When selecting lighting, one of the most important factors to consider is colour temperature, also known as CCT (Correlated Colour Temperature). While often overlooked, CCT plays a key role in shaping the mood and atmosphere of a space—particularly in hospitality and decorative settings.
What is CCT?
CCT measures the hue and tone of white light emitted from a lamp, expressed in Kelvin (K). Similar to degrees in Celsius, the Kelvin scale helps us understand the "warmth" or "coolness" of light.
In simple terms, the lower the Kelvin number, the warmer and softer the light feels; the higher the number, the cooler and sharper it appears.
When it comes to decorative lighting, designers often favour warmer colour temperatures between 2000K and 2700K. This range creates a human-centric glow that enhances comfort, relaxation, and connection—qualities that define inviting interiors. Cooler, higher CCTs such as 3000K and above, by contrast, can feel stark or clinical, making them less suited to the cosy, intimate ambience sought in homes and hospitality settings.
Choosing the Right Warmth: 2000K, 2200K, or 2700K
Though close on the spectrum, the three most popular colour temperatures in decorative lighting offer subtle yet impactful variations within the warm range.
At 2000K, light is at its deepest amber—evocative of candlelight—perfect for bars, lounges, or intimate seating areas where atmosphere is the priority.
Stepping up to 2200K produces a golden, welcoming glow that feels warm and inviting without being overpowering, making it the go-to choice for restaurants, hotels, and residential dining areas.
Meanwhile, 2700K delivers a more familiar warm white with slightly crisper tones, ideal for general hospitality or residential spaces where both comfort and clear visibility are required.
Each temperature within this range serves a distinct purpose, and choosing the right one can completely transform the mood and function of a space.
Clear vs. Frosted Glass: Which Should You Choose?
Both finishes offer the same warmth of light, but the visual effect differs:
- Clear glass: Sharper, more defined glow—ideal for statement decorative fixtures.
- Frosted glass: Softens the brightness, making the light gentler on the eye—perfect for intimate dining areas or spaces where a more diffused effect is needed.
Where to See It in Action
For a great example of the power of 2200K lighting, visit The Nomad Hotel in Covent Garden. Zico Lighting supplied and replaced all their lamps with 2200K clear glass, resulting in a stunningly warm and inviting atmosphere that enhances the guest experience.
Zico Lighting Insight: For hospitality projects, we recommend 2200K in clear or frosted glass—depending on whether you want to highlight a feature or create a softer ambience. This specification consistently delivers the most romantic and welcoming environment for dining, lounging, and entertaining.
Introducing Zico Lighting’s Dim-to-Warm Range
For projects that demand flexibility in ambience, our Dim-to-Warm decorative LED filament range offers the perfect solution.
- Natural Dimming Effect: As the lamp dims, it smoothly shifts from a cooler 2800K down to a warmer 2000K, replicating the natural progression of sunlight and recreating the inviting warmth of traditional incandescent lighting.
- Ultra-Dimmable & Flicker-Free: Equipped with top industry-rated flicker-free technology, the lamp ensures comfort and safety while boasting a smooth, consistent dimming curve.
- Long-Lasting & Cost-Effective: Operating at just 4W, it provides the equivalent light output of a 30W incandescent bulb, while delivering an impressive lifespan of 25,000 hours with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty.
-
Exceptional Colour Quality: With a high CRI of 95+, colours appear vivid, natural, and true-to-life—an essential factor in hospitality and design projects.
This range allows seamless transitions from daytime brightness to evening intimacy, giving designers and end-users complete control over mood and atmosphere.