The colour of white light is measured in Kelvin (K). Lower numbers give a warmer, more yellow light. Higher numbers give a cooler, whiter light. Choosing the right colour temperature changes how a room feels and how worktops, tiles and cabinets look under the light.
Colour temperature chart
| Kelvin | Name | How it looks | Where it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2700K to 3000K | Warm white | Soft, slightly yellow, cosy | Living rooms, bedrooms, traditional and wooden kitchens |
| 3500K to 4500K | Natural white | Clear and balanced, close to daylight | Kitchen worktops, bathrooms, utility rooms, wardrobes |
| 5000K to 6500K | Cool white | Bright, crisp, slightly blue | Task areas, garages, modern and industrial kitchens |
Warm white vs cool white: what's the difference?
Warm white (around 3000K) has more yellow in it and feels relaxing, which is why it's popular in living spaces. Cool white (around 5000K and above) has more blue in it and feels bright and alert, which suits places where you need to see detail. Natural white (around 4000K) sits in between, and is the most popular choice for kitchen worktops because it's clear without feeling cold.
3000K vs 4000K: which should you choose?
- Choose 3000K for a warmer, softer look, for example wood worktops, painted shaker kitchens, bedrooms and living rooms.
- Choose 4000K for a clearer, more natural light, for example marble and white worktops, bathrooms and anywhere you prepare food.
Not sure? See how light colour changes different worktop materials in our guide to light temperatures for kitchen worktops.
Which colour temperature for each room?
- Kitchen: natural white (4000K) under cabinets and on worktops, with warm white for plinth and display lighting if you want a softer evening feel. See our under cabinet lighting guide.
- Bathroom: natural white around mirrors and vanity areas for clear, even light, warm white for a relaxing bath.
- Bedroom and wardrobe: warm white for the room, natural white inside wardrobes so colours of clothes are easier to see. See our bedroom and wardrobe lighting ideas.
- Living room and media walls: warm white for a cosy, relaxed feel.
Can't decide? Choose on site
You don't have to commit to one colour when you order. Sensio offers three ways to choose or change the colour later:
- TrioTone®: choose warm (3000K), natural (4000K) or cool (5000K) white on the light itself when you fit it.
- Duo LED strips: one strip that carries both natural white and warm white, so the installer can test both with the customer and set the colour on site. Read more about Duo LED strips.
- CCT: adjust the colour at any time, typically from 2700K to 6000K, using a CCT receiver and remote or a smart driver. CCT lights use a 4-pin driver. See how to choose an LED driver.
If you know exactly what you want, our single colour lighting comes in one fixed white.
Colour temperature and CRI: not the same thing
Colour temperature tells you how warm or cool the light looks. CRI (colour rendering index) tells you how accurately the light shows the true colours of the things it lights. A good light needs both. Read CRI explained.
Frequently asked questions
What is colour temperature?
It's a measure of how warm or cool white light looks, given in Kelvin (K). Lower numbers are warmer and more yellow, higher numbers are cooler and bluer.
Is 4000K warm or cool white?
4000K is natural white. It sits between warm and cool white and looks close to daylight.
What colour light is best for a kitchen?
Natural white (4000K) is a popular choice for worktops because it's clear without feeling cold. Warm white (3000K) suits traditional and wooden kitchens.
Does colour temperature affect brightness?
Not directly. Brightness is measured in lumens. Cooler light can look a little brighter to the eye, but a 3000K and a 4000K light with the same lumens give the same amount of light.
Can I change the colour of my lights after fitting?
With TrioTone® you choose the colour on the light itself. With CCT lights you can change it at any time with a receiver and remote or a smart driver.
Need help choosing? Get in touch with our team, or find a distributor near you.
