To decide what color temperature works best for the space you are lighting, you need to consider various factors. You might need to consider what type of work goes on there, what kind of environment is your business trying to foster, and what kind of lighting already exists in that space. A professional lighting layout can help make the best use of space and achieve your lighting goals.
We know that lighting has a profound affect on a human being's mood. Warm light helps people feel at home, comfortable and restful. Natural looking warm light is great, when installed the lobby or common spaces where visitors may come, to make them feel welcome. But, in an office environment, warm lights can lead to sluggishness. A crisp white light, in the 4000K to 5000K range helps workers to be alert and focused. The human eye also perceives more light from cooler color temperature lights. That makes higher color temperature lights perfect for industrial lighting and commercial lighting purposes. Warehouses, parking garages, gyms, sports facilities or any area with pole lighting can take advantage of more energy efficient LED lighting options to replace their existing fixtures. These high color temperatures mimic sunlight, and helps keep people awake. If you were to look directly at the sun, it has a color temperature of 5800K, though it is far more intense.
The goal of commercial lighting or industrial lighiting is to make objects clearly visible with minimal glare or shadows. This differs from businesses that want put items on display, such as art galleries or jewelry stores. These businesses should instead opt for lighting with a very high color temperature (5000K-6500K) to make their items stand out. While those looking to light their home, or casual workspace, such as a coffee shop, should instead look at lower color temperature lamps that make people feel comfortable and at home, imitating the setting sun.
