Warm lights or cool lights: what to choose for different rooms in your home?

What are warm lights and cool lights?

Warm light refers to a type of light with a yellow or orange hue that does not exceed 3300 Kelvin. For example, old incandescent light bulbs typically emitted light with a color temperature of around 2700 Kelvin.

On the other hand, cool light refers to a light source with a color temperature higher than 5500 Kelvin. This color temperature is generally associated with an intense white to bluish hue.

And what about the range between warm light and cool light? Between 3500 and 5500 Kelvin, we refer to it as neutral light, typically defined around 4000 Kelvin, which offers various shades of white.

The main differences between warm lights and cool lights

In addition to the color temperature, the main differences between warm lights and cool lights involve the atmosphere and mood they create, as well as the effect on the perception of spaces.

The warm lights create a welcoming, intimate and relaxing atmosphere. They are ideal for areas where you want to promote relaxation and well-being, such as the bedroom or living room. On the other hand, cool lights have a more energizing and vibrant effect. They are often used in environments that require increased concentration, such as the study, garage, garden, but also under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen.

Regarding the perception of spaces, warm lights tend to create a sense of intimacy and coziness. As a result, rooms appear smaller and more intimate. On the other hand, cool lights tend to create a sense of openness and spaciousness. Rooms appear larger and more expansive when illuminated with cool lights.

The perfect type of light for the living room

The living room is used for relaxation, entertaining guests, and watching TV. For this reason, it is recommended to choose warm light as it provides soft and less aggressive illumination for the eyes. Additionally, this type of light helps create a warm and inviting ambiance.

Opting for a warm LED chandelier proves to be the best choice for the living room as it offers a perfect combination of energy efficiency and a relaxing atmosphere.

However, it is also possible to incorporate cool lights in specific areas of the living room, such as the reading corner, so as to favor greater concentration.

How to choose lights for the bedroom

The bedroom is a personal oasis, a refuge where we immerse ourselves in relaxation and rest. It is the place where we start and end our days, and its atmosphere is of fundamental importance to our well-being.

The choice of warm light in the bedroom is motivated by several factors. Firstly, warm light creates a relaxing and cozy atmosphere, enveloping the space with a yellow or amber tone.

On the other hand, it is best to avoid cool light as this type of light can interfere with sleep.

Warm lights or cold lights in the kitchen?

The kitchen is an environment where many activities take place, from meal preparation to family dining. In this type of environment, good lighting is necessary to carry out activities that require precision and attention to detail, such as food preparation.

Cool or neutral light can be ideal choices for this area of the house as they help maintain high attention and productivity levels.

Why choose cool lights in the home studio?

The home studio is a space dedicated to concentration and work, where productivity and efficiency are essential. Thanks to their brightness and clarity, cool lights are ideal for promoting concentration and productivity. Their white or blue hue creates a vibrant and stimulating environment, perfect for activities that require attention to detail and precision.

What type of light to use in the bathroom?

The bathroom is a space where various activities take place, from beauty routines to personal hygiene. The choice of the most suitable light depends largely on the type of bathroom. As a general guideline, if it is a guest bathroom, it is advisable to opt for neutral or cool lights, as these are lights that enhance cleanliness.

On the contrary, if it is a master bathroom, one could opt for warm lights. This soft tone contributes to creating a comfortable atmosphere that can promote a sense of calm and tranquility during beauty routines or personal hygiene.

Warm lights or cold lights in the garage?

The garage is a functional and practical environment, a space used for parking or do-it-yourself. Opting for cool lights in the garage offers several advantages. Firstly, they provide bright and crisp lighting, which enhances visibility during various activities. Additionally, cool lights contribute to creating a well-lit atmosphere and can promote organization and safety inside the garage.

The perfect type of light for outdoor spaces (terrace and garden)

Outdoor areas such as the garden or terrace require proper lighting to ensure safety and elegance. In this case as well, we need to consider the choice of lighting type. When it comes to walkways and external entrances, it is always better to opt for neutral lights as they highlight important details such as steps, sidewalks or obstacles, thus helping to prevent falls and accidents.

Instead, as far as convivial spaces are concerned, it is better to opt for warm lights because they help create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Conclusions and the proposal from Amlux

Everything we have just discussed can be completely overturned because lighting goes hand in hand with the style of the house and the assessment of the personal preferences of the clients. Whatever choice you want to opt for, LED lights are the perfect solution to illuminate areas of your home with warm or cool lights. At Amlux, we stock a wide range of indoor and outdoor LED bulbs with a perfect combination of energy efficiency, long life and outstanding illumination.

Contact us now for more information or for personalized advice!