'Soft' vs 'Daylight LED': What's the Difference?

By Amy Gilmore, updated on November 8, 2023

Are you wondering the difference between 'soft' vs. 'daylight LED?' I can help!

Here is a quick answer: 

  • 'Soft LED' is a warm light similar to candlelight. 
  • 'Daylight LED' is a brighter, whiter light that is more similar to the light produced by the sun. 

There is more to learn about these terms, though. So, before you purchase LED lightbulbs, read this entire guide. That way, you can ensure that you buy the perfect lights to complement your space.

What is the Difference Between 'Soft' vs. 'Daylight LED?'

If you are trying to decide between 'soft' vs. 'daylight LED' you need to know the difference.

  • 'Soft LED' lighting is between 2,700 and 3,000 kelvins
  • 'Daylight LED' lights are between 5,000 and 6,000 kelvins.

Kelvins are the scientific measurement of the light a bulb creates. The higher the kelvins, the brighter the bulb is when it warms up.

  • 'Soft LEDs' produce a dimmer, warmer ambiance.
  • 'Daylight LEDs' produce light that is closer to the bright daylight created by the sun.

Where Should You Use 'Soft' vs. 'Daylight LED?'

There are certain places and times that you should use warmer lighting.

For example:

  • Research suggests that using 'soft' lighting in your house at night may help you fall asleep faster.

However, in a bathroom or vanity area, you should use:

  • 'Daylight LEDs' that are closer to daylight so that you can better see what color your makeup and clothing will be when you go outside.

Definition of 'Soft LED': What Does 'Soft LED' Mean?

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary does not define 'soft LED,' 'soft light,' or 'warm light.' So, let's look at how Home Depot defines the term. According to Home Depot, the meaning of 'soft LED' is:

  • A bulb that produces a warm golden light that is perfect for bedrooms and family rooms
  • A bulb that ranges from 2,700 to 3,000 k.

Definition of 'Daylight LED': What Does 'Daylight LED' Mean?

Again, the Merriam-Webster Dictionary does not explicitly define 'daylight LED.' It does, however, have a definition of 'daylight.' So, here is how the Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the noun 'daylight':

  • The light during the day

It can also mean:

  • Daytime
  • An understanding or knowledge of a topic that was previously unknown
  • The quality of openness or being open
  • Dawn
  • Mental clarity, soundness, or stability
  • Consciousness
  • A perceivable difference, gap, or space

Pronunciation: How to Pronounce 'Soft' vs. 'Daylight LED'

While we are learning about these words, take a look at the pronunciation. Learning the pronunciation of terms like these will help to give you the confidence you need to use them when speaking to or in front of others.

So, here is a guide you can reference for pronouncing 'soft' vs. 'daylight LED.'

  • Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'soft LED':

soft el-ē-dē

  • Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'daylight LED':

dā-līt el-ē-dē

When and How to Use 'Soft' vs. 'Daylight LED'

You learned the difference between these terms, but here are some tips to help you use them.

  • Use 'soft LED' for bulbs that produce warmer light that is better to use in the evening or in places where you want to create a cozy ambiance.

For example, you might say:

We recently put soft LED bulbs in our bedroom, and I feel like I have been sleeping more soundly. 

  • Use 'daylight LEDs' for bulbs that provide light that is brighter, whiter, and closer to natural sunlight.

As an example, you can say:

I am going to switch to 'daylight LEDs' in my kitchen, vanity, and office. 

  • Use 'soft LED' to describe bulbs that are between 2,700 and 3,000 kelvins.

So, you could say:

Can you pick up some soft LEDs for me when you go to the store? 

  • Use 'daylight LED' to describe bulbs that are between 5,000 and 6,000 kelvins.

For example, I might say:

When you go to Home Depot, please pick up the brightest daylight LED bulbs they sell

Sample Sentences Using 'Soft' vs. 'Daylight LED'

Now, read these sample sentences using 'soft' vs. 'daylight LED.' They will help you remember the meaning of each term and how to use them.

Soft LED

  • If you want to create a warm, cozy space, you should try soft LED bulbs.
  • The soft LED bulbs are not bright enough in this dark space.
  • If the soft LED bulbs are still too bright for your space, try using the warm white bulbs. They are a little dimmer.
  • I like soft LED bulbs because they create a calming, warm light similar to candles.
  • Have you ever done your makeup in a soft LED light and noticed that it looks completely different when you go outside?

Daylight LED

  • Daylight LEDs are definitely better for workspaces where you need additional light.
  • I changed the bulbs in my vanity to daylight LEDs because they are closer to natural sunlight.
  • I noticed that since I switched to daylight LEDs, it is much easier to make my makeup look natural.
  • The daylight LEDs help me to be more alert during the day when I am working.
  • If you want the lighting in your house to be brighter white, use daylight LEDs.

Soft LED/Daylight LED

  • If you want to use soft LEDs at night and daylight LEDs during the day, purchase a dual-bulb lamp.
  • Twist the lamp switch one time to choose the soft LED and twice to use the daylight LED bulb.
  • You can purchase 3-way LED bulbs that go from soft to daylight. 
  • Scientists discovered that soft LEDs that produce less blue light than daylight LEDs promote healthier sleep habits.

Recap: 'Soft' vs. 'Daylight LED'

We went over a lot of information in this post, so here is a recap of what you learned about the difference between 'soft' vs. 'daylight LED': 

  • 'Soft LED' bulbs produce between 2,700 and 3,000 Kelvins and give spaces a warmer, cozier feel. 
  • 'Daylight LEDs' are between 5,000 and 6,000 kelvins and produce a bright white light that is similar to natural sunlight. 

Terms like these that you do not use often can be challenging to remember. So, if you need a reminder in the future of the difference between these terms, you can always return to this lesson for a quick review.

You can also learn about hundreds of other confusing words here. Each guide contains definitions, pronunciations, examples, and tips. So, they are an excellent way to verify the meanings of words or to expand your vocabulary and learn essential grammar rules.

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Written By:
Amy Gilmore
Amy Gilmore is one of the lead freelance writers for WritingTips.org. She has been a professional writer and editor for the past eight years. She developed a love of language arts and literature in school and decided to become a professional freelance writer after a demanding career in real estate. Amy is constantly learning to become a better writer and loves sharing tips with other writers who want to do the same.

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