Old habits die hard. Even while shopping LED bulbs most people focus largely, sometimes solely, on wattage. They ignore another factor that’s just as important — color temperature. (And any way, with LEDs, it’s not watts that’s really important, but rather lumens.)
The fact of the matter is that the color temperature matters. Different color temperatures are suitable for different functions, so it is important you know exactly which color temperature goes where.
Color temperature, measured in Kelvin, has got nothing to do with the actual heat produced by the bulb. Instead, it refers to how warm or cool an LED bulb’s color appears to the human eye.
Understanding LED Light Bulbs
LED bulbs are available in a variety of wattages and base styles. They also come in different color temperatures and brightness levels. That said, choosing the right LED light bulb isn’t difficult.
Lumens
The lumen rating denoted the brightness in case of LED bulbs. The greater the lumen rating, the brighter the LED bulb.
Also, contrary to what many think, you can too much light in a room. That is as undesirable as too little light.
How much light a room needs depends on many things, such as light placement, wall color, size of the room, and its function. If you are unsure about your lighting needs, speak to one our representatives who will help you find the right LED bulb for your needs.
Watts
This represents the amount of power consumed by a bulb. With LED bulbs, you need to focus more on lumens rather than on watts.
Compared to incandescent bulbs, LED bulbs consume far less power. That means a 60W incandescent bulb emits less amount of light compared to a 60W LED bulb. As a matter of fact, a 12W or 8W LED bulb is a good replacement for an incandescent bulb of 60W.
Color temperature
In addition to brightness, take into account the color of the LED bulbs. Usually, color temperature is described by descriptive names like daylight or soft white. A Kelvin rating denotes color temperature, as said before.
Let’s look at what the Kelvin rating of different descriptive names commonly used with LED bulbs.
- Soft White (2,700K - 3,000K) gives off yellow and warm light, similar to what an incandescent bulb emits. This light creates a cozy and warm ambience and is frequently used in bedrooms, living rooms, and dens.
- Warm white (3,000K – 4,000K) gives off a more yellowish-white light. They are typically used in bathrooms and kitchen.
- Natural White or Bright white (4,000K – 5,000K) produces white and blue tones. They produce a more energetic and less cozy feel. As such, they are usually perfect for work spaces (like garages and home offices). They are also frequently used in kitchens having chrome fixtures.
- Daylight (5,000K – 6,500K) gives off a more blue tone. It is used for reading, working, and applying makeup.
Now that you know what color temperature goes where, you shouldn’t have any difficulty in buying the right LED bulb for your needs, whatever they may be.