How can you better understand and choose the kelvins of your lighting?

27 février 2025

Confused and lost in the world of electrical jargon? Don’t panic! It’s true that some technical terms are sometimes difficult to understand and use. That’s why we’ve decided to explain in more detail the meaning of the word “kelvin.”

First of all, the kelvin (K) is a unit of measurement that indicates the temperature of light. Thanks to this unit, you can evaluate the color emitted by a lamp when it’s fully lit. Generally, light temperature ranges from 2,000 to 10,000 kelvins. The lower the temperature, the warmer the light emitted… It creates a calming and intimate atmosphere. The higher the temperature, the more dynamic the light becomes, shifting towards blue. Discover how many kelvins are needed to light your rooms and the equivalences of this measure.

We often talk about Watts and lumens, but kelvin has become an important criterion when choosing energy-efficient bulbs based on the desired ambiance. This measure is easy to understand but sometimes difficult to apply. The number of kelvins varies depending on the room and the atmosphere you want to create. Indeed, each room requires specific lighting adapted to its surroundings.

It’s always challenging to choose the right temperature for lights hanging above a dining table or a worktop… That’s why we recommend opting for a warm white temperature, around 2,700 kelvins, to ensure effective lighting without being too harsh! Your dining room is the heart of your home, so it’s essential to illuminate it properly.

How to efficiently light your workspace? The temperature of desk lamps should be carefully considered… You need lighting that’s bright enough but not dazzling, so as not to strain your eyes. To work in optimal conditions and achieve quality results, good lighting is essential. For your office, we recommend a temperature between 2700 and 3000 kelvins. Not too white, not too yellow… The lighting in your office is key to your success!

For public spaces like offices, restaurants, shopping malls… We recommend lights with slightly higher temperatures, around 4000 or 4500 kelvins. These guarantee high-quality lighting!

It’s crucial to make your entryway or hallway welcoming and warm! Whether you use spotlights, wall lights, or pendant lights, your fixtures shouldn’t be too bright! The lighting in your entryway or hallway reflects the atmosphere and vibe of your home. Stick to warm white by opting for a temperature around 2700 kelvins.

For your kitchen, go for higher temperature lights! Nothing beats effective lighting when preparing your culinary masterpieces! To cook in the best possible conditions, we recommend a temperature between 3500 and 4000 kelvins. The light will be white and fresh but not too harsh!

The lighting in your living room should also match your needs! There are no strict rules when it comes to lighting a living room… Your living space should be lit according to your preferences and the atmosphere you want to create. Generally, the temperature of your lights in the living room should be between 2700 and 4000 kelvins. It’s up to you to choose between warm or cool colors and match your lighting with the rest of your décor. Cozy, relaxing, elegant… Your living room is the main space in your home, so light it beautifully!

To feel comfortable in your bedroom, we recommend a temperature around 2700 kelvins. This temperature provides a warm and relaxing light… Don’t hesitate to go up to 3000 kelvins near your closet or dresser for better visibility.

Everyone prefers different lighting in their bathroom! There’s no strict code for bathroom lighting. If you want a cozy, relaxing ambiance, opt for a temperature around 2500 kelvins… Warm colors will create a comforting atmosphere. However, you can also choose a temperature up to 4000 kelvins. If you prefer a whiter, daylight-like light, the temperature of your lights should be higher. Adjust the temperature to suit your needs and preferences!

Here’s a color equivalence chart to help you better visualize what different kelvin levels mean. As mentioned, the lower the kelvin number, the warmer the colors… Conversely, the higher the kelvin number, the cooler the colors… A tip: keep the color temperature consistent across rooms to avoid eye strain!

Feel free to check out our technical articles for more understanding: