Color Temperature is a bulb color rating that is measured on the Kelvin scale (K). The higher the color temperature, the whiter the color. A light bulb with a higher color temperature, with the same lumens rating of a bulb with a lower color temperature, will seem brighter because of a whiter light.

Fluorescent light colors are determined by the selection of the phosphors inside a bulb. Color temperature or descriptions are usually on the package or the base of the bulb. Color temperature and color descriptions may differ slightly between bulb manufacturers.

2700K Color temperature of an incandescent bulb, very soft (yellow and orange color). Good for areas that require soft lighting, like dining areas.
3000K Slightly whiter than 2700K but still very soft light.
3500K Use this color for general household and office lighting where soft lighting is not desired.
4100K Cool white gives a whiter light. The cooler (whiter) colors seem brighter and can be used where bright lighting is essential, i.e. workshop or food preparation counter. It also can be used when existing lighting is insufficient.
5100K Daylight and higher has a bluish color, seems very bright, don’t forget sunglasses.

Color Temperature

3000K

3500K

4100K

5100K

Color Temperature Chart

Color Temperature Labeling

Fluorescent tubes might contain a “730” or “830” number indicating a color temperature of 3000K. (741 or 941 would indicate 4100K.) The color temperature is usually labeled on the bulb or the package. If proper color temperature is important, avoid buying fluorescent and LED bulbs that don’t indicate the color temperature.

Some CFLs may have a slightly higher color temperature than what is listed on the package or bulb.