CTA vs DIM dimmable
The difference between CTA dimmable and DIM dimmable light sources
Lighting plays a crucial role in creating the right atmosphere in your interior. Not only do the fixtures matter, but the type of light source also significantly influences how a space feels. At Maretti Lighting, we place great importance on dimmability, as this flexibility enhances comfort, ambiance, and functionality. Read on to learn the difference between CTA-dimmable and DIM-dimmable light sources, and how to select the right option for your space.
Why dimmable light sources matter
Dimmable lighting allows you to adjust light intensity to suit the time of day, your mood, or specific tasks. Lighting has a direct impact on your concentration, productivity, alertness, and overall well-being. During the day, you may need bright, functional lighting, while in the evening, warm and atmospheric lighting is more desirable.
Take a winter morning, for example: being greeted by harsh, cold light is unpleasant. It's more comfortable to start the day with soft, warm lighting. Similarly, when relaxing on the sofa in the evening, you don't want to be surrounded by intense, glaring light. By adjusting brightness, you can effortlessly create the perfect ambiance.
Additionally, you can set different lighting scenes per room or activity. For example, when cooking, you might want full brightness in the kitchen, while keeping the rest of the house dimmed. This can be achieved with a wall dimmer or a more advanced Lutron system that also allows control over curtains. Maretti Lighting offers these Lutron solutions for project-based applications.
Important: To dim your lighting, you not only need a dimmer but also a dimmable light source—and there are different types to choose from.
What does CTA mean?
CTA stands for Colour Temperature Adjustable. With these light sources, both the brightness and the colour temperature change as you dim. Brighter light has a higher Kelvin value (e.g. 4000K – cool white), while dimmed light becomes warmer (e.g. 2000K – soft and ambient).
CTA is ideal if you want a dynamic lighting effect that adjusts to your daily rhythm or changing interior needs. If your interior has cooler tones, CTA allows you to introduce warmth when dimming.
What does DIM mean?
A DIM light source allows you to adjust brightness only—the colour temperature remains constant. You can make the light softer or brighter, but the tone, for example warm white (2700K), stays the same. At Maretti Lighting, most DIM light sources are set to 2700K by default, as we believe this is the ideal temperature for a warm, homely atmosphere. A DIM light source is ideal for those who prefer simplicity, colour consistency, and a timeless aesthetic. If your interior features light or beige tones, we recommend choosing DIM over CTA, as it preserves the natural colours of your space while still offering the benefits of dimmable lighting.
What’s the difference between CTA dimmable and DIM dimmable?
The key difference lies in their functionality:
- CTA Dimmable: Adjusts both brightness and colour temperature (warm ↔ cool).
- DIM Dimmable: Adjusts brightness only; colour temperature remains fixed.
CTA offers greater flexibility and mood control—especially useful if you need different lighting throughout the day or in multi-purpose spaces.
How to identify CTA or DIM light sources
On each product page at Maretti Lighting, it's clearly indicated whether a light source has CTA or DIM functionality. You can easily recognize it by the icon displayed. Not sure what to choose? Our lighting consultants are happy to help you make the right decision, tailored to your home, project, or space.
Colour temperatures – which suits your interior best?
Light colour temperature is measured in Kelvin (K):
- 2000–2700K: Warm white – atmospheric and relaxing, perfect for living areas
- 3000–3500K: Neutral white – fresh and clear, suitable for kitchens and bathrooms
- 4000K and above: Cool white – energetic, ideal for workspaces and offices
Maretti Lighting typically recommends 2700K as it best supports a warm, inviting interior ambiance.
What is Tunable White?
Tunable White is a technology that allows you to adjust the colour temperature of a light source even after installation. Unlike standard light sources with a fixed Kelvin value, Tunable White lets you switch between various colour temperatures—for example, from 2700K to 6000K.
This gives you the flexibility to adjust the mood and functionality of your lighting at any time. Lower Kelvin values (e.g. 2700K) create a cozy, homelike feel, while higher values (e.g. 5000–6000K) produce bright, energizing light.
Tunable White is ideal for multifunctional spaces, such as meeting rooms that require cool, productive light during the day and warm, ambient light for evening gatherings. It’s also highly beneficial in hospitality, showrooms, and healthcare environments where lighting needs frequently change.
These fixtures often offer pre-set options (e.g. 2700K – 3000K – 4000K – 5000K), and in some cases, seamless adjustment. Note: Tunable White fixtures require specific control systems and are available from Maretti Lighting on a project basis. Our lighting specialists are happy to provide tailored advice.
The Silva 50 LED module
A particularly versatile and user-friendly light source in the Maretti Lighting range is the Silva 50 LED module. It functions similarly to Tunable White but is simpler to use and can be adjusted during installation. A switch on the included driver allows you to choose between four colour temperatures: 2700K, 3000K, 4000K, or 6500K. You can also select the wattage—4W or 6W—depending on your desired light output. The Silva 50 module is dimmable via a standard DIM dimmer, giving you full control over brightness. Want to make changes later? Simply remove the light source from the fitting. Thanks to its compact design and low installation depth, this module is ideal for ceilings with limited space. Please note: the driver must be installed in the ceiling, and the spotlight requires sufficient clearance.
Choosing the right light source
Every space calls for a specific type of lighting. At Maretti Lighting, we are happy to assist you in selecting the ideal light source for your interior, usage, and desired ambiance.
Explore our full range of light sourcesNeed advice or a custom solution?
Feel free to contact us. Our team is ready to help you make the best choice for your home, store, or project.