Finish Phase|Step 32 of 37
Adjust Color Temperature
Color temperature is measured in Kelvin and ranges from warm candlelight to cool daylight. Getting it right transforms how your space feels.
Time Required
30 min - 1 hour
Cost
$0-$50 (bulb swaps)
Difficulty
Easy
Kelvin Scale Explained
2200K - Candlelight
Amber, flame-like glow. Very warm. Vintage Edison bulbs. Decorative only.
2700K - Soft White
Traditional incandescent equivalent. Warm, cozy, relaxing. Living rooms, bedrooms.
3000K - Warm White
Slightly less yellow. Versatile. Works in kitchens, bathrooms, living areas.
4000K - Cool White
Neutral, crisp. Offices, garages, workspaces. Too clinical for living areas.
5000K+ - Daylight
Blue-white. Task lighting, art studios, workshops. Energizing but harsh for home.
Recommended by Room
- Living room: 2700K for cozy ambiance. Universal choice.
- Bedroom: 2700K or warmer. Supports relaxation and sleep.
- Kitchen: 2700-3000K. Warm but functional.
- Bathroom: 3000K for natural-looking skin tones in mirror.
- Home office: 3000-4000K. Alert but not harsh.
- Garage/workshop: 4000-5000K. Bright, functional.
Consistency Matters
- Match within room: All bulbs in a room should be the same Kelvin.
- Open floor plans: Adjacent spaces should match or be close.
- Same brand helps: Different manufacturers' 2700K can look different.
- Check existing: Before buying more bulbs, check what you already have.
- Tunable option: CCT bulbs let you adjust throughout the day.
Pro Tips
- •Start warm: When in doubt, choose 2700K. It's rarely wrong for homes.
- •Evening shift: Cooler light in morning, warmer at night supports circadian rhythm.
- •Test before buying more: Buy one bulb, test it, then buy the rest.
- •CRI matters too: 90+ CRI makes colors accurate regardless of Kelvin.