What is the right bulb for your outdoor space? It may seem really simple but there is actually much more involved. There are many variables that go into what bulb should be used and many of which most people do not even think about. What color do you want? What is the right ambiance for your outdoor space? What is the color temperature of the bulb? That is where to start.
Color Temperature?
When it comes to white light the most important thing to determine the color of the light is the color temperature. This can be found on the packaging for the bulb and is measured in Kelvins (K). Cooler temperatures (blues and whites) tend to be 3500K and above and become whiter as the temperature goes up. Warmer temperatures are below 3000K and as that decreases the light becomes more amber in color. Both have valuable applications, but which is right for your outdoor space?
For your outdoor space most people will want warmer temperature bulbs. Cooler temperatures can give off a sickly or unnatural appearance to your outdoor space while warmer temperatures produce a more soothing and comfortable ambiance. Kind of like the soothing tone of a campfire. The ideal temperature for outdoor space is 2700K which produces a relaxed and comfortable ambiance for any outdoor space.
Kelvins?
Temperature can be measured in more than just Fahrenheit and Celsius. The Kelvin scale begins at absolute zero and extends indefinitely. The main use for the Kelvin scale is with color temperature. The principle is that a body emits light and the color depends on the temperature of the body emitting the light. Warmer colors like reds or oranges have higher temperatures.
Keep it Consistent
Keeping the same ambiance with outdoor the color temperature of lighting is important. The same bulbs should be used not only with the landscape lighting but also with any outdoor bulb, be it an entry light or a flood light. Maintaining the same tone helps to reduce eye strain.
If this all seems to be complicated it really does not have to be. This is something that the professionals at Resort Lighting take care of so that you don’t have to be worried about it. Installing an outdoor or landscape lighting system is more than just running wires and digging holes. There is a great deal of thought and planning that goes into a proper installation and this is just one of the things that we keep in mind when we are building your lighting system.
Resources:
http://www.nwoutdoorlighting.com/outdoor-lighting-color-tones.aspx
https://www.lightology.com/index.php?module=how_to&sub=landscape_lighting
