Sometimes it can be challenging to compare LED lights soft white vs. daylight for lighting projects.
Generally, most buyers want certain lights that improve their moods or complement home decor.
The challenge, however, comes in when they get so many options that selecting the perfect one becomes an issue. And that’s where we come in.
Today’s article highlights the difference between the two LED lights to assist you in making the right choice.
Moreover, you’ll get to know the best places to install both lights for the best experience.
What are Soft White and Daylight LED Lights?
(A daylight LED tube)
Soft white and daylight LED lights differ primarily in terms of color temperature.
Color temperature is a characteristic defining the appearance of light from a particular source.
Its units are in Kelvin (K).
A Kelvin scale ranges from 1,000 to 10,000K, with the lower values representing lights that lean towards yellow.
Conversely, higher values leaning towards 10,000K represent lights that have more bluish tones.
Now, soft white LED lights are yellow with a color temperature falling anywhere between 2700K and 3000K.
The more the temperature, the less yellow the light becomes, with those having 3000K being the least yellow.
On the other hand, daylight lights are cool and blue lights whose temperature ranges from 5,000K to 6,500K.
Generally, the lights mimic natural sunlight and are prevalent in areas that require good visibility, like an office.
Comparing the Ambiance of Soft White and Daylight LEDs
(A modern bathroom with LED lights)
Soft white LED lights have a warm and cozy ambiance that gives a relaxing feeling and promotes a sense of calmness.
On the other hand, daylight LED lights are energizing, making them suitable for areas that require good illumination.
Here, we are looking at where to use the lights best.
Bathroom
Soft white LED lights are suitable for bathroom use as they give a relaxing atmosphere, especially after a tiring day.
Typically, good lights for bathroom use should be between 3000K and 5000K, meaning they fall in the soft white bracket.
The reason is that soft white light is too yellow and may distort the true color of the reflection you’ll see in the mirror.
Conversely, daylight LED lights are too blue and sometimes uncomfortable for a bathroom setting.
Therefore, the best bathroom light should blend the two lights or those that fall in the middle of the Kelvin scale.
Living Room
The choice of LED lights for a living room depends on the decor, wall color, and personal preference.
Since your living room is a place to unwind after a tiring day, the best LED bulbs to install are those producing soft white color.
They create a cozy and relaxing feeling that’s fit for the room.
On the other hand, if you work at home from your living room, you can as well blend in some daylight LEDs.
Kitchen
(An LED strip running under the cabinet)
Like the living room, kitchens benefit from a blend of soft white and daylight LED lights.
Most people enjoy a relaxing feeling while in their kitchens, meaning that they generally lean towards soft white color.
However, if you have a contemporary kitchen, it’s better to blend in soft white and daylight LEDs.
Alternatively, go for warmer soft white lights from 4000K to 5000K.
Bedroom
Install soft white LED lights in your bedroom as they have a relaxing feeling.
However, if you have a desk, add a daylight LED lamp for a better read.
Moreover, you can install daylight LED lights in your bedroom if you use a diffuser.
Without one, you will find that your bedroom has a lot of energizing light, and you may find it hard to sleep.
Remember that light placement is crucial as you don’t want light shining directly into your eyes.
Examining Power Consumption in Soft White and Daylight LED Lights
First, it’s important to note that color temperature doesn’t affect the power consumption of an LED light source.
Consequently, soft white and daylight LED bulbs of the same rating consume a similar wattage.
Additionally, lower-wattage LEDs consume less power and hence are more energy efficient.
For instance, you may find a 10-watt bulb that produces similar brightness to a 60-watt incandescent bulb despite consuming less power.
The second thing to consider is lumens. A higher lumen output consumes more power than a lower one.
Therefore, when comparing the power consumption of soft white and daylight LEDs, ensure that both have similar wattage and lumen output.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Between Soft White and Daylight LEDs
(Daylight vs. soft white LED lights)
Personal Preference
The second factor is personal preference, as most people have individual affections.
In some cases, some may like the energizing effect that daylight lights have and will install them in relaxation spaces.
Other times, they may prefer soft white LEDs in study areas as they improve their moods.
Activities
Activities determine the type of LED lights you will install in your space.
For instance, most schools prefer daylight LED lights to keep the students alert and attentive.
Additionally, theatres have soft white LED lights to create a comfortable environment for moviegoers.
Room Decor
Always go for a light that complements your room decor and improves your house’s aesthetic appeal.
If your room’s color scheme is warm, we recommend soft white lights.
Conversely, install daylight lighting to complement more contemporary color palettes.
FAQ
Which is better: soft white or daylight LED?
Your preference between soft white and daylight LED lights depends on how you plan to use them.
Soft white lights have a yellowish tone making them preferable for bathrooms and bedrooms.
In other words, they have a relaxing feeling but are not great for areas requiring great visibility.
On the other hand, daylight LEDs fall higher in the Kelvin scale as they have bluish tones.
Such characteristics make the light perfect for study rooms, offices, and warehouses.
What color of LED is best for studying?
The best-LED color for studying is daylight colors, with temperatures ranging from 5000K to 6500K.
Essentially, they mimic the sun’s light by providing bright and energizing illumination.
Moreover, they improve focus and concentration, making them great for tasks that need one to pay maximum attention.
However, if you cannot get daylight LEDs, your next option would be cool white LEDs falling between 4000K and 5000K.
The lights are common in study areas to create a productive environment for students.
What is the best-LED color for a living room?
For a living room, you can choose soft white, warm white, or dimmable LEDs. The three LED types produce a light ranging from 27OOK to 3500K.
Typically, the lower the light on the LED scale, the yellowish it is.
But for a living room, the best lights are those that have the warm and soothing feeling of soft white LEDs.
Moreover, it is better if you add the illumination of daylight LEDs for better visibility around the room.
Conclusion
Having the correct light source for your room is key to improving performance and mood.
Generally, people prefer lights that are a blend of yellow and blue lights in spaces like corridors and garages.
The reason is that they improve an individual’s mood encouraging relaxation in the process.
Surprisingly, lights that fall higher on the Kelvin scale are popular in workspaces that require attention to detail.
One such place is in a factory, whereby workers must remain attentive at all times.