Colour temperature is one of the most overlooked factors when choosing lighting — and one of the easiest to get wrong. Pick the wrong tone and even the most beautiful fixture can leave a room feeling cold, clinical, or dim and murky. Here’s a simple guide to getting it right, room by room.
What is colour temperature?
Colour temperature is measured in Kelvin (K) and describes the tone of white light a bulb produces — not how bright it is. The scale runs roughly like this:
- 2700K–3000K (Warm White) — a soft, yellowish glow, similar to traditional incandescent bulbs. Cosy and relaxing.
- 3500K–4000K (Cool White / Natural White) — a balanced, neutral white. Clean without feeling harsh.
- 5000K–6500K (Daylight) — a crisp, bluish-white light that mimics daytime sunlight. Alert and energising.
Recommended colour temperature by room
- Living room & bedroom: Warm White (2700K–3000K) for a relaxing, comfortable atmosphere.
- Kitchen & bathroom: Cool White (4000K) so it’s easier to see clearly while cooking, grooming or cleaning.
- Study, home office & workspaces: Daylight (5000K–6500K) to stay alert and reduce eye strain during focused work.
- Hallways & storerooms: Cool White (4000K) works well as a practical, all-purpose choice.
A good rule of thumb: the lower the Kelvin number, the warmer and cosier the light; the higher the number, the crisper and more energising it feels.
Tip: many LED bulbs now offer adjustable colour temperature
If you’re not sure which tone a room needs, look for a tri-colour or colour-adjustable LED bulb — most let you switch between warm, cool and daylight settings on the same bulb, so you can experiment before committing.