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Temperature Colorized
Understanding How Light Affects Color
So you read all the stuff I have been writing and you say “Okay, I think I got which color scheme I want, and I have figured out the finish. Now you want me to understand WHAT??” Don't throw in the towel. This is pretty simple stuff, but lighting can make a HUGE impact on the color scheme you have chosen. Remember all the times you have tried on an outfit in the store only to come home and wonder why it looks so different? Or wondered why that bedspread you loved just doesn't work when it is home? It is all because of light.
First, light bulbs come in cool and warm colors and now daylight. Why should you care? Well, here's why! If you choose a warm color palette, you don't want to put cool color light bulbs in that space. It will muddy everything you have done. This is why many times the fabric, paint and even wallcoverings don't look the same in your home as they did in the store.
So here is what to look for in regards to lighting. Light bulbs will have what is known as a color temperature of 2700-3000 to give warm white light. Warm colored lights are usually used in homes because they make our skin tones look better. This web site allows you to see different interiors under warm light.
Light bulbs in the color temperature of 3600 to 45000 give a cool white light. We typically see cool lights in work places, as there is better contrast (so if you have a reading light by the bed, think about a cool light bulb). You can check out different interiors under cool light at the same website mentioned above. As you change from Interior 1 to 3, you will see the interior color scheme changes. Which interior design scheme do you like most with cool lights? Light bulbs that are most similar daylight have a color temperature of 4800-5000.
Halogen white bulbs are usually within the color range of 2800K to 3500K. This color imparts a clear, white light with very little red or blue tones. These are typically seen in display cases. Jewelers love them, as they make the diamonds really sparkle. These light bulbs can also be used to highlight decorative elements of the home.
Full spectrum bulbs have a color temperature of 5000K and above. They impart a bright, white light. These bulbs are used for people who suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is usually brought on during winter, causing depression due to the lack of sunlight) . Many times, having only full spectrum light is overwhelming for individuals, so they are mixed in with daylight light bulbs to create a less sterile feeling environment.
For even more info about lighting, check out our article “Lighting Basics: Determining What to Use Where.”
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