What is the difference between a Soft White, Bright White and Daylight compact fluorescent bulb? How do I know which color temperature to choose?

Shades of white light are measured in degrees Kelvin, where lower degrees indicate yellower light and higher degrees indicate whiter or bluish white light. Soft White (2700° Kelvin) is the warmest option that most closely approximates a standard incandescent bulb. It is most often used in areas like living rooms. Bright White (3500° - 4100° Kelvin) is a whiter light than soft white and is most often selected for kitchens and bathrooms or work spaces. Daylight (6000° - 6500° Kelvin) is recommended for reading areas or for use in craft rooms and is a more bluish white that most closely approximates an outdoor overcast sky.  more