Soft White vs Daylight Bulbs – What’re the Big Differences?

When it comes to choosing light bulbs for your home or workspace, the options can be overwhelming. One of the most important factors to consider is the color temperature of the bulb, as it can greatly affect the look and feel of a room. The two most common color temperatures are soft white and daylight.

In this blog, we’ll explore the key differences between soft white and daylight bulbs and provide tips on how to choose the right one for your needs.

Soft White vs Daylight Bulb: Comparison Chart

soft white vs daylight bulbs

Whether you’re looking to create a cozy atmosphere or increase productivity, understanding the differences between these two types of bulbs can help you make an informed decision.

Aspect Soft White Bulbs Daylight Bulbs
Color Temperature 2700-3000K 5000-6500K
Light Appearance Warm, yellowish Cool, bluish-white
Best Use Living spaces, bedrooms, restaurants Workspaces, kitchens, bathrooms
Color Rendering Index (CRI) 80-85 90-100
Energy Efficiency Less efficient More efficient
Price Less expensive More expensive

What Are Soft White Bulbs?

Soft white bulbs are a type of light bulb that emits a warm, yellowish light similar to traditional incandescent bulbs. They typically have a color temperature between 2700K-3000K on the kelvin scale and a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of around 80, which means they are able to display colors relatively accurately.

Soft white bulbs are often used in living spaces and bedrooms to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. They are available in a variety of bulb types, including incandescent bulbs, compact fluorescent (CFL), and LED, and can be found in a range of wattages to suit different needs.

Pros and Cons of Soft White Light Bulbs

Pros of using Soft white light:

  • Emit a warm, cozy light similar to traditional incandescent bulbs
  • Create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere in living spaces and bedrooms
  • Enhance the natural colors of your decor
  • Often less expensive than daylight bulbs
  • Available in a wide range of bulb types and wattages

Cons of using soft white light:

  • May not provide bright, accurate lighting for tasks that require precision, such as reading or applying makeup
  • Consume more power, leading to higher energy costs
  • May not have as high of a Color Rendering Index (CRI) as daylight bulbs, which can impact how accurately colors are displayed
  • May not be suitable for workspaces or areas that require cool, bright light.

Where to Use and Why to Choose Soft White Light Bulbs

Soft white bulbs are ideal for areas where relaxation and comfort are a priority. Here are some places where you might want to use soft white:

Living rooms: Soft light can help create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in living rooms, making them a great choice for entertaining guests or spending time with family.

Bedrooms: Soft white light can help create a relaxing and restful environment in bedrooms, making them a great choice for reading, watching TV, or getting ready for bed.

Dining rooms: Soft light can help create a warm and inviting atmosphere in dining rooms, making them a great choice for entertaining guests or enjoying family meals.

Hallways and entryways: Soft white can help create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere in hallways and entryways, making them a great choice for greeting guests and creating a smooth transition from room to room.

Also read: Bright White vs Daylight Lighting – What’s the Difference?

What Is A Daylight Bulb?

soft white vs daylight

The daylight bulb mimics daylight color throughout the day. These bulbs are suitable for rooms that have no light supply. Basements, attics, or games rooms are example areas with daylight bulbs. It’s bright and it’s not incredibly bright. If you only want light for a specific purpose, daylight bulbs are the right choice. Natural light provides the lightest and does not cause any discomfort to its surroundings. The light will be lighter and cooler. It is possible to categorize a light bulb in several ways, which will be covered shortly. When you see daylight, you remember the sunlight.

Pros and Cons of Daylight Bulb

Pros of using Daylight:

  • Produce a cool, bright light similar to natural sunlight.
  • Enhance color accuracy and make colors appear more vibrant
  • Ideal for workspaces and areas that require bright, accurate lighting, such as kitchens and bathrooms
  • May help improve mood and increase energy levels due to their bright, stimulating light
  • Often available in energy-efficient options, leading to lower energy costs in the long run

Cons of using Daylight:

  • May not provide a warm, cozy atmosphere like soft white bulbs
  • May not be suitable for areas where relaxation and comfort are a priority, such as bedrooms and living spaces
  • May be more expensive than soft white bulbs
  • May not be available in as many bulb types and wattages

Where to Use and Why to Choose Daylight Light Bulbs

Daylight light bulbs are designed to mimic bright white similar to natural light, making them a great choice for areas where bright, accurate lighting is needed. Here are some places where you might want to use daylight bulbs:

Kitchens: Daylight bulbs can help improve color accuracy and make food preparation easier by providing bright, cool lighting.

Bathrooms: Daylight bulbs can help provide accurate lighting for tasks such as shaving or applying makeup, and can make the space feel brighter and more energizing.

Workspaces: Daylight bulbs are ideal for areas where tasks that require precision and accuracy are performed, such as offices or crafting spaces.

Garages and workshops: Daylight bulbs can provide bright, cool lighting that makes it easier to see small details and work on projects.

Soft White vs Daylight for Bathrooms

When it comes to choosing between soft white vs daylight bulbs for your bathroom, there are a few factors to consider. Here’s a closer look at the differences between the two:

Soft White vs DayLight for Bathroom

Color Temperature: Soft white bulbs have a warm, yellow color range, while daylight bulbs have a cooler, bluish-white tone. The color temperature you choose will depend on your personal preference, but also on the look you’re going for in your bathroom. The soft white bulb can create a cozy, relaxing atmosphere, while daylight bulbs can make the space feel brighter and more energizing.

Lighting Needs: The type of lighting you need in your bathroom will also play a role in which bulbs you choose. Soft light is ideal for areas where you want more muted, ambient glow, such as in a bedroom or living room. Daylight bulbs, on the other hand, are better suited for areas where you need brighter, more accurate lighting, such as in a workspace or bathroom where you might apply makeup or shave.

Size of the Bathroom: The size of your bathroom will also impact which type of bulb you choose. If your bathroom is small or lacks natural light, you may want to opt for daylight bulbs to help brighten the space. If your bathroom is larger or has ample natural light, soft white light may be a better choice to create a cozy, relaxing ambiance.

Energy Efficiency: LED bulbs are a popular choice for both soft white and daylight lighting due to their energy efficiency and long lifespan. While they may be a bit more expensive upfront, they will save you money on your energy bills in the long run.

Must read: How to Choose Bathroom Color Temperature

Soft White vs Daylight for Bedroom

When it comes to choosing between soft white and daylight for your bedroom, there are a few factors to consider. Here’s a closer look at the differences between the two:

Soft White vs DayLight for Bedroom

Color Temperature: Soft white lighting comes under the yellow color range and is usually more warm tones, while daylight lighting has a cooler, bluish-white tone. The color temperature you choose will depend on the mood you’re trying to create in your bedroom. Soft white lights can create a cozy and relaxing atmosphere, while daylight can make the space feel brighter and more energizing.

Lighting Needs: The type of lighting you need in your bedroom will also play a role in which bulbs you choose. Soft white lights are ideal for areas where you want more subdued, ambient lighting, such as when winding down before sleep. Daylight, on the other hand, is better suited for areas where you need brighter, more accurate lighting, such as when reading or doing work in bed.

Personal Preference: Ultimately, the choice between soft white lighting and daylight LED lighting for your bedroom will depend on your personal preferences. Some people may prefer the cozy and warm color temperature glow of soft white for a relaxing and calming atmosphere, while others may prefer the bright white bulbs and energizing feel of daylight to start their day.

Light Fixture Compatibility: Before making your choice, be sure to check the compatibility of your light fixtures with the bulbs you want to use. Some fixtures may only be compatible with certain types of bulbs, so it’s important to double-check before making a purchase.

Energy Efficiency: LED bulbs are a popular choice for both soft white and daylight lighting due to their energy efficiency and long lifespan. While they may be a bit more expensive upfront, they will save you money on your energy bills in the long run.

Also read: Cool White vs Neutral White: Choosing the Right White Light Color

Soft White Lights

There are many good soft white light bulbs on the market, but two popular options are:

Philips Hue White A19 Smart LED Bulb: This bulb is a popular choice among smart home enthusiasts, as it can be controlled with a smartphone app and is compatible with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. It emits a warm white light and can be dimmed to create the perfect ambiance.

Cree 60W Equivalent Soft White A19 Dimmable LED Light Bulb: This bulb is a great option for those who are looking for a more affordable yet still high-quality soft white bulb. It has a long lifespan and can be used in a variety of fixtures, making it a versatile choice for any room in your home.

Daylight Lights

When it comes to daylight bulbs, there are a lot of options to choose from. Two of the most popular choices are:

Philips LED 60W A19 Daylight Non-Dimmable Bulb: This light bulb emits a bright, white light that mimics natural daylight. It is energy efficient, with a long lifespan, and is a great choice for those looking to save on energy costs.

GE Refresh 60-Watt EQ A19 Daylight Dimmable LED Light Bulb: These led light bulbs are also a great choice for those seeking a high-quality daylight bulb. It is dimmable, allowing you to adjust the brightness to your preference, and boasts a lifespan of up to 13.7 years. Additionally, it is energy efficient, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run.

Smart Light Bulb (LEDs)

Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance A19 LED Smart Bulb: These smart led light bulbs are compatible with various voice assistants and can be controlled via a smartphone app. It can be customized to emit both lights, as well as millions of other colors.

LIFX A60 Wi-Fi Smart LED Light Bulb: These light bulbs can also be controlled with a smartphone app and voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. It offers a range of color temperatures, including both light color temperatures, and is also dimmable.

Sylvania Smart+ LED Bluetooth Bulb: These light bulbs can be controlled with a smartphone app and Bluetooth connection, making them a great option for those who don’t want to invest in a full smart home system. It can emit light for both the color temperature and is also dimmable.

Frequently Asked Questions: Soft White vs Daylight

soft white vs daylight led light bulbs

What color light bulbs are for the living room?

Soft white light bulbs, with a color temperature range between 2700K and 3000K, are a great choice for living rooms. They emit a warm and cozy light that creates a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a long day or spending time with friends and family.

Is soft white light warmer than daylight?

Yes, soft white light bulbs are warmer than daylight. It has a color temperature range between 2700K and 3000K, while daylight bulbs have a color temperature range between 5000K and 6500K. The lower the temperature on the Kelvin scale, the warmer and more yellow the light appears.

Should I get daylight or a soft white bulb?

Daylight lights help in the improvement of productivity and are great for cooking and office usage. Soft white light bulbs have a better feel, making them perfect for bedrooms. Then there are many other things that can determine how to choose a lamp.

Is a soft white bulb or a daylight incandescent bulb better for the eyes?

Soft white light bulbs are generally better for the eyes as it is warmer and more comfortable on the eyes compared to cooler, brighter daylight lighting which is better suited for workspaces and more detailed projects.

If you don’t like reading, here’s a quick video on soft white vs daylight bulbs.

Final Words

Choosing between soft white light bulbs and daylight light bulbs ultimately comes down to personal preference and the intended use of the lighting.

Soft white light bulbs offer a warm and cozy atmosphere, making them a great choice for living spaces and bedrooms. Daylight bulbs, on the other hand, emit a bright and energizing light that is ideal for task-oriented areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

When selecting the right bulb, it’s important to consider factors like color temperature, bulb type, and energy efficiency to ensure you get the best lighting experience. By understanding the key differences between soft white and daylight bulbs, you can make an informed decision and create the perfect ambiance for your home or workspace.



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