Yesterday’s fluorescent was either warm white which produced a muddy, pinkish, orange light, or a cool white which produced a “cold,” bluish, light.
Today fluorescent lighting can be flattering to the kitchen, but its important to select the correct fluorescent that will enhance your color scheme. Note its Kelvin and Color Rendering Index ratings.
A fluorescent bulb is described in Kelvin temperature degrees or the appearance of a lamp color when illuminated; manufacturers use this information to compare one fluorescent source with another. 2700 K is considered warm white and the higher the "K-#, the more you will notice a cooler color to its light.
Additionally, there is the Color Rendering Index, a quality comparison measurement that describes the ability of the lamp to render a natural appearance to room colors, flesh tones or furnishings.
In general, the higher the CRI lamp rating the more natural the colors of these objects will appear. When selecting a fluorescent bulb for residential use, consider the highest rating CRI within the same Kelvin temperature.
