Colour Temperatures
Colour temperature gives an indication of the appearance of the light. Lower colour temperatures mean a ‘warmer’ appearance. Early fluorescent lamps had a high temperature giving a very ‘cold’ appearance: today a wide range of temperatures – including some similar to incandescent lamps – is available. Lamps of different temperatures should not normally be used in the same room, unless a specific effect is required.
Colour temperature is a very important factor when considering lighting, as it can also affect your biorhythm. The optimum colour temperature is daylight, and it is possible attain this colour through lighting, when using fluorescent lighting.
| Lamp type |
Description |
Degrees Kelvin |
|
Clear Blue Sky
Rainy, Misty Daylight
Overcast Daylight
Electronic Flash (Typical)
Direct Sun + Clear Blue Sky
|
8000 to 27,000
7200 to 8500
6500 to 7200
6200 to 6800
5700 to 6500
|
| Fluorescent Lamp |
'True Daylight' Color Match Tubes
|
6500 |
|
Summer Sunlight (9am to 3pm)
Summer Sunlight (before 9am or after 3pm)
|
5400 to 5700
4900 to 5600
|
| Fluorescent Lamp |
'Daylight' Cool White Tubes |
4300 |
| Halogen Lamps |
Tungsten-Halogen |
3400 |
| Halogen Lamps |
Tungsten-Halogen |
3200 |
| Fluorescent Lamp |
'Warm White' Tubes |
3000 |
| Incandescent Lamps |
Household Lamps (100 to 150 Watts)
Household Lamps (60 Watts)
Household Lamps (40 Watts)
|
2850
2800
2750
|