Learn more about kelvin
- Martin Mikkelsen
- Last updated9. June 2026
Kelvin – what is it? And what significance does it have for your choice?
Find the answer below.
For several of our lamps, the light source (bulb) is not included, so you will have to find the right one yourself if you haven’t purchased it from one of our retailers.
What is Kelvin?
The first thing you should look for is Kelvin, which is indicated and abbreviated as K. K (Kelvin) follows a number, for example, it could be 2700. Kelvin indicates the color temperature, i.e., the warmth of the bulb/the color tone of the bulb’s light. Kelvin is always measured on a scale from 1000 to 12000. As shown in the image below, a lower Kelvin value gives a more yellowish light, and a higher Kelvin value gives a more bluish light/cold white light.
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What is the difference between warm and cold light?
When we talk about warm colors, we are around 2000 – 3000K. They are called warm colors because they emit a reddish/yellowish light, which gives off a pleasant glow and warmth. If we move to the other end of the scale, the light becomes more bluish and colder. Already at 3300K to 5300K, we refer to the color tone as cold. And color temperatures above 5300K are defined as daylight, as the light it represents closely resembles natural daylight.
Why is color temperature important?
When choosing lighting for your space, it is important to consider the type of room and its intended purpose.
If it’s a living room, café, restaurant, lounge, or similar space, the goal is to create a calm, cozy, and relaxing atmosphere. Therefore, we recommend using warm color temperatures for these rooms.
A good starting point is 2700K for most lamps for the home. Choosing a bulb with a Kelvin value lower than 2700 will result in a warmer and more yellowish light. We see a trend of more and more people also using 3000K for their homes.
For task lighting, such as in an office setting, you can opt for higher Kelvin values. In offices, lamps with 3000K can provide good work lighting. Studies show that cooler temperatures have an energizing effect, making them suitable for educational institutions, offices, and warehouses.
In addition to Kelvin, it is also important to consider lumens, lux, and CRI.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about Kelvin
Frequently asked questions about Kelvin What does Kelvin mean in lighting?
Kelvin indicates the colour temperature of light and is abbreviated as K. The Kelvin value shows whether the light has a warm, yellowish tone or a cooler, more bluish tone.
What is the difference between a low and a high Kelvin value?
A low Kelvin value produces a warmer, more yellowish light. As the Kelvin value increases, the light becomes cooler and more bluish.
Which Kelvin values are considered warm light?
Colour temperatures of around 2000–3000K are considered warm. They produce a reddish or yellowish light with a pleasant glow and warmth.
When is light considered cool?
Colour temperatures from approximately 3300K to 5300K are considered cool. Colour temperatures above 5300K are defined as daylight because the light resembles natural daylight.
Which Kelvin value should I choose for my home?
A good starting point is 2700K for most lamps in the home. If you choose a light source below 2700K, the light will appear warmer and more yellowish. 3000K is also becoming increasingly common in private homes.
Which Kelvin value is suitable for living rooms, cafés and restaurants?
For living rooms, cafés, restaurants, lounges and similar spaces, ANTIDARK recommends warm colour temperatures. This helps create a calm, cosy and relaxing atmosphere.
Which Kelvin value is suitable for a workplace?
For a task lamp, a higher Kelvin value can be a good choice. In offices, lamps with 3000K can provide effective working light. Cooler colour temperatures are also well suited to educational environments, offices and warehouses.
Is Kelvin the only factor to consider when choosing lighting?
No. In addition to Kelvin, it is also important to consider lumen, lux and CRI when choosing lighting.
