What is the Color Rendering Index, or CRI, of a light bulb?

When choosing the perfect lighting for your building or business, there are a few things to consider. In this blog we will be discussing one of those factors: CRI, also known as color rendering index. Unlike color temperature, CRI is a measurement of how a well a light bulb will show an item’s true color.

If your goal is to illuminate a particular area of a building so that all colors appear as they would in natural light, then you want to look for a light bulb with a high CRI. No one wants to purchase a product that looks washed out and dull. So, if you’re interested in lighting your retail store, you should consider lights with a high CRI.

But how do you decide what LED light bulb you need?

Choosing the right CRI

LED light bulbs with a color rendering index (CRI) of 50 or less, will generate a washed out looking color. Light bulbs with a 70 or less CRI rating will show a dull color. And bulbs with an 80+ CRI will be much more vibrant to the eye. For the best color rendering, use light bulbs with a CRI rating of 90+. These are great for accent lighting purposes.

Choosing the right type of lighting for a commercial space

When choosing a light bulb for your commercial space, whether residential, industrial, retail, or hospitality, you should consider the purpose and function of the lighting you desire. There are four areas to consider:

Task-Oriented Lighting

It is suggested that when creating a lighting plan for a space, you should consider task lighting first. These are the areas that need to be well light for high productivity. These are areas like entrances, near cash registers, warehouse work spaces, office spaces, etc. These areas need to be brighter and tend to need light bulbs with higher lumens. For maximum lighting function, consider light bulbs around 3500-5000 K.

Ask yourself what areas do I want to illuminate and emphasize?

Ex. Entrance, checkout area, customer service desk, workspaces, hallways, stairwells, hospital rooms, etc.

Accent Lighting

It is important to construct a layout of the lighting design. Accent lighting is great for highlighting certain areas of a space.

Ask yourself what areas do I want to emphasize?

Higher CRI’s make color look more vibrant and attractive.

Displays should be illuminated to draw customers. The higher the CRI, the better the products will display under the light.

Seasonal items should be highlighted with light bulbs with a high CRI to attract customers.

Decorative Lighting

This is the fun part! Once you have designed the layout of your commercial space now it’s time to think about the look of your light fixtures! What are you trying to convey with your decorative lamps?

Placing wall sconces by the front entrance can make a statement

Decorative light fixtures should be placed by displays to catch the eye of the onlooker.

Front entrances should have bright lights, with a high CRI that invite people in.

Chandeliers, and other large decorative light fixture should be placed high on the walls to draw the eye, and provide bright area lighting.

General Lighting

This type of lighting serves the purpose of creating the ambience of the space. You want the area to be lit up enough so that the occupants feel safe and comfortable. Decide on the type of general lighting fixture you want.