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Colour temperature of light: what it is and how it is measured

26 Abr 2022

LED lighting has become in recent years a must in interior design and architecture studios. This type of lighting has clear benefits such as energy savings and lower heat production, but what has led to its widespread use in these sectors is undoubtedly the number of opportunities offered by LED color temperature.

 

It is important to be clear that color temperature is not an exclusive characteristic of LED lamps, but is a concept specific to lighting, in general, that is used to describe the tone of the light source from cooler to warmer.

 

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 LED lamps give the possibility to illuminate with different colors, from the warmest to the coldest, playing with the LED color temperature to create original and personalized environments, capable of transmitting infinite sensations. 


 

 

What is LED color temperature?


LED color temperature is a value that is measured in degrees Kelvin (K) and determines what we consider warm light tones and cool light tones. When a black body is heated, it radiates a different type of light depending on the temperature, creating that warm or cool light that we understand as the color temperature in an LED luminaire.

 

LED lamps can be manufactured with a certain color temperature by combining different chemical compounds.  In addition, unlike other types of lighting such as fluorescent tubes, LED lighting does not alter or damage the objects it illuminates as it does not emit ultraviolet or infrared radiation. 

 

 

Normally, we can distinguish between three types of LED color temperature:

 

Cold Light (over 4000k)

 

It is the one with bluer tones, it gives a greater sensation of luminosity than others, and it is the most used for working environments such as offices and clinics (4000k) or special rooms (5000k). Its arrangement should be carefully studied so that it does not produce glare.

 

Neutral light (between 2700K and 4000K)

 

This is a type of light widely used as a light for stores and offices, although the lighting tone it gives is not very welcoming, so its function is more to illuminate than to create effects.

 

Warm light (2700K or less)

 

This light is of warmer tones, is cozy, creates comfort and relaxed environments, so it is widely used in homes to illuminate homes, especially bedrooms and living rooms. create a cozy and close atmosphere.

 

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How to use LED color temperature to create original atmospheres


To know how to apply LED color temperature to an environment and achieve a certain atmosphere, the most important thing is to first define the function of the space to be illuminated, the activity to be carried out in it, etc. With LED color temperature it is possible to create relaxed environments, which invite to talk and transmit comfort, but also the opposite, spaces where lighting favors a good concentration or stimulation, such as in clinics or libraries.

 

That is why the LED color temperature will vary if what you want to illuminate is a commercial space, an office, a customer reception room, the hall of a hotel, etc.. The warm light is perfect to highlight architectural or decorative details in places where the atmosphere is relaxed and calm.  

 

Neutral light, on the other hand, does not distinguish reliefs but offers a clearer view by reducing contrasts, making it the best choice for places where visibility is important or where an activity such as shopping is to be encouraged. For example, in a school classroom, neutral light is used. In this case, there is no distinction between reliefs. 

 

If we want to distinguish reliefs, we will use accent lighting. For example, if we want to highlight a sculpture with warm tones, a temperature of 2700k will be used and if it is made of stone, 3000k or 4000k will be enough. LED lights should be placed in strategic locations, where they can produce shadows or highlight effects of the design or decoration, if desired.

 

In addition, it is important to take into account the color of the walls, floor, furniture, etc., so that the combination between the LED color temperature and the colors of the space produces the right sensations.

 

Benefits of using LED color temperature to create ambiance


LED color temperature is a factor that allows infinite possibilities of application, not only for the tone of the lighting but also for the places where it is placed. And it is a tool that can convert spaces without personality into places that encourage just what is intended in people.

 

Creating visual effects with which to enlarge a space, make it cozier, warmer, cooler, more casual or more formal, is now possible thanks to the color temperature of luminaires and LEDs. 

 

 

Combining LED shades and color temperatures


The LED color temperature used in a given space does not always have to be uniform. Combining different shades and temperatures can be the best option in multipurpose spaces, where combining warm lights in certain places with cool lights in others can create the perfect ambiance.

 

This combination can be especially useful in places such as cafés, restaurants, shopping malls, etc., where you can influence people's actions through the sensations transmitted by the lighting.

 

At FARO Barcelona, we have a wide variety of lighting possibilities, and we work daily with LED color temperature to create personalized and original spaces. Our technicians are fully available to each client throughout the process, to ensure advice, installation, and results tailored to each project that meets all the objectives set.

 

Do you want to create spaces that make an impact with LED color temperature? Contact us and we will work to achieve it.

 

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