CFLs, or compact fluorescent lamps, aren't a single color. Instead, they are available in a wide variety of shades of white light.
The Spectrum of CFL Colors
The color of a CFL can range from a yellowish white to a pure white to a bluish white. This allows for customization to suit different moods and preferences within a space. The reference from DSO Electric Cooperative explicitly states this: "Bulbs are available in a wide variety of shades of white light, ranging from yellowish to white to bluish white light, which allows you to customize the mood of your space."
Some CFLs are even designed to mimic the warmth of incandescent light, while others offer a cooler, more bluish tone. The perception of "white" can be subjective; some sources note that certain CFLs are marketed as "warm white" to resemble the color of traditional incandescent bulbs.
CFL Color in Specialized Applications
Beyond standard lighting, the term "CFL" also appears in contexts unrelated to lighting, such as in glass art. In this context, "CFL" refers to how a glass color changes under a compact fluorescent lamp (as opposed to natural light). For example, one glass described as "CFL" shifts from a teal blue/green to a brilliant lavender when viewed under a CFL bulb. This demonstrates the impact of the light source on the perceived color of an object.
