Dim to Warm: Smarter Light for Better Living

We’ve teamed up with our in-house experts to break down Dim to Warm lighting technology—what it is, how it works, and why it could completely change the way you light your space.

Tala entered the Dim to Warm space in 2020 with the launch of Light Engine and Sphere, two product ranges designed to bring flexibility, warmth, and wellbeing into homes and workspaces.

If you’re not familiar with lighting jargon, "Dim to Warm" might sound a little technical. Simply put, it’s the ability of a light bulb to shift from bright, cooler tones to soft, warmer hues as you dim it—just like traditional incandescent bulbs, but with the energy efficiency of LED.

We spoke with Bertie Pleass, Engineering Director, and Joe Armitage, Design Director, to dig into what makes Dim to Warm special, and why now is the time to make the switch.

What Does Dim to Warm Actually Mean?

Bertie:
Dim to Warm describes how the light changes colour temperature as you dim it. At full brightness, the bulb emits a crisp, white light around 2800K or 3000K. As you dim it, the colour temperature drops to around 2000K, creating a soft, amber glow similar to candlelight.

Why Did Tala Develop Dim to Warm Bulbs?

Bertie:
Tala originally focused on warm, low-power LEDs that set a calming, ambient mood—perfect for evenings, dining, or cosy spaces. But as we expanded into brighter bulbs for kitchens, offices, and workspaces, we introduced higher colour temperatures to support energy and focus.

Dim to Warm bridges the gap. You can have bright, functional light when you need to concentrate, and then simply dim it to create a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere for winding down.

The Engineering Challenge Behind Dim to Warm

Bertie:
Dim to Warm works by blending light from two different LED sources, each with a distinct colour temperature. The challenge was getting these light sources to mix perfectly inside the bulb, without any blotchy or uneven colour.

We developed a new way to support and position the LED chips, ensuring the light blends fully before it’s visible. On top of that, we had to design an electrical system capable of managing both LED sources while maintaining Tala’s signature smooth dimming performance. It was a complex process, but the result is seamless, beautiful light at every brightness level.

Why 2000K to 2800K/3000K?

Bertie:
We chose this specific colour range because it mirrors how natural light shifts throughout the day—from the bright, white light of midday to the warm tones of sunset.

At full brightness, 2800K and 3000K give you a crisp, energising light, ideal for cooking, reading, or working. As you dim, it moves towards 2000K, creating the soft, inviting glow of a dimmed incandescent or candlelight. It’s designed to feel as natural and comforting as possible.

Why Design a Bulb That’s Meant to Be Hidden?

Joe:
Tala has always celebrated the light bulb as a design object. Our bulbs are made to be seen, not hidden behind lampshades. But with the Light Engine, we intentionally broke that rule.

The Light Engine is designed to be a technical, high-performance light source that can be hidden within fixtures. It’s not about being on display; it’s about delivering exceptional light quality, broad dimming compatibility, and powerful performance.

That said, our Sphere Range continues the tradition of beautiful, visible bulbs. Sphere’s minimalist, spherical shape and low neck make it a standout design element in any fixture.

The Wellness Connection: Why Dim to Warm Matters

Bertie:
Our eyes and bodies have evolved to follow the natural rhythms of sunlight. Cooler light in the morning helps us wake up and focus, while warmer light in the evening signals that it’s time to relax.

Dim to Warm lighting supports these natural rhythms, helping to improve mood, concentration, and sleep patterns. It’s a simple but powerful way to light your home in harmony with your body’s internal clock.

What’s the Reaction to Light Engine and Sphere?

Joe:
Both products have been really well received. The Light Engine is a hit with the technical design community because of its exceptional performance and compatibility. It’s becoming a go-to for hidden light sources in architectural projects.

The Sphere Range has also made a big impact. It’s been embraced for its beautiful form and versatility, fitting seamlessly into a wide variety of fixtures and interiors. It’s been exciting to see both ranges spark so many new collaborations and design opportunities.

Bertie:
What’s been particularly interesting is how each product has connected with different audiences. Sphere is loved for its design presence, while Light Engine is all about precision and light quality. Both offer the same high-performance Dim to Warm experience, but they speak to different needs.

Why Make the Switch?

Whether you’re creating a calm, cosy home or a dynamic, multi-functional workspace, Dim to Warm lighting lets you control the mood effortlessly with all the efficiency of modern LED.

It’s better for your eyes, better for your sleep, and better for your wellbeing. And thanks to Tala’s thoughtful design and engineering, it’s never looked better.