You’ve probably been there. Standing in the lighting aisle at the hardware store, staring at shelves stacked with bulbs in every shape, size and color. Some say “Soft White,” others say “Daylight,” and then there’s a whole lineup of numbers like 2700K, 4000K, or 5000K. It’s enough to make anyone scratch their head.
What do all those numbers mean? And more importantly, how do you know which one is right for your space?
What Does “K” Mean in Lighting? A Quick Guide to Color Temperature
When you’re picking out light bulbs or planning lighting for a space, you’ll often see a number followed by the letter “K” — like 2700K or 5000K. So what’s the deal with that “K”?
Let’s break it down in simple terms.
“K” Stands for Kelvin
The “K” stands for Kelvin, a unit used to measure color temperature, which is just a fancy way of describing how warm or cool a light looks. It’s not about how bright the bulb is, but about the tone of the light.
- Lower Kelvin = warmer light (more yellow or orange)
- Higher Kelvin = cooler light (more white or blue)
Common Color Temperatures (And Where You’d Use Them)
Here’s a quick rundown of the most common color temperatures and how they’re typically used:
- 2700K – Warm White: Cozy and soft, like a traditional incandescent bulb. Great for bedrooms and living rooms.
- 3000K – Soft White: Still warm, but a bit brighter and more neutral. A popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
- 4000K – Cool White: Brighter and more balanced — not too warm, not too cold. Ideal for offices, laundry rooms or anywhere you need a clear view.
- 5000K – Daylight: Crisp and bright, similar to natural daylight. Works well in garages, workshops or anywhere you need to see fine details.
- 6000K and above – Bright Daylight / Bluish Light: Very bright and cool, often used in industrial or commercial settings.
Why It Matters
Choosing the right color temperature isn’t just about looks, it sets the mood and affects how functional a space feels. Warm lighting creates a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. Cooler lighting helps with focus, clarity and productivity.
Need Help Deciding?
At Spring Garden Electric LLC, we help customers find the right lighting for their homes, shops and offices every day. Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen or wiring up a new workspace, we can guide you to lighting that’s not just functional, but comfortable and welcoming too.