A significant number of people use warm white lighting daily, making it a necessity in their homes. What makes warm white lighting so calming?
As a rule, it has been universally accepted that warm white lights have a peaceful, calming effect on a room and those in it. From the first incandescent and halogen bulbs to the modern-day LED’s the orangish yellow glow of these lights have aided the user in many different ways.
Even as the lighting industry has continued to grow, expanding its range of color, light output, energy efficiency and so on, warm toned lighting has stayed a favorite in the hearts of many worldwide.
But what’s so special about warm white light?
What gives it the rave reviews and long history of success?
Today we will take a look at three reasons how warm white lights have calming benefits. First though, we need to know what else is out there in relation to color temperature.
What is Warm White Lighting?
When this phrase is used, it mainly refers to the color temperature of the light. In the lighting industry color temperature is rated on the kelvin scale. The lower the number the warmer the light will be. Generally warm white lights have a range on the scale anywhere between 2700k-3000k.
Conversely, the higher numbers on the kelvin chart are reserved for those bulbs emitting cool white and daylight light. Blue light levels are greater in these colors as well.
For a more detailed summary of color temperature check out this blog!
While choosing the right color temperature for a certain area is ultimately a preference, there are reasons why you may want to pick one color over another for specific rooms.
Before we jump into the proofs for warm white light, it is important to know the uses for cool white lighting. Both color temperatures are necessary for a well balanced and productive life.
What is Cool White Lighting?
On the kelvin scale any bulb with a color temperature rating between 4100K and 5000K is considered cool white. This color tone evenly distributes the proper amount of light over a wide area so that everything can be seen in a clean, pleasant light.
There are numerous areas of life where these lights are useful. Cool white light aids in concentration and productivity. It is easier to focus when everything around you is lit properly and cool white lighting does an excellent job of lighting large spaces.
Work offices, parking garages, and retail stores are a few places where cool white bulbs are commonly seen.
These lights are great for productivity. But they are not so great at creating a calming atmosphere. This is where warm white lights shine their brightest…or calmest I should say!
Now that we’ve looked at the benefits of cool white lighting it will be easier to grasp the peaceful ambiance of the warm white light.
3 Reasons why Warm White Light is calming
#1 Warm White light is relaxing for your eyes
In a world where our eyes are exposed to more blue light than ever before, warm white helps soothe and relax your eyes. In fact, these lights have long been considered the best color of light to read by. The light doesn’t reflect off the page in an annoying way but softly illuminates the words so your eyes are not straining to read.
The reason why our eyes are not negatively affected by warm light is because of the wavelength of color. The human eye is not sensitive to longer wavelengths of color. Orange toned lighting has a longer wavelength so is not annoying to most people. Because of this, our eyes are not stressed while reading under this color tone.
#2 Warm White light helps regulate your internal clock
In addition to the relaxing effect warm toned light has on our eyes it also positively effects the brain. As the sun sets in the sky our body gets ready to go to sleep by secreting melatonin. Warm white light can trick your brain into thinking it is bedtime so it naturally relaxes and prepares for rest.
Circadian rhythms, also known as your internal clock, are patterns that your body goes through during the day that responds to the environment. There are many factors that contribute to healthy circadian rhythms such as diet, exercise and light exposure.
Working or relaxing in the right kind of light is key to helping you stay healthy and sleep well. Warm white light helps your body unwind and puts you in a good mood.
#3 Warm White light creates a peaceful environment
When figuring out the correct color temperature for a certain area there are a few factors to consider.
What is this space being used for?
What kind of environment do you want to create?
What items will be in this room?
The answers to these questions help in determining the preferred color temperature. This leads to another reason why warm white light is so calming: it softens the room bringing out the natural vibrancy of the furniture.
The yellowish orange hues of light are similar to traditional candlelight, creating a natural, comfortable look. It reminds us of cozy campfires and time spent together with friends.
These lights are very popular in living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, restaurants and porch/deck lighting. Using warm white bulbs enhances the feel of the area while not taking away from what is in it. Some people also love the look of these lights in their kitchen because it brings out the sunny tones of the wood countertops, cupboards, and chairs.
Conclusion
Wherever you want a calming environment, warm white bulbs will greatly help enhance the surroundings with its cheerful light. These lights should be especially appreciated today as our culture is exposed to more blue light than ever before. Giving your eyes the relaxing break it needs by ending the day with warm white lights will help your body stay happy and healthy!
