2700k Vs 3000k: Which One Do I Need?

When it comes to choosing LED lights, many are confused, whether to choose the 2700K or the 3000K. To be honest, the difference isn’t prominent. However, both of these color temperature has different impacts on human psychology. 

The 2700K light is perceived as having a more yellow or orangish tone. On the other hand, 3000K light is a more polished, crisp white tone with fewer yellow undertones. This 3000K temperature difference creates varied applications and outcomes. 

In this article, I will discuss the key difference between 2700K and 3000K LED lights. Also, I will mention what to consider before buying, and finally, the best application suited to each of them.  

The Main Difference Between 2700k Vs 3000k( Table)

Criteria	2700K	3000K
Light color	Warm white, daylight	Soft neutral white
Ambiance	Cozy, relaxed	Welcoming, focused
Work efficient	No	Yes
Eye comfort	Yes	Yes, but less than 2700K
Visual impact	Soothing, intimate visual	Inviting, calming, modern visual
Color accuracy	Low	High
Blue light	Zero	Has a slight blue light
Design compatibility	Traditional, rustic, cottage-type aesthetic	Modern, commercial, sleek interior compatible
Applications	Bedroom, hotel lobby, hotel room, restaurant, living room	Bathroom, kitchen, office, study room

Key Difference Between 2700k And 3000k 

Understanding the key differences in-depth is crucial to learning more about 2700K vs 3000K LED lights.

Color Temperature

The color temperature is measured in Kelvin (K) and dictates how warm or cool a white light appears. This scale ranges from 1000K to 10000K. For instance, 2700K has more yellow and orange tones. While an increase of 3000K results in a soft white light with less yellow tone. 

As a result, the color temperature impacts the mood and outcome of the light immensely. To break down the concept into simple terms, the higher the Kelvin, the higher the color temperature it will be.

However, instead of emitting a warm tone, high temperatures radiate shorter wavelengths and result in a cool undertone of light. This is the reason 2700K light is more on the warmer side, whereas the 3000K light is crisp white, with a bit cooler undertone. 

Visual Impact 

How the light color is visually perceived is completely changed by 2700K and 3000K temperatures. In 2700K, the more orangish and warm tone is seen. As a result, the edges are softer. The color is similar to fire or traditional incandescent lights. The objects under this lighting seem warm and cozy.

On the other hand, 3000K delivers a soft white tone, with less yellow undertone. The edges are crisp and cleaner than the 2700K one. In this light, the setup and objects seem much fresher and modern. This is incredible for any type of taskwork.

The main reason for this difference in visual impact is the spectral power distribution or SPD graph. This means the intensity of light at each visible wavelength. The 2700K lights SPD graph contains a large number of yellow, red, and orange components. 

In contrast, the 3000K has a moderate amount of yellow and orange components, with a little bit of blue and green wavelengths. This delivers a neutral white visual impact. 

Mood/Ambience Control 

As discussed in the prior topic, 2700K delivers deeply warm light, which softens the edge of the setup. The whole atmosphere becomes cozy, intimate, and glowy. 

The mood is set for a comfortable and relaxed tone. As 2700K emits nearly zero blue or green wavelengths, the circadian rhythm of the human body is more relaxed. 

On the other hand, the 3000K delivers a sharp edge, with neutral, soft, warm white light. This set the atmosphere for a modern, clean look. The ambiance is more formal, relaxed, yet focused. The mood is comfortable and energized at the same time. 

Color Rendering Index

CRI or Color Rendering Index is a tool that measures how accurately the objects are seen under artificial light, compared to natural sunlight. This ranges from 0 to 100. The higher the CRI number, the more accurately it renders the object’s color compared to the original color.

In 2700K, the CRI value ranges from 80-90, whereas in 3000K, the CRI value is 85 to 95. This means 3000K delivers a more accurate representation of the color. Especially, blue, purple, and green hues are more prominently delivered compared to 2700K lighting. 

The 2700K has a warm undertone, which fades the actual color by laying an orange warm light over the object. In many cases, the flaws and spots are hidden here. In contrast, the extended CRI value is higher at 3000K, which renders the flaws, spots, especially on skintone, food, etc. 

Best Applications

The key difference between 2700K and 3000K lighting is in their best application. For example, 2700K is warm, cozy, and relaxed light, often used in intimate places such as bedrooms, living rooms, hotel rooms, restaurants, retail stores, etc. However, it all depends on which mood or ambiance you’re trying to create in the place. And you can use 2700K LED lights in any place where a cozy and relaxed environment is needed.

On the contrary, commercial places, such as an office room, a meeting, a seminar, or a conference room, are mostly decorated with 3000K lights. This can be used in residential areas too, as 3000K light is not too focusing or restraining to the human eye. It is considered a soft, white light. So, the living room, game room, and study room are ideal for this lighting setup.

Another thing to acknowledge is that 2700K and 3000K can be used in the same setup. For example, above the kitchen counter, you can implement a 3000K light, as chopping and other cooking work are done there. Additionally, on the ceiling, install a 2700K light for an overall cozy ambiance. 

What To Consider Before Choosing 2700k Vs 3000k?

Before investing in the whole light setup with 2700K or 3000K, read through these to make an informed decision-

Design Compatibility 

The lighting setup must consider your home decor. It should accentuate the walls and furniture, instead of fading the color. Wooden wall, wooden furniture seem more vibrant under 2700K lighting. The warm light accentuates the wooden texture. Moreover, beige and cream colors complement the 2700K light highly.

In the case of tiles, marble flooring and walls, stainless steel or other metal furniture complement 3000K lighting well. The neutral soft white light gives a crisp and modern look to the high-end modern furniture and decor. 

Blue Light Hazard

Although we are surrounded by mobiles, laptops, and other screens all the time, the blue light effect of the room light setup makes a difference. Everyone needs a relaxed ambiance inside their home, especially the bedroom and the living room. 

The blue light in 2700K is relatively zero, so it creates a more welcoming and relaxed mood. Using 2700K in nighttime light setup regulates the circadian rhythm of the human body, creating a good sleep cycle. The 3000K light has few blue wavelengths, which is ideal for daytime usage.

Color Accuracy 

If you want more accurate color rendering for photography, art, or other projects, then choosing 3000K lighting with a CRI value of 95 is a good option. Look for extended CRI values, especially the R9 value, which renders red color, should be between 20 and 60. This delivers better skin tone and food color. In most cases, the R9 value is weaker in 2700K light setups. 

However, if your place doesn’t require high color accuracy, then opt for 2700K. This light fades any flaws and spots, giving a soft edge finish. The red and blue colors are not highly accurate in this light, but rather a bit dull. 

Work Efficiency 

When choosing a light setup, the most important factor is whether it will be used for focus work or not. If the answer is yes, then choose 3000K light because this offers more crisp light, with neutral white. 

Neutral white light has hints of blue light, which improves focus. Another plus point is that 3000K light is not as harsh as cool white, which keeps the work environment efficient without straining the eyes. 

2700k Vs 3000k, Which One To Choose?

Now that you know all the factors to consider before buying a light, the next question is, which light is ideal for which applications? Here is a simple guide to choosing 2700K and 3000K light- 

Bathroom

The bathroom needs to be pristine and clean-looking, which the 3000K light offers effortlessly. The whiter the light is, the brighter the bathroom tiles and cabinets will look. The mirror needs to reflect the exact or very close colors of skin, so using a 3000-4000K light is appropriate here.

You need to check the CRI values and luminosity too. Higher lumens offer a brighter bathroom.

Kitchen

This one is rather complex to set up, as various types of work are done in the kitchen. Many homes have an attached living room with a kitchen. In that case, mixing up 2700K and 3000K is a better idea. Or using a tunable white LED for better meal preparation. Above the countertop, below the cabinet, install a 3000K light for crisp white light. 

In other areas, for a cozy look, 2700K performs better. Additionally, the kitchen aesthetics and decoration are important factors in choosing the lighting. If your kitchen is more traditional, has wooden furniture and accessories, the warm 2700K light brings out the texture. On the other hand, for a modern kitchen with tiles and steel countertops, 3000K is a great solution. You can find kitchen lighting inspiration here.

Living Room

Often, people prefer a modern, clean look in their living room, and other people want a cozy, intimate living room. Depending on what the preference and aesthetics are, both 2700K and 3000K light can be used here.

Bedroom

The bedroom is an intimate and relaxing place. So, the lighting here needs to be adjusted to follow the circadian rhythm of human beings, with no blue light hazard. 2700K light checks all the criteria in this regard. The soft, warm light improves sleep by creating a relaxed atmosphere. 

Commercial Workspace 

Conference room, seminar room, and meeting room need focus and bright light for efficient work. Many projects are shared on the board through a projector. So, a dimmable or tunable white light seems the best solution for a commercial workspace. Bright white light, yet not too cool, such as 3000K to 4000K, works best here.

Study Room

A study room needs both focus and not too restraining lighting. If the study room is for adults, then crisp, neutral white light works great, such as 3000K lighting. However, small children get tired easily and need a comforting area to study. 

So, installing a light between 2700K and 3000K is the best choice. If you’re still confused about choosing daylight or soft white light, read here for more details. 

Conclusion

To wrap up, between 2700K and 3000K, there is no dramatic difference. Both of these fall under the warm white light category. However, if your place needs a cozy, intimate environment, then 2700K performs better. Similarly, in office, hospital, and commercial places, 3000K delivers a modern soft white light. 

Looking for premium LED lights? Contact MYlikeLED for budget-friendly 2700K and 3000K lights. If you have any queries regarding these color temperatures, you can email us. 

FAQ

Is 3000K too bright for a living room?

Brightness is measured in lumens, not in Kelvins. So 3000K isn’t too bright, it is only soft white with a cooler undertone. It is perfect for a modern living room with marble, tiles, and white or grey aesthetic decorations. 

Is 2700K ok for a bathroom?

2700K isn’t perfect for overall bathroom lighting. As this delivers a warm light with yellow and orange undertones, it has lower color accuracy. The CRI value is lower than 3000K light. It may affect makeup, grooming, etc. However, 2700K is ok for spa or bathtub areas in a bathroom.

Is 2700K good for the eyes?

2700K light is very soothing and calming to our eyes. It contains fewer blue wavelengths, which is the main cause of eye strain. So, 2700K is good for our eyes.

Which Kelvin is best for the home?

Depending on preference and mood, 2700 to 4000K light is ideal for a home lighting setup. In the bedroom, closet, and intimate areas, 2700K light is used. In a home office, study areas 3000K to 4000K are ideal for a focused ambiance.