Color rendering refers to the color rendering index (CRI) , a measure of how well a light source renders colors compared to natural light.
The color rendering index (CRI) is a number between 0 and 100 that indicates how natural colors appear when illuminated by a specific light source, compared to how they would appear under natural daylight . A higher CRI means colors are rendered more accurately and vibrantly .
Importance of CRI:
- CRI 100 : This means the light source has perfect color rendering , similar to natural sunlight. This is often considered the standard.
- CRI between 80-90 : This is considered good color rendering and is typical of most LED and incandescent bulbs.
- CRI below 80 : This can result in less accurate color reproduction. Lamps with a lower CRI can make colors appear washed out or unnatural .
Why is CRI important?
- In homes : A high CRI makes colors look natural , making it more comfortable to live and work in.
- In shops and museums : Where colours and details of products or artwork are essential, a high CRI is important for the accuracy of the representation.
- In workspaces : In environments where accurate color recognition is needed, such as in design or painting work, a higher CRI provides better visibility and colors.
Other aspects of lighting:
Besides the CRI, there are other aspects of lighting that can be important, such as:
- Light output (lumens): How much light a lamp emits.
- Color Temperature (Kelvin): How "warm" or "cold" the light is (for example, warm white or cool white).