Colour Temperatures Explained
Keeping it simple - what is colour temperature?
The color temperature of light defines its color characteristics. It has the ability to influence the ambiance and atmosphere of any room or workspace, regardless of the environment. BLT Direct provides light bulbs primarily in three different color temperatures. By selecting the appropriate color temperature, you can achieve a uniform and welcoming lighting ambiance.
Warm White
Warm white light bulbs emit a cosy and inviting glow similar to traditional incandescent bulbs. With colour temperatures between 2700K and 3000K, they produce a soft, yellowish light that is ideal for creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere. These bulbs are commonly used in living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas, where a comfortable and intimate ambiance is desired.
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Cool White
Cool White (4000K-4500K) light bulbs produce a slightly cooler light compared to warm white bulbs, typically falling within the range of 4000K to 4500K. This colour temperature is versatile and works well in a variety of settings, including kitchens, offices, and bathrooms. Cool white light is often considered a neutral, balanced option that provides good visibility while maintaining a pleasant and comfortable environment.
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Daylight
Daylight light bulbs have the highest colour temperature, typically ranging from 6000-6500K and above. They emit a bright and bluish light that closely resembles daylight. Daylight bulbs are commonly used in commercial and industrial settings, such as supermarkets, warehouses, and outdoor areas, where maximum brightness and visibility are required.
View ProductsIn the detail - what is colour temperature?
All LED, fluorescent tubes, compact fluorescent and energy saving lamps are available in different colour renditions, or burning temperatures measured in Kelvin.
Colour temperature is a standard method of describing colours for use in a range of situations and with different equipment. Colour temperatures are normally expressed in units called kelvins (K). Note that the term degrees kelvin is often used but is not technically correct.
For example an energy saving lamp with a colour temperature of 2700K burns at 2700 Kelvin this colour is known as warm white. There is a high demand nowadays for daylight lamps which burn at a temperature of 6000-6500K, these lamps are often used to combat SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).
View the chart of colour temperatures below, and if you are unsure of the lamp you require please email us on sales@bltdirect.com or speak to one of our friendly experts on 01473 716418.
Full Reference Chart
What is CR1 Ra?
This is the Color Rendering Index (sometimes referred to as CRI), more details here.
This is the Color Rendering Index (sometimes referred to as CRI), more details here.
| Colour Reference | Colour | Colour Temperature | CRI Ra |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colour 29 | Warm White | 2700 | 51 |
| Colour 827 | Very Warm Triphosphor | 2700 | 85 |
| Colour 30 | Warm White | 3000 | 54 |
| Colour 83 | Warm White | 3000 | 85 |
| Colour 129 | Warm White | 3000 | 53 |
| Colour 830 | Warm White Triphosphor | 3000 | 85 |
| Colour 930 | Very Warm Triphosphor | 3000 | 95 |
| Colour 23 | White | 3500 | 56 |
| Colour 35 | White | 3500 | 58 |
| Colour 135 | White | 3500 | 57 |
| Colour 835 | White Triphosphor | 3500 | 85 |
| Gourmet 175 | Special | 3700 | 88 |
