Looking to buy or use Dim to Warm LED? This new technology is actually rooted in the past. If you are unsure what it is and confused about all the different types of product and bulbs out there then this quick and easy buying guide will help make it simple for you. In just a few minutes, you’ll know everything you need to know about dim to warm LED lighting.
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Dim to Warm is the terminology applied to an artificial light source where white light gets progressively warmer in its color temperature as it is dimmed.
This description was adopted for LED light sources, as manufacturers were able to replicate the beloved effect of a warming color from dimmed low voltage halogen light sources. The term “dim to warm” is not an industry standard, so some manufacturers may call their products “tunable white” or “dim tone” or use other terms.
Dim to warm LED is a type of LED lighting that creates a warm and inviting ambiance.
This is achieved through the use of specialized LEDs that are designed to produce lower levels of blue light, allowing for an enhanced red and yellow color spectrum.
Typically the light source begins with a warm white of 3000K to 2700K and slides increasiingly into an amber color the more it is dimmed, down to more candle like color which is anything between 1800K and 2200K.
Furthermore, LED dim to warm lights are much more energy-efficient than their traditional counterparts, making them ideal for both residential and commercial settings. Whether used in kitchens, dining areas, living rooms or hotels, these LED lights help create a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere that is perfect for socializing or calming down after a long day.
Just like any other type of LED light, when not dimmed, a dim to warm lamp will look the same as any other LED light.
The only difference is that when you do dim it, the light will change color and give off a warmer hue.
Philips LED Dimmable Warm Glow Effect A19 Bulb |
Warm Glow Effect provide 800 lumens of soft white light. Warm Glow dimming offers flicker free, silent dimming that works with more dimmer switches than any other LED on the market; The more you dim, the warmer the light from 2200 to 2700 kelvin just like traditional incandescent light bulbs. |
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Warms Color as Dimmed |
Dim tone is a Philips product name for their lighting ranges that use a warm dim technology. For example, the Philips E14 2200-2700 k Dimmable Master LED Dim Tone Flame Lustre Light Bulb, will start at 2700K when on normally and warm in color to 2200K when at it’s most dimmed.
The way that dim to warm works is by adjusting the overall color temperature of an LED light’s output from a cooler warm colored LED to a much warmer one. This effect is achieved in differing ways but predominantly done by transferring the percentage of output from a more powerful 2700K LED chip to a much warmer smaller LED chip, mixing the two througout the process.
So as the light is dimmed, the LEDs seem to change their output to emit more red and yellow light waves, giving off a warmer hue.
The Dim to Warm technology is great because it provides the perfect light for every moment. Whether you need a bright light for working or a soft and cosy light for relaxing, this technology has you covered. Plus, its applications extend to a variety of important settings, like hospitality businesses and luxury restaurants.
People now also have another opportunity to create the right atmosphere in their own homes as they might want to change the light depending on what they are doing. For example, they might want to have brighter light for a dinner with their family and then a softer much warmer cozier light for watching a movie or for a dinner party.
When considering using or buying LED lighting that gets more candle light like in color when dimmed, there are a few things you should take into account:
The color temperature of a light is measured in Kelvin (K) and it’s the measurement of the hue of the light. The lower the Kelvin, the warmer/yellower the light will be; and vice versa, the higher the Kelvin, the cooler/bluer the light will be.
For example:
2700K is a very warm white, often compared to the light of a traditional incandescent bulb. This color temperature will have a yellow hue and is often used in living rooms or bedrooms to create a relaxing and cozy atmosphere.
3000K is a white light and is a popular choice for kitchens or bathrooms as it provides good color rendering while still being bright enough to see clearly.
Each product manufacturer will decide on what color to start and stop the warming process, so be sure to look out for this in the description.
For example; Philips Dim Tone 2200K – 2700K. The higher 2700K is the brightest light travelling lower to 2200K. The lowest degree of kelvin will always the dimmest light output in a dim to warm product.
Just like traditional light bulbs, not all LED dim to warm lights are compatible with all types of dimmer switches.
Be sure to check the product description or packaging for information on whether or not a particular light is compatible with your existing dimmer switch.
For more take a look at how to dim lights: 7 steps to perfect LED dimming
If you’re unsure, it’s always best to consult with an electrician or the manufacturer of the light before making a purchase.
When it comes to choosing the right warm to dim LED light bulb, you’ll also need to take into account the bulb style as well as the type of lamp base that you need.
For example, if you’re looking for your recessed lighting, you’ll need to make sure that you choose a light with the right base type (such as an E26 or GU24) as well as the right bulb style (such as A19 or PAR20).
When it comes to choosing the right beam width for your needs, it really depends on personal preference as well as the specific application.
For example, if you’re looking for a warm dim option for general ambient lighting, you might want to choose a light with a wider beam angle (such as 120 degrees).
However, if you’re looking for a light to use as task lighting, you might want to choose a light with a narrower beam angle (such as 60 degrees).
Of course, there are also lights available with adjustable beam angles, which can be a great option if you’re not sure what beam width you need.
Recessed ceiling lights and downlights that adopt this process of warming color, will usually struggle to keep the beam shape the same as throughout the process of change. This is because the light shifts from the dominant LED chips to the smaller weaker in output amber colored LED, and the illumination looks different on the floor or surrounding furniture.
Professional manufacturers ensure that their designs are seamless in visual beam pattern during the transferance of color, which isn’t an easy result to achieve.
Now that you know what to look for, here are some great products to consider that adopt this technology:
Recessed lighting is the ideal place for this adaptable white light source. As the major reason ceiling lights are used is to create ambient lighting throughout a space, it is a primary place to want to set the mood. The LED downlight has a long lifespan and is highly energy efficient.
Very similar to the above recessed lighting, a recessed downlight with a warm dim LED is an excellent way to change the feel of a room. These are often used residential and hospitality settings where the atmosphere of a room will benefit from the desired light level and candle like color.
Flexible light strips are a popular application for LEDs. They can be used for task lighting, accent lighting, backlighting, and more. And since they’re so versatile, they can be used in a wide variety of settings, both residential and commercial. The opportunity to adapt their white color to a convivial amber glow results in a wonderful moody accent lighting source that can transform the look of a room.
LED bulbs are becoming increasingly popular as people look for more energy-efficient lighting options. And since they last so much longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, they’re a great option for those who want to save money in the long run.
The smaller warm dim LED bulb will fit into wall lights and chandeliers
A GU10 base is a type of push in and twist base that’s commonly used for CFL and LED bulbs. It’s becoming increasingly popular due to its energy efficiency and its ability to fit a wide variety of fixtures. This bulb type is a natural choice for tuneable white bulbs.
As you can see, there are a variety of great warm white color tuneable products on the market. So, whether you’re looking for ambient lighting, task lighting, or accent lighting, there’s sure to be one that’s perfect for your needs.
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