In this article, we’ll be exploring warm white vs cool white lighting.
To help you decide which is right for you, we will show you how to recognise each type and how they will influence the aesthetics of your room once installed.
Understanding warm white vs cool white LEDs
Now, of course, LED bulbs can come in different colour temperatures. However, this doesn’t really describe the temperature of the LED bulb itself, but rather the colour that it produces.
This can range from 1000 Kelvins (K)(red) to 10,000K (blue) or more. The higher the number, the whiter the colour. This scale is often used to describe the colour temperature or tint of white light that the LED bulb emits.
The gradual colour process is as follows:
Red - orange red - yellow - yellow white - white - blue and white - blue.
First, what do we mean by warm white LEDs?
Warm white is the perfect solution for areas where you’d like to apply soft lighting for a cosy and inviting ambience. This type of lighting appears with an orange or yellow tint, reminiscent of the sunset. Warm white lighting is most commonly used in homes but it’s also increasingly popular in hospitality.
We recommend the GLS A60 bulb for a long-lasting warm white lighting solution. This bulb has an increased and more even light spread, as well as a long lifespan - lasting over four times longer than others.
Colour temperature: 2700K to 3000K
Best places to use them: bedroom, living room, hallway, garden
What you can expect from cool white LEDs
Meanwhile, cool white LEDs offer a bright and vibrant colour, containing more blue light. Cool white lighting is great for task lighting and commercial applications. Blue light itself has been shown to reduce fatigue, anxiety, and stimulate concentration, which is why many opt for cool white LEDs in workplaces and study rooms.
It’s important to note that a colour temperature of 4500K to 6500K is referred to as ‘daylight white’, although others might also refer to this as cool white itself. This is the brightest white that appears similar to actual daylight.
For cool white lighting applications, we suggest the GU10 LED bulb for cost-effective and energy-efficient lighting.
Colour temperature: 3100K to 4500K
Best places to use them: office, retail, study room, kitchen
Differences between warm white and cool white: At a glance
|
Warm white |
Cool white |
| Kelvin Scale/Colour Temperature |
2700K to 3000K |
3100K to 4500K |
| Colour |
Yellow/orange tint |
Blue tint |
| Mood/feel |
- Cosy
- Inviting
- Welcoming
- Relaxing
|
- Modern
- Bright
- Refreshing
- Energising
|
| Recommended Light Bulb |
|
GU10 bulb
|
How do I know which type I’m buying?
Here at Vision Lighting, we offer a wide range of LED products, including both warm white and cool white LED bulbs. All of our products are packaged clearly to show whether the bulb emits warm white or cool white, so you can see which type you are buying.
If you are ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Vision Lighting team for more information or any further enquiries.
Cool white vs. warm white LEDs: So, which one should you choose?
Now that you have a basic understanding of warm white vs cool white LEDs, which one should you choose?
Here are several factors to consider when making your decision:
- Atmosphere - what type of ambience or mood are you trying to create? This can affect which colour LED bulb you should buy! After all, if you’re interested in improving focus for studying or work, then cool white LEDs are the better choice. However, if you’re simply looking to create a relaxing space that doesn’t require 100% visibility, warm white is the best option.
- Function of the room - task-oriented rooms like the kitchen and study are better suited for cool white lighting. This is because cool white LEDs offer higher visibility and are associated with stimulating concentration and motivation.
- Personal preference - while warm white and cool white LEDs have their own benefits and recommended uses, the choice is ultimately up to you when it comes to choosing between the two.
Our recommended LED bulbs per room
Take a look at our recommended LED bulbs for each type of room below:
| Room |
Cool white |
Warm white |
Effect |
| Living room |
|
✔ |
Creates a cosy and inviting atmosphere, ideal for relaxing and unwinding. |
| Study rooms |
✔ |
|
Ideal for boosting concentration and productivity for studying/learning, offering better visibility. |
| Kitchen |
✔ |
|
As a task-oriented area, the kitchen requires stimulation and alertness, perfect for cool white lighting. |
| Bedroom |
|
✔ |
The bedroom should be welcoming and comfortable, which warm white lighting can help with. |
| Outdoor space |
✔ |
✔ |
Both warm white and cool white LEDs can be used as outdoor lighting - it just depends on the ambience that you want to create. |
| Office |
✔ |
|
Cool white LEDs are best for offices to boost productivity, focus and motivation. |
Don’t be afraid to have a mixture of both warm white and cool white LEDs in your home or commercial space! For example, warm white can be used as the main lighting, while cool white can be used in specific areas for task lighting.
Mix and match your cool and warm LEDs with Vision Lighting
Here at Vision Lighting, we supply a wide range of LED lighting solutions, including both cool white and warm white options, for residential and commercial properties.
No matter if you’re looking to improve alertness and productivity in your office or simply create a warm and inviting space in your home, we can fulfil your lighting needs. As an ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 UKAS accredited company, we are dedicated to delivering high-quality products and services that are energy efficient and satisfy your needs.
Browse our full collection of LED warm white and cool white bulbs to find your next home or commercial lighting solution.