What Does CRI Mean in Lighting? | Lighting Advice

CRI stands for Color Rendering Index and indicates how accurately colours are reproduced under a particular light source. The CRI value is measured on a scale up to 100. Generally, the higher the value, the more naturally colours are rendered.

When choosing lighting, much of the attention often goes to colour temperature and light output. However, colour rendering also has a major impact on how an interior is perceived. Two LED spotlights with the same colour temperature, such as 2700K, can make the same room look noticeably different if their CRI values differ.

A high CRI is particularly important when colours and materials need to look their best. Wood, natural stone, fabrics, artwork and furniture can all benefit from high-quality colour rendering. Skin tones and food can also appear more natural under high-quality lighting. For premium interior lighting, luminaires with a CRI of 90 or higher are therefore often preferred.

However, the CRI value does not tell the whole story about the quality of a light source. Specific colour rendering, colour temperature, beam angle, intensity and positioning all influence the final result. Choosing a luminaire based solely on a high CRI is therefore not enough.

With a professional lighting plan, we consider the complete lighting effect. We coordinate light quality, colour temperature, intensity and beam angles with the materials, colours and function of each space.

Would you like to know which light quality is best suited to your interior? Have your lighting professionally planned to ensure that colours and materials are shown at their best.