Aimee, it looks like your question has generated a lot of good response! We too are in the process of transitioning to LED bulbs. Two comments I would add:
- First a plug for 2700K- our preference for this may have come from 30 years of using 130volt quartz halogen bulbs in a 120volt building- this resulted in slightly lower light levels, a warmer color temperature, lower energy use and longer bulb life. I have seen some research (backed by my own experience) that as you lower light levels- to reduce damage to artifacts and save energy- a warmer temperature feels less “dingy”. I suppose you could call this the “candle effect”, like the warm glow at sunset. Maybe not the best for viewing all artifacts or art, but in a cultural history museum with furniture and related household artifacts, it seems to work.
- Pay attention to the CRI (color rendering index of the bulb). Not all bulbs of the same color temperature put out the same quality of light. The higher the CRI, the more complete will be the light output, and the more “alive” things will appear.
Thanks for generating a good conversation!
Chuck
Chuck Regier
Curator of Exhibits
Kauffman Museum at Bethel College
300 East 27th, North Newton, KS 67117
crregier@bethelks.edu316-283-1612 cell 316-217-6433
Original Message------
Sabrina,
Thanks very much for this info. It seems like 3000K looks the clearest and most neutral to our eyes, but it's good to hear what the general consensus is before making the purchase.
I will check out that paper too - Thanks very much for that reference.
Sincerely,
Aimee Baker
Exhibit Specialist
Center for Creative Photography
The University of Arizona
1030 North Olive Road | Tucson, AZ 85721
(520) 626-5217