Kelvin

Today, we are going to have a little chat about something that affects our daily lives in ways we might not even realize - the color temperature of our lights, measured in Kelvin. Now, don’t you worry, I won’t get all science-y on you. We are just going to have a nice, simple conversation about what Kelvin is and how it affects the lighting in our homes.

First things first, what is Kelvin?

Well, in the world of lighting, Kelvin is a unit of measurement used to describe the color temperature of a light bulb. It is named after Lord Kelvin, a British scientist who did a lot of important work in the field of thermodynamics. But enough of that, let’s get back to the lights!

You know how some lights give off a warm, cozy glow, while others emit a cool, crisp light? That’s all down to the Kelvin scale. The scale ranges from about 1,000 to 10,000 Kelvin. Lower numbers on the scale (around 2,000 to 3,000 Kelvin) represent warmer colors like orange and yellow. Higher numbers (around 5,000 to 6,500 Kelvin) represent cooler colors like blue and white.

Now, take a look at the picture included with this post. You’ll see several light fixtures, each with tubes of different color temperatures. Notice how different they look when they're next to each other?

Pro Tip: Use CommercialBulbs.com My Bulbs feature to keep track of what lamps and color temperatures you use for your space, so you always order the right one!

Why does this matter?

The color temperature of your lights can have a big impact on the mood and atmosphere of a room. For example, warmer lights (lower Kelvin) are great for creating a cozy, relaxing environment. Think about the soft, golden light of a candle or a fireplace. That’s why warmer lights are often used in living rooms and bedrooms.

On the other hand, cooler lights (higher Kelvin) are better for spaces where you need to be alert and focused, like an office or a kitchen. The cool, bright light helps to keep you awake and energized.

So, next time you are choosing light bulbs for your space, think about the mood you want to create in each room and choose the Kelvin accordingly.

And there you have it, a simple guide to Kelvin in lighting. I hope you found this chat helpful and that it will make choosing the right lights for your space a little bit easier.