One is cozy and the other is energizing
Soft white light bulbs fall between 2,700K and 3,000K on the Kelvin scale.
Daylight light bulbs fall between 5,000K and 6,000K on the Kelvin scale.
Soft white bulbs are best suited for rooms meant for relaxation.
Daylight light bulbs should be placed in rooms where productivity is needed.
Despite often being overlooked until they need replacing, light bulbs play a pivotal role in setting the mood and overall functionality of a room. Subsequently, different types of light bulbs and the hues they emit can affect productivity. In a time where there are endless types of lighting to choose from, determining which light bulb will have the best impact on the various rooms of your house can be overwhelming. To help you get started, read through this breakdown of soft white versus daylight light bulbs.
There are several differences between soft white and daylight bulbs, each with its own properties that can enhance a room’s aesthetic, complement decor, and create inviting, ambient lighting in your living spaces.
| Type of Difference | Soft White | Daylight |
|---|---|---|
| Color Temperature | Warm | Cool |
| Color Tone | Yellow – Orange | White – Blue |
| Kelvins | 2,700 – 3,000 | 5,000 – 6,000 |
The difference between soft white light bulbs and daylight light bulbs, or warm versus cool light, comes down to the Kelvin scale. The Kelvin scale is made up of units—known as Kelvins—which are used to describe a light bulb’s color temperature. The number of Kelvins a light bulb has correlates to its warmth or coolness, and this number determines where on the Kelvin scale (between 1,000K and 10,000K) the bulb lands.
Soft white light bulbs have a warm color temperature and fall between 2,700K and 3,000K on the Kelvin scale. In contrast, daylight bulbs have a cooler color temperature and fall between 5,000K and 6,000K on the Kelvin scale.
Incandescent light bulbs are traditional soft white light bulbs that are still commonly used today. If these cons are too great for you, LED soft white bulbs are available as a cost-effective and energy-efficient alternative.
Better suited for residential homes
Relative inexpensive
Give off yellow or light orange tones, creating an inviting, cozy feel
When paired with earth-tone wall paint, they enhance the rich color and tie together a soothing space
Not energy-efficient.
Last up to a year at most
Can get very hot to the touch
An interesting fact about daylight bulbs is that they are often used as light therapy light bulbs and in light therapy lamps to help treat seasonal affective disorder.
Brighter, cool white color that resembles natural sunlight
Light is invigorating and can bring light to windowless spaces like basements
LED varieties are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and come in various color temperatures
Light may feel blue-toned, which is less relaxing
Can be too harsh for smaller rooms
Some can be better suited to commercial spaces than residential
Because soft white light bulbs evoke feelings of relaxation and comfort, you’ll get the most out of them when they’re incorporated into the parts of your home that also make you feel warm and cozy. When in doubt, consult your local electrician on lighting types. Here are some of the rooms that make the most sense to light with soft white bulbs:
When choosing the right type of kitchen lighting, consider the light temperature that is most comfortable for you. After all, there’s something about a quaint, comfy kitchen that makes baking and cooking feel more like a passion than a chore. That said, warm lighting heightens the feeling of coziness and helps cultivate a romantic atmosphere perfect for date nights at home.
No matter the size of the room, the light colors offered by a soft white light bulb combined with the mouth-watering aroma of a home-cooked meal will turn your kitchen into the most occupied space in your house.
A bathroom is no place to rush in, and the right lighting can make someone feel safe to take their time. When it comes to choosing between soft white versus daylight bulbs for the bathroom, soft white light bulbs help create an environment that’s soothing and serene, which is precisely the type of statement a bathroom should make to homeowners and house guests alike.
Soft white light bulbs are well-suited for lamps, and they make a great complement to bedroom nightside tables. Your bedroom should be a stress-free reprieve from the constant work and life responsibilities outside its walls. A light bulb color with a yellow light versus a white light will encourage you to wind down at night and help you settle in for a restful sleep.
Many homeowners prefer soft white versus daylight bulbs for the living room, family room, and den because of the peaceful vibes a soft white light bulb provides. There’s a reason lights are turned down when watching a movie—a dimmable soft white light bulb can help set the tone of a leisurely movie night.
One of the main takeaways of daylight light bulbs is that the light they give off is thought to be energizing, bright white, and clean. For this reason, these bulbs pair well with rooms meant for productivity. Below are examples of rooms that will benefit from the vivid lighting given off by these bulbs.
Daylight light bulbs are an ideal lighting choice for home offices because of the stimulating bright light they give off. A home office can be a distracting environment, and having the lighting to keep you focused and on track can make all the difference when you’re under a deadline.
Although soft white light bulbs can also be incorporated into kitchens to get a homey, welcoming feel, daylight light bulbs are also favored for kitchens because of the sense of sanitation they exude. Choosing daylight versus soft white bulbs for your kitchen is certainly a matter of preference. Before purchasing them, it may be helpful to reflect on whether you enjoy low-key lighting while cooking and eating or if you prefer an air of energy around you when preparing meals.
If your garage doubles as a workshop and plenty of time is spent in there, daylight light bulbs are an excellent light choice for that area. When working on vehicles or tinkering with small objects like nails and screws, you’ll need strong lighting to help ensure you have full visibility for your project.
Again, when it comes to soft white versus daylight bulbs, adding one type or the other to your bathroom depends on your preference—but an important factor worth considering is whether there are windows within that space. If your bathrooms have windows that get a high volume of sunlight, the color of daylight light bulbs will work in conjunction with that natural light and enhance it.
Since bathrooms are generally the primary setting for self-care routines, styling hair, and applying makeup, having a radiating light will make the process easier by allowing for the illumination you need to get the job done thoroughly.
Yes, soft white light has a yellowish hue. Its color temperature is around 2700K to 3000K, which gives it a warm, cozy appearance similar to traditional incandescent bulbs. This yellowish tone makes it ideal for creating a relaxing atmosphere in living spaces such as bedrooms and living rooms.
Daylight bulbs are brighter than bright white bulbs because their color temperature ranges from 5000K to 6500K, producing a crisp, bluish-white light that mimics natural sunlight. This type of lighting is ideal for task lighting and workspaces. The color temperature of bright white bulbs hovers between 3500K and 4100K, offering a clear, neutral light that is less intense.
Depending on your preference, a 100W bulb could be too bright for a bedroom. Most people prefer softer, relaxing bedroom lighting using a lower wattage bulb, around 40W to 60W for incandescent or the equivalent in LED (around 450 to 800 lumens). For adjustable brightness, consider using dimmable bulbs or layered lighting with bedside lamps and overhead lights to create a comfortable and versatile lighting environment.
