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How to Choose Color Temperature and Light Intensity in LED Lighting?

Lighting is one of the most important elements in determining the atmosphere of the space and creating an environment suitable for its intended use. For this reason, lighting options with LED technology are becoming a good option. However, at this point, it is important to pay attention to the color temperature and light intensity of LED lighting. If you want to have detailed information on this subject, you can review our content titled “How to Choose Color Temperature and Light Intensity in LED Lighting?”. In this way, you can have an idea about issues such as “What to Consider When Choosing Lighting According to Color Temperature and Light Intensity in LED Lighting”, “Which Color Temperature Should Be Preferred in Which Areas?”. We wish you enjoyable reading and a good day.

What is Color Temperature (Kelvin)?

Color temperature is a measure describing the hue of light emitted by a light source and is expressed in Kelvin (K). This concept relates to our perception of the color of light as warm or cool. For example, low Kelvin values (2000-3000K) produce a warmer, yellowish light, while high Kelvin values (4000-6500K) produce a cool, white or blue light. Candlelight, on the other hand, has a warm tone around 2000K and creates a relaxing atmosphere, while color temperatures between 5000-6000K, close to sunlight, provide clarity and a sense of energy. For this reason, color temperature is important for creating a suitable lighting atmosphere for different environments. At the same time, choosing the right color temperature increases lighting comfort, creating an environment suitable for both physical and psychological needs.

Color Temperature Chart in Light

What should the color temperature be?

The color temperature depends on the function and atmosphere of the space and personal preferences. For example, low color temperatures (2700-3000K) are preferred for a relaxing environment. This temperature range is known as warm white light and is ideal for relaxation areas such as living rooms and bedrooms. On the other hand, medium color temperatures (3500-4000K) provide a more neutral light and are used in areas that require both comfort and clarity, such as kitchens and dining rooms. Cool white light (4000-6500K) offers energetic and clear lighting. This makes it suitable for areas that require attention, such as a study, office or bathroom. In this context, choosing the right color temperature helps to create an atmosphere suitable for the intended use of the space, while increasing eye comfort and improving overall lighting quality.

What is Warm Light?

The color ratio of 2700K – 3500 Kelvin is called warm light. Warm light has soft light tones. It helps to relieve the tiredness of the day by giving a feeling of calmness. Warm white tones are preferred especially for lighting the houses. 

What is Natural Light?

Natural light corresponds to sunlight and color temperature close to sunlight. Sunlight or natural light has a color temperature of 3500K – 4500K. It is beneficial in terms of refreshment and health that the spaces receive daylight during the day.

What is Cold Light?

Cold light refers to the color temperature in the 4500K – 6500K range. Cold light tones are preferred in work environments with visual needs. The 4500K – 6500 Kelvin range makes it easy to achieve the focal point, increasing study and learning efficiency. 

What is Light Intensity?

Luminous intensity refers to the amount of light emitted by a light source over a given area and is usually measured in lumens (lm). Light intensity is therefore a key factor in determining how well a space is illuminated, and a light source with a higher lumen value emits a brighter light, which is of great importance for visual comfort and functionality. However, choosing the right light intensity depends on the size of the space, its intended use and lighting needs. For example, low light intensity (150-300 lumens/m²) is preferred for a relaxing environment such as a living room, while higher intensity (400-500 lumens/m²) may be required in areas that require attention and focus, such as a study.

Işık yoğunluğu ayrıca enerji verimliliğiyle de ilişkilidir; yüksek lümen/Watt oranına sahip LED ampuller, daha az enerji tüketerek daha fazla ışık sağlarken, ışık yoğunluğunun doğru ayarlanamaması göz yorgunluğuna veya yetersiz aydınlatmaya neden olabilir. Bu nedenle Işık yoğunluğunun doğru bir şekilde seçimi, hem mekânın işlevselliğini artırır hem de estetik bir atmosfer yaratılmasını sağlar.

What to Consider When Choosing Lighting According to Color Temperature and Light Intensity in LED Lighting

When choosing led lighting according to color temperature and light intensity, there are certain points to be considered. These points help to maximize light efficiency. In this context, the points you should pay attention to are as follows;
Color Temperature:

• For relaxation areas such as living rooms and bedrooms, 2700-3000K warm light should be preferred.
• In functional areas such as kitchens and dining rooms, 3500-4000K neutral light is appropriate.
• For areas that require clarity and attention, such as workrooms, offices and bathrooms, 4000-6500K cool white light should be used.

Light Intensity:

• For areas with low lighting requirements such as living rooms, 150-300 lumens/m² is ideal.
• Higher intensity light, 400-500 lumens/m², should be chosen for work areas.

Dimensions of Space and Lighting Needs:

• LEDs with higher lumens should be preferred for large areas.
• On the other hand, more powerful light sources should be used for homogeneous distribution of light in spaces with high ceilings.

Dimmer Compatibility:

• By choosing dimmer compatible models of LED bulbs, the light intensity can be adjusted according to the need.
• At the same time, it provides the opportunity to create a suitable atmosphere for different activities and contributes to energy savings.

CRI (Color Rendering Index):

• LED bulbs with a CRI of 80 or higher should be preferred for accurate color perception.
• This is especially important in areas such as kitchens, shops and art studios.

Energy efficiency:

• LEDs with a high lumen/Watt ratio emit more light while consuming less energy.
• The long life of LED bulbs offers advantages in terms of energy saving and cost.

Eye Health and Comfort:

• To avoid eye strain, LEDs with correctly adjusted brightness and color temperature should be selected.
• LEDs with blue light filters provide healthier lighting by reducing the negative effects of cold light.

Decorative and Aesthetic Compatibility:

• The color temperature should match the decoration style. Warm light is suitable for wood and rustic decors, while cold light is suitable for modern and minimalist designs.
• Light intensity and color temperature should be planned to complement the aesthetic aura of the space.

Bulb Life and Brand Reliability:

• By choosing LED bulbs from long-lasting and quality brands, the need for frequent bulb replacement is reduced.
• Reliable products maintain the expected color temperature and light intensity for a long time.

Which Color Temperature Should Be Preferred in Which Areas?

The color temperature used in each area exhibits different characteristics from each other. In this context, color temperature should be preferred according to the function and condition of the space. For this reason, when adjusting the color temperature, it can be handled separately as outdoor and indoor. At this point;

Which Color Temperature Should Be Preferred in Interiors?

• Living Room: Color temperatures between 2700-3000K (Warm White) should be preferred in our living rooms, one of the most comfortable and beautiful corners of our home. The main reason for this is that warm light creates a more intimate and natural environment in living rooms. At the same time, it does not tire the eyes as it offers a harmonious look with wood and natural tones.
• Yatak Odası: Dinlenme ve uyuma alanı olarak kullandığımız yatak odalarımız, ortalama olarak 2700-3000K (Sıcak Beyaz) arasındaki renk sıcaklıklarını tercih etmeliyiz. Çünkü yatak odalarında huzur ve rahatlamanın ön planda olduğu yerlerdir. Bu bağlamda sıcak beyaz ışık, sakin bir ortam yaratarak uykuya geçişi kolaylaştırır.

• Kitchen: Our kitchens, which are considered as a taste area, should have a color temperature of 3500-4000K (Neutral White). At this point, the preparations made in the kitchen can be seen clearly and Neutral white light offers both functional and natural lighting.
• Bathrooms: Bathrooms are undoubtedly one of the most important points of our home. Bu nedenle de banyolarda 4000-5000K (Soğuk Beyaz) renk sıcaklığına sahip aydınlatmalar tercih edilmelidir. Böylece Temizlik ve kişisel bakım için parlak, net bir ışık sağlanarak, banyonun hijyenik görünümü desteklenir.
• Working Room: Working rooms, where new ideas and inventions emerge, should use 4000-5000K (Cool White) lighting to create a comfortable space perception. Because attention and focus should be at a high level in working areas. In addition, cool white light increases alertness and supports productivity.
• Yemek Odası: En güzel sohbetlerin ve aile sıcaklığının yaşandığı ortamlarda olan yemek odaları, 3000-3500K (Nötr Beyaz) arası renk sıcaklığına sahip aydınlatmalardan oluşmalı. Bunun nedeni, soğuk beyaz ışığın hem sıcak bir atmosfer hem de yemeklerin doğal renklerinin vurgulanması olarak gösterilebilir. Aynı zamanda da nötr beyaz ışık bu dengeyi sağlar.
• Corridors and Stairs: Corridors and stairs, known as transition areas, should have 3000-4000K (Neutral White) light. In this way, a safe transition area is provided and sufficient lighting is provided in the space.

Which Color Temperature Should Be Preferred for Outdoor Spaces?

Garden Lighting: Gardens, which are a good option to get rid of stress and the suffocating air of the city, should be illuminated with 2700-3000K (Warm White) lighting to create a natural look and a friendly atmosphere. Bunun temel sebebi bitkileri ve peyzajın renklerini güzel bir şekilde vurgulamasıdır.

Parking Lot and Garage Lighting: In order to facilitate vehicle maneuvers in parking lots and garages, where our cars are safe, lighting with an average light temperature of 4000-5000K (Cool White) should be preferred. In this context, sufficient lighting can be provided in parking lots by choosing cold light.

Building and Facade Lighting: In general, 4000-5000K (Cool White) lighting can be preferred for building and facade lighting. In this way, a clear view can be obtained by providing the necessary security measures on buildings and facades.

Terrace and Balcony Lighting: Creating a relaxing and intimate environment outdoors, terraces and balconies are ideal places for evening relaxation. Bu oldukça ideal olan mekanlara 3000K (Sıcak Beyaz) ışık kullanılabilir. Böylelikle hedeflenen ideal görünüm yakalanabilir.

Advantages of Selecting LED Lighting According to Color Temperature and Light Intensity

When you choose lighting according to color temperature and light intensity in led lighting, you will have many advantages. To list these advantages;

• The choice of color temperature affects the atmosphere of the space. Warm light provides a relaxing and intimate environment, while cool light creates clarity and an energizing effect.
• The right color temperature and light intensity provide lighting that suits the intended use of the space. For example, cool white light supports focus in workspaces, while warm white light offers comfort in the living room.
• Eye fatigue caused by insufficient or excessive use of light is prevented. Color temperature and lumen level can be optimized to support eye health.
• Thanks to the high lumen/Watt ratio of LED bulbs, energy savings are achieved with the right intensity of lighting. This prevents the use of unnecessary brightness or weak light.
• Color temperature adapts to the decoration style. Warm light suits rustic and traditional designs, while cool light complements modern and minimalist designs.
• The right choice of light has positive effects on mood and biological rhythms. For example, warm white light is relaxing, while cool white light increases alertness.
• LED bulbs, when properly selected, last longer and reduce the need for frequent replacement. This results in cost savings.

The Effect of Correct Color Temperature and Light Intensity on Individuals

The right color temperature and light intensity have significant effects on the physical, psychological and biological processes of individuals. To illustrate this with an example, warm white light (2700-3000K) helps individuals relax, reduce stress and ease the transition to sleep by creating a calming atmosphere, while warm white light (2700-3000K) helps individuals relax, reduce stress and ease the transition to sleep by creating a calming atmosphere.

In addition, cool white light (4000-6500K) increases mental alertness and promotes attention and focus. In addition, light of insufficient intensity can cause eye strain and focusing problems, while too bright light can cause discomfort. Furthermore, the right combination of color temperature and light intensity supports biological rhythms. For example, warm and low-intensity light in the evening supports the natural sleep cycle by increasing melatonin production, while cool and high-intensity light in the morning helps to start the day fresh. Therefore, the right lighting choices have a positive impact on individuals' health, mood and productivity.

You have indoor lighting and outdoor If you are looking for lighting products with suitable color temperature and light intensity in lightings, You can contact Licalux's expert team.

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