Warm vs Cool Light Bulbs - Which Do You Prefer?

Hello Reader,

It's been awhile since we talked about lighting in here! Not fixtures but the actual color of the light bulbs.

Warm or cool lighting makes such a difference in homes - I honestly couldn't believe the date on my last post about it. Since Christmas lights are a clear example (read to the end), now is a great time to dive back into this topic!

Warm vs Cool Lighting

Cool Light Bulbs on Left vs Soft White Light Bulbs on Right

You've probably been through the lighting aisle and noticed the wild amount of light bulb options. It's easy to get overwhelmed. There are so many options. One big difference is warm vs cool lighting:

Cool Lighting

By nature, cool light bulbs look just how it sounds, cold and direct. It has a bluish cast and feels more clinical and stark. Like a doctor's office.

These are often called: Daylight or Cool Light

Warm Lighting

Warm lighting, on the other hand, is soft and cozy. It’s less harsh and softens out all the edges. It casts a bit of a golden glow.

These are often called: Soft White or Warm White

Summary:

In general, I prefer soft white or even neutral white light bulbs. Why? Well, they create a cozier effect and an overall calmer feeling. They make spaces feel softer and can take away any starkness.

Soooo, if you have cool light bulbs - you might try switching to a warmer white and seeing how it can change the look of your whole space. Even your paint will take on a new look.

Fun Fact:

Many recessed can lights have a switch to go from cool to warm - simply pop the can light out from the box and make the switch. Then pop it back in place.

Christmas Lighting

As mentioned, Christmas lighting is a perfect opportunity to see Warm vs Cool Lighting on full display. Here, we can see them used together. The cooler lights on the tree are more bright and icy while the warmer lights on the deer have more of golden glow.

Now, apply this to your home!

Smart Light Bulbs

Right on cue this week, I had the pleasure to work with Feit Electric lighting.

I tried out their Smart Bulbs which can shift from Cool to Warm or control the brightness right from your phone!

View Instagram Reel

More Easy Home Update Ideas:

Swapping out light bulbs are an easy, low budget way to change the look of your home. Grab my guide with 12 more of my Favorite Easy Upgrades you could knock out this weekend!

Includes DIY steps & sources: