Before delving into the difference between 3000K and 3500K, it is beneficial to know the meaning behind this unit of measurement.
Kelvin is used to measure the color temperature of light and determine what the color of light will look like. The overall Kelvin scale typically ranges from 1,000K to 10,000K.
At the very end of the Kelvin scale between 6500K and 11,000K, white light has a bluish hue. At the lowest end of 1000K to 2000K, the light has an amber-orange shade.
Color temperature of white light in Kelvin
In addition to the Kelvin number, we can match each scale level to its corresponding description, such as warm white, neutral, cool white, or daylight. These are not qualitative terms, but help describe the sensation that light will give.
The hue of light can greatly affect how a space or item appears when illuminated. That’s why it’s important to first determine the ideal color temperature and Kelvin number for any residential or commercial lighting project.
Although the 3000K and 3500K are closely related, there are some subtle differences that should be considered.
The 3000K is seen as a warm white with a yellowish hue. This type of light is soothing and inviting, perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, and other spaces that need to feel comfortable.
The 3500K is closer to neutral white with a hint of blue. It mimics natural sunlight and is ideal for offices, bathrooms, and other spaces that need to appear brighter. This color temperature is also more suitable for tasks that require precision and clarity, such as reading.
The obvious differences between 3000K vs 4000K, 3000K vs 5000K, and 3000K vs 2700K also help to consider when choosing the right lighting for your project.
Is 3000k to 3500k a color
The color temperature of 3000K and 3500K is not the same, one is golden light, the other is yellow light.
No, 3000k will yellow, use 3500’s. Large white wall, cold color feels that the color temperature is quite white. But when you encounter warm colors, you can still see that it is warm yellow light, but the bedroom is also very warm and good-looking.
3000K vs 3500K
3000K is considered warm white with a yellowish hue, unlike 2700K orange. This type of light is soothing and inviting, yet functional, perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and other spaces that need to feel warm but not too relaxing.
3500K is a mix between 3000K warm white and 4000K cool white, including a little more blue in the white light mix than 3000K, becoming neutral white because it is exactly somewhere in between.
In the entire Kelvin color temperature scale, both 3000K and 3500K are considered warm white, and before reaching the cool white and daylight temperatures above 4000K, they will transition into cool white.
When to Use 3000K (Warm White)
If you want to create a welcoming atmosphere, 3000K is the perfect color temperature for your space. Offering a hint of yellow, this warm hue will bring out the natural beauty of wood tones without introducing the richer warmer tones of 2700K.
3000K Warm White is best used for:
- General household use
- Bathroom and kitchen
- Porch lighting
- Exterior landscape lighting
- Foyer and entrance
- Restaurant restaurant
Is 3000K Warm or Cool?
3000K is certainly at the warm white end of the spectrum, and its light is very similar to the now-obsolete but once widely used tungsten halogen bulbs.
Although there is no yellow tone compared to 2700K fixtures, the 3000K still exudes a warmer white tone that is more natural and comfortable than cooler commercial lamps.
When to Use 3500K (Neutral White)
3500K is when the color temperature starts to move into a more neutral white without becoming cool white. This is ideal for kitchens with white cabinets, bathrooms, and rooms.
3500K Warm White is best used for:
- Intermediate colors and tones between warm and cool white
- Suitable for residential and commercial applications
- Suitable for illuminating white surfaces
- Task lighting faces rooms such as utility rooms and craft rooms.
Is 3500K Too Bright?
3500K is an ideal temperature that offers a balanced mix of colors that are neither too yellow nor too blue.
Brightness is a description of how much light is produced, so it can become too bright when a high percentage in the 3500K reflects back into the room from a shiny white surface.
Compared to 3000K, its neutral tones give the impression of being brighter because it contains more blue in the white light mix and looks cooler. Colder light feels brighter.
All lighting is subjective to the user, but for most people, the 3500K is a suitable choice that gives the lighting an effective and natural quality.
However, the 3500K is a less common white color used in lighting fixtures, but it can always be created in tunable white products, such as smart bulbs.
As consultants, we felt that the 3500K was too bright for ambient lighting because it would give a more clinical and artificial feel.
For general use in the home, we recommend changing to 3000K.
Overall, both the 3000K and 3500K offer different advantages depending on what kind of atmosphere you’re trying to create in your space. However, they are still considered warm white on the Kelvin scale, in
3000K vs 3500K For Kitchens?
It depends on the overall color of the kitchen cabinet.
For white kitchens, a whiter cool light will illuminate the surface at a cooler temperature, emphasizing the contemporary aesthetic of white.
Warmer cabinets and walls in the kitchen will benefit from a warmer 3000K to maintain the same atmosphere.
The choice of 3500K or 3000K will be based on personal preference, but usually warmer tones are used for kitchen lighting as it is a comfortable and relaxing place.
For task-oriented areas such as utility rooms, craft rooms, and offices, the cooler 3500K is better suited to create a clear impression from the light.
Ultimately, the decision between 3000K or 3500K depends on personal preference and how much warmth or coolness you want in your space. Before making a decision, consider your own tastes as well as your surroundings.
Which is better, 3000k or 3500k for fruit?
Both of these light sources belong to warm colors, medium color 4000k, white light 6500k, illuminate fruit 3000 better, the color is more bright.
Comparison between 3000K and 3500K Color Temperatures
3000K Color Temperature
- Light with a color temperature of 3000K is generally considered warm, exhibiting shades of yellow to orange.
- This type of lighting is suitable for creating a comfortable and cozy atmosphere, often used in home lighting, living rooms, bedrooms, and similar settings.
- The 3000K light is also applicable in commercial settings where a warm ambiance is desired, such as restaurants, cafes, and the like.
3500K Color Temperature
- Light with a color temperature of 3500K is relatively neutral, falling between warm and cool tones, presenting a white color similar to natural light.
- This color temperature provides a clear and bright visual effect indoors, making it suitable for places like offices, commercial spaces, and other environments that require focus and efficiency.
- Due to its neutral tone, the 3500K light is also commonly used in commercial retail stores to display products in their true colors.
In summary, light with a 3000K color temperature leans towards warm tones, suitable for creating a cozy atmosphere. On the other hand, light with a 3500K color temperature is more neutral, providing a bright and clear visual effect. The choice between the two depends on the intended setting, personal preferences, and the desired ambiance.
