Let’s talk about colors for the kitchen, lighting colors that is.

This subject may not be discussed very often, but the color temperature of your lighting can make a difference in the look and feel of the kitchen. But when you hear people discussing warm white vs. cool white, you may wonder what all the fuss is about. Aren’t they both white? And what is color temperature anyway?

To understand the difference in color temperatures and what that means for kitchen lighting, read on.

What Is Color Temperature?

Color temperature is a way to characterize the properties of the lighting. Without getting into a super technical explanation involving light measured in Kelvins (K), the color temperature is determined by how much heat the light emits. As the temperature rises, the light’s color changes from red to orange, yellow, and then white and finally to blue-white. The lower the light temperature, the warmer the light color, and the higher the light temperature, the cooler the light.

Warm White Lighting for Kitchens

If the kitchen décor features natural materials such as tongue and groove ceilings, wood beams, hardwood floors, wood cabinets, or colors such as tans, browns, reds, and oranges. In that case, warmer white temperature lighting will work better. Also, consider the style of the home. Traditional and transitional homes tend to look their best under warm white lighting since it emits a warm glow that brings to mind gaslight or candlelight reminiscent of classic, traditional homes.

Visual Comfort and Co. Thomas O’Brien Goodman 18 Inch Large Pendant

Warm light from a pair of Visual Comfort and Co. Thomas O’Brien Goodman 18 Inch Large Pendants is complemented by Unilume 31 Inch LED Light Bar by Tech Lighting in keeping with this kitchen’s traditional style and wood beams on the ceiling.

Waldorf 23 Inch Large Pendant by Arteriors Home

The warm light shed by a pair of Waldorf 23 Inch Large Pendants by Arteriors Home livens up the bold colors in this kitchen. Bold orange, stately blue, and wool flooring play harmoniously under the vibrant illumination.

Cool White Lighting

Look at the colors in the kitchen: if they are mainly cool colors such as blacks, greys, greens, blues, and crisp whites, a cool light temperature will complement the décor. Modern-style kitchens that feature clean lines and minimalist design look best with this type of lighting.

Tech Lighting Sean Lavin Dessau 48 Inch LED Linear Suspension Light

The clean lines of the Tech Lighting Sean Lavin Dessau 48 Inch LED Linear Suspension Light feature ultra-modern, sleek design houses a slim recessed panel that offers cool, white minimalist light in this kitchen. The Glyde 30 Inch LED Light Bar by Tech Lighting offers under-the-counter task lighting keeping the space cool and bright.

Mixing & Matching for Your Kitchen

Generally speaking, bright lighting in the kitchen is optimal for reading recipes, prepping food, and all the other tasks involved in cooking. However, these days kitchens are used for much more than food preparation. This versatile room may need a variety of color temperatures.

When deciding between warm white or cool white for kitchen lighting, assess the space’s functional needs and design needs. The right mix of lighting creates a welcoming atmosphere required for the multi-use areas that many kitchens have become.

Hudson Valley Lighting Herkimer 17 Inch Large Pendant

The opal glass etched ball of the Hudson Valley Lighting Herkimer 17 Inch Large Pendant emits cool white light over the island, while under-cabinet lighting casts a soft glow that warms up the room. The light presents a unique update of Danish mid-century modern lighting principles with a contrast of texture, color, and width.

Calypso Chandeliers by Crystorama

This large kitchen can handle a lot of light, with a pair of Calypso 20 Inch 6 Light Chandeliers and a Calypso 30 Inch 6 Light Chandelier providing warm lighting along with a full measure of glam. Cool white under cabinet lighting and recessed ceiling lights offer focused illumination where needed.

Haskell 34 Inch 8 Light Chandelier by Arteriors Home

The warm light shed by the Haskell 34 Inch 8 Light Chandelier by Arteriors Home enhances the ambiance of this kitchen. The white lighting in workspaces supports the functionality of a multi-use area.

Glendale 20 Inch Cage Pendant by Hudson Valley Lighting

The Sputnik-inspired lantern style of the Glendale 20 Inch Cage Pendant by Hudson Valley Lighting offers warm ambient light that plays well with the wood flooring and natural shades. Recessed ceiling lights subtly highlight the sleek black hood, shedding crisp light where needed in this kitchen.