The difference between 3000k and 4000k color temperature lighting is a headache for many people.
Are you wondering about this question? The color temperature range is extended, causing a massive difference in experience. This fact requires consumers to understand their properties to find the most suitable LED bulbs.
In this article, let’s dive into the color temperature lighting, especially understanding the apparent differences in 3000K vs 4000K.
Color Lighting Temperature Brief
Color lighting temperature is a term to describe the colors you can see when looking at a specific type of light.
With today’s commercial LED bulbs, the unit of measurement for temperature lighting is Kelvin, abbreviated as K. Lighting devices have color temperatures range ranging from 1000k to 10000K.
Color temperature is one of the most critical parameters of a lighting device. We can see that each different color temperature gives light its distinct properties. There are some standard color temperatures that you should be aware of:
- 2700K: Warmer white lights
- 3000K: Soft yellow white lights
- 3500K: Neutral white lights
- 4000K: Cool white lights
- 5000k: Bright white lights
- 6500k: Natural sunlight during the day
The higher the color temperature, the whiter the light will be. This color gives a energetic and concentrated feeling. Conversely, bulbs with low color temperature will produce yellow and red lights. These lighting devices will put user in a soothing mood.
In particular, LED bulbs commonly used in households will have color temperature of 3000K and 4000K.
So in this article, we will dig deeper into the differences between these two types of color temperature. You need to understand the effect of each one to make the smartest choice.
3000k light
3000K lights is a relatively low color temperature on the Kelvin Scale. 3000K LED can produce warm white light, warmer than 4k ones in particular, but not too different from 2700K.
Find out more about Differences between 2700k and 3000k
The following sections will help you better understand 3000K lighting.
Is 3000k warm or cool color temperature
At 3000K color temperature, the light produced is cool yellow one.
The color of 3000K lights is not too yellow, but it also feels soft and some kind of ambient. 3000k does not have the blue beams that LED with higher color temperatures can produce.
If you love Traditional Incandescent vibe, you will be satisfied with the 3000K LED. The light produced by these two has nearly similar properties. They are all white but have a yellowish tint, making you think of transparent amber.
However, LED lights limit heat generation, save energy and have a longer life. Therefore, many consumers prefer LED over halogen or incandescent lamps.
Usage of 3000k Lighting
Many people use LED bulbs with a color temperature of 3000K, creating a comfortable, inviting atmosphere.
Warmer white lights can make people feel relaxed and warm, so 3000K has excellent application. These devices often appear in residential areas, offices, and commercial centers.
Residential
The warm white color of the 3000K LED is very suitable for indoor use. Many people install warm-colored lights in their living rooms to create a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. This color bear a resemblance to a sunset color, also suitable for use in dining rooms with a cozy atmosphere.
Using this in the bedroom is also a good decision. The light’s warmth will make you feel relaxed in your private space. You will have the opportunity to rest after a long day of work in an environment that makes you feel safe and attractive.
Wooden and earthy tone décor texture
Because of the blend of yellow and white colors, 3000K lights is well suited for environments where the dominant color is ocher, light brown, beige, or wood grain. This type will enhance the beauty of the interior of your home. Your room will become much more luxurious and cozy.
In addition, LED bulbs at this color temperature can enhance the beauty of wooden furniture. These devices will make your space more natural and rustic. If you are a nature lover and want to experience organic textures in your home, it can be a best practive to use warm white source.
Commercial places
Not only suitable for private home use, luminaires that provide warm white light are also ideal for commercial areas. Many restaurants, resorts, and hotels have adopted this lighting to take advantage of the comfort it creates.
The 3000k lights which feels highly appealing. Accordingly, it has successfully attracted customers for various services.
For example, the hotel chain Marriott has turned its area into an attractive tourist place thanks to its soft and beautiful lighting. 3000k makes visitors feel relaxed and at home. Therefore, the number of customers coming to them has skyrocketed quickly.
Tasking lighting
In addition, the reading room and library are also locations that should be equipped with 3000k fixtures. Scientists have shown that warm white lights is very suitable for concentration to work intensely.
3000k does not seem too bright, so it does not create a sense of pressure for the user. Moreover, your eyes won’t get tired even when working for a long time under 3000K lights. Therefore, 3000K is a task lighting many people trust to use.
4000k Light
4000K led produces light up to 4000 when measured in the standard color temperature of a light source unit. 4000K is cool white, slightly yellowish
Keep reading our following content to learn more about 4000K color temperature!
Is 4000k too bright or not?
The light has a color temperature of 4000K which is not too bright.
4000K LED will give you light with neutral colors which is not too dark nor too bright, suitable for many different uses.
It’s also important to remember that brightness is frequently expressed in lumens rather than color temperatures. A more excellent lumen rating denotes brighter light, while a lower value denotes dimmer color.
Indeed, 4000k color temperature lighting is considered pretty bright and may be appropriate for situations that need a lot of light, including big rooms or outdoor environments. It could be excessively optimistic for smaller spaces or places with softer, more ambient lighting is preferred.
4000k (cool white) used for what?
The application of 4000K LED is extensive. It is compatible whether you use this in residential areas, work, study, or commercial environments.
In homes decorated in modern or minimalist style with white-colored interior, this cool white source is a perfect choice. Cool white color will accentuate the bright white on your walls and interior. 4000k led promises to brighten your living room, bathroom, and office.
In office and school environments, 4000K color temperature lighting can maximize its effectiveness. Since 4000K has a cool color, it stimulates concentration and creativity. Moreover, since the color is not too strong, it also does not create a feeling of too much pressure for staff and students thanks to the cool chill ambience it brings over.
In shopping malls, manufacturers can use 4000K lighting to highlight their display products. This advertising strategy is very effective; neutral and cool lighting makes the items eye-catching.
Brief Difference On 3000k vs 4000k vs 5000k
As we mentioned above, different color temperatures produce light with distinct properties. The following section will discuss the difference between 3000k vs 4000k vs 5000k.
This difference manifests in four main aspects. These criteria include the Kelvin scale, appearance, blue light, and the color rendering index.
Kelvin Scale
The first and most noticeable difference in these types of lights is their color temperatures parameter on the Kelvin scale. The Kelvin degree in sunlight is the standard unit for determining the color temperature of a light source.
The light will be yellow, red and warmer at low Kelvin color temperature thresholds. Contrary to that, the emitted lighting source will have an excellent white color at higher color temperatures.
Accordingly, 3000k lights give off a warm white color. When standing next to a 4K source, you will see that the light emitted from the 3000K LED has an additional yellow tint. Meanwhile, the 4000K LED provides a neutral cool white color. In contrast to the 3000K LEDs, the 5000K LED has an excellent white one thanks to the addition of a blue tint.
Appearance
Because of the difference in the Kelvin Scale, the 3000k vs 4000k vs 5000k lighting fixtures are not similar in appearance. Because of this difference, each type has its own applications.
3000K light gives a feeling of warmth, safety, and comfort. Therefore, many people love to put 3000K LED bulbs color in the house, especially in the bedroom and dining room. These devices will create a wonderfully relaxing space for you.
Next, LEDs emitting 4000K will be suitable for use in commercial environments, schools, and offices. This kind of light can highlight products and support promotion. In addition, it gives a bright background, improves concentration, and increases work productivity.
Finally, 5000K can increase clarity and accurately display things. Therefore, this type of LED bulbs works best in industrial areas and outdoor.
Blue Light
The amount of blue light that a light source emits might vary depending on the color temperature. Blue light is known to disturb sleep and create eye strain, particularly when utilized at night.
Because it can inhibit the body’s production of the hormone melatonin, the chemical that helps you rest and relax. Therefore, exposing to blue light at night will cause insomnia and disrupt the circadian cycle. So you should only use 3000K lights in the bedroom instead of 5000K.
The less amount of blue light is emitted by LED fixtures with a lower color temperature of 3000K, making them more comfortable to use at night. Blue light is moderately produced by leds of higher one like 4000k, which might be problematic if used at night.
As such, use a led with a color temperature of 3000K to reduce the adverse effects of low wavelengths from blue light on sleep and eye health at night.
Find out more: Are led lights bad for your eyes?
Consider using lights with higher color temperatures during the day and switching to led fixtures with a lower one at night if you must use lamps with a higher color temperature, such as those of 4000K or 5000K.
Color rendering index (CRI)
You may have heard of CRI, which stands for Color Rendering Index. CRI is an index used to measure how accurately a light source produces in displaying the colors of things. This level of accuracy is compared to objects when placed under natural light.
The higher the CRI, the more accurately our eyes will see things.
3000K led will have a CRI in the 80 – 85. This figure shows that objects under the yellow light of 3000K will not be highly realistic. Meanwhile, 4000K LEDs usually have a CRI of 85 – 90, providing better accuracy. The color of things is most vivid when under 5000K lights because these devices often have a CRI above 90.
Which Is right for you: 3000k or 4000k
You have grasped the main characteristics and the difference between 3000K and 4000K color temperature lighting.
However, to choose the most suitable one, you must consider several factors. The main aspects you must consider include work purposes and personal preferences.
Because different color temperatures will cause different reactions in the body, choosing color temperature should be compatible with the intended use to avoid unwanted harm.
Lighting Application
Using lights for the right purpose will create maximum convenience for you.
For commercial or office environments, you can use 4000K led. Neutral cool white color helps to improve focus on work and observe objects more clearly.
Using white light in the family reading room is also an intelligent choice. This type of led will make your room feel larger and brighter.
In particular, 4000K lighting suits clinic and hospital areas. Doctors and nurses need clear and clean lighting in these places to perform their duties.
On the contrary, warmer 3000K yellow lights will be a suitable source for places where relaxation and a cozy feeling are needed. This type of lighting should be available in your home for bedroom, bathroom, and living room.
Areas with wooden furniture or interior decorations in fawn tones will become more refined thanks to this warm white light.
In addition, shops and spas can also take advantage of this one. Thanks to 3000K LED lights, and your store will become luxurious but equally friendly and attractive to customers.
Lighting Vibes affect on mood
Lighting Vibes can have a significant effect on your mood.
Several essential hormones in the human body are produced by light such as melatonin and serotonin. In particular, melatonin is the compound that determines the body’s circadian cycle. Serotonin controls appetite, mood, and sleep.
The cool white light the 4000K LED produces is neutral to create a luminous space, but not too stressful at all. It helps boost serotonin production, which has an uplifting effect on mood and emotions. You will always be full of energy when working under 4000K lights.
Also, 3000K stimulates your body to produce melatonin, which helps to relax and rest. Using warmer 3000K led bulbs in the bedroom will improve sleep quality, making you more comfortable.
Effect on Health
You may not know lighting has a significant impact on human health. Therefore, choosing the right color temperature to use requires you to be careful, avoiding harm to your body and loved ones.
Some people with high sensitivity to light may experience eye strain from the white light of a 4000K LED. At that time, you can use 3000K source for lighting.
Furthermore, blue light can lead to insomnia and stress. Since 4000K LED bulb produce more of this thing than 3000K LED, these ones should not be placed in the bedroom. Replace with 3000K LEDs; these fixtures will help you relax after a tiring working day.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 3000K light differs significantly from 4000K light.
3000K has a warm white with a yellow tint color, suitable for spaces that need comfort and relaxation. Bedrooms, dining rooms, bathrooms, and even living rooms with wooden innterior are places where you can place 3000K LED. Plus, these lighting fixtures are also suitable for spas or resorts.
In contrast, the neutral white of the 4000K LEDs has an extra blue tint to create a bright and realistic look. Offices, commercial areas, schools, and hospitals are suitable places to use these lights. 4000K LED lights will help uplifting mood, improving concentration and creativity and increase work efficiency.
Through the article about the difference between 3000k and 4000k color temperature lighting, Emberlight hope you could choose the best one for yourself.
Wish you have an environment with the most suitable and effective light source!
