Lighting Phase|Step 11 of 23
Warm Up Bulb Color
Bulb color temperature dramatically affects how your bedroom feels. 2700K warm white bulbs create a restful, relaxing atmosphere.
Time Required
10-15 minutes
Cost
$3-10 per bulb
Difficulty
Very Easy
Understanding Color Temperature
2700K - Soft White/Warm White ★ Best for Bedrooms
Warm, yellowish glow like incandescent bulbs. Cozy and relaxing. Promotes natural sleep rhythm.
3000K - Warm White
Slightly less yellow than 2700K. Good for living rooms. Acceptable for bedrooms if you prefer slightly brighter.
4000K - Cool White
Neutral white. Good for kitchens, bathrooms, offices. Too stimulating for bedrooms.
5000K+ - Daylight
Blue-white light. Great for garages, task lighting. Actively disrupts sleep hormones. Avoid in bedrooms.
Why This Matters for Sleep
- • Blue light blocks melatonin: Cool/daylight bulbs signal to your brain that it is daytime
- • Warm light mimics sunset: Helps your body prepare for sleep naturally
- • Circadian rhythm support: Consistent lighting helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle
- • Better sleep quality: Studies show warm lighting before bed improves sleep onset and depth
Bulb Shopping Checklist
Look for these specs on the package:
- • Color temperature: 2700K (may say "soft white" or "warm white")
- • Dimmable: If you have dimmer switches, bulbs must be rated dimmable
- • Lumens not watts: 800 lumens = old 60W, 1100 lumens = old 75W
- • CRI 90+: Color Rendering Index affects how colors look under the light
- • LED: Last 15-25 years vs. 1 year for incandescent, save on energy
Brightness by Location
| Location | Recommended Lumens |
|---|---|
| Overhead/ceiling fixture | 1,500-3,000 total lumens |
| Bedside lamp | 400-800 lumens each |
| Reading light | 450-800 lumens |
| Closet | 800-1,100 lumens |
Pro Tips
- •Replace all bulbs at once: Mismatched color temperatures are jarring. Do the whole room.
- •Consider smart bulbs: Philips Hue and others can shift from cool (morning) to warm (evening) automatically.
- •Check your phone: Many phones have "night mode" that shifts screen to warmer colors after sunset.
- •Edison bulbs look warm but vary: The visible filament style can range from 2200K-2700K. Check the specs.