Colour Temperature: Warm or Cool Light
Colour temperature describes the tone of the light and is measured in kelvins (K). The lower the number, the warmer and more yellowish the light; the higher, the cooler and bluer. It has nothing to do with brightness: a 3000 K and a 6500 K chandelier can be equally bright.
Three main tones
- 2700–3000 K, warm light — like an old incandescent bulb, cosy, suits the evening
- 4000–4500 K, neutral light — colours look natural
- 5000–6500 K, cool light — clear and bright, suits work
Which colour temperature for which room
In the bedroom and living room, warm light — 3000 K — suits the evening best. In the kitchen, neutral light of 4000–4500 K is more practical: food colours look natural. Cool light, up to 6500 K, suits a workspace, a kids room for homework and a wardrobe. In the hallway and bathroom, neutral light is a common choice.
Adjustable tone: one chandelier for the whole day
On most of our LED chandeliers the tone can be changed: on almost all from 3000 to 6500 K, on some in three steps — 3000, 4500 and 6500 K. The tone is changed with the remote control, so you can switch on a cooler light in the morning and a warm one in the evening. In the product description it is the “Colour temperature” row: if it shows a range, for example 3000–6500 K, the tone can be changed; if it shows a single number, the tone is fixed.
For bulb chandeliers
If the chandelier takes bulbs, the bulb sets the tone. It is shown on the packaging in kelvins or as a three-digit code: “830” means 3000 K, “840” means 4000 K and “865” means 6500 K. Use bulbs of the same tone in one chandelier, otherwise the light will look patchy. You will find bulbs in the Bulbs and other products section.
Choosing in the catalogue
If you cannot decide, take a chandelier with an adjustable tone — it solves the question for any room. You will find them in LED chandeliers and in the selections of bedroom chandeliers, kitchen ceiling lights and living room chandeliers. How the remote works: chandelier with remote control; how bright the light should be: how many lumens you need per m².
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for a bedroom — 3000 K or 4000 K?
3000 K for the evening. If you also work or get dressed in the bedroom, a chandelier with an adjustable tone helps.
What does “daylight” mean?
Usually 5000–6500 K: a cool, bluish light.
Does colour temperature affect electricity consumption?
Practically not: consumption depends on the power in watts, not on the tone.