You've probably noticed how clothes look different under fluorescent fitting room lights versus natural daylight. That's CRI in action — and it matters more than most people realize.

What is CRI?

Color Rendering Index (CRI) measures how accurately a light source renders colors compared to a reference (typically sunlight or incandescent). It's measured on a 0-100 scale.

The CRI Scale in Practice

  • CRI 60-70: Street lighting, parking garages — colors look washed out.
  • CRI 80+: Standard residential and commercial. "Good enough" for most uses.
  • CRI 90+: Premium residential, art galleries, high-end retail, makeup mirrors.
  • CRI 95+: Professional photography, surgical lighting, color-critical work.

Where High CRI is Worth the Premium

In your kitchen: meats look fresh, vegetables look vibrant. In your closet: you actually see the true color of your clothes. In a retail store: products look more appealing and accurate, increasing conversion. In a makeup mirror: you get true-to-daylight color matching.

The Trade-Off

High-CRI LEDs are typically 10-20% less efficient (fewer lumens per watt) and cost more upfront. For most homes, CRI 80+ is fine, but if you care about how your home actually looks, CRI 90+ is worth the investment.