Who is Kelvin – K ratings explained

Before we get to know Kelvin better, and what bulbs we should be choosing throughout the home, office, and industrial settings, let’s look at the colour scale and what the ratings mean.

‘Colour’ is the common way to describe the light temperate of a bulb. Measured in degrees of Kelvin (K) on a scale from 1,000 to 10,000, the higher the number, the whiter the light. Commercial and residential lighting typically falls somewhere between 2000K and 6500K, with the latter moving closer to natural daylight.

Now you’re better acquainted with Kelvin and his impact on a room, choosing the right lighting to achieve the look and feel you want should be simple. Here’s a quick guide to the colour rating of different K ratings and their possible applications.

For areas where colour clarity is important, like kitchen, bathroom or games areas.

Crisp and cool lighting. Ideal for areas requiring task or security lighting, like studies, basements, and outdoor areas.

When it comes to downlights, solutions like Atom’s Maximus range conveniently offer three lighting temperature options. Choose a 3000, 4000 or 5000 Kelvin rating on installation, allowing you to define a room, or create zones within a larger space.