The Colors of Light
November 25, 2022
Have you ever noticed how the lighting of a room can influence our perception, and even our emotions? Just as we feel a fragrance or a sound, we feel the colors of the light.
Feeling the Light
Some lights make us feel comfortable or connected to the people around us. Others make everything look sharp, clean or precise and can even convey a sense of high-technology. Most of these feelings are due to the colors of the lighting used in a room.
Kelvins are the Key
Different light bulbs emit different color temperatures and each can impact a space differently. Color temperature is measured on the Kelvin scale. Kelvins (K) range from 1000 to 12000. The higher the number, the more the light is perceived as “cool”, “white”. Conversely, the lower the number, the more “yellow”, “warm” the light. Color temperature has a significant impact on the feel and function of a space.
Choosing the Right Color for the Right Space
There is no absolute right or wrong choice. The choice of color temperature depends on what feelings the space is meant to convey. Warmer colors, under 3000K, will help people feel relaxed. They soften shapes and flatter people, clothing and materials. They are ideal for creating a cozy atmosphere in a restaurant or a lounge. Cooler lights, 3500K and above, are more energizing and provide a very bright light. They are ideal for places where people need to focus, or to perform precise operations.
Voltra, the Choice of Intimacy
Voltra lamps have a warmer color than most cordless lamps. Our Totem line has a light output of 2400K while we have chosen 3000K for our Hemisphere line as blending with the porcelain allows the light to get warmer. We made the choice for intimacy as our main objective is to create an atmosphere in living spaces. As our lighting designer from the renowned lighting studio Isometrix explains: “2400K color temperature has been selected because it matches closest to a dimmed halogen lamp. One of the future challenges may be to develop accessories that make the color temperature adjustable.”
