Color temperature is measured in Kelvin. Lower numbers are warmer and yellower. Higher numbers are cooler and bluer.
| Kelvin | Reads as | Use it in |
|---|---|---|
| 2200K | Amber, candlelight | Accent only — too yellow to work by |
| 2700K | Warm, incandescent | Living rooms, bedrooms, dining |
| 3000K | Soft white | The safe default for most of a house |
| 3500K | Neutral | Work surfaces where you want accuracy |
| 4000K | Cool, slightly blue | Garages, laundry, task lighting |
| 5000K | Daylight, blue-white | Workshops and detail work |
The advice that actually matters
Pick one temperature per sightline. If you can see the kitchen from the living room, they should match. Mixed color temperatures in a single view is the single most common lighting mistake, and it reads as cheap even to people who can't say why.
2700K for anywhere you relax. It's closest to the incandescent light everyone grew up with, and it's what makes a room feel like evening.
3000K if you're unsure. Warm without going yellow. It works nearly everywhere and it's the most forgiving choice.
4000K and up almost never belongs in living space. People buy it because it looks bright and crisp in the store, then find their living room feels like an office. If you want brightness, buy more lumens — not cooler light.
A note on bathrooms
This is the one room where people legitimately disagree. 3000K is flattering. 4000K shows makeup and shaving more accurately. Many modern vanity fixtures are selectable — a switch on the fixture lets you choose after installation. If you're torn, buy selectable.