Know About Colour Temperature (CCT): A Complete Guide by Murphy

Lighting is one of those things we often take for granted. We walk into a room, switch on the light, and get on with our day. But have you ever noticed how some lights feel warmer and cosier, while others appear brighter and more energising? That difference comes down to something called colour temperature or CCT. At Murphy, we believe that the right light can change the way you live, work, and even relax. So, let’s break it down in simple words and help you understand why colour temperature matters and how Murphy lighting can make a real difference.

What is Colour Temperature?

Colour temperature is the way we describe the appearance of light. Imagine a scale that runs from warm, yellow light to cool, bluish light. That’s essentially what colour temperature measures. It’s expressed in Kelvin (K). The lower the Kelvin number, the warmer and softer the light looks. The higher the number, the cooler and brighter it feels.

• Warm white (around 2700K - 3000K): Soft, cosy light, perfect for living rooms or bedrooms.
• Neutral white (around 3500K - 4000K): Balanced light, great for kitchens or offices.
• Cool white/daylight (5000K and above): Crisp, bright light, ideal for workplaces or outdoor areas.

Why Does Colour Temperature Matter?

Lighting affects more than just how we see things. It influences mood, comfort, and even productivity. Here are a few ways colour temperature plays a role:

• Mood setting: Warm light makes a room feel inviting and relaxing, while cooler light keeps you alert.
• Practical use: The right light helps with tasks, whether it’s reading, cooking, or working.
• Interior design: Lighting enhances the colours and feel of a room. The wrong light can make even a stylish space look dull.

At Murphy, we create lighting solutions that help you strike the perfect balance, no matter where you are.

Colour Temperature and Everyday Spaces                

Every room in your home or workplace serves a different purpose, and so the lighting should match that. Here’s how Murphy lighting can help you set the right tone:

Living Room

Your living room is for relaxation and socialising. Warm white lighting around 2700K-3000K helps create a cosy, welcoming space. Murphy’s warm CCT lights give your evenings that comfortable glow where you can truly unwind.

Bedroom

Bedrooms need soft, calming light. Warm tones help you relax before bed. With Murphy’s range, you can choose gentle lighting that doesn’t feel harsh, perfect for winding down with a book or getting ready for sleep.

Kitchen

In the kitchen, you need clarity. Neutral white light around 3500K-4000K is ideal. Murphy’s neutral CCT lighting makes cooking and cleaning easier, while still keeping the space welcoming.

Home Office

If you work from home, cooler light keeps you focused. Murphy’s cool CCT lights, in the 4000K-5000K range, reduce eye strain and boost concentration, making long hours at the desk more productive.

Outdoor Areas

Outdoor spaces need bright, clear lighting for safety and security. Murphy’s daylight CCT options (5000K and above) provide crisp visibility, whether it’s your garden, driveway, or entrance.

The Science Behind Colour Temperature

Now, let’s touch a bit on the science. The concept of colour temperature comes from heating an object called a "black body radiator." When heated, it changes colour depending on the temperature. At lower temperatures, it glows red or orange (warm). As the temperature rises, it becomes yellow, then white, and finally bluish (cool). This is the basis of how we measure light in Kelvin today.

Murphy designs lighting that takes advantage of this science, ensuring you get accurate, comfortable, and high-quality light for every setting.

Choosing the Right CCT with Murphy

When picking lighting, ask yourself a few simple questions:

• What is the purpose of this space?
• Do I want it to feel relaxing, practical, or energising?
• Will I be spending long hours here?

Murphy’s wide range of products is designed with these needs in mind. Whether it’s a warm glow for your home or crisp brightness for your office, Murphy has the right solution.

Murphy’s Commitment to Quality

Lighting isn’t just about brightness; it’s about experience. Murphy lights are crafted to bring you reliable quality with:

• Consistent colour temperature: No unpleasant colour shifts.
• Long-lasting performance: Designed for durability and efficiency.
• Energy savings: Murphy products combine comfort with eco-friendly performance.

How to Mix and Match CCT

Sometimes, one type of lighting isn’t enough. For example, in a kitchen-dining area, you may want neutral white lighting for cooking but warmer light for dining. Murphy’s versatile CCT options let you combine different lights to create the right atmosphere.

Tip: Use warmer lights in areas where you relax and cooler lights where you work or need focus.

Common Myths About Colour Temperature

Let’s clear up some confusion:

• Myth 1: Brighter always means better
  Not true. Brightness and colour temperature are separate things. A light can be cool and bright, or warm and bright. What matters is matching the right CCT to your needs.
• Myth 2: Warm light is old-fashioned
  Wrong. Warm lighting is timeless. It’s about comfort, not trends. Murphy’s warm CCT lights are designed with modern efficiency and style.
• Myth 3: Cool light is too harsh
  Not when done right. Murphy’s cool CCT lights are crafted to be clear and balanced, not uncomfortable.

The Role of CCT in Wellbeing

Light has a strong connection with our body’s natural rhythm. Warm light in the evening helps signal your body it’s time to relax, while cool light during the day keeps you alert. Murphy’s lighting range takes this into account, supporting not only your lifestyle but also your wellbeing.

Murphy’s Range of CCT Lighting

At Murphy, we offer an extensive selection of lighting options tailored to your needs:

• LED bulbs: Available in warm, neutral, and cool CCTs.
• Smart lighting: Adjust your CCT with ease to match your mood.
• Outdoor solutions: Bright and secure lighting designed for all weather.

Every product is built with Murphy’s promise of quality and care.

Tips for Getting the Best Out of Your Murphy Lights

1. Think about function first: Choose the CCT that matches the activity in each room.
2. Layer your lighting: Combine ceiling lights, lamps, and task lights for depth and comfort.
3. Test it out: If possible, try different CCTs to see what feels right in your space.
4. Invest in smart options: Murphy’s smart range gives you flexibility to change CCT at the touch of a button.

Final Thoughts

Colour temperature isn’t just a technical term – it’s about how you feel in your home or workspace. From the warm glow of a cosy evening to the sharp clarity of a focused workday, CCT shapes your environment more than you may realise. With Murphy, you can trust that every light is designed to give you the perfect balance of comfort, efficiency, and style.

So, the next time you switch on a Murphy light, take a moment to notice how it transforms your space. After all, the right light doesn’t just brighten a room – it brightens your life.

Discover Murphy’s full range of CCT lighting solutions today and find the perfect light for every moment.