When shopping for light fixtures, you've may have seen the term CRI pop up on packages or in store marketing. But what exactly does CRI mean, and further more why should you care about it when choosing lighting for your space?
What is CRI?
CRI, is an acronym for Color Rendering Index. CRI is a measurement of how accurately a light source displays colors compared to sunlight. The scale runs from 0 to 100, with 100 representing the highest color accuracy—essentially how colors appear under natural daylight. CRI is a great tool to measure the "quality" of light. A light with a high CRI means colors look vibrant, natural, and accurate. A low CRI can make colors appear washed out or faded.
CRI Scale Breakdown:
A CRI rating of 90-100 is excellent at rendering color’s natural appearance. Lights with a CRI within this range are critical for businesses like print shops, paint shops, and others where color accuracy is important. Though people who are looking for vibrant colors, like restaurants, art galleries, and retail stores, can leverage high CRI lights to their advantage.
Your average LED light will produce light between a 70 and 80 CRI rating, which will work for general-purpose lighting but will not have that same effect of rendering a color’s true vibrant appearance.
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Where High CRI Fixtures Are Used
High CRI lighting is especially important in environments where accurate color perception is critical. Here are some common use cases:
- Art Galleries & Museums
- Retail Stores
- Photography & Film Studios
- Medical & Dental Offices
- Interior Design & Architecture
- Makeup Studios & Vanity Mirrors
- Restaurants & Hospitality
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Choosing the Right CRI
GT-Lite carries multiple 90 CRI items, including the 2’x4’ and 2’x2’ backlit LED flat panel lights. These lights can flush mount to ceilings as well as install into drop ceilings.
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