Color temperature is a concept used to describe the color appearance of light sources, typically those that emit visible light, like light bulbs, LED lights, and natural light sources such as the sun. It is measured in units called Kelvin (K) and is used to characterize the color of light based on its perceived warmth or coolness.
In practical terms, color temperature refers to how "warm" or "cool" a light source appears. This perception is based on the color that a heated object would emit as it is heated to a certain temperature. Lower color temperatures, around 2700K to 3000K, are perceived as warmer and tend to have a more reddish or yellowish hue. On the other hand, higher color temperatures, around 5000K to 6500K or more, are perceived as cooler and have a bluish-white appearance.
Here's a general breakdown of color temperatures and their typical associations:
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2700K-3000K: Warm white - Similar to the color of incandescent bulbs or candlelight. Creates a cozy and relaxed atmosphere.
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3500K-4100K: Neutral white - This range is often used for general lighting purposes and closely resembles natural daylight, making it suitable for tasks and work environments.
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5000K-6500K: Cool white - Similar to the color of midday sunlight. Often used in settings where clarity and focus are important, such as offices or retail spaces.
It's important to note that color temperature is not an indication of the actual temperature of the light source but rather a measure of the color appearance it emits. Different light sources, like incandescent bulbs, fluorescent tubes, and LED lights, can have varying color temperatures, allowing you to choose the lighting that best suits your needs and desired ambiance.