Optimisation of Home Lighting Design Based on Colour Temperature

Optimisation of Home Lighting Design based on Colour Temperature

One of the most important factors to optimisation of light, is the colour temperature you intend on using. When we talk about colour temperature, we are talking about the warmness and coolness of the light bulbs based on what you are intending on using. You will find that these different temperatures function well with different settings and set a mood. Warmer bulbs are yellow, whilst cooler bulbs give off a blue glow. It’s important that you make the right choices in when it comes to picking the right light bulb or fitting with integrated LED’s. As the smallest colour difference can set a mood that may be uncomfortable.

We will walk you through these important topics and help you in setting the right mood for your interiors:

• colour temperature difference in Kelvin degrees;
• matching colour temperature in mood setting
• how to tune your colour temperature for different rooms

Colour temperature differences in Kelvin degrees

Colour temperatures of white light are ranked on a Kelvin scales and measured in degrees Kelvin (k). The bottom end corresponds with intense reds and oranges which are usually associated with candle flames. So, the warmer the colour the lower it is on the scale, around 2000k. The higher end of the scale is typically the observed light from daylight and clear blue skies are, at about 5500-6500k. In terms of lighting, we will be familiar with the terms: cool white and warm white light. If you read the fine prints on the back of a light bulb package, you may find an estimated colour temperature denoted in degrees kelvin.

Matching colour temperature in mood setting

Cleverly using colour temperatures can interpret different moods throughout a room. You’ll find that warm white or ‘soft’ white is typically found at 2000-3000k. Warm white light bulbs are designed to approximate the typical orange-tinted, cosy and warm light that you would usually achieve from incandescent light bulbs. Moods that these bulbs create are of comfort, calmness and the transition of the day to evening when you will be preparing to relax and sleep. Furthermore, warmer glows create a great ambience. A cheap option in creating this sort of mood; you may consider incandescent bulbs which can help you achieve this.

In contrast, cool white or daylight bulbs usually read at 3100-4500k. Lamps of this colour temperature take on a more neutral colour which gives off a slight blue cast. You’ll find this temperature used mostly in business environment to influence concentration and work. This wavelength is considered to be better for reading and alertness. Also, cool white helps the body clock realise it’s time to be alert. As it is the nearest colour to daylight. Why not take a look at our huge range of LED lights. Not only are they energy efficient but long-lasting and well worth the investment.

How to tune your colour temperature for different rooms

Dramatic colour difference can really be uncomfortable if you have just replaced a bulb. As we’ve learnt, colour temperatures have a great impact on our moods. In a place such as the living room, a cooler light will give a clinical and distracted feel which is far from the comfortable living area you may want to achieve. So it’s important that you can distinguish between the colour temperatures and strategically tune the lighting in the settings for the perfect feel.

Warm white light bulbs can be used as a primary light source zones where you want to be able to relax and be cheerful. This would be the dining table, living room, bedroom and hallway. Having it in these key places will help the body clock transition into the evening, sleep routine. After a long day at work, you wouldn’t want to come home to glaring bright light, when you want to just kick back and relax. Warm light will help assist in creating the perfect cosiness and ambient lighting.

Moving onto the cool white lighting which creates assertiveness, focus and attention to detail. This is perfect for the work zones in the home which would be in the kitchen, home office, garage and bathroom. As this lighting temperature is useful for reading and focusing on tasks which require attentiveness. Some people may prefer to have reading lamps reading lamps. with cool white bulbs in the bedroom for reading and in the morning, to wake up. Cool white is for energising and keeps you feeling alerted.

Conclusion

We have learnt that different colour temperatures affect our mood and function well in different environments. To either relax or focus. It’s up to you and your preferences, which colour temperature you would like in your home. Remember that “cool” is hotter than “warm” white colour temperatures. These terms aren’t intended to describe the actual temperature of the light flame, but are based on the aesthetic temperature these lights generate.