Recommended CRI index levels for various lighting projects

The Color Rendering Index (CRI) is a valuable tool for evaluating the quality of artificial lighting sources. It measures how accurately a light source renders colors compared to a reference source, which is typically natural sunlight or a standardized artificial light source. CRI is expressed as a numerical value between 0 and 100, with a higher number indicating better color rendering ability.

High CRI lighting is especially important in spaces where color accuracy is crucial, such as art galleries, clothing stores, and photography studios. In these environments, a low CRI can distort colors and negatively impact the appearance of the objects being viewed or photographed.

However, even in spaces where color accuracy is less critical, such as office spaces or homes, high CRI lighting can improve the overall appearance and comfort of the space. High CRI lighting can make colors appear more vibrant and natural, which can positively impact mood and productivity.

Different lamps, such as fluorescent or gas discharge lamps, can have CRIs ranging from 17 to 96, and even negative values for sodium low-pressure lamps, which are commonly used for street lighting. The CRI was introduced by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) in 1974 to address the wide variation in the ability to reproduce colors with the white light emitted by various gas lamps.

In the past, lamps were built for specific applications that required a minimum CRI value, so the choice of lamp was straightforward. For example, tri-phosphor linear fluorescent tubes with a CRI over 80 were commonly used for office lighting, incandescent and halogen lamps with CRI100 were used for homes, and metal halide lamps with a minimum CRI of 85 were used for high-intensity spot lighting. Streetlights were typically equipped with high-intensity sodium lamps that had poor CRI values.

However, with the advent of LED technology, which is the first lighting source that can be used for every application and have the full range of performance and quality level, it is imperative to choose the LEDs with the correct CRI level for the application.

As a general rule, it is best to stay away from light sources with CRI less than 80, unless the light is used for orientation purposes only, outdoors from streetlights, or inside corridors or stairwells. When possible, it is recommended to choose lights with higher CRI values than 80, as they can accurately reproduce colors and improve the overall look and feel of indoor spaces.

 

The pictures above shows how colors can look different based on the CRI of the light source that illuminates them. A vibrant red under sunlight or a high CRI light can look dull or even orange under a low CRI light.

For residential applications, LED lights with a CRI of at least 90 are recommended for bedrooms, living rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. For business applications, lights with a CRI of 80 are suitable for general work in offices, while lights with a CRI of 97 are recommended for offices where work with colors is involved, as well as design studios and photography studios. For commercial applications, LED lights with a CRI of 90 or higher are recommended for electronics stores, hardware stores, and jewelry stores, while lights with a CRI of 98 are ideal for interior design stores.

For medical applications, lights with a CRI of 90 are recommended for dental clinics and general practices, while lights with a CRI of 97 are ideal for hospitals. For hospitality applications, LED lights with a CRI of 95 are suitable for cafes, hotels, and restaurants.

When choosing LED lighting for streetlights, transit/parking lots, storage rooms, warehouses, and photography, a minimum CRI value of 70 or 80 is recommended.

In conclusion, the CRI value is an important consideration when choosing LED lighting for indoor lighting projects, as it can affect the reproduction of colors and the overall look and feel of indoor spaces. By selecting the appropriate CRI value based on the location and activities that occur, you can enhance the quality of the light and improve the overall aesthetic and functionality of the space.

When possible, you should choose lights with higher CRI than 80, as recommended in the table below: 

Application	Minimum CRI value	Recommended CRI Value
Residential
Bedroom	80	90
Living room	80	90
Bathroom	80	95
Kitchen	80	95
Business
Office, general work	80	80
Office, work with colors	90	97
Design studio	80	97
Commercial
Electronics store	80	90
Fashion	90	97
Hardware store	80	90
Interior design store	90	98
Jewelry	80	90
Medical
Dental Clinic	90	97
General Practice	90	97
Hospitality
Café	80	95
Hotel	80	95
Restaurant	80	95
Other
Street light	70	80
Transit/parking lot	70	80
Storage room	70	80
Warehouse	70	90
Photography	90	97

It’s also important to note that while a high CRI is desirable, it’s not the only factor to consider when choosing LED lighting. Other factors such as color temperature, lumen output, and beam angle can all have an impact on the appearance and functionality of the lighting.

Another important consideration when choosing LED lighting is the potential for flicker. LED lighting is known to produce flicker, which can be visually distracting and cause headaches and eyestrain. Choosing LED lighting with low flicker rates can help mitigate this issue and improve overall visual comfort.

In summary, CRI is an important factor to consider when choosing LED lighting for indoor lighting projects. High CRI lighting can improve color accuracy and overall appearance, while also positively impacting mood and productivity. However, it’s important to consider other factors such as flicker rates, color temperature, lumen output, and beam angle when making a decision.

In our offer you can find LED fixtures and lamps with CRI of at least 80, while our very popular LED strips and modules are available with the highest CRI today possible, up to 99+, with technologies such as Nichia Optisolis and Seoul Semiconductor SunLike.