What we should know about dim to warm technogoly?

LED Technology is Constantly Developing

Over the past decade or so, LED lighting has evolved and grown exponentially and is taking the lighting industry by storm. Predictions show that LEDs will consume about 85% of the lighting market by 2030 or sooner. This is a rightful dominance as they are the most energy efficient light source and boast long life, wide variety, and brilliant user integration. LED technology is constantly developing to match users’ needs and to fit real-world applications. One new way that many manufacturers are achieving this goal is by making LED bulbs that are capable of “Warm Dimming."

What Exactly is Warm Dim Technology?

The effect known as Warm Dimming does not have anything to do with the actual heat or physical warmth of the bulb. Rather it is when an LED bulb’s color temperature lowers when it is dimmed. In other words, the lower the brightness the “warmer” or more orange-ish the color. This is a more "natural" replication since at sunset the sky appears more "warm" in color, which puts our minds in a different gear and helps transition us to the night-time. Many incandescent and halogen bulbs naturally had this effect, yet were highly inefficient. When these new style LEDs dim, they retain their high efficacy, yet still produce the relaxing and comforting feel of an appealing “warmer” glow.

Warm dimming effect light bulbs

The comparison above are some pictures I took to illustrate Warm Dimming in action being dimmed from brightest (on left) to almost fully dimmed (on right). As you can see, the lower in brightness the warmer the color. The bulb used was a Curtis Mathes LED flood light.

Each product and brand have their own spectrum of how much the LED dims, but they generally range between 3,000k down to 1,900k approximately. This picture below shows the range of color temperature and what constitutes as “warm” or “cool.” 

Where Can I Get Warm Dimming LEDs?

As more and more brands are adding Warm Dim LEDs to their selections, they will become more common and readily available. However, there are already some fantastic options out there right now. Manufacturers may use different terms to describe Warm Dimming. For example, Philips calls it "Warm Glow," TCP calls it "Allusion," and Sylvania calls it the "Sunset Effect." Here are a few of my favorite Warm Dim options: 

1. The Nicor 08921 is an innovative recessed light reflector flood. This ceiling fixture is easy to install and is perfect for residential and hospitality applications. It is even approved to go in wet environments such as the bathroom and shower. 

2. The Philips 455824 is a great standard A19 bulb for the bedroom, living room, or table lamp. The subtle effect of the "warm glow" can enhance our daily living in the home. 

3. The Curtis Mathes 02074 is a BR30 flood light at its finest. This bulb has beautifully smooth dimming transitions and a rich color range of Warm Dimming.