Warm or cold light: which to use in the various rooms of the house?

Have you ever bought a light bulb that would illuminate incorrectly, with a light that is too strong, too white or otherwise, not very intense? Many people make mistakes! This error is often due to a wrong choice between warm and cold light, which can significantly affect the overall lighting performance in the various rooms in the home. So let's see how and where to use warm light and cold light.

Warm light or cold light: what are the differences?

The scientific distinction between hot and cold lies in the temperature of the light itself (expressed in degrees Kelvin). On a substantial level instead, the first visually tends towards yellow-orange (like that of the street lamps), the second turns blue.

 Speaking specifically of Kelvin degrees, we can say that:

·        Below 3300 K there is a warm light,

·        Above 5300 K we are in the presence of cold light,

·        Between 3300 and 5300 instead it is appropriate to introduce another concept ... that of neutral light!

So, between warm light, cold light, neutral light which one to choose?

Cold or natural warm light

The distinction just made is useful to specify that, even if in common language everything is reduced to a discourse of cold or warm light, in reality, it would be more appropriate to speak of warm or neutral light!

In fact, to think of it, when we talk about cold-light bulbs we refer to a type of light that tends to white / neutral and not to blue/blue seen in the previous paragraph. So in the next few lines, we will still use the word "cold" to mean natural light 4000K.

Better warm or cold light? Room by room list

The choice of the type of lighting is therefore very important and must be carefully considered to achieve the maximum degree of comfort and efficiency in every room.

In addition to comfort, the light can be used strategically to enhance the evocative effect of the furniture. For example, the aesthetics of a home furnished with ultramodern, glossy or lacquered furniture can be enhanced by the use of a white or neutral light.

Warm or cold light in the kitchen?

In rooms where activities that require concentration and good visibility are carried out, such as the kitchen, it is necessary to choose cold-light lamps because they have an excellent performance in terms of brightness ... especially on worktops.

Warm or cold light to study?

Speech analogous to the kitchen, also applies to environments dedicated to work or study. Between warm and cold light to read, the second is more suitable, since it would lessen the eye.

Living room and bedrooms: warm light or cold light?

For rooms used for relaxation, such as the living room or the bedroom, it is not necessary to light the whole room by day! Too strong light can be annoying and inadequate. Too much brightness would infuse a sense of hyperactivity that is not suited to the room's use. Much more indicated is the use of warm light lamps that will illuminate softly and without dazzling.

 Warm or cold light in the bathroom?

The bathroom is a place dedicated to relaxation, but also to personal hygiene, make-up, shaving, etc. It is, therefore, appropriate to distinguish the background light from the functional light (such as that of a mirror). In this last case, a cold/neutral light is recommended. While, for general lighting, it is worthwhile to adapt to the furnishings and colors chosen for the environment and find the compromise that best enhances them.

Also, read and learn about How to choose the chandelier for the living room