Soft White vs. Daylight Bulbs: When to Use Each Type (2024)

The main difference between soft white bulbs and daylight bulbs is color temperature, with soft white bulbs producing light that is perceived as warm and a bit yellowish, while daylight bulbs produce light that is perceived as brighter and white.

When designing a space, choosing the right lighting is key for enhancing the feel and functionality of the room. Aside from picking out lamps or light fixtures, you should give attention to the type of lightbulb that you’ll use in the room since the light emitted can completely transform a space and impact the ambiance.

What exactly is the difference between soft white and daylight bulbs, beyond color temperature? And which type should you choose? Learn more about the color temperature that separates soft white and daylight bulbs and where and when you should use each one.

What Is Color Temperature?

Color temperature refers to the color of the light itself and is measured in Kelvins. The Kelvin scale spans from 1,000 to 10,000 Kelvin. The lower on the scale you go, the warmer the light is—in other words, the light is perceived as more red or yellow. The higher you go on the Kelvin scale, the cooler the light is, giving it a more blue or white cast.

Soft white lightbulbs are between 2,700K and 3,000K, meaning they have a warm, yellow coloring. Daylight bulbs are between 5,000K and 6,000K, giving them a much whiter, almost blue, hue that is similar to bright daytime sunlight.

Soft White vs. Daylight Bulbs

Soft white bulbs, because of their warm, yellow tone, are perfect for spaces that require soothing, calm lighting. Daylight bulbs are ideal for areas that require bright light to perform tasks. Each lightbulb type has its benefits and drawbacks.

Soft White Bulbs

Daylight Bulbs

Where to Use Soft White Lightbulbs

Especially when used with lighting options for surviving Daylight Saving Time, soft white lightbulbs are perfect for creating calm, relaxing spaces and adding to a warm, inviting atmosphere. This makes soft white bulbs perfect for spaces where comfort and relaxation are key, such as living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. These bulbs can even be used in bathrooms when you are trying to achieve a calm, spa-like atmosphere.

Soft white lightbulbs are often chosen for spaces with earthy color palettes. The warm lighting enhances and compliments the soft color tones. They are also used to enhance natural wood grains. A cooler, blue lighting would detract from these colors and clash in these spaces.

Where to Use Daylight Bulbs

Daylight bulbs are perfect for areas where specific work or detail-oriented tasks are performed. These rooms include kitchens, offices, and basem*nts. Bathrooms may also be a good place for daylight bulbs, as these provide ample light for getting ready. As you can see, though, some rooms can benefit from both kinds of lighting, such as the bathroom. Therefore, it is not uncommon for people to include both kinds of bulbs in a single room depending on what they will be using the space for.

Daylight bulbs pair well with cool colors, such as white, gray, or blue. Rooms with cool color palettes or contemporary designs often look striking with daylight bulbs, as this type of lightbulb enhances these cool-toned rooms.