Introduction of warm light and cold light
How colour temperature works
Light consists of two components that determine its classification – the colour temperature and the colour display. The higher the colour temperature, the colder or brighter the light. At a lower temperature; or at a temperature equivalent to a candle, it is classified as warm light. Warm light has a red to yellowish appearance while cold light has a white to bluish appearance.
Light is also determined by its display of colours. This value measures how well a colour can be observed under the lighting condition. In the conditions of cold light, which brightness is equivalent to daylight, most colours will be reflected.
The functions of lighting in a living space
The function of lighting is not only to cancel out darkness, it has a role in the design and atmosphere of living spaces. Using cold light or warm light will create a different effect on the interior design and the atmosphere of a room. The reflection of the light on the wall and floor colour of a room will also change the ambience and the mood of the people who are in the room.
Using this denominator, interior designers will select the colour of the floor and wall tiles to create the ambience that they wish to achieve. The shadows created on the surfaces based on the temperature of the light are also taken into consideration to select the texture and patterns of the tiles to produce the effects on the room design.
Warm Lighting in Living Space
Based on the insights above, the foundations of lighting design is then made clear – cold light works best in large spaces or work areas where one needs to be energised, and warm light in smaller places or more intimate, secluded corners where one needs to be in a relaxed mood.
In a home concept, kitchens and study rooms rely on cold light to suggest clean space and a working environment, while living rooms or bedrooms are better with warm lights for power-down times.
Warm light is soothing and brings out the romantic ambience in a bedroom. Add on lighter coloured tiles like beige to set the ambience right.
Warm light in living rooms brings out the warmth and cosiness of the space. Use warm or darker coloured tiles on the wall for added cosiness.
Lighting in Commercial Space
Warm light helps create a welcoming atmosphere in commercial spaces like a café. Use stone or wood floor tiles for that natural look.
In commercial areas, cold or warm light is defined by the nature of the business. In an office, warm light creates huge contrasts and the workers’ eyes must work hard to adjust to this, creating stress, thus, cold light is advisable. In an art gallery, lightings must be able to reflect the colours on the art pieces well thus cold light is best.
Create a Welcoming Atmosphere
For a boutique selling high fashion clothing, a mix between warm and cold light is needed. Warm light works best for the dressing room to set in the mood to shop while contrasts created by brighter lights will put an edgy look to the clothes.
