In short
CRI measures how accurately light shows colours; specify CRI 80 for general areas and CRI 90+ for retail, hospitality, galleries and client-facing spaces.
Colour rendering affects how materials, products and people look.
What CRI means
The Colour Rendering Index compares light sources against a reference on a scale up to 100. Higher numbers show colours more accurately.
What to specify
- CRI 80 for general offices and circulation
- CRI 90+ for retail, hospitality and galleries
- Check R9 for saturated reds, important for skin tones and food
Why it matters in recessed lighting
Downlights often light products, artwork and faces directly, so colour quality is very visible.
Further reading at 299 Lighting
Next steps on recessedlighting.co.uk
Planning a recessed scheme?
Send us your reflected ceiling plan. We'll come back with a product shortlist, ceiling cut-out details and lighting calculations.
Start a project →Frequently asked questions
What CRI is good for retail?
CRI 90 or higher, with a good R9 value.
Is CRI 80 acceptable for offices?
Yes. CRI 80 is the usual minimum for offices, though CRI 90 is often preferred in client-facing areas.
