When it comes to LED light, most homeowners don’t give a second thought to the temperature of the light. However, there are some applications where the light temperature can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of the space. In this article, we’ll take a look at warm white and cool white LEDs to help you decide which is right for the exterior of your property. There will also be suggestions about where each light temperature can be used to get the most out of your purchase.

Warm White vs Cool Light

If you’re new to the world of LED lighting, then it’s good to educate yourself a little more about temperatures. The hue of a light is measured in degrees Kelvin, which is also known as color temperature. The lower the number, the warmer the color will appear. This is due to the fact that warmer colors have more red tones while cooler colors have more blue tones. You can think of it on a scale ranging from 1000K (very red/yellow) to 10,000K (very blue).

Most homeowners are familiar with the “warm” and “cool” designations when it comes to light. And while there is some crossover, in general, warm white lights fall somewhere in the 2000K to 3000K range while cool white lights will be in the 3000K to 4500K range. There is no general consensus on which color is better to use. It essentially comes down to personal preference and the overall feel you’re trying to create in your home.

What Is Warm White?

If you’ve ever lit a candle inside your home, then you’ve experienced warm white light. This type of light has a low color temperature, which means it emits more red and yellow wavelengths than blue and green. As a result, this color light gives off a softer, more inviting glow than cool white light.

The temperature range for warm white light can range anywhere from 2000K to 3000K. This light is often used in residential settings because it’s less harsh on the eyes and creates a cozy atmosphere. You’ll notice these lights have a yellowish-orange tint to them which can remind you of incandescent bulbs or halogen ones.

 

We recommend warm white for:

Now that you understand a little more about this kind of lighting, the next thing to consider is where you’ll use it on the outside of your property. Careful selection is imperative here to create that perfect look you desire. One good place to use warm light is on your front porch. This will give visitors a welcoming feel as they approach your home. You can also use it along walkways and in landscaping to create subtle, yet effective lighting effects. It is also an excellent option for decorative lighting as well because it can add a touch of elegance to any setting.

Other excellent places to use warm white lights include nearly any architectural area you wish to highlight. Some examples include fountains, your flower garden, or any area where you have stone or brickwork. The reason these locations are so perfect is because the light can help bring out the natural colors in the materials. As we mentioned earlier, the bottom line is that this lighting creates a relaxed and inviting ambiance, which is why it’s often used in residential settings.

What Is Cool White?

Now let’s dive into a little more about cool white. If we go back to our Kelvin temperature scale, you’ll recall that cool white light is higher on the Kalvina temperature spectrum than warm white, with a color temperature of 3000K-4500K. This means it emits more blue and green wavelengths than red and yellow. As a result, cool white light bulbs gives off a brighter light which can also be used in certain places around the outside of your property. It’s crucial to remember that cool white light isn’t as harsh as sunlight, but it isn’t nearly as inviting as its warm white counterpart.

We recommend cool white for:

Now that we’ve given you a brief overview of cool white light, let’s take a look at some of the best places to use it around your home. One good place is the outside of your garage. This area is prone to being darker than other areas, so the extra light can help make it more visible and prevent accidents.

Other excellent places to use cool white lights are in your backyard or along driveways. This is because they can provide better visibility for people walking or driving in these areas. You can also use them to highlight specific features like a swimming pool or gazebo. The point is that cool white light is perfect for any area where you need additional illumination without adding too much warmth. Cool white can imitate the moonlight, so you could also use it to light up trees or any other outdoor areas where you want to create a romantic mood.

What About Natural White?

Natural white light is right in the middle of the Kelvin temperature scale with a color temperature of 4000K-5000K. This type of light emits a blend of all colors, which means it gives off a bright light that’s similar to sunlight.

As a crisp and clear appearance, a natural white LED lightbulb is often used for security lighting because it provides the most visibility. While it doesn’t have the same cozy feeling as warm white light, natural white light is still a great choice for many areas around your property. The bottom line is that natural white light emits a bright, clear light that’s perfect for any area where you need maximum visibility.

Warm White or Cool White LEDs: Which One Should You Use?

Warm white vs cool white? To summarize, the following information below can help homeowners decide where to use warm white or cool white LEDs on their property.

• Warm white– Cozy feeling that can be good for decorative lights, porches, or any area where you want to add a touch of elegance.
• Cool white- Highlights any feature you want to stand out, such as a flagpole, statute, or other architectural element.
• Natural white- Noticing and appealing light that is often used for security or work lights.

Some people like a bright white light to give a lively atmosphere, while others want to create a much more relaxed atmosphere with less illumination. You may also think about the weather where you reside. For example, if you live in a place that has long, hot summers, then cool white lightbulbs can give a more refreshing look to your home. Whereas, if you have shorter days and long winters, then warm white lightbulbs might be more appealing to help create a cozier atmosphere in your home. We have authorized dealers around the country so we can help create the perfect look that matches your personality and style or if you want to enhance lights that are already installed on your home.

Get Help With Your Outdoor Area With Gemstone Lights!

We hope this article helped you understand a little more about the differences between warm white and cool white lights. When it comes down to it, the choice is yours. However, Gemstone Lights can help you create the perfect outdoor lighting setup for your home. Whether you need help picking out the right light bulbs or designing a comprehensive lighting plan, our team is here to help. We have years of experience in the lighting industry, so we know a thing or two about what works and what doesn’t. Not to mention, we offer a wide range of outdoor lighting products that are sure to meet your needs. If you’re interested in learning more about our services, please don’t hesitate to contact us today. We would be more than happy to answer any questions you have or provide you with a free quote.