How does Light Color Temperature affect a space?
LED lights simulate the natural essence of the sun’s light at varying times throughout the day. Midday is when the sun is at it’s highest and brightest point, producing a color temperature close to 6500K. The “Golden Hour” a favorite of photographers, it the hour just before sunset, when the color temperature is around 3500K. Depending on the desired ambiance and mood in a space, light color temperature plays a large part in conveying the ideal atmosphere.
Correlated Color Temperature (CCT), frequently referred to as Color Temperature, essentially gauges whether the color of light emitted from a light bulb appears more yellow or blue. It’s measured in the Kelvin unit and the common range is between 2200 Kelvin degrees and 6500 Kelvin degrees.
Warm light sources, such as incandescent bulbs, have a low color temperature (2200-3000K) and produces light in the red/ orange/ yellow range. When you think of a warm color temperature, think of the warm, inviting light of a fire in the fireplace or a high-end restaurant with ambiance lighting.
Cool light sources, such as some HID (High-Intensity Discharge) or fluorescent lamps, have a high color temperature (>4000K) and features light within the blue range. When you think of a cool color temperature, think of the crisp white light in a school hallway or the sharp brightness in a hospital.
Here are some examples of popular locales that have varying color temperatures in their lighting:
RESTAURANTS
Warmer color temperatures (1800-2700K) tend to work well in high-end restaurants, while a warm/neutral color spectrum of 2700 – 3500K would be found in fast-food locations.
HOTELS
Hotel lighting can vary significantly based on the brand, atmosphere, and location. That said, warmer color temperatures in the 1800-3000K range work well in hotel lobbies.
COMMERCIAL OFFICES
Neutral to cool color temperatures (3000-4000K) are generally recommended for office spaces.
HEALTHCARE
Cooler color temperatures (3500K to 5000K) are good for setting a clean crisp atmosphere and creating alertness in a hospital.
EDUCATION
In school common areas and classrooms, most often there will be cooler color temperatures (3500-5000K), as these work well to set an energetic atmosphere and promote alertness.
Our experts are excited to help you update your space to LED lighting, to not only save you money, but allow you to create the best environment for your needs. Contact us today for a Free Energy Audit and to speak to one of our LED Light Specialists.
