THE COLOR OF LIGHT
The influence of light color on our lives
WHAT IS LIGHT COLOR?
“Not all whites are the same” – quite right. Light color has a major influence on our well-being, our activity levels and sometimes even our health. That is why we are looking at how the light that surrounds us every day affects us.
Light color is made up of two values: the color temperature of the light source and its color rendering index, or CRI.
Color temperature characterises the light color of the light source and is expressed in Kelvin. The lower this value, the warmer the light appears.
Color rendering (CRI) refers to the ability to reproduce colors accurately. These two values should be considered independently of one another.
The effect of light on our bodies depends most on the color temperature.
LIGHT COLOR, ITS PROPERTIES AND APPLICATIONS:
2200–2700 KELVIN
Characteristics of the light color:
- cosy
- cosy
- incandescent feel
Usage:
- mainly in the living area at home
- in retail spaces with a feel-good atmosphere
3000 Kelvin
Features:
- warm and cosy
- perceived as brighter than 2200 Kelvin
- unobtrusive
- Halogen lamp character
Use:
- Waiting rooms
- Lecture theatres
- Exhibition spaces
3500 Kelvin
Characteristics of light color:
- neutral
- mood-lifting
- a good balance of business and homely
Use:
- Office (partially)
- Lounges and waiting areas
4000 Kelvin
Characteristics:
- bright, friendly, welcoming
- Working atmosphere
- somewhere between incandescent bulbs and daylight
Usage:
- Office
- Medical practices
- Corridors, halls
- Canteens
5000–5400 Kelvin
Properties:
- stimulating and invigorating
- neutral color rendering
- suitable for presentations
Application:
- Photography / Watches / Jewellery
- Classrooms
- Florists
- Hospital rooms
5600–6500 Kelvin
Characteristics of the light color:
- daylight-like character
- good color rendering
- stimulating, alert
Application:
- Laboratories
- Editorial offices
- Clothing shops
- Medical practices
We therefore react very differently to different light colors. A high proportion of blue in the light makes us feel alert and attentive, whilst warm colors convey a sense of warmth and comfort. We should take care to choose the ‘right’ light for the different areas of our lives. A daylight lamp on the bedside table makes little sense if you want to sleep. Nor does a candle in the office, which does not necessarily aid concentration. So the rule is: keep your eyes open when buying light sources!
Light sources with Ambient Dimming Technology allow you to achieve light colors ranging from 1800 to 2700 Kelvin in a single light source.