Color temperature are used to describe the appearance of light and is measured in unit called Kelvin. However, the more higher the Kelvin number for the color temperature of a light source, the cooler the light will appear. Lower Kelvin number will appear warmer.
Light that contains orange and amber tone is considered warm light. Warm light is associate with creating feelings of intimacy in a space. Light that contains blue and white tones is known as cool light.
Warm and Cool Light and How They Affect Us
Cool light creates feelings of alertness in an individuals who are exposed to it. Thus, each type of light will impact the brain of the individuals who are exposed to those lights, leading to changes in the feelings that those individuals have while remaining within the room with those lights. Low Kelvin numbers will produce light that appear warm and mimics firelight.
Warm light is often used in bedroom or areas where individuals want to feel relaxed in the space. Warm light, however, is not often ideal for area like garages or work areas. The yellow color of warm light makes it difficult to perform task within those areas and it can make it difficult for individuals to accurately view the true color of the objects within those areas.
High Kelvin numbers will produce cool light that mimics bright daylight. Cool light is often used in areas where individuals must remain alert or focus on performing detailed work, such as offices or workshops. Finally, using cool light within area like living rooms may make those living rooms feel as if they are pharmacies, as cool light can be very bright and sterile.
A circadian rhythm that control numerous bodily functions regulates the human body. One of the function of the circadian rhythm is to control the production of specific hormone in the body. For example, cool light can lead to the production of cortisol, the hormone that maintain alertness in the human body.
Melatonin, on the other hand, is the hormone that signal to the body that it is time to sleep. Thus, cool light should be used during the morning hour of the day and warm light should be used during the evening hours. Many individual use only one type of color temperature in they homes.
However, using only one color temperature will lead to a flat environment in the home. An alternative to using only one color temperature in the home is to use layered lighting. Layered lighting is when different color temperature are used within the same room for different functions.
For instance, warm light can be used for the main fixture in a ceiling for relaxing feeling in the area, but neutral light can be used in an area like a desk for individuals who must focus on their tasks. The Color Rendering Index, or CRI, for light is another important value to consider in the lighting of homes. While the Kelvin scale measure the color temperature of the lights in a space, the Color Rendering Index measures how accurately the light of a fixture will reveal the actual colors of the objects in the space.
Low Cri lights may make objects within a space appear muddy and unappealing. The same is true for color of food or art within a space with low CRI light. Thus, homes require a high CRI in kitchen and areas where individuals view their art.
Finally, by choosing the appropriate Kelvin numbers for the color temperature of the lights in the home and by choosing the appropriate Color Rendering Index for the lights in the home, an individual can control the mood and function of the space within the home.