Light Color Temperature Chart (Kelvin Guide) | HandySkook
Light Color Temperature Chart (Kelvin Guide)
A color temperature (Kelvin) chart showing what warm white, soft white, bright white and daylight look like — and where to use each in your home.
Kelvin color temperature guide
| Kelvin | Appearance | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 2200-2400K | Ultra warm / amber | Accent, ambiance, vintage Edison |
| 2700K | Warm white | Living rooms, bedrooms, cozy spaces |
| 3000K | Soft white | Kitchens, bathrooms, dining |
| 3500K | Neutral white | Offices, multipurpose rooms |
| 4000K | Bright / cool white | Garages, workshops, laundry |
| 5000K | Daylight | Task lighting, basements, security |
| 6500K | Cool daylight | Display, detail work, outdoor |
Lower Kelvin = warmer (yellow); higher Kelvin = cooler (blue-white). Keep bulbs in the same room at the same color temperature for a consistent look. Also check CRI — 90+ shows colors most accurately.
Frequently asked questions
What Kelvin is warm white vs daylight?
Warm white is about 2700K (cozy yellow tone); daylight is about 5000K (crisp blue-white). Soft white sits around 3000K.
What color temperature is best for a kitchen?
3000-4000K works well in kitchens — soft white for a warm feel, or neutral/cool white for brighter task areas.
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