LED strip installation tips #2 : There is no such thing as the 'right' color temperature

In our new series of LED installation tips, we’ll touch on both well known and less well known installation tips, helping you make sure that your installation will be the best that it can be. Today’s post, the second in this series, discusses color temperature, and how there is no ‘right’ value.

What is color temperature?

In a previous blog post we discussed how to choose the right color temperature, so we won’t spend too much time on the details - but for a refresher, you can check it out here.

In short, color temperature is a value that attempts to quantify how warm (yellow/orange/red) or how cool (blue) a white light source is. In certain cases, a warmer or cooler light might be preferable, while in others, a neutral light (as close to plain white as possible) might be desired. Choosing a color temperature is all about personal preference.

There is no such thing as the ‘right’ color temperature

Because color temperature is a personal preference, having someone tell you which one is ‘right’ makes about as much sense as someone telling you what color of paint is ‘right’ for your house. Instead, like in our previous blog post, we can offer some suggestions, based on the existing surfaces and colors in your space (such as warm for areas with exposed wood, cool for offices or places of business, and neutral for areas where you’re displaying photos, art, or even merchandise).

While these suggestions are pretty solid, we’re occasionally surprised by an unusual installation that is pulled off well. While we recommend neutral white for display purposes, sometimes the use of warm white or cool white can help enhance a certain mood. A neutral white can do just fine in a wood grained kitchen, particularly if you have several different shades or stains of wood. Cool white, which is sometimes called ‘daylight white’, can add a surprising amount of outdoor energy to any space.

One way to be sure

Luckily, HitLights offers a 30 day money back guarantee. This means that you can purchase strips in multiple color temperatures, test them in the area you plan on installing them, and return the ones you don’t like. Not sure if warm white or neutral white is right for your client? Order both, and send back the one they didn’t like (or keep one set of each on hand to make the decision process easier, keeping your sales process shorter - and more profitable).

Check out our selection of single color strip lights here.