Warm Lighting = Calm Interiors

Have you ever wondered why the light of a hearth feels so cozy, or why candlelit dinners just feel more intimate than those under a fluorescent ceiling light? As a design professional, you probably already know the answer: it’s warm lighting - and the right light fixtures can have the same effect!

How do I explain warm lighting to my clients?

When the average homeowner thinks about lighting color, they might first imagine a strand of multicolor Christmas lights strung around the house, and not understand why it matters all year long.

One way to convey the importance of color temperature is to illustrate its effect on your client’s mental state. Warm white light color has a soft yellow-orange hue that's easy on the eyes and restful for the mind. Think of the term "mood lighting," which typically describes warm lighting that sets a relaxed mood. Cool lighting, by contrast, helps keep your client awake and alert, and is best used in task-focused spaces like home offices. While this is excellent when they need to stay on task, it's less convenient when they need to take a well-earned break from it all.

How do I know if a light fixture will have warm vs cool white light?

Bulbs and fixtures designed for warm lighting are labeled as having a color temperature of 3000 Kelvin and below, contrasting with neutral lighting between 3000-4500K and cool lighting at temperatures above 4500K.

While that’s a bit technical for your clients, it’s helpful to remember that the lower the color temperature, the warmer the actual hue of the light. A candle glows warmly at about 1000K, while daylight is much cooler at about 5000K.

Lighting color isn't just influenced by the bulb itself. A warm, natural lampshade or other feature used to diffuse light will add warmth to the glow of any lamp. Alabaster is a popular material that becomes an unexpected source of warmth when lit from behind.

Where should I use warm lighting in my projects?

Warm lighting makes a space calm, restful, and inviting. This makes it the perfect way to illuminate your client’s living room, bedroom, and dining room.