Both can be used interchangeably, but the light they give off is a different temperature.

What Is Color Temperature?

Soft white lightbulbs range from 2,700K to 3,000K, making them appear warm.

Soft White vs. Daylight Light Bulbs

The Spruce / Kailey Whitman

Daylight bulbs range from 5,000K to 6,000K, making them whiter and closer to bright daytime light.

Color temperature and wattage are different, and wattage refers to the power of light a bulb emits.

Want more design inspiration?

Kelvin Color Temperatures for Light Bulbs

The Spruce / Paige McLaughlin

Daylight bulbs, on the other hand, are ideal for more functional spaces, like kitchens and bathrooms.

They work well with earthy color palettes, as they enhance and compliment softer colors.

Kitchens, offices, basements, and some bathrooms are ideal spaces for using daylight bulbs.

Bedroom with black and blue accents

Christopher Jolly / Unsplash

In some cases, you may want to combine soft white and daylight bulbs, depending on your needs.

Spaces with white, gray, and blue color palettes and contemporary designs are typically enhanced by daylight bulbs.

If you want yourdining roomto feel relaxing, use soft white bulbs.

houseplants in a living room

Spacejoy / Unsplash

The warmer light from soft white bulbs is softer and more inviting.

kitchen island

Roam In Color / Unsplash

Bathroom with wallpaper

Grace Kelly / Unsplash

collage of the Luxrite A19 LED Light Bulbs on a green background

A Philips LED Flicker-Free Frosted Dimmable A19 Light Bulb and 4-pack box on a yellow background

Table set up with lamp, fern, books keys

The Alfiot Solar Pathway Lights glow along a pathway