In the clash of soft white vs bright white vs daylight light, which one wins?
It is easy to say that there is no best light. Every light is different for a reason and serves its purpose within a certain context.
In this post, we will compare these three types of color temperatures, how they differ from each other and what are the pros and the cons of each. To find out the best light bulb color temperature for your home, read on!
In a hurry?
Here’s a quick recap of the article!
Indoor and outdoor light bulb color temperature suggestions:
- Living room – soft white or warm white
- Bedroom – soft white or warm white
- Kitchen – bright white or daylight
- Bathroom – bright white or daylight
- Workspace – bright white or daylight
- Outdoors – soft white or bright white
Soft White vs Bright White vs Daylight
Color temperature
In order to understand the differences between these types of light, you need to understand the color temperature.
Here’s an amazing picture that’s self-explanatory:
Color temperature is measured in Kelvins. It’s the physical measurement of a light source’s hue.
Cool light is blue-greenish, and warm is orange-yellowish. People respond to light differently depending on their mood, the time of day, and the season.
This means that while people tend to associate certain colors with specific emotions and situations, light can play a key role in changing how a person feels.
Difference between soft white, bright white, and daylight light bulbs
Soft white bulbs
Soft white light’s color is characterized as yellowish and warm. Its color temperature ranges between 2,700 and 3000 Kelvin.
Soft white bulbs are most commonly used in homes (in living rooms and bedrooms) as it creates a pleasant and cozy atmosphere with a relaxing effect.
Bright white bulbs
Bright white light’s color is characterized as whiteish and blueish. Its color temperature ranges between 4,000 and 5,000 Kelvin.
Bulbs with these color temperatures are most often used in offices and studios since they don’t feel as cozy as soft white. If used in a home, it’s most likely to be set in the kitchen and/or bathroom.
Daylight bulbs
Daylight light’s color imitates the sun’s natural light and is characterized as pure white. Its color temperature ranges between 5,000 and 6,500 Kelvin.
Light bulbs of this color temperature are most commonly used in offices and schools since it has an even more energetic feel than bright white light. It’s also great for reading and doing make-up.
As you can see, there are lots of different types of white lights that can be used for any purpose. They can be used as accent lights in your living room, bedroom, or kitchen. They can be used as accent lighting for your backyard patio or pool area.
Which light is better soft white or daylight?
As already said – there is no best light.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of lighting. It depends on what you want the light to do, and where do you use it.
Soft white light bulbs give off a cozy and pleasant atmosphere and they are most commonly used in living rooms and bedrooms, while daylight bulbs have a more neutral and energetic feel making them good for workspaces and also a better choice for reading.
Conclusion
When choosing a light bulb for your home, you have to take into account several factors, including the type of the bulb, its color temperature, and how much light it will provide.
We hope you’ve learned something from this soft white vs bright white vs daylight light comparison, and that know you have no doubts on this topic.