Lighting is one of the most overlooked details when it comes to creating a cohesive, beautiful home. We often talk about how natural light can change the way paint colors look throughout the day—but your light bulbs have just as much impact.

Every light bulb has a Kelvin rating, which measures the color temperature of the light it gives off. The lower the number, the warmer and more golden the light will be. The higher the number, the cooler and whiter it becomes. For example, 2700K gives off a soft, warm glow similar to candlelight, while 4000K feels brighter and cooler, more like daylight.

When your home has a mix of different color temperatures—say, one warm lamp, a cool ceiling fixture, and undercabinet lights somewhere in between—it can make your space feel off and inconsistent. Even your wall color can look completely different from room to room because of it.

That’s why at HHDC, we prefer to keep things consistent, choosing bulbs in the 3000–3500K range whenever possible. It strikes the perfect balance: warm enough to feel inviting but bright enough to make colors look clean and true.

If you haven’t already, it’s worth making a lighting plan for your home. Decide on your ideal Kelvin range and stick with it every time you shop—whether you’re grabbing a box of bulbs at the hardware store or adding a few to your online cart.

And if you’re not sure where to start, I’ve linked the bulbs I’m currently loving here. No matter what your kelvin preference—or if you’d like to test a few out in your own home—these are a great option for your lamps and a perfect place to begin.