When choosing the color of light, you should be guided by the specifics of the room and its character. Different solutions will work for an office or living room, and different ones for a bedroom. Well-chosen light supports relaxation or energizes for action. What is the color of light, what are the types of colors and what solutions will work in specific rooms?
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What is light color?
The term light color refers to the shade and nature of light emitted by a light source. Color depends primarily on the spectrum and length of light waves. It is described by the so-called color temperature and spectrum of visible light. The range of electromagnetic waves that are visible to the human eye is between about 380 and 750 nanometers.
When discussing the color of light in detail, there are three main factors to consider:
- color temperature - the unit of measurement is Kelvin (K), refers to the sensation of warmth/coolness;
- light spectrum — a parameter that depends on the length of the light waves emitted by the light source;
- colour rendering index, marked as CRI, allows to determine the fidelity of reproduction of real colours by a given light source, the reference point is natural light.
Despite the adoption of specific frameworks describing the color of light, it is largely a subjective experience of a given person. In practice, the same color can be perceived and interpreted differently by the human eye, depending on the situational context, interior design, etc.
What are the colours of LED light?
LED light is available in various variants, so the color can be easily adjusted to individual preferences and needs. This is important, especially since LEDs are widely used in both home and commercial lighting.
Currently, the most popular LED light color variants are:
- warm light, with a value of approx. 2700-3000K, the colour of which resembles the colour of a classic light bulb, creates a very pleasant, cosy atmosphere in the room, the shade of the light is yellowish or slightly orange;
- natural white light for a light source of approx. 3500-4500K, a characteristic feature is the lack of a distinct yellow or blue colour, balanced light that closely resembles natural daylight;
- cold white light (for the 5000-6500K range), which takes on a slightly blue tint, this variant can be compared to daylight appearing on a very sunny day;
- RGB coloured light, based on the basic colours of red, green and blue, the LED diodes then emit different colours, and the installed special controller allows you to change the colour and regulate its intensity;
- so-called full spectrum, i.e. full light color, a characteristic feature is that LED diodes reflect the full range of colors of sunlight.
The color of LED light should be selected individually to suit the needs of people or the specifics of the room. Different solutions will work well in the living room, others in the bedroom, and others in places such as a home office.
How to choose the color for the kitchen, living room or bathroom?
Choosing the right light color is crucial for the comfort of the people in a given room. The function of the room plays a key role in the selection. The mood that is to prevail in it is also equally important.
In the living room, it is best to choose warm white light, marked with values 2700-3000K. This is the optimal solution, which will allow you to obtain a cozy and at the same time functional space, for spending time with loved ones. Due to the specificity of the room, it is worth considering the selection of different light sources to adapt them to the way you spend time. Ceiling lighting will work great, but it is also worth choosing wall lamps or floor lamps, which will help maintain a more atmospheric character of the room. This is an ideal solution, for example, for an evening movie screening with the family. Intense lighting is then not needed.
The color temperature of light in the kitchen should be slightly cooler. Neutral white light with values from 3500-4500K will work best here. When preparing meals, it is important for the workspace to be well lit and for the color to reflect natural light as best as possible. To improve the comfort of work, it is best to choose spot lighting , installed e.g. directly above the countertop, in addition to the classic ceiling lamp. In such a situation, you can choose main lighting with a slightly cooler color to make the kitchen bright.
In the case of the bathroom, it is best to choose a cooler light color. To achieve optimal comfort, it is best to choose white light with a temperature of 4000-5000K. It is worth emphasizing that this color affects the optics, makes the room seem larger. Additionally, it helps to emphasize order and tidiness, has an energizing effect. Good lighting is essential, especially during everyday cosmetic and hygiene treatments, while shaving or applying makeup. Another good solution is LED lighting directly by the mirror, which improves comfort and precision of operation. Cold light, preferably with a high color rendering index, will be the best choice.
When choosing the right light for the bedroom, it is best to choose warm white light, preferably with parameters of around 2700K. The bedroom plays a special role in the home, it is a place intended for relaxation and regeneration, and the warm color of light helps to calm down and prepare the body for sleep. In addition to ceiling lighting, it is worth deciding to buy night lamps that match the arrangement of the space. It is best if they are equipped with the ability to regulate the intensity of operation.
The way in which individual rooms are lit is crucial, it allows for maximum relaxation or supports the concentration process during study or work. That is why it is so important to approach the subject in the right way.