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Colour temperature refers to the appearance of light provided by a light bulb. Different bulbs emit different colour temperatures.
Colour temperature is expressed in Kelvins and measured on a numbered scale that provides information on the quality of light that a bulb emits, particularly the colour and the atmosphere it helps create.
The look and feel of a space can be greatly affected by colour temperature. Therefore, it is important to choose the right colour temperature based on the mood you want to create.
A lower colour temperature will produce a warmer, more relaxing glow.
In LED lighting there are three basic choices of light bulbs in regard to colour temperature, all of which have a specific look and feel suited for different rooms and spaces. These choices are warm white, cool white and daylight. Below is a list of the different colour temperatures, with some examples of possible applications:
| Code | Colour Temperature (in Kelvin) | Description | Colour Appearance | Possible applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 827 | 2700K | Very warm white | Similar to incandescent lamp, appear tinged with yellow and gives a warm “cosy” feel | Recommended colour for average household use |
| 830 | 3000K | Warm white | Colour of most halogen lamps, slightly whiter than incandescent | Often used in white rooms for a clean and modern feel. |
| 835 | 3500K | White | Standard colour for many fluorescent and compact fluorescent tubes | |
| 840 | 4000K | Cool white | More clinical feel | Ideal for use in areas where clear illumination is paramount, such as kitchens and offices. Also suitable for general lighting application in factories, parking lots, or warehouses. |
| 865 | 6500K | Daylight | Extremely white, simulate natural daylight | As it is very cold, generally not used for household applications unless specifically desired. Possible applications in horticulture, aquariums… |
| 880 | 8000K | Skywhite | Very cold white, with blue tones | Used in specialist applications such as photography and architechural drawing. |
Based on the Kelvin numbered scale, the higher the colour temperature, the cooler, more energising light will be. A lower colour temperature will produce a warmer, more relaxing glow. These terms reflect the aesthetic that light bulbs help create in a space and should be considered carefully to satisfy a room’s desired purpose, mood and style.
All colour temperatures can be used but for different applications.
In general, the warmer light promotes relaxation and then will be suitable for general ambient lighting in housing (bedroom, dining room…) as well as in some public areas.
In contrast, a cooler light will be used to enhance concentration, for example in offices and other working environments.
Finally, hospitals and other medical practices will use daylight lighting. this colour temperature replicates natural light and appears even cooler than cool white. this is important especially in hospitals where patients are constantly indoors and have no other access to natural light.
Understanding colour temperatures in lighting helps create the right ambiance and tone for your interior space, ensuring you are able to carry out specific tasks and activities with ease.
Check out DIY Superstore’s Guide To Light Bulb Fittings
Don’t flush your chance to win down the toilet,
The wordplay on “flush” and “toilet” immediately hints that the answer is toilet-related
Your prize is waiting, so don’t dare spoil it.
“Spoil it” implies things can go wrong — reinforcing the value of a high-quality toilet.
It’s where great thinkers spend their time,
This cheeky line references the common joke that men (and many people) sit on the toilet as part of a daily ritual.
As silence and scrolling clears their mind.
Connects to the modern habit of scrolling phones in private spaces.
It’s your last chance sit upon the throne,
Throne” is a well-known euphemism for a toilet.
A front-flush seat in a class of its own.
This is a direct product clue — the Toilet is specifically a front-flush design.
This bathroom beauty is what you seek
Tells you the location of the product.
A porcelain touch that’s bold and chic.
“Porcelain” confirms material of the product.
PS. each line holds a clue. Use the answer to find the egg hidden in-store to stand a chance to win weekly R1000 vouchers and get one entry towards the grand prize each week.
Cement your chance to WIN R12,329 grand prize,
Wordplay on “cement your chance” — a pun that links directly to cement the product
Lay the foundation — go big, be wise.
“Lay the foundation” refers both to starting a construction project using cement as the base
Mix it up – earn your right to brag,
This hints at the physical process of mixing cement
Then put your entry in the bag.
Mirrors “bag of cement”, keeping the riddle rooted in product-related phrasing.
A brand born local, rock solid and true,
Tells participants this is a South African brand with reliable strength, hinting at CEMZA as the brand of cement
Built for strength — that’s their claim to you.
Plain and direct — emphasises Cemza’s brand promise.
Create Everlasting Monuments, Zone Approved,
The first letter of each word spells CEMZA. It also reinforces the function of cement.
With it in hand, nothing gets moved.
The final line also emphasises the function of cement.
PS. each line holds a clue. Use the answer to find the egg hidden in-store to stand a chance to win weekly R1000 vouchers and get one entry towards the grand prize each week.
Where colour runs deep and the dog knows the way,
Hints directly at Dulux — famous for deep, rich colours and its iconic Dulux dog mascot.
This trusted name brightens homes every day.
Reinforces that it’s a well-known, reliable paint brand
Get ready to do lux with a pearly glow,
A playful wordplay on “Dulux” (“do lux”) and the Pearlglo product
Paint the town — it’s time to put on a show.
Refers to painting (the product’s purpose)
Put nose to the ground its time to explore,
This reinforces the subtle Dulux dog imagery.
Find glow that’s hidden on the see floor.
This line leads to Dulux PearlGlo paint by evoking the imagery of pearls (treasures) that glow on the seafloor
Like a smile with charm, it’s got good enamel,
This hints at Pearlglo an enamel paint without directly naming the paint type.
Smooth, tough, and tidy — no mess to unravel.
Describes the key qualities of Dulux Pearlglo
PS. each line holds a clue. Use the answer to find the egg hidden in-store to stand a chance to win weekly R1000 vouchers and get one entry towards the grand prize each week.
When the leaves start to fall, orange becomes the new pink,
References the iconic orange of the Incgo brand
Get ready — the power’s in your hands, all you have to do is think.
Suggests the tool is handheld and powerful, hinting at a portable power tool
So don’t let the Inc dry before you go,
A clever wordplay: “Inc” and “go” sounds like Ingco, the brand.
If you’re not plugged in, you will feel the blow.
“Blow” refers to the blower function of the power tool
Charge your batteries — you’re about to up your game,
This reinforces the cordless design — the tool runs on rechargeable batteries
Don’t leaf a clue behind, your ego won’t be the same.
Pun intended: “Leaf” = leaf blower
May the invisible force be with you,
This references airflow — the powerful, unseen blast created by a blower.
As you wield your tools to uncover the clues.
PS. each line holds a clue. Use the answer to find the egg hidden in-store to stand a chance to win weekly R1000 vouchers and get one entry towards the grand prize each week.
