If you’ve never thought about color temperatures of light before, you might be surprised to learn that there are two different types of light colors – cool light Vs warm light. What you use in your home depends on the room and the type of mood you want to convey, and we’re here to help you figure out what light temperatures are best for your home and the décor inside it.
Cool Light vs Warm Light
The temperature of color is measured in Kelvins. The higher the number, the colder the tone of the light. For example, candlelight is measured at around 1,000 Kelvins, while cool daylight sits at about 6,500 Kelvins – and can reach up to 10,000 Kelvins.
Warm light is known for its red, orange, and yellow tones, along with its cozy feel. Cool light is white and blue, which makes for a crisper look. While cool light is brighter than warm light, it can sometimes feel harsh in the wrong settings.
As for whether warm lighting or cool lighting is better for your home’s decor, it depends on what mood you want to put across.
Light Temperatures By Room
There’s no rulebook that states you can only place cool white lights in one room and warm lighting in another. It’s entirely up to you. But you can take a look at this loose guide to get an idea of the lighting trends that many people follow:
1. The Bedroom – Warm Light
- Too much cool lighting in the bedroom can have a negative effect on your sleeping patterns. Warm light makes for a calm, comfortable environment.
2. The Office – Cool Light
- Cool white lights make for productivity, which is essential for a home office. It also creates good lighting for Zoom calls.
3. The Kitchen – Cool Light
- Since cool light tends to put across a clean feel, it benefits the kitchen and provides nice light for cooking.
4. The Bathroom – Warm OR Cool Light
- If you’d like a relaxing bathroom where you take luxurious showers or long, hot baths, warm light will set the mood. But, much like in the kitchen, cool light in the bathroom makes for a clean and fresh vibe. The choice is yours and ultimately depends on the style of the room.
5. Dining Room – Warm Light
- For dinner parties or family dinners that make you feel warm and fuzzy inside, choose warm lighting for the dining room.
Cool White vs Warm White Lights
At the end of the day, the color temperatures of the lights that you choose are up to you. Use this guide to help you with lighting choices in respect to your home decor!
