The first thing you notice when you enter a space is the lighting atmosphere. Some lights produce a cooling effect, whereas others produce a warm tone inside the room. These colors play a vital role in setting the right functionality and aesthetics of the space.
This color that comes from light is called the color temperature or correlated color temperature.
What Exactly is LED Color Temperature?
LED color temperature is the appearance of the LED light when you look at it. I.e., it shows how cool or warm the light is.
The light temperature is measured in Kelvin (K) and is rated from 1000 to 10,000. The higher the light temperature, the cooler the light and the lower the light temperature, the warmer the light.
A 2000K to 6500K light temperature is typically used in commercial and residential spaces.
Why Does LED Color Temperature Matter?
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Create the right setting
Color temperature impact the human mind and functionality. Warm color temperatures create a cozy and relaxing feel. Because of this, they are mainly used in residential and hospitality spaces like restaurants and hotels.
On the other hand, cool light temperature makes you more alert and can increase your productivity. This type of light is used in spaces where you need to be more alert and productive, like manufacturing units and retail spaces.
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Affect your mood
Light temperature can affect hormones in your body, which, in turn, affects your mood. Warm light temperatures produce more melatonin in the body, which can induce sleep and relaxation.
Cool lights, on the other hand, produce serotonin, the happiness hormone. Serotonin in your body keeps you alert, which, in turn, makes you vigilant and helps increase your productivity.
Exploring Different LED Color Temperatures
Several LED color options are available that can set the right ambiance for any space. Thus, the lighting preferences changes depending on the space your are lighting up.
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Warm Light: 2700K and 3000K
Lights with temperatures of 2700K - 3000K produce a warm tone and is considered a form of mood lighting. The lights will be orange to yellow shade depending on the temperature.
Lights of 2700K is mainly used in the streets and parking areas. It can also be used in hotel lobbies and restaurants as interior lighting where a warm and comfortable space is required.
3000K, on the other hand, produces more crisp and neutral light. It provides enough brightness to see small things. This can be used in workspaces that require moderate lighting.
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Neutral Light: 4000K
4000K is considered neutral light as it is close to natural light. This color temperature produces cool white light with a blue tone. It is brighter than warm light.
Lights with a 4000K temperature can be used in various facilities, such as warehouses, factories, and sports fields, where enough brightness is required to provide a safe and secure working environment.
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Cool Light: 5000K and 6500K
Lights with a temperature of 5000-6500K produce more bright light and is ideal for task lighting. 5000K is more like natural sunlight and is used in retail spaces and offices where natural light is required for effective work.
6500K, on the other hand, produces lighting effects that resemble the bright sky. Lights with this temperature are used mainly in places that require very bright light, like hospitals and factories.
How Does LED Color Temperature Impact Your Space?
LED bulbs color temperature can set the right mood for any space. In a commercial setting, the employees' productivity depends greatly on the correct light temperature.
In spaces like factories and hospitals where high-precision work is carried out, lights with a very high temperature are required so that even minute work can be done efficiently.
On the other hand, in spaces like restaurants and hotel lounges where relaxation is the key factor, lights should be warm and cosy. Thus, you should go for lower-temperature lights that can set the right mood in the space.
Making an Informed Decision
Like home lighting, choosing LED bulbs for commercial spaces also require careful consideration of several factors.
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Purpose of the space
The work that is carried out in the space should be the primary consideration before selecitng the color temperature.
For eg; In places like factories and hospitals where very high precison work is carried out, the light should have high temperature to brighten up the space. Ideally a temperature of 6500k is required for such spaces.
School and office lighting should mimic the natural light. Thus, a light temperature of 5000k is ideal for such spaces.
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Aesthetics of the space
How the space should look is another factor that decides the color temperature.
Are you installing the light in a hotel lobby or restaurant where the lighting design and looks play a key role? Then you should consider the interior design and brand image before deciding on the color temperature.
In case of factories where functionality is more important than aesthetics, you should consider only the space and wall color while deciding the color temperature.
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Availability of natural light
In spaces that require cool lighting, the availability of natural light is another important consideration. If the room has windows through which natural light enters, you should consider that before deciding on the color temperature.
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Energy efficiency
In this age of sustainability, having energy efficient lighting is very important. LED lighting is energy efficient and also offers adjustable color temperature. Thus, you can change the temperature depending on the time of the day.
Smart lighting controls can be used to adjust the color temperature depending on the availability of natural light.
Conclusion
Finding lighting solutions for commercial spaces with the right color temperature is crucial. It not only improves the lighting ambiance of the space but also affects the overall productivity of the employees.
Depending on the space and its purpose, you can go for warm, neutral or cool lighting. Whatever the color temperature you select, energy efficiency and productivity of the employees should be the key consideration.
