Layout room lighting - 4k or 5k temp?

[riogrande]

I used 5k temp lights in my last layout room but it seemed to wash out the colors on scenery etc.

5k is supposed to be similar to noon lighting but after my experience, I'm leaning toward going with 4k this time around, probably 2x2 flat panel LED lights to go into the drop ceiling.

Any opinions or experiences with light temperature and comments?

[canrailfan]

Here's a page with a good illustration of the color temperatures:

Understanding Color Temperature

Like you I originally was going for 5000-5200K lights. I found I needed dimmers to reduce the intensity of the light to an acceptable level. This helped to reduce the washout (good description) of the colors on the layout.

I recently bought some 4100K LED lighting for the house and find I like it much better. It doesn't need to be dimmed all the time. I'll be using 4100K LED tape lighting on the new layout (multi-level) and 4100K thin LED pot lights in the room ceiling. All with dimmers in case I want to go 'dark' running someday.

Looking at the illustration of the color temperatures shows 4000-4500K to be 'white' light while any higher temperatures get progressively more blue.

Another factor to think about is lumens, the amount of light a fixture puts out. I found the LED ceiling panels I looked at were overly bright for the basement. I think their intended use was for office buildings. I settled on the thin pot lights because they have plenty of light output (lumens) and by properly locating them I have more control of the room lighting level. I don't end up feeling like I'm back in the office.

[jonklein611]

I'd shoot for around 4000K, however it may change the tints that you saw @ 5000K.

[riogrande]

I do plan on using dimmers even for the 4k light which is what I am currently leaning toward.

Speaking of tints, while not terribly important, I bought some reject latex paint to use as a base color in my old yard and it looked like a light tan color in the store. Under the 5k lights after I painted the Homasote, it had a slightly greenish cast.

[oldmuley]

I installed these adjustable LEDs, and I’m really happy with them. You can change the color temperature from 2700K to 5000K, so you’re not locked in to one color.

RA 4 in. White Integrated LED Recessed Light Adjustable Gimbal Retrofit Trim with Selectable CCT (2700K-5000K)

www.homedepot.com/p/305734703