Home CR LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD

Questions To Ask When Selecting Color Temperature

1. What atmosphere are you trying to create?
Do you want to invite people to an intimate setting? Welcome people to a cozy lobby? Keep employees or students alert? Convey an energetic, clean atmosphere? You get the idea. Think about who your audience is and how you want them to feel when they are in your facility.
2. What kind of colors are you highlighting in your space?
This gets further into CRI, which we will address in the next article, but the color of the light still plays a role. If you have blue, silver, or white colors in your space, you may want to consider cooler color temperatures. If you have wood tones, golds, or reds, you may want to consider warmer color temperatures. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule, it’s often a good idea to select a color temperature that complements the color of the environment. It’s also worth noting that if you have neutral tones in your space, the color of the lighting can easily swing the feel of your space from warm and inviting to energetic and active.

Guide to selecting color temperature by application

Application	Recommended Color Temperature
OUTDOOR/ PARKING
Outdoor site lighting, parking garages, security lighting	This is one application where efficiency is typically the priority over color temperature. Our preference is 3000-4000K, but cooler color temperatures in 4000-5000K+ range tend to be most common.
RETAIL
General retail	Choosing the right color temperature for retail typically varies based on the brand, atmosphere, and even location. With that said, most retailers in the US choose lighting within the 2700K to 4000K range. Some also choose to mix color temperatures.
Jewelry display, especially diamonds, or silver	Cooler color temperatures in 3500-4500K+ range
Jewelry display, mixed metals	It’s common to alternate warm (2700K) and cool (4000K) temperatures based on what’s on display
RESTAURANT
High-end restaurants	Warmer color temperatures (1800-2700K) tend to work well.
Quick-serve restaurants	Warmer color temperatures also tend to work well in quick-serve restaurants, but not quite as warm as high-end restaurants. Consider lighting in the 2700K to 3500K range.
HOTEL
Hotel lobbies	Similar to retail, hotel lighting can vary significantly based on the brand, atmosphere, and location. That said, warmer color temperatures in the 1800-3000K range work well in hotel lobbies.
Hallways and common areas	In general, match the color temperature of hallways and common areas to the lobby.
Guest rooms	Guest rooms typically fall in the 2700-3000K range, creating a warm, Inviting atmosphere.
COMMERCIAL OFFICE
Office space	Neutral to cool color temperatures (3000-4000K) are generally appropriate in office space.
HEALTHCARE
Hospitals	Cooler color temperatures (3500K to 5000K) are good for setting a clean crisp atmosphere and creating alertness in a hospital.
SCHOOLS & UNIVERSITIES
Dining areas	Warmer color temperatures tend to work well in dining areas. Consider lighting in the 2700-3500K range.
Common areas and classrooms	Cooler color temperatures (3500-5000K) are good for setting an energetic atmosphere and promoting alertness.

Here is a simplified guide on what color temperatures typically work best by application.