Colour Temperature Guide

Most people spend a lot of time choosing the right fixture and very little time thinking about the light it puts out. Colour temperature is one of the biggest factors in how a room feels, and it's easy to get wrong. Here's what you need to know before you buy.

What is Colour Temperature?

Colour temperature is measured in Kelvins (K) and describes how warm or cool a light source appears.

2700K to 3000K: Warm white. Amber-toned, close to incandescent light. Relaxed and residential.
3000K to 3500K: Neutral white. Balanced, clean, and versatile. Works in both home and commercial settings.
4000K to 5000K: Cool white. Crisp and bright. Common in workspaces, retail, and kitchens.
5000K and above: Daylight. Blue-toned and high contrast. Best suited to task-heavy or specialised environments.

For most residential spaces, you'll be working in the 2700K to 3500K range. The jump from 2700K to 4000K is more noticeable than most people expect, so it's worth being deliberate.

Room By Room: Warmer Spaces

DINING ROOMS

2700K.

Go as warm as possible here. Dining is one of the few spaces where 2700K is almost always the right call. It's flattering at the table and it makes food look better. Cooler light in a dining room tends to feel clinical.

BEDROOMS

2700K.

Bedrooms should feel restful, and warmer light supports that. It also helps with the transition to sleep. If you have task lighting at a desk or vanity within the bedroom, a slightly higher Kelvin on that specific fixture is fine, but keep the ambient light warm.

LIVING ROOMS

2700K to 3000K.

Living rooms are typically social and relaxed, and warmer light reinforces that. It's flattering on people and materials alike, and it makes upholstery, wood tones, and textiles read richer. If you're layering lighting with multiple fixtures, keep them consistent so the room feels cohesive.

Room By Room: Cooler Spaces

BATHROOMS

3000k to 3500k

Vanity lighting needs enough clarity for grooming tasks without being harsh. 3000K hits the right balance. Avoid going above 3500K at the vanity as it tends to cast an unflattering, flat light.

KITCHENS

3000 to 3500k

Kitchens benefit from slightly cooler light than living spaces because they're task-oriented. 3000K keeps the warmth while adding enough clarity for prep work. If your kitchen has a dining area or open connection to a living room, 3000K is usually the best compromise across zones.

HOME OFFICE

2700K to 3000K.

Find Your Light

Lights Canada carries fixtures across a wide range of colour temperatures, styles, and room types. Filter by colour temperature to narrow your options, or check the specifications on any product page.

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