LED lights are a popular choice for their energy efficiency and long lifespan, but their cool-toned light can sometimes create a harsh or sterile atmosphere.
Let me take a wild guess, you have installed a cool LED shade bulb but now thinking of converting it into some vibrant color for more warmth.
Although it is not a bad idea to convert cool led light temperature to warmer temperature, warmer LED lights not only create a more pleasant atmosphere but are also energy-efficient and better for your eyes.
There are several easy ways to make LED lights look warmer, For a cost-efficient fix, the heat-resistant sheet of gels could be a great option. The method is simple- remove your light covers, trace the lens onto the gels (preferably red or orange color) to fit, and put the lighting covers and lenses back on.
Still, confused?
Ok, let’s deep dive into a detailed guide on how to make warm white on led strip lights effortlessly.
4 Ways to Make LED Lights Look Warmer
First & foremost before making the changes in LED lights, ask yourself these questions:
- Is this change temporary or permanent?
- What if I want them both and use them alternatively?
- What is the climate of my living area?
Cool lights help to improve your productivity during the day, while warm light is ideal for areas where the environment is cozy such as sitting rooms, bedrooms, etc.
The truth is, color temperature is a critical fact. Here are several methods that may help you to make LED lights look more vibrant.
Method 01: Colored Lighting Gels (Most used & my favorite)
A method that is pretty straightforward & can be done effortlessly! You may also see the effect here & there (though maybe don’t notice).
Can’t remember?
Colored lighting gels are widely used in theatre to make different lighting conditions. It’s actually kinda transparent and thin sheet of material that we’re gonna put in front of the LED lens.
If you are planning to make your LED lights warmer, I will say red or orange gels would be the best solution to use in this case. The reason is orange gels are efficient in neutralizing cool LEDs to transform the light to warmer completely.
And also you don’t need any tape or glue to accomplish this DIY project. These gels are available on a large sheet, and you need to cut them into size according to your need.
And most importantly,
You can control the warm level by using 2 or 3 pieces of sheets. Using colored lighting gels is one of the cheapest ways to make LED lights look warmer & there’re plenty of warm light gels options available online.
So, let’s begin the test.
Get a LED bulb of 6000K color temperature. The produced light of this bulb is similar to daylight and utmost cool.
Now, we will use 4 sheets of color temperature orange to create different levels of transparency.
- 1/8 color temperature orange
- ¼ color temperature orange
- ½ color temperature orange
- Full (1) color temperature orange
The transparency level is different for each number. For example, the most transparent level (92%) is at 1/8, and the minimum transparent level (47%) is at 1.
In simple words, in full-color temperature orange, the LED light will produce the warmer color, and in 1/8 CTO, the light will be slightly warmer than the original light.
Method 02: Buy LED Bulb that Changes Color Temperature (The coolest option)
Did you know that there are LED bulbs designed to provide cool light during the day to increase productivity and warmer light at night for a more relaxed ambiance?
With the help of advanced technology, manufacturers can create LED bulbs that automatically adjust their color temperature according to the lighting conditions.
And the best part?
Controlling the hue of these bulbs is incredibly easy. Some models even come with a smartphone app that allows you to adjust the color temperature from the comfort of your couch.
Method 3: LED Bulb Painting (The old-fashioned yet cheapest option?)
A simple and effective solution is to color the outside of the bulbs, but which color should you use? For the best results, we recommend using orange or yellow paint, as these colors can effortlessly convert any cool LED bulb to a warmer hue.
However, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying the paint, as it often contains flammable content. Additionally, be cautious when covering heat-dissipating devices, as this could cause uncertainty. If you use opaque paint, the overall brightness of the LED bulb will also decrease.
It’s important to note that while this DIY solution is effective, it may reduce the lifespan of the LED bulb diodes. So proceed with caution, and enjoy the warm glow of your newly colored LED lights!
Method 4: Get a New LED Bulb of Less than 3,000K (& the easiest way)
If you are in a rush and don’t have much time to handle the above methods, go to your nearest shop and grab a new LED bulb for less than 3,000K.
Thus, you will have a relaxing-toned light.
Why Is Warmer LED Light Necessary?
Before dealing with LED lights’ color temperature, you should have an idea how the all cool temperature stuff works.
Why?
Coz…….the answer will lead you to the best solution.
A wide range of color temperatures is available in white LED, and degree kelvin is its unit. Furthermore, the range of this spectrum is 1000 – 10,000K.
Now here is the thing:
Lights of low Kelvin rating to 3,500K are considered as a warm color, and wavelengths are red. On the other hand, colors of more than 5000K kelvin ratings are called cool colors, and these colors’ wavelength is rated as blue.
Wondering why am I telling all these suddenly?
Well, the circadian rhythm of our body gets affected by the temperature of a different color.
Let me tell you an interesting fact………..
We (humans) feel less sleepy when exposed to the color of blue wavelengths as it minimizes the production of melatonin in the body. Also, it’s quite difficult to relax if you are exposed to high blue lights. At the spectrum’s acute end, blue light can contribute to a lack of sleep.
So, it is pretty clear that blue light is not suitable for all environments (And you don’t wanna throw yourself in the painful sleep deprivation phase, right?)
The good news is that…….
Warm light is vice versa for blue light. But, at the same time, yellow light has a sophisticated effect on the surrounding nature, reducing concentration, which may lead to fatigue in the end.
Last Words
See didn’t I tell you minimal effort is required to achieve the best result?
The methods are easy to follow, and the expected result is confirmed. And I’m curious how do you make white light warm?
I’d love to know your tricks.
