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As you shop for new lights, you may wonder “what is CCT?” when you see it listed on products and in product descriptions. In this article, we’ll discuss CCT lighting meaning to help you get a better understanding on this important metric.
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What is CCT in lighting?Â
CCT is a way to discuss the perceived warmth and coolness of illumination. Colour temperature exists on a scale of Kelvin units ranging from 1,000K to 10,000K. So, what does CCT stand for? The answer is colour coordinated temperature.
The CCT meaning on packaging is simply to provide a way to understand how warm or cool a given light is. The closer you get to the top of the spectrum, the cooler the lights become. On the other hand, the lower the Kelvin rating, the warmer the light will be.
Take for example a 3000K light colour: what does 3000k mean in lighting when you see it on a package? It just tells you that the colour temperature is in the lower middle range of the scale. Therefore, you can expect it to be a warm white colour.
Why is LED Colour Temperature Important? Â
Colour temperature has a huge influence over the general look and feel of the room you’re lighting. It is responsible in part for the kind of atmosphere a room has and can even affect the general mood.
Warm lighting tends to be more conducive for a relaxed, intimate environment that feels more personal and serene. Cooler light, on the other hand, creates a more lively, vibrant room with a modern feel.
The colour temperature you choose will have a heavy hand in the overall appearance of the room, so it’s important to take it into consideration when shopping.
What are the CCT Ranges? Â
Though CCT does exist on a scale, you can group certain sections into similar lighting temperatures.
- The 2700K range provides extra warm white light
- The 3000K range provides warm white light
- The 4000K range provides neutral white light
- The 5000K range provides cool white light
- The 6000K and above range provides a daylight colour temperature
Each colour temperature has its appropriate application depending on the place and the use case.
How to Choose the Best CCT for the HomeÂ
When it comes to domestic lighting, the colour temperature is entirely up to you and what you deem comfortable. That said, there are a few general recommendations for you to take into consideration for each room.
Bedroom
The colour temperature in a bedroom should be warm and easy on the eyes. To promote a soothing, relaxing environment, it is recommended you choose warm colour temperatures between 2700K and 3000K.
Bathroom
Bathrooms need clear visibility above all else. Having a fresh, clean look can help invigorate and wake you up in the morning. Achieving this sort of environment can be done by way of neutral or cool lights around 4000K. That said, you can also choose warmer white lights around 3300K to make the room bright and visible but still easy on the eyes.
Living Room
The living room should be a comfortable space where you can work, watch TV and relax with the family. The suggested colour temperature in this room is between 2700K and 3300K.
Kitchen
Similar to bathrooms, kitchens should be bright and clearly lit. This is important in such a task-heavy space where you’ll be using knives and preparing meals. A neutral colour temperature between 3300K and 4000K will be ideal in this room of the house.
Home Office
You will want bright and functional lighting in an office where you’ll be doing your work. Cool lights are also known to help improve focus and productivity, so opt for colour temperatures between 4000K and 5000K for best results.
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What is the Best CCT for Commercial Spaces?Â
Much like in a domestic setting, the best commercial colour temperature is subjective. The answer may even shift depending on what kind of space you want to light. Read on for some general guidelines for various commercial applications
Retail
The right colour temperature for retail shops will vary depending on a few factors, such as the brand, location of the shop, and the atmosphere you wish to achieve. That said, many retailers opt for warmer lights to create a moodier atmosphere, while others prefer cool white light to create a more modern and energetic store.
If you sell jewellery or other small items in cases, cooler colour temperatures near the 4000K range and above are preferred. This helps show off the details in bright and highly visible ways.
Outdoor Commercial Lighting
This style of light prioritises visibility over everything else. The most common colour temperature for outdoor commercial lighting is anywhere between 4000K and 6000K for this reason.
Restaurants
High end restaurants work best when they have more romantic, intimate atmospheres. Therefore, warm colour temperatures between 2700K to 3000K work best here. For quick-serve restaurants, warm white colour temperatures are best. Choose lighting between 3000K and 3500K.
Hotels
The best hotel lobby colour temperatures will vary depending on the brand personality and mood of the property. Even so, warmer colour temperatures between 2700K and 3000K are generally recommended in lobbies. The same can be said for guest rooms as well. Match hallway lighting to whatever the common area and lobby lighting is.
Commercial Offices
Promote a more productive and comfortable work environment with neutral to cool white lights. Anything between 3000K and 4000K work well here.
ConclusionÂ
CCT, or colour correlated temperature, is a critical part of your lighting design. The article above will help you choose the most appropriate one for each of your rooms in order to create a space you’ll love to live in.
