What Does “Color” Mean in Lighting?
If you’re like most people, you’ve probably picked up a light bulb at your local retailer and noticed it lists a “coloring,” “color temperature,” “CRI” or “color rendering” on it. So what exactly does this mean? Coloring of a light can have a big impact, not only on your light fixtures, but also on the rest of the decor on your home. Here’s the low down on light coloring for light bulbs.
What Do All These Terms Mean, Anyway?
“Coloring,” “color temperature,” or “color rendering” all refer to the different concepts with the light when the light bulb is installed in a light fixture and switched on. Typically the colors are cool, warm or somewhat neutral.
There is also the CRI Index, or “Color Rendering Index.” For the Color Rendering Index, the rule of thumb is the higher the number, the better the color rendering. For example, a ceiling light that uses a light bulb with a CRI of 90 or more will have better color rendering than a ceiling light that uses a light bulb with a CRI of 70 or 80. Color rendering refers to how accurate the color will be when this particular light bulb is turned on without taking into account the effects that different shades on light fixtures will have on the color rendering of the bulb.
However, do note that the CRI index is different than color temperature, which can make this concept a bit confusing.
Color temperature refers to the light color that is perceived by the human eye. For example, if the color temperature of the bulb is listed at 3000 to 3500, it will produce a whiter light than a light bulb that has a color temperature of 2700, which is more yellow in coloring. The color temperature of daylight is usually between 5000 and 7000.
If you are looking to add more warm lighting to your space with your light fixtures, you’ll want to opt for a light bulb that lists a color temperature range of 2700 to 2800. This is pretty typical for the incandescent light bulb, which many people feel produces the warmest, most flattering light. For a cleaner, whiter light, opt between 3000 and 3500 and for a bluer toner, look for at least 4000. If you want your fixtures, such as pendant lights, to recreate the effects of natural daylight, opt for a color temperature of at least 5000 but no more than 7000.
In short, color rendering and color temperature are not the same concepts. A color temperature does not guarantee the color rendering of surrounding objects when that light bulb is installed in a light fixture and turned on. Just as a color rendering can vary based on the color temperature of the bulb. Light coloring is a science and it may take a few tries to achieve the desired effect if you’re still unsure of what light bulbs you should use in your light fixtures. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
Now that you know the proper definition of color lighting, check out our wonderful array of cool, warm, and neutral lighting fixtures today!
Tags: Ceiling Lights, Contemporary, Light Fixtures, Lighting Fixtures, Pendant Lights
