Infographic: Which colour temperature do I need?

Kelvin (K) is the unit for the light colour or colour temperature of a lamp. A low value, such as 2700 or 3000 K, gives warm, yellowish light. A high value, such as 5000 to 6500 K, gives cool, bluish light. The colour temperature largely determines the atmosphere of a room.

Living room with warm white light
Warm white light (approx. 3000 K) gives a living room a cosy atmosphere.

The colour temperatures at a glance

KelvinLight colourAtmosphere
2200 to 2700 Kextra warm whitecosy, like an incandescent bulb or candlelight
3000 K (K3000)warm whiteatmospheric and relaxed
4000 K (K4000)neutral whitebright and businesslike
5000 to 6500 K (K6000)daylight / cool whitebright and functional

Which colour temperature for which room?

  • Living room and bedroom: 2700 to 3000 K.
  • Kitchen and bathroom: 3000 to 4000 K.
  • Office and school: 4000 K.
  • Workshop, garage, warehouse: 4000 to 6000 K.
  • Hospitality and hotels: 2700 to 3000 K.
  • Outdoors, garden and patio: 2700 to 3000 K; for yards and car parks 4000 K.

Can I set the colour temperature myself?

Yes, with CCT lighting you set the colour temperature yourself, using a switch on the luminaire or a remote control. Read more about 3CCT.

Kelvin is not the same as brightness

A 6000 K lamp looks brighter, but does not necessarily give more light. You can tell the amount of light from the number of lumens. Take a look at our LED bulbs in various colour temperatures.

Frequently asked questions

What does K3000 or K4000 mean?

The number is the colour temperature in Kelvin: K3000 is warm white, K4000 neutral white.

Which colour temperature is best for the living room?

Warm white, 2700 to 3000 K, for a cosy atmosphere.

Which colour temperature should I choose for the office?

4000 K neutral white: bright light that is comfortable for focused work.