How to choose light color
Which light color should you choose? Light color shapes the mood of a room and supports how you use the space. The cozy glow you want while watching TV is different from the crisp, precise light you need for detailed work in a garage. This guide explains the Kelvin scale, the most common LED light colors, and where each works best—plus quick room-by-room recommendations for your home.
What is light color (Kelvin)?
Light color is expressed as color temperature in Kelvin (K). The lower the Kelvin value, the warmer and more yellow/orange the light appears. The higher the Kelvin value, the cooler and bluer the light looks.
Common LED light colors
| Light color (K) | Type of light | Typical applications |
|---|---|---|
| 1800K | Candlelight | Ambient lighting at home |
| 2200K | Extra cozy white | Ambient at home, bars, restaurants |
| 2700K | Cozy white | Ambient at home, bars, restaurants |
| 3000K | Warm white | Ambient at home, restaurants, hotels, shops, lobbies |
| 4000K | Neutral white | Task light for studies, offices, schools, showrooms, kitchens, sports halls |
| 5000K | Daylight white | Task light for offices, workshops, kitchens, hobby rooms |
| 6000K | Cool white | Precise task light for hobby rooms, labs, hospitals, garages, dental clinics |
| 6500K | Extra cool white | Precise task light for hobby rooms, labs, hospitals, garages, dental clinics |
Three light-color families
- 1800K – 3000K (Warm white): yellow to amber glow for cozy ambience.
- 4000K – 5000K (Neutral/bright white): clean, active feel—closest to daylight; supports focus and alertness.
- 6000K – 6500K (Cool white): very clear, bluish light for maximum visibility where accuracy matters.
The right color temperature for home
Use different light colors per area. For example, choose warm white for general bathroom ceiling lighting, but 5000K near the mirror for true-to-life makeup or grooming. As a rule of thumb, home lighting is often below 4000K, with selected task areas at 4000–5000K.
| Room | Recommended Kelvin |
|---|---|
| Living room | 2700K – 4000K |
| Kitchen | 3000K – 5000K |
| Bathroom | 3500K – 5000K |
| Bedroom | 2700K – 3000K |
| Study / Home office | 4000K – 5000K |
Adjusting light color
Many lamps let you adjust the light color. Some offer tunable white (CCT), so you can shift between warm and cool white. Others support full RGB, letting you choose from thousands of colors—blue, pink, green, and more—to set the perfect mood.