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Guide
Light color - the right color temperature for your lighting

Light color - the right color temperature for your lighting


Your lighting expert explains:

You are looking for new lamps or replacement lamps, but the specifications "Kelvin", "warm white", "neutral white" and "daylight white" overtax you?

We explain to you what is important when choosing the right colour temperature.

Particularly since the growing popularity of LEDs, the color of light has played a role. All of a sudden there are differences in the color temperature of the light depending on the model. But what sounds complicated at first, brings huge advantages. With the different light colors you can control the effect and function of your lighting according to the application.

What defines light color?


The light colour describes the color of a self-luminous source. It is described by the value of the color temperature, which is given in Kelvin (K).

Depending on the spectral composition of the light, different shades of white result. A rough distinction can be made between three light colours:  

  • warm white light: ≤ 3,300 K  
  • neutral white light: 3,300 to 5,300 K
  • cold white or daylight white light: ≥5.300 K

Basically, the higher the Kelvin value, the cooler the color of your light source appears. 

We will explain to you which light colors are suitable for different applications. But first we will go into another quality feature that you should consider when choosing your new (replacement) luminaires: color rendering.

What is color rendering?


The color rendering index describes the quality of artificial light compared with natural light. It is expressed in the values Ra (general reference index) or CRI (Color Rendering Index). 

The composition of the spectral colours of light influences not only its own color, but also how it renders the colors of the objects it hits.

A light that contains all spectral colors makes the environment look most natural. 

The higher the Ra/CRI, the more natural the color rendering of the light (the sun has the highest and therefore most natural index, Ra 100)

The right light color: combination of color temperature and color rendering index


The light color is often represented by a three-digit code. The first digit refers to the color rendering index, the second and third describe the color temperature.

Example: 

An illuminant with light colour 840 has good colour rendering with an Ra 80 and shines with 4,000 K neutral white.

The ideal light color for your application


The different light colors have an influence on the effect of the light. They therefore offer excellent opportunities to create ideal conditions for work or to design your home individually and comfortably. 

With regard to the color rendering index, a high value is particularly important where natural conditions are required. We are thinking here of sales areas, workshops, paint shops, etc. 

The choice of the right color temperature also depends on the application. 

Warm white light is closest to the light of a conventional incandescent lamp (2,700 K). It creates a cosy and homely atmosphere, making it ideal for rooms where you want to relax. 

Neutral white light is ideal for offices, study rooms, kitchens and bathrooms, but also sales areas. It creates a sober atmosphere in which one feels comfortable. 

Cold white light is closest to daylight (depending on the time of day ≥ 5,500 K). It is suitable for utility rooms or basement rooms and for working areas where concentration is required. 

Conclusion

Especially in areas where there are no legal requirements for light color, the choice of the ideal lighting depends strongly on individual sensitivities. If you are unsure, it is worthwhile to use LEDs that can be controlled in terms of light color.

In this video we introduce the CASAMBI CASA BULB. It is the perfect solution to create different moods. The colour temperature can be infinitely adjusted via app.

THE COLOR OF LIGHT AND THE HUMAN BIORHYTHM


The daily, natural course of the sun influences the biorhythm of all living beings. In many places, however, this course is not given. Most people spend the majority of the day in closed rooms and are exposed to constant lighting. 

Research and studies have established a connection between natural daylight conditions and the ability to concentrate and the general well-being of people.

Human Centric Lighting (HCL) offers possibilities to imitate the natural course of the sun and to have a positive influence on performance and state of health with the right light colour at the right time. 

In the following video you will learn more about HCL and which lighting control system you can use to bring a natural daily rhythm into your office

HCL easy and smart??

No worries. Human Centric Lighting easy can be implemented in conjunction with lighting management systems! And you save a lot of energy!

Small modules are connected to the light and it can be easily controlled and dimmed via the free Casambi-App - very easy with Bluetooth. You can find out more in our Casambi theme world.

To the Casambi theme world