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Lighting 101
Choosing the Color Temperature
What is Color Temperature?
Color temperature is the rating a particular color renders on the Kelvin scale. Color temperatures alter how an object or room is perceived when illuminated.
Watch our accompanying video for an in-depth look at the different lighting temperatures and what these temperature values translate to when lighting your home. The table and images below will also be able to shed some light (no pun intended) on some of Tresco’s standard lighting practices with regard to color temperature.
2700K
Warm White
- Recommended for Earth Tones
- Slightly “Whiter” Than Incandescent
- Highlights Wood Grains
- Primarily for Residential Use
- Not Recommended for White
3000K
Warm White (Tresco Standard)
- Recommended for Earth Tones
- Slightly “Whiter” Than Incandescent
- Highlights Wood Grains
- Primarily for Residential Use
- Not Recommended for White
3500K
Warm to Neutral
- Transitional Between Warm and Cool
- Will Equally Highlight Earth Tones and Cool Tones
- Recommended for Residential and Commercial Use
- Will Give White an Off-White Look
5000K
Cool White (Tresco Standard)
- Highlights Whites/Blue/Cool Tones
- Primarily for Commercial Use
- Recommended for White
- Not Recommended for Wood Grain/Earth Tones
6500K
Daylight
- Has Bluish Tint (Sky Color)
- Primarily Used for Backlighting/Signs
- Not Recommended for Residential
Color Temperature on Wood Grain
For cabinet lighting and other lighting applications that illuminate primarily wooden surfaces, color temperature also plays a role that many consumers fail to take into consideration when choosing lighting kits. Tresco® took wood grain variation into consideration when developing our lighting solutions.
Watch our accompanying video to incorporate the perfect color temperature into your lighting project.