Light Colour Temperature Buying Guide

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While you may be tempted to use the same colour LEDs throughout your home or commercial premises, did you know that different temperature colours can evoke different moods? For example, a warm light can create a relaxing atmosphere, whereas a white light can increase productivity.

Want to know more about LEDs and why you should make the switch? Check our our LED Buying Guide

Overview of LED Light Colour Temperatures

LED light colour temperatures are measured in Kelvin and range from 2500K to 6500K. You may have already heard of warm white and cool white, but there are actually 6 different shades of light that are available.


What light you should choose depends on a number of factors, including what you plan to use the space for and how it is decorated, as the colour of your lights can have an impact.

2500K – 3000K: Warm Whites

Warm light is one of the most popular colours used to light spaces and it creates a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Thanks to its subtle, homely tones, warm white is ideal to use to light rooms such as the living room or bedroom.

Because warm light uses yellow and orange tones, it works best in rooms with yellow, red, orange, and natural wood. Rooms decorated with blues and greys, however, can be left looking flat.

Warm white is a faultless choice if you’re looking to recreate the warmth of early 20th century lighting without the drawbacks of incandescent bulbs.

2500K – Extra Warm White

Extra warm white bulbs are the warmest bulbs you can buy. They are a deep orange/red colour and a popular choice for accent or mood lighting – for example, in lamps or fairy lights.

2700K – Warm White

Warm white light bulbs are the most commonly used light bulbs in the home. They aren’t too harsh to be used as overhead lights and still create the relaxing atmosphere you’re searching for.

3000K – Warm White/White

3000K lightbulbs are the top end of what can be considered warm white. They have a light yellow hue that is still able to create a comforting vibe in the room. 3000K bulbs are ideal for homes with modern decoration where you still want the effects of warm white.

3500K – 6500K: Cold Whites

Cold white uses blue tones to create a crisp, white light. It is a great choice for rooms where you’re looking to get work done, like the kitchen or office, as cold whites can increase productivity. They are also ideal for giving rooms a clean, sterile look which may be what you’re looking for in your kitchen or bathroom.

If your room is decorated with blues, whites, and greys, these colours can really pop under cold white, whereas reds, yellows, and natural wood will look dull.

Cold whites are the perfect choice when looking to light a modern home, as crisp white will complement contemporary décor.

3500K – White

White lights are the most popular choice for lighting offices, as they are most commonly found in energy saving halogen and fluorescent lighting. White light also gives a fantastic effect for Christmas lights.

4000K – Cool White

Cool white light bulbs are most commonly used for kitchens and bathrooms as they give off a bright, clinical feel. This can help to make a space feel cleaner and for white appliances to pop.

6500K – Daylight

Daylight bulbs are commonly used in commercial and industrial settings, but have domestic applications as well. Because they give off a light that is close to daylight, they are ideal for graphic design and colour work as the colours aren’t being affected by the colour of your lights. As well as this, daylight bulbs can aid in lessening the impact of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).