The way LED lighting interacts with the color of your walls, cabinets, and furniture can make a tremendous difference in the overall look of your home. The specific type of lighting that you select can go a long way to bring out certain color schemes in your design. While certain tones may complement one another nicely, others may clash. Here are a few lighting design tips to consider when planning your next lighting or decorating project.
In order to determine which colors will pair well with others, there are two things that need to be taking into consideration: how much light a certain surface absorbs, and what type of light source is going to be used to illuminate it. Typically, areas with glossy finishes will be the most reflective, and tend to have the greatest effect on the appearance of individual colors. Alternately, objects with a matte finish reduce the effects of light reflection, ensuring that colors maintain their consistency.
Most LEDs are available in a variety of colors, however, most standard interior lights come in shades of white. These varying shades are measured on the Kelvin scale.
Inspired LED products are categorized into “cool white” LEDs, which register around 6000 Kelvin, “pure white” LEDs which register around 4000 Kelvin, and “warm white” LEDs, which register around 3000 Kelvin. Cool white LEDs tend to give off what can be described as a cold bluish hue, comparable to fluorescent bulbs. Warm white LEDs provide a softer, yellowish-gold tone, similar to most standard incandescent bulbs, while our new pure white LEDs offer a more neutral daylight tone.
In general, the soft gold glow of our warm white LEDs are most at home in areas with rich earth tones and a more traditional decorative style. Think of that cozy spot on an old leather couch, or a hot home cooked meal around a dark wood kitchen table. Warm white LEDs will also typically blend nicely in areas primarily lit by standard incandescent or halogen bulbs.
By comparison, cool white lighting is most complementary when used in task-oriented spaces, such as the garage, computer desk, or craft room. The “cold blueish hue” is helpful in promoting focus, and blends in nicely with the tones given off by television or computer screens, which is why cool white LEDs are commonly used in back-lighting applications. If your home incorporates a more modern contemporary style with blacks, whites, and stainless steels, cool white LEDs may be a more widespread lighting solution for you as well.
For those who are looking to achieve the “cleanest” look from their lights, our new pure white LEDs are ideal for preserving the natural daylight color of your home. In particular, rooms with a lot of color will benefit most from this pure shade of white. If you are a bit of a night owl, or if you are looking to light an area where there are no windows, pure white LEDs can provide the subtle look of daylight anytime, anywhere!
Whatever colors you are considering for your next lighting project, remember, ultimately the decision comes down to your own style and preference. These guidelines are simply meant to help lead you in the right direction! If you need additional information or advice on what type of LED lighting to use in your home or business, feel free to email us at design@inspiredled.com or give us a call at 480-941-4286, and, as always we will be more than happy to assist you!
