The official definition of color temperature is ‘the most black at different temperatures to produce different colors,’ according [Kelvin] said that the single temperature is K, with one color temperature being 1K. We commonly use color temperatures in our daily lives, such as 3000K (warm light), 6500K (white light), and 4000K (neutral color) mixed when light is turned on together.
With increasing spendthrift instincts and diverse application settings, individuals are becoming acquainted with an array of color temperatures, contributing towards a well-rounded lighting atmosphere.
Chart of colour temperature from 1000K to 10000K
Different colour temperature and colour change
Here are some examples of common light source colour temperatures:
1700K: Match light
1850K: Candlelight
2800K: common colour temperature of tungsten (incandescent) lamps
3000K: Common colour temperature of halogen and yellow fluorescent lamps
3350K: Studio ‘CP’ Lamps
3400K: Studio desk lamps, photographic floodlights (not strobes), etc…
4100K: Moonlight, light yellow fluorescent lamps
5000K: Daylight
5500K: Average daylight, electronic flash (varies by manufacturer)
5770K: Effective solar temperature
6420K: Xenon arc lamp
6500K: Most common white daylight colour temperature
9300K: TV screen (analogue)
The colour temperatures of six different colours of Philips lamp beads as captured
According to the characteristics and needs of different industries, professional light distribution staff have been using a set of standard light distribution methods, meat is a warm-coloured series so the use of 2700K incandescent warm red, patisserie using 3000K warm yellow, vegetables and fruits using 4000K neutral colours, jewellery and seafood using 7000K cool white.
Public space and personal space class:
Residential: 2700K-3000K
Hotel: 2700K-3500K
Office: 3500K
School: 3500K
Hospital: 4000K
Photography: 5500K
Manufacturing: 4000-6000K
Jewellery: 6000-7000K
Application Scene Category:
Facade: 1700K
Bread: 2500K
Fresh meat: 3000K-3200K
Clothing: 3000K-4000K
Fruits and vegetables: 4000K
Table lamp: 4000K
Jewellery: 6000K-7000K
(Gold Jewellery: 3000K, Silver Jewellery: 7000K, Jade: 4000K-5000K)
Aquatic products: 6000K-7000K
Indoor lighting
Choose the right indoor lighting colour temperature according to your décor’s base tone to enhance your interior aesthetics significantly. The appropriate lighting color temperature is crucial as it enhances the lighting quality, considering surfaces such as walls, floors, furniture, decorations, and room usage. Additionally, bear in mind the potential harm caused by the blue light emitted by the light source. For instance, older folks and kids might prefer low color temperature lighting. Different colour temperatures affect our moods – warm tones induce relaxation, while cool ones promote clarity. People suffering from autism or depression shouldn’t stay in environments with a color temperature over 4000K for extended periods. Long-term exposure to a color temperature higher than 6500K may lead to retinal macular degeneration. Therefore, it’s important to take careful consideration when choosing the light source color temperature.
Keep in mind that high color temperature lights emit more blue light. Blue light energy increases drastically beyond 3000K, which is particularly harmful to the retina. Therefore, try to avoid using high color temperature lights at home, where we seek comfort after a hard day’s work.
Light with a warm color temperature under 3300K resembles incandescent light and candles (at around 2000K). It radiates warmth, promoting a cozy, healthy, and relaxed atmosphere. Ideal for homes, family spaces, dorms, hotels, and colder areas. Adjusting the light source to a warmer tone before bedtime helps maintain melatonin production.
The neutral color range lies between 3300K and 5000K, offering a soothing, comfortable, and tranquil ambiance. Perfect for shops, hospitals, offices, hotels, restaurants, waiting rooms, etc.
Above 5000K, the light source closely mimics natural light, creating a bright, focused feel. Ideal for offices, meeting rooms, classrooms, drawing rooms, design studios, libraries’ reading rooms, display windows, etc. However, using this type of lighting during bedtime can disrupt sleep patterns and increase illness risk, which is why white LED street lights are unpopular.
The higher the color temperature, the stronger the harmful blue light energy becomes. Desk lamps, which are close-proximity and long-lasting eye lighting devices used primarily by teenagers, warrant the use of low-color temperature lighting for their health.