Which Light Colour Suits Me?

Sometimes, the light colour is a matter of taste, but the colour temperature also serves a function. With every shade of white, you can change the atmosphere, but it can also have practical implications when performing daily tasks. We all have associations with a light colour, which ultimately have a psychological effect. This is something to consider when choosing the right colour temperature for your lamp. Want to know what we recommend for your workplace or living room? 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 measure this in Kelvin (K). What does this mean? The right colour temperature contributes to performing tasks well. Imagine you are cutting meat under warm white light; the chance of not seeing the difference in colour between your hands and the meat is significantly higher. Without realising it, you might cut your fingers. The right light colour ensures that you stay focused and make fewer mistakes.

On the other hand, you don't just want practical lighting; atmosphere plays a role as well. You can make a space as cosy as you like, but if you hang a fluorescent light above it, it won’t look inviting. The colour temperature can make or break your interior.

Light Colour, What’s the Difference?

Most lamps are white in terms of light colour. However, white light can differ greatly, from very warm, almost orange light to cold, almost bluish light. So, how does this work? And what should you consider when purchasing a lamp with a white light colour?

What is Light Colour?

The different types of white light are called the colour temperature of light. We measure this in Kelvin. The scale of colour temperature may seem a bit counterintuitive: the lower the colour temperature, the warmer (and more orange) the light. This also works the other way around: the higher the colour temperature, the cooler (and more blue) the light. A lamp with a colour temperature of 2700 Kelvin has a warmer light colour than one with 6000 Kelvin.

Light Colour per Room

When choosing a colour temperature for a particular room, it's important to first consider the room's function. Does the space need to appear inviting and cosy? Then choose a warmer colour, which means a lower colour temperature. If it’s important for people in the room to stay alert and refreshed, such as in an office, choose a reasonably cool temperature. For tasks that require excellent visibility, such as in a workshop, choose a colour temperature of 6500 Kelvin. This light colour mimics daylight, which helps colours appear clearly, but it can also come across as very cold and harsh.

The Effect of Light Colour

In addition to the fact that light colour or temperature affects the impression of a room, it can also have other effects on people. It can influence your mood. Think about the colour of a sunset, which is somewhat yellow-orange. Generally, this makes you feel relaxed, and your body begins preparing for sleep. A warm colour temperature is therefore ideal for a cosy living room but not very suitable for a workplace! On the other hand, cold white light helps your body stay alert and awake. So, cold light is not ideal for a bedroom, as bright and bluish light in the evening can make it harder to sleep.

Which Light Colour Should I Choose?

Now that you know what to consider when purchasing white light, think carefully about the purpose of the room before making your choice: what should the room convey? And what types of activities are typically carried out in that space? This way, you can make an informed choice about the right colour temperature. Still unsure which colour temperature is most suitable for your space? Feel free to ask for our advice!

Light Colour per Room

Now that you know light colour not only enhances the atmosphere but also has practical properties, we’ll provide advice for each room. What light colour should you choose for your office, lunchroom, or shop?

Company Restaurant

The company restaurant or cafeteria can be divided into two segments: the area where we lunch or dine, and the area where meals are prepared.

The light colour in a company kitchen should be well-lit to work with fresh ingredients and keep the staff focused. We recommend using at least 4000K cool white light to 6000K daylight white in the kitchen.

If you have a cosy restaurant or company cafeteria, feel free to use a more atmospheric light colour. A warmer light colour creates a homely, cosy feeling. This benefits the employees, as they get a brief break from their daily tasks. The perfect light colour is around 2700K warm white light to 3000K bright white light.

Living Room in the Office

In modern companies, we increasingly find a living room-style space in the office, where colleagues can relax between tasks. It’s a space where you gather with others for relaxing activities. To enhance the homely atmosphere, choose a warmer light colour. The desired light colour is around 2700K warm white light to 3000K bright white light.

Office

In the office, you want light that promotes concentration. What you definitely want to avoid is too dark a warm light colour. With too dark a light colour, your eyes become strained and possibly fatigued, which is not ideal during work. You want to create a productive work environment. Therefore, choose a light colour between 4000K cool white light to 6000K daylight white.

Retail & Shop

Depending on your product, you’ve chosen a style for your store with its own atmosphere. When working with fresh produce like vegetables and fruit, a bright light colour is very helpful. For fresh products like cheese and cold cuts, a warmer colour enhances the product’s colour.

In a store, it’s important to choose the right light colour, but you should also consider the Colour Rendering Index (CRI). We explain this in more detail elsewhere. In short, a higher CRI ensures better colour accuracy, which is essential for anyone working with colours. Take, for example, a clothing store or the paint section in a DIY store.

Regarding light colour in retail, we recommend staying between 3000K and 4000K. Avoid choosing too warm a colour temperature to prevent your products from appearing yellowish. A too-cool light colour creates a cold atmosphere, which is something we want to avoid.

Conclusion

For each function, you choose a different light colour. The right colour helps enhance the atmosphere and keeps you from getting fatigued while working. Additionally, colour temperature creates an ambiance that influences your mood. Therefore, you need different lighting in a work environment than in a company restaurant. In your workplace, you want focus, while in your restaurant, you want relaxation. The right light colour contributes to a comfortable environment.