Learn more about warm lighting, where to use it, and how to distinguish it from cool lighting.
Warm vs.
Cool Lighting
Light bulbs emit either awarm or cool (daylight) color.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
A higher temperature is a cooler light.
However, in simple terms, warm light is reddish in appearance, and cool light looks bluish.
This way of looking at lighting is similar tounderstanding warm and cool colors.
The Spruce / Paige McLaughlin
A lower temperature is a warmer light.
A higher temperature is a cool light.
These reddish or yellowish whites were typical of older incandescent bulbs.
Candle and match flames typically range from 1700K to 2200K.
Cool Color Temperatures
Anything over 4000K on the color temperature scale is considered cool lighting.
Moonlight is a bit bluer or cooler, in the 4100K range since it is very bright.
Bulbs used in hospitals and other commercial spaces have very high cool color temperatures.
Most of us have both types oflighting sources to create moods.
Lamps, a fireplace, or a firepit at night provide warmer ambient lighting.
We probably turn on a task light with a cool light bulb to help us read at night.
Where Should I Use Warm Light?
Use warm lighting to simulate evening or very early morning light.
Warm lights look better in many period rooms and those decorated with warm colors and paint.
Warm lighting is often referred to as soft white or warm white.
Cool lighting is often called white light, blue light, or daylight.
Warm lighting symbolizes warmth and heat.
Use warm lighting to make a space feel cozy and relaxing.
