Continuing with our bulb education theme, we’d like to talk about the “Light Appearance” section that shows up on lighting facts labels. Light appearance is another great light measurement tool you should use when picking out which light bulb is right for your fixture and room.
Light appearance is the color temperature that a bulb gives off. The color temperature of a light bulb is measured in kelvins and the scale goes from 2700 kelvins to 6500 kelvins. If a light is measured at around 3500 kelvin it is considered to be neutral light. Lower numbers indicate a “warmer”, yellowish light and high numbers are “cooler” and more bluish.
The difference in the light given off between warm and cool light bulbs is pretty significant. Warmer light bulbs give a more yellow light, casting a glow on items around a room. Cool light bulbs look a white, maybe even a little blue and bright. A lamp shade or light fixtures whole appearance can be changed just from what bulb you choose to put behind it. For example, a silk custom lamp shade can look completely different if bulb that is too cool or warm is used with it.
It is important to choose a bulb that suits the fixture, shade and room that it is being placed in. Ask a lighting expert to help you if you need help deciding if you want a warm, neutral or cool light bulb.