What is CRI? The Secret to Lighting That Makes Colours Pop
When you’re choosing new lighting for your home, you’ll often see the term CRI on product specifications. But what does it actually mean, and why should you care? Let’s break it down in plain English.
CRI Explained
CRI stands for Colour Rendering Index. It’s a simple score, from 0 to 100, that tells you how accurately a light source shows the true colours of objects - compared to natural daylight.
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A higher CRI (closer to 100) means colours will look vibrant, natural, and true.
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A lower CRI means colours can look dull, washed-out, or even slightly “off.”
Think of it like this: CRI is the difference between a fresh bowl of fruit looking bright and appetizing under one light, and looking a little brownish or flat under another.
Why CRI Matters at Home
Lighting isn’t just about brightness - it’s about how your space feels. A good CRI rating can make a big difference in everyday situations:
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Living rooms & bedrooms: High CRI makes colours pop, so your décor looks the way you intended.
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Kitchens & dining areas: Food looks more appealing when illuminated correctly.
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Bathrooms: Essential for seeing true skin tones when applying makeup or shaving.
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Home offices & craft areas: Higher CRI lighting helps you distinguish details and colours more accurately.
What’s a “Good” CRI Score?
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80+ CRI: Good for general household use.
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90+ CRI: Great for areas where colour matters, like kitchens, bathrooms, or spaces with art and décor.
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95+ CRI: Premium lighting - almost indistinguishable from natural daylight.
Choosing the Right CRI for You
When shopping for lighting, check the CRI rating alongside brightness (lumens) and colour temperature (warm vs. cool light). If you want your home to look warm, welcoming, and natural, aim for bulbs with a CRI of at least 90.
✨ Tip from Ozlighting: All our high-quality LED downlights and globes list CRI ratings, so you can easily choose lighting that makes your home shine - literally.
