Warm vs Cool Light: Which Bulb Is Best for a Cosy Home?
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The same lamp can feel calm and inviting or bright and clinical, depending on the bulb inside it. The difference comes down to colour temperature.
What the numbers mean
Colour temperature is measured in kelvin (K). Lower numbers give a warmer, more yellow light, and higher numbers give a cooler, whiter light.
- 2200K to 2700K: warm white, similar to a traditional bulb. Ideal for living rooms and bedrooms.
- 3000K to 3500K: soft white, a little brighter and cleaner. Works well in kitchens and hallways.
- 4000K and above: cool white, crisp and alert. Better suited to workspaces than to relaxing.
Our simple rule
For a table lamp in a room where you want to unwind, choose a warm white bulb. It flatters skin tones, wood and fabric, and it helps a room feel settled in the evening.
Brightness matters too
Brightness is measured in lumens, not watts. For a reading lamp, a bulb of around 400 to 800 lumens is usually comfortable. For soft background light, you can go lower, and a dimmable bulb gives you the flexibility to change the mood.
Check the fitting
Always check the bulb fitting listed on the product page, and use a bulb that is suitable for the lamp, including the maximum wattage if one is shown.
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