Light Temperature Guide: Choosing the Right Kelvin for Your Space
To help you find the perfect colour temperature for your interior space, we’ll start by explaining what light temperature is, how it affects your mood, and then explore typical applications to guide your choices.
What Is Light Temperature
Light temperature is measured in Kelvins (K). Lower numbers give a warm, yellowish light, while higher numbers result in a cooler, bluer light.
Most of our Linear Lights products are available in 3000K (warm white) or 4000K (cool white/daylight), as these suit the majority of residential and commercial projects. While cooler options above 4000K are available, they’re usually only used in places like hospitals or warehouses.
Many of our fittings are also customisable, so if you need a specific colour temperature, our free lighting design service can help find the perfect solution for your space.
Light Temperature on Mood
3000K – Warm White
Warm white (3000K) emits a soft, slightly yellow light that creates a cosy and inviting atmosphere. It’s ideal for spaces where comfort and relaxation are key, such as homes, hotel rooms, and lobbies.
4000K – Cool White / Daylight
Daylight (4000K) provides a brighter, more neutral tone that improves visibility and alertness. This makes it well-suited for offices, classrooms, retail spaces, and other areas where clarity and focus are important.
Circadian Lighting
The circadian rhythm is the body's internal clock that keeps your body on schedule. It regulates the sleep–wake cycle, operating on a roughly 24-hour cycle. Having too much or too little at the wrong time of the day can upset our circadian rhythm which in turn can impact mood, energy levels, and overall wellbeing. This is why 3000K is suggested in some environments and 4000K in others.
To support a healthy balance, we recommend using cooler 4000K light during daytime hours to promote alertness, then transitioning to warmer 3000K light in the evening to simulate natural sunset and help the body wind down.
Many Linear Lights luminaires can offer tunable white light engines that, when paired with controls, can follow a pre-set schedule of colour temperature changes. If circadian lighting is something you’d like to explore for your project, please get in touch with our lighting design team.
What is The Best Light Temperature?
The "best" light temperature is subjective. It can vary depending on your personal preferences and the specific activities within a space. To help guide your choice, we’ve provided suggestions for several common areas below. If you’re unsure which lighting temperature is right for your project, our free lighting design service offers expert advice to ensure your chosen lighting is both ideal and fully optimised for your needs.
Best Light Temperature For Offices
In office environments, lighting significantly impacts focus, productivity, and comfort throughout the workday. The ideal light temperature for most office spaces is between 4000K and 5000K, often referred to as cool white or daylight.
Best Light Temperature For Homes
For homes, we generally recommend Warm White at 3000K to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere. In bedrooms a 3000K can promote calmness and prepare the body for restful sleep and in a living room 2700K–3000K (warm white) to create a relaxing and welcoming environment for socializing or unwinding.
However, in kitchens, a cooler 4000K light may be preferable to provide clear illumination for food preparation, cooking, and cleaning.
Bringing It All Together
Choosing the right light temperature is more than just a technical decision, it’s about creating the perfect atmosphere tailored to your interior needs. Whether you’re looking for the cosy warmth of 3000K or the clarity and focus that 4000K offers, the right lighting can transform how you live, work, and feel in any space.
If you’re unsure which temperature will best suit your project or want to explore advanced options like tunable white lighting, our free lighting design service is here to help. Contact our expert team today and let us guide you towards lighting solutions that brighten your space and enhance your wellbeing.