Sometimes the light colour is a matter of taste, but colour temperature also serves a purpose. Every white shade changes the atmosphere, but this can also have practical consequences when carrying out daily tasks. We all associate certain feelings with a light colour, which ultimately also have a psychological effect. This gives you food for thought when choosing the right colour temperature for your lamp. Would you like to know what we recommend for your workplace or living room? Then read on.

What is light colour and why is it important?

The colour temperature of light comes in various shades, from warm white light to cool daylight. We express this in Kelvin (K). What use is this to us? The right colour temperature helps you perform tasks properly. Imagine you are cutting meat under warm white light; the chance that you will not notice the difference in colour between your hands and the meat is considerably higher. Without realising it, you could cut your fingers. The right light colour helps you stay focused and make fewer mistakes.

On the other hand, you do not want purely practical lighting; the atmosphere also plays a role. You can furnish a room as cosily as possible, but if you hang a fluorescent lamp above it, it will not look cosy. Colour temperature can therefore make or break your interior.

Light colour: what is the difference?

Most lamps are white in terms of light colour. However, white light can vary considerably: from very warm, almost orange light to cold, almost bluish light. How exactly does this work? And what should you look out for when buying a lamp with a white light colour?

What is light colour?

The different types of white light that exist are called the colour temperature of the light. We express this in Kelvin. The colour-temperature scale may seem somewhat illogical: the lower the colour temperature, the warmer (and more orange) the light. The opposite naturally also applies: the higher the colour temperature, the cooler (and bluer) the light. A lamp with a colour temperature of 2700 Kelvin therefore has a warmer light colour than one of 6000 Kelvin.

Light colour by room

When choosing a colour temperature for a particular room, it is important to first consider the room’s purpose. Should the room feel inviting and cosy? Then choose a somewhat warmer colour and therefore a lower colour temperature. Is it important that people in the room remain fresh and alert, as in an office? Then choose a reasonably cool temperature. When work is actually carried out in the room and extremely good visibility is important, choose a colour temperature of 6500 Kelvin. This light colour corresponds to daylight, making colours clearly visible, but it can also feel very stark and cold.

The effect of light colour

Besides the fact that light colour or light temperature affects the impression of a room, the colour of the light can also have other effects on people. It can influence your mood. Just think of the colour of a sunset, which is somewhat yellow-orange. This generally makes you feel calm, and your body prepares for sleep. A warm colour temperature is therefore pleasant in a cosy living room, but not very practical for a workplace! Conversely, cool white light makes your body alert and awake. Cold light is therefore not particularly suitable for a bedroom, for example, because bright and bluish light in the evening can cause you to sleep less well.

Which light colour should I choose?

You now know what to look out for when buying white light. Before making a choice, think carefully about the purpose of the room: what should the room convey? And what activities are generally carried out there? This way, you can make a good choice regarding the right colour temperature. Are you unsure which colour temperature is most suitable for your room? Feel free to ask us for advice!

Light colour by room

Now that you know that light colour can not only enhance the atmosphere but also has practical properties, we will advise you for each room. Which light colour should you choose for your office, lunchroom or shop?

Staff restaurant

Your company restaurant or staff canteen can be divided into two segments: the area where you have lunch or dinner and the area where meals are prepared.

The light colour in a commercial kitchen should provide good illumination so that staff can work with fresh ingredients and maintain their concentration. We therefore recommend choosing at least 4000K cool white light up to 6000K daylight white in the company kitchen.

If you have an atmospheric restaurant or staff canteen, you can certainly use an atmospheric light colour here. A warmer light colour creates a homely and cosy feeling. This benefits employees because they get a short break from their daily work. The perfect light colour is around 2700K warm white light to 3000K clear white light.

Office lounge

In modern companies, we increasingly see a lounge area in the office, where people can take some time to relax between work activities. It is a place where you get together with colleagues and enjoy relaxing activities. To enhance the homely atmosphere, choose a warmer light colour. The desired light colour is around 2700K warm white light to 3000K clear white light.

Office

In the office, you want lighting that promotes concentration. One thing you should definitely avoid is a dark, warm light colour. A light colour that is too dark can strain your eyes and make them excessively tired. You do not want that while working. You want to create a productive working atmosphere here. Therefore, choose a light colour ranging from 4000K cool white light to 6000K daylight white.

Retail & Shop

Depending on your products, you have chosen a particular style and atmosphere for your shop. When working with fresh produce such as fruit and vegetables, a bright light colour is ideal. For fresh products such as cheese and cold meats, a warm colour enhances the colour of the products.

In a shop, it is not only important to choose the right light colour but also to take the Colour Rendering Index (CRI) into account. We explain exactly what this means on another page. In short, a higher CRI provides more accurate colour rendering, which we recommend to anyone who works with colours. Examples include clothing shops and the paint department in a DIY store.

Regarding light colour in retail, we recommend staying between 3000K and 4000K. Do not choose a colour temperature that is too warm, to prevent your products from appearing yellowish. A light colour that is too cool creates a stark atmosphere, which we want to avoid.

Conclusion

Choose a different light colour for each function. The right colour helps enhance the atmosphere and prevents you from becoming tired while working. In addition, colour temperature creates an atmosphere that affects your mood. You therefore need different lighting in an office environment than in your company restaurant. At your workplace, you want concentration; in your restaurant, you want relaxation. The right light colour contributes to a comfortable environment.