Achieving the perfect ambience in any given room at the right time is arguably one of the most important parts of getting a lighting plan right in a home.

Lighting has the ability to evoke different feelings, and change how you feel. This can be achieved with one thing, colour temperature.

Join us as we delve into colour temperatures, and guide you room by room to help you deliver the perfect ambience that reflects the role of that room.

What Is Colour Temperature?

Colour temperature is measured in degrees Kelvin on a scale from 1000 to 10000.

The colour temperature of a bulb describes the appearance of its light. White is the common colour, but that can vary from a warm white (which is more of an orangey colour) to a cool white (which is more of a bluey white colour).

When you see a number like 2800K, the 'K' stands for Kelvins. Unlike regular temperature, a low colour temperature gives of a warmer (orange) light and a high colour temperature gives off a cool daylight white (blue/white).

Colour Temperature For A Bathroom

The ideal colour temperature for a bathroom falls between 2700k-3000k. This creates a flattering warm white illumination that makes it easy for tasks such as applying makeup and shaving, yet the warmth makes it a cosy space to relax in during the evening.

As the role of the bathroom can change so rapidly during the day, installing a dimmer switch will give you greater flexibility over the brightness of light. Allowing you to dim in the evening when you want to take a relaxing soak in the tub.

Colour Temperature For A Living Room

Your living room is typically the place you relax in of an evening. You want to evoke feelings of warmth and relaxation in this room, all which can be mirrored with the right colour temperature of your bulbs.

The colour temperature you are looking to recreate in this room is a warm white - this ranges between 2000K to 3000K. Colours on the warm side evoke feelings of warmth and comfort.

Whether it's a living room or a hallway, this colour temperature creates a welcoming ambience that will keep your rooms well lit, and your guests happy. It's actually one of the best ambiences for most rooms in a home.

As you can see below, a warm glow using a 3000K bulb creates an inviting, homely and comforting space.

Colour Temperature For A Kitchen

A kitchen requires more precision lighting to aid preparation. But it's also one of the main rooms in a home that needs maximum flexibility over its lighting. A kitchen typically becomes the hub of the home, so the role of the room is likely to change over the day.

Generally, the best colour temperature for a kitchen is 4000-4500K, cool white lighting will brighten and add vibrancy to a room. This type of lighting is highly desirable in a kitchen, aiding tasks, and it's even been linked to improved productivity!

Colour Temperature For A Bedroom

Warm, white lighting between 2000K-3000K is the best colour temperature for a bedroom, evoking feelings of relaxation and warmth.

Like the kitchen and bathroom, you may want to install a dimmer switch with your setup here as you may find you want brighter levels of light during the morning and start of the evening, particularly if you have a desk or reading area in your bedroom.

This ambience is perfect for creating a relaxing haven in the evenings, and it avoids you having to wake up to harsh, bright lighting of a morning.

Colour Temperature For A Hallway

A hallway needs to be an inviting space, instantly greeting you with warmth and cosiness.

A warm colour temperature between 2700K-3000K will help to create that warm and welcoming feeling.

You may also want to think about creating a layered lighting scheme in a hallway which can be activated at different times throughout the day. For example, in the morning you may need full brightness from overhead lights, but in the evening you might just want the subtle glow of walls lights on, creating a gentle, beautiful distribution of light in your hallway.

Colour Temperature For A Garage

Sticking on the cooler side of the spectrum, daylight lights between 4600-6500k will help to create a crisp, cold and invigorating atmosphere.

This isn't something you would want your interiors to be put under, but it's the most perfect colour temperature for a garage. It's well suited to a garage, display areas or for security lighting as it provides optimum lighting to help you carry out tasks with ease.

Colour temperature is one of the most important things to consider in an interior. It can completely change how a room makes you feel whilst allowing a beautiful flow from room to room.

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