Kelvin is the measurement of the color temperature of light – from warm to cool, red to blue. The base color, or hue, of the light the bulb emits.
It is very cool that you can purchase an LED bulb that is warm just like the incandescent bulbs most of us grew up with. A little on the red spectrum is measured as approximately 2700 to 3000 Kelvin.
The next brighter or cooler bulb we grew up with is a cool white fluorescent bulb which is about 4600 Kelvin and LED bulbs come in that value.
The top of the spectrum is daylight which is 5600 Kelvin and LED’s are available in that value also.
The lesson here is once you know Kelvin you can purchase light bulbs to match your preference and work environment. Plus you might not want to mix different colors of bulbs in one room because side by each the bulbs usually do not complement each other.
We use 5000 Kelvin in our paint department so we can accurately compare color chips to samples. It is also a good color for merchandising in the store because it helps bring out colors in packaging.
Warm light, 2700 to 3000 Kelvin is for bedrooms, living and dining rooms providing a comfortable and relaxing environment.
Cool light, 4500 to 5000 Kelvin is best in kitchens, bathrooms and is good for reading. It delivers an alert, energetic feel.
5500 to 6500 Kelvin is good for garages, project areas and applying makeup.
Now you can tell your friends you have met Kelvin.