How to Use Color Temperature in Interior Design

Learn about the differences between cool and warm light and how to use color temperature in interior design in this Build.com video:

Color temperature refers to how warm or how cool light looks to our eyes and is measured on the Kelvin scale. Depending on the time of day, the color temperature of sunlight ranges from 5,000 to 6,500 K as opposed to an average incandescent light bulb with a color temperature of around 2,700 K. Although it may seem counterintuitive, the cooler the temperature, the warmer the light will look, and the higher the temperature, the cooler the light will look.

The warmness and coolness of light is also influenced by what you put between the light source and your eyes. For example, an orange lamp shade can make a daylight bulb feel like a warmer bulb, while a blue tinted incandescent bulb has a cooling effect.

For a cool modern look, or if you have a room with lots of windows, try daylight balanced bulbs like LEDs or fluorescent bulbs in the 5,000 and 6,500 K range. For a more traditional feel, use halogen or incandescent bulbs or modern LEDs in the 2,700-4,100 K range.