CRI (Color Rendering Index) measures how accurately a light source shows colours compared with natural daylight, on a scale of 0 to 100. 100 is perfect (daylight and incandescent bulbs). For homes, choose a bulb rated CRI 90 or higher so skin tones, food, artwork and décor look true. CRI is separate from colour temperature (Kelvin), which is about how warm or cool the light looks.
Key takeaways
- CRI = colour accuracy on a 0–100 scale (100 = daylight).
- Aim for CRI 90+ at home; 80–89 is acceptable general lighting; below 80 looks dull.
- CRI ≠ Kelvin. CRI is accuracy; Kelvin is warm vs cool.
- Matters most for bathrooms, kitchens, art and wardrobes.
On this page
What is CRI (Color Rendering Index)?
CRI is a score from 0 to 100 that tells you how faithfully a light source reveals the true colours of objects, compared with a reference like natural daylight. A high-CRI light makes reds look properly red and skin look healthy; a low-CRI light makes the same colours look washed out, greyish or slightly wrong. Sunlight and old incandescent bulbs sit at 100; quality LEDs today reach the 90s.
What is a good CRI for home lighting?
| CRI range | Quality | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 90–100 | Excellent | Bathrooms, kitchens, art, wardrobes, whole home |
| 80–89 | Good (acceptable) | General ambient lighting, hallways, utility |
| Below 80 | Poor | Avoid in living spaces — colours look dull |
For a home where colours and skin tones matter, CRI 90+ is the target worth paying a little more for.
CRI vs colour temperature (Kelvin) — what’s the difference?
They are two different things, and a good bulb needs both:
- CRI = how accurately colours appear (0–100).
- Colour temperature (Kelvin) = how warm or cool the light looks — 2700K warm, 4000K neutral, 5000K+ cool.
You can have a warm 2700K bulb with a poor CRI or an excellent one — they’re set independently. Pick the Kelvin for the mood and the CRI (90+) for accuracy. Our warm vs cool light guide covers the Kelvin side, and lumens, watts & Kelvin explained ties the numbers together.
Why does CRI matter room by room?
- Bathroom & vanity: high CRI is essential for accurate skin tone and make-up — see bathroom vanity lighting.
- Kitchen: food and ingredients look fresh and true under CRI 90+.
- Living room & art: paintings, textiles and wood tones read correctly.
- Wardrobe / dressing: you see the real colour of clothes before you leave the house.
How do I check a bulb’s CRI?
Look for “CRI” or “Ra” on the bulb or packaging — e.g. “CRI 90+” or “Ra 95.” If it isn’t listed, assume it is average (around 80) or lower. For colour-critical spaces, some buyers also check R9 (how well deep reds render); a high R9 means richer reds and better skin tones. Not sure which bulb your fixture takes? Use our free Bulb Finder.
Frequently asked questions
What is CRI in lighting?
CRI (Color Rendering Index) is a 0–100 score of how accurately a light shows colours compared with natural daylight. Higher is more true-to-life.
What is a good CRI?
For home lighting, CRI 90 or higher is excellent. 80–89 is acceptable for general lighting; below 80 makes colours look dull.
Is CRI the same as colour temperature?
No. CRI measures colour accuracy; colour temperature (Kelvin) measures how warm or cool the light looks. They are set independently.
What CRI is best for a bathroom or make-up?
CRI 90+ so skin tones and make-up appear true. Pair it with a warm-neutral 2700–3000K colour temperature.
How do I find a bulb’s CRI?
Look for “CRI” or “Ra” on the bulb or box (e.g. CRI 90+). If it is not stated, it is usually around 80 or lower.
Last updated: September 2026 · Written by Artevaris Editorial
Related reading & tools
- Warm vs cool light: colour temperature
- Lumens, watts & Kelvin explained
- Bulb Finder — the exact bulb for your fitting
