Short answer
Use 2700K to 3000K (warm white) for living rooms, bedrooms, restaurants and hotel rooms; 4000K (neutral white) for offices, kitchens, retail and classrooms; and 5700K to 6500K (cool daylight) for warehouses, workshops, parking and task areas that need maximum alertness.
What colour temperature means
Colour temperature describes how warm or cool white light looks, measured in Kelvin (K). Lower numbers look yellow and cosy; higher numbers look blue-white and crisp. It says nothing about brightness: a 2700K lamp and a 6500K lamp can give out the same lumens.
Room-by-room recommendations
| Space | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Living room, bedroom | 2700K – 3000K |
| Restaurant, hotel room, lounge | 2700K – 3000K |
| Kitchen, bathroom | 3000K – 4000K |
| Office, classroom, clinic | 4000K |
| Retail, showroom | 3000K – 4000K |
| Warehouse, workshop, parking | 5700K – 6500K |
Why 4000K suits most Indian offices
Neutral 4000K renders skin tones and materials accurately without the clinical feel of daylight lamps, and it mixes well with daylight from windows. Many projects in India still default to 6500K out of habit, which can feel harsh in the evening.
When to choose tunable white
Tunable fittings such as the Philips WiZ Aura downlight move between 3000K and 6500K, so a single room can be crisp during work hours and warm in the evening. They suit meeting rooms, serviced apartments and homes.
Keep one temperature per space
Mixing 3000K and 6500K fittings in the same room is the most common mistake on site. Specify one colour temperature per zone in the BOQ and check it on delivery.
Common questions
Is 3000K or 4000K better for a home?
3000K for living and sleeping areas; 4000K for kitchens and study areas where you need clearer light.
Is 6500K bad for the eyes?
It is not harmful, but it can feel harsh in the evening and in relaxed spaces. Reserve it for task and utility areas.