LEDVANCE 7/14/2022 Product Tips

How to Choose Between 2700K and 3000K Color Temperatures?


Have you always come across color temperatures between 2700K and 3000K when searching for LED lighting products? For 2700K and 3000K being so close in range, it’s necessary to know the difference between these two color temperatures. If you are not sure which to choose, read on to find the answer.


2700K: Traditional Incandescent Light Color​

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The traditional incandescent light bulb with a filament typically emits light at 2,700K. When you use an LED bulb with a 2,700K temperature rating (e.g. an LED A19 bulb ), the color and tone you receive are similar to an incandescent bulb delivers. Anyone who loves the yellowish-orange shading from traditional bulb types will appreciate this choice, which creates a homey atmosphere that will make you feel warm and relaxed at home. For example, if you have broad spaces or a lighter interior, 2,700K light will create something that feels close to a hug.​​


However, 2700K incandescent bulbs are not suitable everywhere. Some people may not like the yellow color of light emitted by an incandescent bulb. For some task-oriented areas, such as the kitchen or classroom, it would be better to light with a high color temperature, in this situation, 3000K is much better.


3000K: A Warm Color Light Temperature


When compared with 2700K, 3000K appears "crisper" because it has a less orange and yellow tone. If you want to have a look at 3000K light, go and get a halogen bulb.


We typically recommend our customers install 3000K bulbs in areas where stronger lighting is needed, such as kitchens, bathrooms, office areas, etc. According to customer feedback, the 3000K bulbs are neither too strong to stimulate vision nor too weak to cause distress to eyesight. If you are planning to purchase a batch of bulbs to install in the classroom, 3000K is a good choice.​​​​


The Difference Between 2700K and 3000K


​The color difference isn't noticeable between 2,700K and 3,000K light bulbs. After all, even different manufacturers produce slightly different tones within the same rating.


But the difference is easy to see when they are beside each other. If they're not besides, for example, one place in the bedroom while the other is in the kitchen, you may find it hard to tell the difference. However, if you mix 2700K and 3000K light sources but not immediately next to each other, the two color temperatures can blend fairly well. If you cannot make a decision, the best way is to see the light at the store in person.​​​​


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When discussing the difference between 2700K and 3000K, we can't ignore the variable of color rendering. It is usually measured using the Color Rendering Index (CRI for short).


​Objects with a low CRI value will appear washed out and dull, that's why we felt a 2700K bulb is too yellow. If you decide not to use a 2700K bulb, make sure that it is indeed the color temperature not suitable, and not an issue with its CRI value.​​


The "Blue Light Hazard" of 2700K VS. 3000K Light

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​More and more people are concerned about the "Blue Light Hazard" because it affects one's health. Blue light has been shown to suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone responsible for sleep and relaxation. So, the type, amount, and duration of light exposure before you go to bed can affect your sleep quality.


For anyone concerned about health effects from exposure to the blue light spectrum, the lower 2,700K temperature is a better option. 3,000K LED bulbs may likely keep you awake and alert.


But should we avoid using 3000 kelvin-led bulbs? We do not support doing so.


On the one hand, the blue light difference between 2700K and 3000K is not so much. Take a smartphone screen for comparison, its color temperature reaches 6500K, which means it has a lot of blue light. While 3000K remains within the "warm white" range of color, the blue light contains just slightly more than 2700K.


On the other hand, as we mentioned before, the amount and duration you should also consider beyond color temperature. Therefore, keeping a balance to using the light bulb, the effect of blue light hazard can be decreased.


If you need a light without much yellow or orange color, do not give up 3000K light bulbs.


Bonus Tips: Information About Color Temperature


Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) in lighting describes the color that light appears from a lamp, measured in Kelvin (K).


​CCT is usually measured in 1000K to 10,000K (the actual range is much wider). When you see a color temperature rating of 1,000K, you have the equivalent of a candle's flame. At 2,000K, you have the color of an early sunrise or a late sunset. At 3,000K, you find a color tone similar to halogen bulb types when using LEDs. Incandescent bulbs typically fall between 2,000K and 3,000K, so the outcome is similar once installed in a home.


What Is the Difference Between Hard and Soft Light?


Soft light has similar brightness, but it delivers more visual balance to the environment. The transitions between light and shadow occur in gradients instead of defined lines, creating more of a bathing effect within an interior setting.


If you think about how the world looks on a cloudy day, add a bit of extra diffusion and orange tones to replicate what a 2,700K or 3,000K LED bulb provides. That type of lighting is called “soft white," and both ratings offer it.


That's in contrast to the three other common LED bulb color temperatures that you can find available today.


  • Warm White LED Lights. This option falls within the 3,000K to 4,000K temperature range. It adds more yellow and white tones to a room, making them suitable for most bathrooms and kitchens.​​​​

  • Bright White LED Lights. This option is between 4,000K to 5,000K. It offers bluish-white tones that deliver more energy at the expense of coziness. If installed in residential settings, it'd work better in the garage or office.

  • Daylight LED Lights. At 5,000K and above, you'll see progressive blue tones as the temperature range gets cooler. It's ideal for working, applying makeup, or reading.​​​​​​​​​

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