Colour Temperature (CCT) Explained

What Does Colour Temperature Mean in Lighting?

The warmth or coolness of light. Warmer being orange or yellow, cool being more white and blue. Have you ever noticed how bright and white a clinical room in a hospital is by comparison to a warm and cosy restaurant? Much of this is down to the colour temperature of the lighting. White and blue colour temperatures have a tendency to create a clinical atmosphere, whereas orange and yellow colour temperatures create a relaxing and setting.

How is Colour Temperature Measured?

The kelvin scale. This is represented by the letter ‘K’.

How Colour is Represented on the Kelvin Scale.

1000K – 1900K is candlelight

2000K – 2900K is a warm and orangeish light

3000K – a yellow-white light

4000K – 4500K A cool white

4500K – 6000K A very cool blue/white light

6000K + is the equivalent to daylight with increasingly more blue tones

10000K is the colour of a clear blue sky

Where Should I Use Specific Colour Temperatures?

Colour temperature will be decided by the space that you are lighting and your personal preference.

In a residential setting, it is common to want a warm and cosy light in most areas. 2700K-3000K are ideal for most homes, however, 4000K will be used in many modern and white kitchens to create a crisp and clean aesthetic.

| NI Chamber of Commerce | Work areas in offices will commonly use 4000K-6000K as it has been scientifically proven to increase productivity.

| Hawksmoor Restaurant, Edinburgh | Restaurants and bars will usually want to create a relaxing atmosphere. To do so you may find very warm colour temperatures, such as 1900K in some areas, depending on the style of the space.

Colour Temperature Top Tip

The most important piece of advice we can give you in regards to colour temperature is to not mix colour temperatures in the same room, with few exceptions to this rule!

If you need help selecting the perfect lighting for your home or commercial space, do not hesitate to get in touch.