What is Color Rendering Index (CRI)?
As LED technology continues to advance, lighting manufacturers are beginning to offer more products with a high color rendering index, or CRI. Just like color temperature (CCT) can significantly impact how a room will look and feel, CRI affects how good the visual output of an LED lighting product will be. In fact, the two go hand in hand when you’re trying to choose the right lighting for your application.
So what is CRI? In short, CRI is the measurement of light in relation to how it affects the appearance of color. It is an assessment of how the light source shows object colors ‘naturally’ when compared to a familiar basis of reference, such as daylight.
The CRI scale started gaining popularity when LED lighting became more prevalent in homes. It’s measured as a number between 0 and 100. In general, LED bulbs and fixtures at the higher end of the scale will produce a more accurate color rendering of the objects around them. This is important not only for applications like museums and art galleries, but in today’s modern homes as well. Think about the daily tasks you perform and how important quality light is for the setting; applying makeup in a bathroom, studying in a home office, prepping food in a kitchen… the list goes on.
What is a Good CRI?
Since studies have shown that artificial lighting can have a negative effect on our body functions, it’s best to choose bulbs and fixtures that will make your surroundings clear, bright and as close to how they would appear in a natural outdoor setting. It’s a well-known fact that quality light improves mood and energy levels, while bad lighting can contribute to depression, poor sleep patterns, changes in appetite, and other deficiencies in the body. That’s why researchers recommend using LED lights to mimic natural daylight cycles.
At zero (0), all colors look the same. A CRI of 100 shows the true colors of the object. Most LED lights produce a score of about 80-90 on the chart. The result is a brighter room, but with a much more natural, accurate output of light. As a rule, a CRI of 90+ is considered excellent, and anything below 80 is considered mid-range to low. If color quality is important to your application, it’s best to choose something in the 90s. Otherwise, you may want to consider other factors like light output or wattage first and CRI as a secondary choice.
CRI and Color Temperature
It’s important to keep in mind that CRI and color temperature are two different things. Color temperature is measured in units of Kelvin (K). As an example, a 5000K (daylight color) LED light source could have a CRI of 75, while one from a different manufacturer might have a CRI of 90. To learn more about color temperature and how it applies to the lighting in your home, click here to read Choosing the Right Color Temperature. Be sure to pay attention to both CRI and color temperature when shopping for LED lighting – as you’ll want colors to be crisp and sharp so that your home’s decor, paint, and furnishings look the best they can.
Ask the PROs
Every LED product offered at PROLIGHTING will have a specification section on the product details page to inform consumers of the light source’s properties. These specifics will indicate the color rendering index scale, number of lumens, watts, color temperature, efficiency metrics, and other lighting facts. Choosing LED lighting with a higher CRI rating will ensure you’re getting the most accurate color portrayal in your home.
Our team of certified lighting specialists can help answer any CRI-related questions you may have. We have experience lighting all applications and can assist you with product selection, project quotes, and creating a custom lighting layout that’s unique to you. Our PROs are available via phone, email, and live chat during normal business hours – Monday through Friday, 8AM – 5PM EST.
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