3000K vs 4000K: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to lighting a space, there are many different options of white light color to choose from and it can be confusing. Just what are the key differences between the white light colors of 3000K vs 4000K and how are they best used?

To understand their differences, you first need to understand that color temperature is a way to describe the light given off by a bulb in terms of how warm or cool it appears.

A white color is given a number on a scale of degrees of kelvin, which pinpoints the degree of warmth of the white color and allows you to more accurately choose the light or product.

Warm colors have a lower color temperature (starting at 1000K) and appear more yellow/orange while cool colors have a higher color temperature and appear bluer (finishing at 10,000K).

A traditional incandescent light bulb has a color temperature of around 2700K while CFL and LED bulbs can range anywhere from 2700K-6500K.

3000k vs 4000k

When it comes to choosing between 3000K and 4000K, the key difference is in the color of the white light.

• 3000K describes a warm white color temperature of light at 3000 degrees of kelvin. 3000K is cooler than 2700K but still classed as warm white.
• 4000K describes a cool white color temperature of light at 4000 degrees of kelvin. 4000K is warmer than 6000K daylight which is closer to blue on the light spectrum.

There are other common descriptions of the same light colors or similar, so it may be helpful to also compare warm white vs cool white or soft white vs daylight to help you decide.

As they emit light at two different temperatures that have a direct impact on the appearance of everything around them and the subsequent mood of the room, so it’s VERY important to choose the right color of white for your space.

When to Use Warm White 3000K

A 3000K color temperature is preferable if you want to achieve a cozy and warm ambiance in your home.

This type of light is commonly used in bedrooms, living rooms, and dens as it creates a restful environment that is not too harsh on the eyes. It’s also a good choice for bathrooms as it can help you relax while taking a bath or getting ready for bed.

In general, 3000K lights are more suitable for:

• kitchens
• dining rooms
• offices
• bathrooms
• General ambient light for cleaning
• hotel foyers
• materials that reflect cooler colored surfaces like tile and glass.

We created a test video of 3 identical wall lights with differing white light lamps, to show you the difference between the 4000K and other white light sources. You can see how 4000K cool white sits in the middle as a neutral color between the golden tones of 2700K and the very cold daylight color.

When to Use Cool White 4000K

A 4000K color temperature looks clean and modern but can feel harsh and sterile in the wrong environment.

A cool white is preferable if you are either working or playing in an environment that requires clear sightlines and good detail recognition for accurate quality perception, such as when painting, reading a book or cooking

This is the most popular choice for offices, shops and other commercial spaces where a bright light is required but you do not want to enhance warm tones such as wood or earthy wall coverings.

The blue tone will give more of an impactful look that makes objects stand out which can be good for highlighting features of your room but not so good if you want to create a warm atmosphere.

In general, 4000K lights are more suitable for:

• commercial spaces
• factories
• warehouses
• garages
• offices
• retail display
• Kitchen uplighting

Let’s take a look at some common situations where you might need to choose which one works best, as sometimes a combination of both works too.

Color Temperature For Perceivable Differences

The two color temperatures can blend well in a single area without any aesthetic problems.

Use Both in a Kitchen

When you look at how to light a kitchen, you will learn that there is a place for both 3000K and 4000K in kitchens as they are a multi-use space.

For general ambient lighting, a 3000K light is perfect as it will make the room feel warm and inviting.

In task lighting areas, such as under cupboards or over worktops, a 4000K light can be used to help you see more clearly as you prepare food and is more suitable for white cabinetry.

Use Both in a Bathroom

There can be a place for both 3000K and 4000K in a bathroom. Bathrooms are primarily used to begin and end the day. Whilst both activities are task-orientated, they are very different in their approach.

For starting the day, a bright and stimulating 4000K light can help you feel awake and refreshed. As the evening draws in, 3000K can provide a more relaxing and soothing light to help you unwind before bed.

For more color comparisons, check out 2700K vs 3000K : What’s the Difference?

Andrew Orange, the owner of Orange Lighting qualified and worked as an interior designer in 1993 before specialising in lighting working on high profile projects based in London. Since starting Orange Lighting Ltd in 2003 he has been sharing his knowledge and unique teaching style mostly to his designer clients, offering practical real life advice born from running a busy consultancy and lighting supply business. Launching in 2020, his blog has evolved into Quick & Easy Lighting, curating some 25 years design experience into making the lighting choice and design process achievable and easy to understand for all.