By James Batten, 299 Lighting · Published · Updated
In short
CRI measures how accurately a light shows colours on a scale to 100; CRI 80 is fine for corridors and general areas, while CRI 90 or more is worth it in kitchens, bathrooms, retail, galleries and anywhere colour matters.
The Colour Rendering Index (CRI or Ra) compares how colours look under a light source with how they look under a reference light. Daylight and halogen score close to 100.
CRI 80 vs CRI 90
| CRI | What you see | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 80 | Acceptable colours, slightly flat skin tones and reds | Corridors, stores, plant rooms, general office areas |
| 90+ | Richer, more natural colours | Kitchens, bathrooms, dressing areas, retail, galleries, hospitality |
Where CRI 90 is worth it
Food, skin, wood and fabrics all look noticeably better under CRI 90. In bathrooms and dressing areas it helps with make-up and shaving. In shops and restaurants it makes products and food look as they should.
R9 and reds
CRI is an average. Some LEDs score well overall but poorly on saturated red (R9). If colour is critical, ask for the full photometric data, which we can supply for most Ideal Lux fittings.
Finding CRI
Use the CRI 90+ filter in the Features group on any category page, or see the colour rendering on each product page.
Frequently asked questions
Is CRI 80 good enough for a home?
For hallways and utility rooms, yes. For kitchens, bathrooms and living spaces, CRI 90 looks noticeably better.
What does Ra mean on a light?
Ra is another name for the colour rendering index (CRI).
