---
title: "What Is Color temperature? Electrical Glossary | Daniel Electric"
description: "Color temperature describes how warm (yellow) or cool (blue) white light looks, and it is measured in kelvin."
url: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/color-temperature
publisher: Daniel Electric
phone: +1-817-481-8606
quote: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact
---

Lighting

# Color temperature

Color temperature describes how warm (yellow) or cool (blue) white light looks, and it is measured in kelvin.

The Department of Energy says the color of light from artificial sources varies from a yellowish (warm) white to a bluish (cool) white. It is measured in degrees Kelvin (K). Lower numbers look warmer. Common warm values near 2,700 K suit homes, and cooler values are used in offices.

Pick one color temperature per room so fixtures match. Mixed warm and cool bulbs can look uneven. See [CRI](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/cri) for how true colors look and [lumen](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/lumen) for brightness. For a lighting plan, see [LED lighting installation](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/led-lighting-installation).

[Daniel Electric can helpLED lighting installation](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/led-lighting-installation)

## Related terms

-   [CRI](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/cri)
-   [Lumen](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/lumen)
-   [LED](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/led)
-   [Recessed lighting](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/recessed-lighting)

## Sources

1.  [U.S. Department of Energy FEMP: Purchasing Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs](https://www.energy.gov/cmei/femp/purchasing-energy-efficient-light-bulbs)
2.  [U.S. Department of Energy: Weatherization Assistance Program Glossary](https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2016/06/f32/glossary.pdf)

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## Need an electrician in Southlake?

Call and tell us what is going on. A photo of the panel label or the problem helps us come prepared. Quotes on new installations are free.

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