As autumn arrives, days grow shorter, and spaces that rely on natural light: offices, shops, restaurants, start needing more consistent artificial lighting for longer hours each day. Choosing the right color temperature and lumen output isn't just an aesthetic decision: it directly affects comfort, productivity, and how clients and employees perceive the space.
Here's a quick reference guide for the most common types of commercial spaces.
What is color temperature and why does it matter?
Color temperature is measured in degrees Kelvin (K) and determines whether light is perceived as warm, neutral, or cool:
- 2700K–3000K (warm): cozy, relaxed atmosphere. Ideal for hospitality and rest areas.
- 3500K–4000K (neutral): a balance between warmth and clarity. Recommended for offices and general retail.
- 5000K–6500K (cool): bright, energizing light, associated with precision and activity. Useful for technical areas or spaces requiring high visual focus.
Recommendations by space type
Offices
- Color temperature: 3500K–4000K
- Recommended lumens: 300–500 lux on the work plane
- Light that's too warm can cause drowsiness; too cool can feel clinical. The middle ground supports concentration without straining eyes during long workdays.
Retail (stores and showrooms)
- Color temperature: 3000K–4000K (depending on product type)
- Recommended lumens: 500–1000 lux in product display areas
- Accent lighting (directional spotlights, brighter than general lighting) is key to highlighting products and guiding customers through the store.
Hospitality (restaurants, bars, hotels)
- Color temperature: 2700K–3000K
- Recommended lumens: 100–300 lux, varying by zone (more light in open kitchens, less in dining areas)
- Here, experience takes priority over strict functionality: warm, dimmable light helps create the right atmosphere depending on the time of day.
Passageways and entrances
- Color temperature: 3000K–3500K
- Recommended lumens: 100–200 lux
- These are the first spaces that "speak" for a venue or building. A smooth light transition between exterior and interior improves the overall perception of the space.
An additional recommendation: dimming
Regardless of the type of space, having dimmable systems allows lighting intensity to be adjusted throughout the day, compensating for the gradual loss of natural light without needing to redesign the installation. It's one of the investments with the best return in autumn-winter projects.
Getting the numbers right is only half the equation. Light doesn't just illuminate a space, it shapes how people feel in it. If you want to explore that side of the story, read How Lighting Shapes Emotion in Architecture.
Have a project underway? At HER, we help specify the right lighting solution for every type of commercial space. Request technical guidance here.
— HER Team