Typically 3000k-5000k is considered industry standard for lighting in commercial spaces. 4000k, or Cool White, is the middle ground between yellowish, too-dark, off-putting environments and blinding, headache inducing, sunbeam level lighting. Cool White, according to Planck’s Constant is great at allowing the full spectrum of light to reflect throughout office spaces without overpowering those with light sensitivities.

Although there is direct correlation between brighter lights and productivity, there is also balance when trying to be productive in a work environment that requires balance. A company like Amazon or UPS might not be as keen on wanting workers relaxing and pacing, and stores like Walmart and Target also do not intend for their clientele to be in their stores for too long. The 5000k-7000k temperature of Daylight is honestly great for these environments, but what about the common office space or gathering space?

When it comes to emotional/mood lighting 3500k or Soft White is typically the brightest you want to be. Although it becomes more yellow in nature the softer light is better for achieving a more relaxing environment. If you want coworkers and employees taking frequent naps during work hours, then Soft White and lower is what you want!

Any office lamps, or mood lighting should be set to that 2700K-35000k, but this is not ideal for house lighting. House lighting should be clear and clean white light that is only possible with 4000K Cool White lighting and up. One major benefit to Cool White lighting is that dirt, grime, dust, and streaks will be more noticeable. This may put some stress on managing Janitorial, but if you are paying a mini-fortune for cleaning, you want their work to be showcased to others.

When it comes to maintaining and sustaining irresistible environments, part of the role is creating distraction free environments. Having clean and clear Cool White lighting allows every tenant, staff member, volunteer, visitor, or clientele to fully embrace the environments that the organizations spends a fortune on to provide.

Having the full spectrum of light at your disposal will allow your designers to be able to fully excel at their job of creating intentional spaces whether for in-person meetings, conference calls, digital meetings, one on ones, presentations, or generic office work. Being able to fully see is directly related to productivity.

Several studies regarding Fluorescent Lighting compared to modern LED lighting show that Fluorescent lighting causes…

• Migraines
• Sleep-Pattern Disruptions
• Cancer

Though there is still a lot to learn about LED lighting in general, the environmental benefits of people not having to dispose of mercury filled glass is a major bonus to the LED lighting game. Fluorescent is cheap upfront, but the back end cost far outweighs the now pennies increase on its LED counterpart. Along with LED lighting becoming much more affordable than back in 2005, the new LED technologies are far more compatible with many different models and generations of Fluorescent Lighting Fixtures.

At this point in this, there is very little debate on the side FOR Fluorescent. As the years pass there may eventually be something even better than LED, but until then it can be known that LED is the absolute best choice for both Residential and Commercial lighting. This topic though is purely on the bias that 4000K, Cool White, LED lighting is the primary choice for all House lighting in the average commercial setting.

A photo from Upshine showcases the difference between 3000K, 4000K, and 5000K lighting. If it was not known that these were examples in lighting, then one would assume that there are three distinct wall colors. The truth is that it is the same wall color. In a previous post it was mentioned the debate painters typically have with clients in regards to unhappy results of paint color selection when the common causality for frustration falls on the lighting in the room.

Upshine Website also notes that the best lighting for office spaces is Cool White. Modern Place suggests 4500K as the best for office spaces, which I lean towards more than the other direction, but even 4500K can be a little too harsh for those with light sensitivities.

Though Hospitality generally notes between 3000K-3500K like in lobbies of hotels there is a general desire to make people feel like they are at home. In the general office space setting there should be a desire for hospitable comfort, but there is also a need for a formal presentation of, “we are here for a purpose”. A hotel is designed to make you feel like you are getting away, whereas a workplace should feel like I am here to do work.

Even hospitals will lean towards less than 4000K because of the natural tension associated with going to the doctor’s office. These types of subtle manipulations in stress reduction should not be as required for a daily work environment.

Ultimately, the person in charge will decide which light is better in which environment, but when it comes to industry standard for the common office space the best selection is LED, Cool White ranging from 3900K-4200K. Cool White is the best common ground between being too yellow or too blue.

Regardless, do your own research if needed, and always consult a licensed electrician before adding or taking away any electrical components of your facilities.

As Always, God Bless,

James Arthur Ferguson

Below is a picture showing the 3000K Soft White on the left which has more yellowish hue, 5000K Daylight on the right which has more blueish hue, and 4000K Cool White in the center showing a neutral blend and the purest form of the wall color reflecting from behind.