Choosing the right color temperature for lighting is important to create a certain atmosphere in a space. Whether you enter your living room or bedroom, an office, a shop or a catering establishment, you need certain lighting to create your desired atmosphere. But how do you choose the right color temperature? What is color temperature? Which color temperature should I choose? And which color temperature is suitable for my office? In this blog article you can read more about color temperature and how you can ensure that you always make the right choice for your workplace.

What is color temperature?

Color temperature is a measure that indicates the color that a light source emits. The color temperature is measured in Kelvin (K) and indicates how warm or cold the light is. Most lamps have a white light color, but the color can vary from white to yellowish. The lower the Kelvin number, the more yellowish or orange the light becomes. The higher the Kelvin number, the whiter the light becomes. The Kelvin number therefore shows you which type of light is suitable for your space. For example, on a football field, a lamp with a Kelvin value of around 6500K is needed. This gives a natural look.

 Which color temperature should I choose?

Choosing the right color depends on the atmosphere you want to create in the space. Below you will find a list of the different light colours and their effect on the space:

2700K - Extra warm white light

2700K is extra warm white light and is suitable for living rooms or bedrooms, catering and restaurants. It creates a homely and warm atmosphere.

3000K - Warm white light

3000K is warm white light and is suitable for shops and in shop windows. The light is pleasant and makes products attractive.

4000K - Cool white light

4000K is cool white light and is suitable for offices and desks. It creates a productive environment, making you feel less distracted and increasing your productivity.

6500K - Daylight

Light with 6500K is daylight and is suitable for hospitals, laboratories and schools. The light is cool and is suitable for spaces where a lot of work is done. This way, people can see everything well.

What is the color temperature of daylight?

The color temperature of daylight depends on several factors such as the weather, the time of day, the seasons and the location. On a sunny day, we usually have a higher color temperature, which is around 6500 K. This is also called "bright sun". On a rainy day, the color temperature will be lower, with values ​​around 5000K. This is also called "gray sky".

The color temperature can also vary during the day. Below is an overview of all the different parts of the day:

• In the morning, the color temperature is usually low, with values ​​around 3000 K.
• In the afternoon, the color temperature is usually higher, with values ​​around 5000 K.
• In the evening, the color temperature is usually low again, with values ​​around 2000 K.

In some cases, the color temperature can vary from 1000 K to 10000 K. This depends on the weather and the location.

Which color temperature is suitable for my office?

Several studies have been conducted into the influence of different color temperatures on productivity in the office (Hulsman et al., 2008). Most studies have shown that productivity is higher when working in bright lighting. As mentioned in an earlier paragraph, it is therefore recommended to use 4000K in the office, because this is neutral white light. It is important to avoid using a color temperature that is too high, because this reduces the productivity of your employees. The same applies to warehouse lighting, the cool color temperature ensures sufficient visibility and productivity.

Advice for the right color temperature? Firefly can help you!

Firefly has different types of lighting and different color temperatures. For example, we have fixtures with a color temperature of 2700K to 6500K, but also SMART CCT where the color temperature can be set yourself. This way you can always choose the right color for the desired atmosphere in your workplace. Firefly can help you choose the right color temperature for your business premises. Please contact us for advice on the right color temperature.