When choosing the right lighting for your space, most people focus on brightness or colour temperature—but there’s another critical factor you should know about: CRI, or Colour Rendering Index.
CRI affects how natural and vibrant colours appear under artificial light. If you've ever noticed that your food looks dull, your clothes look different, or your artwork looks flat in certain lighting, it's likely due to low CRI.
What Is CRI?
CRI stands for Colour Rendering Index. It measures how accurately a light source displays colours compared to natural daylight (which has a CRI of 100).
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High CRI (90–100): Colours look natural and vivid
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Medium CRI (80–89): Good for most general lighting
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Low CRI (below 80): Can distort colours or make them appear washed out
Why Does CRI Matter?
The higher the CRI, the better colours appear. This is especially important in areas where:
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You do detailed tasks (like reading, cooking, painting)
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Accurate colour matters (makeup stations, clothing stores, offices)
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You want your space to look warm, vibrant, and visually pleasing
For example, a warm-toned sofa or wood grain may appear dull or gray under a low CRI bulb—but pop with natural richness under a CRI 90+ light.
Where to Use High CRI Lighting
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Kitchens & Bathrooms: See true colours in food, skin tones, and finishes
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Retail & Showrooms: Display products in their best light
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Workspaces & Studios: Maintain focus and colour accuracy
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Art & Decor: Make textures and tones stand out
What to Look For
When shopping for lights, check the packaging or specs for the CRI rating. Many high-quality LED bulbs now feature CRI ratings of 90 or higher.
LEDs with high CRI don’t just look better—they also help reduce eye strain and improve your environment's overall visual comfort.
CRI might not be the first thing you think about when buying bulbs—but once you notice the difference, it’s hard to go back.
If you're unsure which CRI level you need, or want to test the difference in person, stop by Buchanan Lighting. We’ll help you find the right light for your space—and make sure everything looks its best.