Are you planning to use under cabinet lighting and are confused if cool or warm lights are the best option? Having the right color temperature for lights makes it more efficient and ideal for its application. Deciding to use warm or cool lights can be confusing. Below, we have shared tips and ideas about color temperature and which is the most suitable for your needs.
Should under cabinet lighting be warm or cool? Choosing between warm or cool under cabinet lighting depends on where you plan to use it. For instance, cool temperature lights are brighter which makes them ideal for task lighting. Cool lights are best for kitchens since it makes it easier to see what you are doing. On the other hand, warm lights are ideal for bathrooms.
Under cabinet lighting provides another layer of light to a space. It creates visual interest and also makes it easier to see what you are doing. What color temperature is the best for LED strip lights? How do you choose the right lighting quality for under cabinet lights? What is the best LED under cabinet lighting? These are some of the questions that we will discuss. Learn more about the warm and cool lights for under cabinet lighting by reading the rest of the article below.
Warm White or Cool White, Which White Should You Choose?
Using warm or cool white lights under your cabinet depends on various factors like where you want to place the light and how you would use it. Warm white generates around 3000 Kelvin Degrees while cool white generates between 5000 and 6000 Kelvin Degrees. Warm white has a yellowish color like a traditional incandescent light. On the other hand, cool white has a bluish color which resembles a neon light.
What Color Temperature is Best for LED Strip Lights?
The best color temperature for LED strip lights will have to depend on where you plan to use it. For instance, cool white is a popular choice for LED lighting under kitchen cabinets. On the other hand, rustic-themed kitchens with wooden cabinets look great with warm white. Consider your preferences and how you would like the room to look like.
What is the difference between Warm White and Cool White?
The main difference between warm white and cool white is the color they produce. Warm white is warmer while cool white is brighter and has a blue tinge. Let us learn more about the difference between warm white and cool white below.
Warm White Lighting
Warm white lights have a similar color to incandescent lights. It has an orangey-yellow tinge. This type of light is ideal for different applications. It is best used for rooms that require a cozy ambiance.
Cool White Lighting
Cool white lights are brighter and more vibrant like that of a fluorescent tube light. It has a bluish tinge. This type of light is ideal for busy areas that need bright lights. It is a popular choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
✅ Video – LED LIGHTS: What is the Difference between Warm White & Cool White Temperature?
My Mate VINCE shared the video below on YouTube. It discusses the difference between warm white and cool white temperature on LED lamps. In the video, tips and ideas on how to differentiate between two color temperature and which one is best for your home is discussed. Check out the video for more information.
How to Choose the Right Lighting Quality for Under Cabinet Lights
There are some factors that you need to consider when purchasing under cabinet fixtures that provide high-quality lighting. These factors include dimmability, brightness, color temperature, color saturation, and CRI. Let us discuss more of these factors below.
Dimmability
One of the things that you need to consider when choosing lights for an under cabinet is dimmability. This feature allows you to adjust the brightness of the light when you are using the room. Take note that lights that can be fully dimmed produce a subtle glow that makes the rooms easier to navigate during the night. Moreover, dimmed LED lights require tiny amounts of electricity. You can rest assured that you can turn on the light for many hours without increasing your electric bill.
Brightness
Another factor that you need to consider when choosing lights for the under cabinet is brightness. The brightness of the lights affects its quality. The standard unit of measurement for brightness is the lumen. This refers to the total amount of light that is produced by a bulb or a lighting fixture. Consider the size of the counter or the area that you need to light to determine how many lumens you need for the installation.
Color Temperature
You also need to consider the color temperature of the lights. The color temperature is used to measure the warmth or coolness of light. The higher the color temperature, the cooler the light will be. Moreover, color temperature affects the overall ambiance of the room. It can either make the room brighter, cooler, or warmer. Choose a color temperature that suits the application that you need.
CRI
CRI or also known as color rendering index measures color fidelity. If your lights have a low CRI, it can be difficult to distinguish between black and dark navy. Moreover, it can be difficult to tell the actual color of the objects. Make sure that you choose an under cabinet light that has the proper CRI. You can compare different products available on the market so that you can determine your best choice.
What Is The Best LED Under Cabinet Lighting?
The best LED under cabinet light is one that makes it easier to achieve task lighting. Choosing a light fort under the cabinet is important because it is an area where a lot of activity takes place. For instance, it is where you cook and prepare the meals, wash the dishes, make coffee, and do other everyday tasks. You can choose a linear stick lightly to provide you with the best task lighting. It has a style that is ideal for under cabinet lighting. Another option would be to use puck lights or strip lights. You can also check out this article that we have shared titled, what are the lights under the cabinets called? We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
Are LED Strip Lights Ideal for Kitchen Cabinets?
LED strip lights are ideal for kitchen cabinets. You can use them as accent lights. While strip lights are usually used as an accent light, they are a popular choice for under cabinet light installation. There are many benefits that you can get from using LED strip lights. They are versatile and easy to use. LED strip lights can be cut into a specific size so that it accommodates the size of your cabinet.
Moreover, they come with adhesive backs that stick to most surfaces. On the other hand, it should be used together with a diffuser cover to prevent unwanted hotspot reflections. For more information about this topic, you can check out this article that we have shared titled, can you use LED strip lights under cabinets?
What is LED Color Temperature?
LED color temperature is measured on a Kelvin scale. It ranges between 1,000K and 10,000K. Households have lighting that sits between 2000 and 6500K. LED is more energy-efficient and durable as compared to traditional lights like halogen or fluorescent tubes. Aside from that, LED is also available in a wider range of color temperatures.
Do Under Cabinet Lights Get Hot?
This will have to depend on the type of lights that you use. For instance, halogen under cabinet lighting can get very hot. As a result, it can add to the heat of your kitchen when you are cooking. Aside from that, they are considered the least energy efficient as compared to other lighting options. The good thing is that there is a wide array of lights that you can choose from.
Do You Need Under Cabinet Lighting?
If you have an area underneath the cabinet that needs additional light, it is best to opt for under cabinet lighting. These lights come in a wide array of options. Aside from that, they also provide many benefits for the consumers. Using under cabinet lights can save you money on your electric bill. This is especially true if you choose LED lights. Moreover, under cabinet lights do not emit too much light into the room. It only lightsWarmlights limited area under the cabinets where you need it the most. We have also shared this article that discusses what the best color for under cabinet lighting is. Check out the article to learn more about the topic.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed if under cabinet lighting should be warm or cool. We have found out that the choice between warm or cool white lights for under cabinet lighting depends on the preferences and needs of the consumer. Cool lights are best for areas that require task lightings such as the kitchen or bathroom countertops. On the other hand, warm lights produce a cozy ambiance that is ideal for a lot of areas. Make sure to consider where you place the lights and how you will use them to find the one that suits you best. Thank you for reading!