Here is a practical guide on the different lighting between warm, cool or natural LED light
When creating a new environment, the fundamental question we all ask ourselves is the type of light to be used to create the right atmosphere and support the functionality of the space in question.
The variety of existing types of lighting does not make the choice easy, but we will try, in this post, to explore the topic in more depth and provide the necessary information to get the whole picture and accompany you in this decision.
Index:
- Difference between the three LED light types
- LED Light Colour Temperature Scale
- When is the warm white light recommended?
- When is the natural white light recommended?
- When is the cool white light recommended?
Difference between the three LED light types
Before we move on to the ambient tips, let us try to make the difference between the LED light types clear. To help us, let us use the image just below the main title: this is a clear depiction of a colour scale.
Proceeding from right to left we see the transition from a cool shade to a natural (also called neutral) shade, and finally to a warm shade. These are precisely the three types that can characterise a light bulb.
On each of them, the so-called CCT, i.e. the Correlated Colour Temperature and the Kelvin scale value (symbol: K) will then be indicated.
To simplify the concept, we can observe the following diagram:
- Cool light: range between 6000 K and 6500 K
- Natural light (neutral): range between 3000 K and 4000 K
- Warm light: range between 2000 and 2700 K
LED Light Colour Temperature Scale
Analysing the individual LED light colours more closely, we can therefore distinguish them into three types, represented from left to right in the image below.
- The warm light varies from yellow to red viaorange.
- The natural light incorporates both warm and cool light spectra, which combine to produce a uniform white light.
- The cold light with a shade ranging from cool white to light blue. Another designation for this type of light is daylight as the sunlight during the day is over 5000 K.
The differences highlighted so far mean that each of these shades is more suited to some environments than others.
However, remember that the shade of light you want is not the only variable to consider when choosing lights, but there are other important factors such as:
- Quantity of lumens needed
- The socket for the lamp holder
Let’s see together how to choose the best one.
When is the warm white light recommended?
Warm white light is considered very relaxing and consequently does not strain the eyes. This is precisely the reason why light bulbs with such a shade are usually used in rooms such as:
- Bedrooms
- Dining rooms
- Relaxation areas
- Living rooms
However, every rule has its exception and there are circumstances in which an exception to the rule is permitted.
In fact, we mentioned at the beginning how much the right lighting also contributes to the creation of a certain mood, and it is therefore essential to take into account the overall appearance of the ambience.
For example, a classic living room décor may be well accompanied by warm white light that tends to enhance the style and beauty of the room, whereas for a modern décor, cool white light is recommended.
Discover the selection of warm white LED lights
When is the natural white light recommended?
LED natural white bulbs, as already mentioned, even out both warm and cool light spectrums, creating a hue that gives a very restful mood.
It is for this reason that natural white bulbs are used for environments such as:
- Studies
- Reading areas
- Work areas
Discover the selection of natural white LED lights
When is the cool white light recommended?
Cool white light is generally used to illuminate large rooms or places where it is essential to be able to see clearly.
For these reasons it is the most appropriate choice for:
- Supermarkets
- Shopping centres
- Hospitals
However, this type of light is also used in the home, and specifically in the bathroom, as it is often associated with a superior sense of cleanliness.
Discover our selection of cool white LED lights
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