How Color Temperature Relates to Warm and Cool Colors She adds that as a rule, she installs bulbs with a 2700K color temperature “because it is the most flattering light to people and furnishings,” meaning that it will work with either a warm or cool color palette. Thornton says that while the preference really comes down to each individual, she finds that in general, warm colors work best for spaces that are meant to embrace you, such as a cozy den or library, whereas cool colors work well in an office or a kitchen.