. In offices, a 4000K lighting is easy on the eyes while looking at computer screens or other work devices for extended periods of times. It keeps the strain on the eyes to a minimum but still set the tone for a work type atmosphere. In hands-on areas such as shops or warehouses, a higher color temperature is recommended due to visibility reasons. Higher Kelvin temperatures tend to result in higher visibility and CRI allowing for a safer workplace.
Ultimately color temperature in your lighting comes down to preference. That said, you don’t want your restaurant or living room looking and feeling the same as the same lighting as a cubical.