IRC Lighting

Lighting

Definition

CRI (Color Rendering Index) measures the fidelity of colors under a light source. CRI 80+ is good, CRI 90+ is excellent, close to natural light.

Learn more about lighting CRI

As an interior design expert, I am delighted to tell you more about CRI in lighting. This index is essential to ensure that your lighting choices perfectly reveal the colors of your interior. A CRI of 80 or higher is generally considered good, but for an optimal visual experience, aim for a CRI of 90 or higher. These sources will offer color reproduction close to natural light, beautifully highlighting the nuances of your walls, textiles, and accessories. To create a warm atmosphere and enhance colors, opt for incandescent or high-CRI LED lamps. Their natural rendering will sublimate the tones of your furniture and decorations. However, avoid fluorescent bulbs, which can distort certain colors. Finally, do not hesitate to combine different light sources to play with contrasts and subtly enhance the materials in your interior.

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Frequently Asked Questions

CRI measures color accuracy under a light. CRI 80+ is good, CRI 90+ is excellent, close to natural light.

High CRI (90+) is essential for the bathroom (makeup), dressing room (clothing colors), and kitchen (food colors).

Pitfall: low-end bulbs with a CRI of 70 that make colors dull and grayish. Check the CRI on the packaging.

To choose the right lighting CRI index, consider the room's use. A CRI 80+ is sufficient for walk-through areas, while a CRI 90+ will be preferable for rooms where you spend a lot of time, such as the living room or kitchen, for better color rendering.

A high lighting CRI, ideally 90+, will allow you to better distinguish color nuances and have more natural light, similar to daylight. This will be particularly pleasant in rooms where you spend a lot of time.

LED and halogen bulbs generally offer a good CRI index, often around 80-90+. Compact fluorescent bulbs, however, have a lower CRI, around 80. Therefore, prefer LED and halogen for better color reproduction.

You can check the lighting CRI indicated on the bulb's packaging or technical sheet. Some brands also highlight this index on the bulb itself. Always prefer bulbs with a minimum CRI of 80+.

It is generally not recommended to mix bulbs with different CRIs in the same room. This could create differences in color rendering and give a disparate appearance to the lighting. Try to choose bulbs with the same CRI index.