Colour temperature and downlights
Do you want your room to feel cosy and relaxed or more crisp and clean? When talking about warm, natural or cool light, this refers to the ‘colour temperature’ of the light source. Colour temperature is measured in degrees Kelvin (K). It does not relate to the heat of the bulb, but rather to the colour the light emits. The colour the light produces can have a great effect on the ambience of the room and therefore we have compiled our industry knowledge to help you make the right decision with your downlights.
2700K – 3500K light sources give off more yellow or orange tones and are known as warm white. Warm lighting is ideal in living and dining rooms where you would entertain guests and relax with family, and is perfect for the bedroom as it fosters a more serene atmosphere.
Warm White 3000K
3500K – 4500K light from artificial sources most closely resemble natural, unfiltered sunlight. This is what we label as natural white light. For residential purposes, natural light is optimal for task-oriented rooms such as the laundry, bathroom or kitchen, or even for spaces that receive little to no sunlight such as the garage or basement.
5000K and up light temperatures start to give off more of a blue-tinged light. We recommend cool white for commercial spaces as it can tend to appear too harsh for residential purposes.
Speak with a lighting consultant to work out what is best for your style and needs.
Photos courtesy of Metricon Homes, featuring Amphis Signature downlights.