Lighting can give a space character but choosing the right hue from the LED color spectrum can help define the ambiance and energy of a room or office. The chosen color can help set the mood for a room with warm lights to have a cozier feel and cool lights to have a more functional feel. It can be a mistake to put the same type of light in every single room of the home or workspace because not every room serves the same purpose. Make each space ideal by defining the atmosphere with the right LED light.
The Type of Light You Use Matters
When it comes to lighting a space, one of the most important elements for comfort and ambiance is the type of bulb used. There are incandescent and LED light bulbs, both of which come in a variety of sizes, and some people struggle with knowing which is better for their particular space.
An LED light has four main advantages over an average bulb:
- Efficiency. Not only do LED bulbs last longer than incandescent, they also are estimated to work up to ninety percent more efficiently.
- Versatility. For the most part LED lights can be used the same places as regular bulbs, and they are designed to meet a variety of different lighting needs via the LED color spectrum.
- Longevity. LED lights have become more popular in recent years due in large part to their extended bulb life. On average LED lights can last up to 20,000 hours, with some offering life up to 50,000 hours. A traditional incandescent bulb tends to last up to only two thousand hours or so.
- Slow burn out. Whereas an incandescent bulb can give one bright flash before burning out when you turn on a lamp, an LED bulb instead gradually grows dimmer over time.
For these reasons and more LED lights are being used in homes and businesses as art lighting, curio cabinet lighting, and under cabinet lighting to name just a few examples. They are also being used in emergency signs, parking lot lights, and security lights. Another reason these lights have gained in popularity are because of their ability to create atmosphere via the LED color spectrum for indoor and outdoor illumination.
What Is LED Color Temperature for Lighting?
Just as an outdoor temperature can measure the degrees of Fahrenheit and Celsius, LED color temperature essentially determines the color of an LED light bulb, which is measured in degrees Kelvin. More specifically it measures the presence of the colors blue, red, white, and yellow in a light and will often be described as appearing warm, cool, or neutral in color.
The LED color temperature chart can range from as low as 2700K to 7000K. The color representation looks like this:
- 2700K: red and orange glow
- 3000K: yellow and white glow
- 3500K: white glow
- 4000K: white and blue glow
- 5700K: light blue glow
- 7000K: blue glow
LED Spectrum Warm White Light
Warm lights are frequently used in environments that are meant to feel cozy and relaxing. For most people places in the home that utilize warm white lights are the bedroom, study, den, or dining room. For this type of use an individual may want to choose an LED light around the 3000K range.
LED Spectrum Neutral Light
There may be some rooms where an individual wants the light to be warm and inviting but still be able to have some brighter light as well. A good example of this could be the living room as it generally needs to have warm enough lighting to relax but still have enough brightness to read or work on a project.
These lights that combine both hints of warm and cool are sometimes referred to as neutral lights and are around 3500K.
LED Spectrum Cool White Light
Cool white lights can give a room an entirely different feel that most consider to be more energizing and lively. On the color temperature chart this type of light is usually found between 4100K and 5000K. Cool white lights are often preferred for spaces like the kitchen where light is needed to see for measuring ingredients and checking to see if food is cooked all the way through. These are also commonly used in office settings.
How to Use the LED Color Temperature Spectrum for Home Lighting
Choosing the right hue from the LED color spectrum can completely change the feel of lighting in a room.
So that there is enough light to shave and apply makeup properly most people choose to have their bathroom lights be on the cooler end of the spectrum, at just a little below or above 4000K.
Rooms that are intended for gathering often benefit from a color temperature of around 3000K or a little higher. This creates a warm and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for visiting and relaxing.
Kitchens typically need a brighter light for safe food preparation. A more appropriate color temperature for this room might be between 4000K and 5000K.
Getting Help Choosing the Right Light
Anyone struggling with choosing the proper LED light for a space should work with a lighting expert for the best option. A lighting company who intimately understands the capabilities and uses of LED lights is an advantage for home and business owners. When looking for a provider, ensure they have:
- Knowledge. A company that has years of experience working with interior designers, homeowners, and commercial building owners should be able to address a variety of LED applications.
- Product Variety. It is common for a buyer to use an LED light for the first time in a specific space and be so happy with the results that they go back to the provider for help in changing out or retrofitting the rest of their lighting. By working with an expert that has a variety of products, it enables the consumer to stay with one provider for all their lighting needs.
To learn more about the LED color spectrum and its uses in home or office lighting sit down for an illuminating consultation with a lighting expert today.
