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CRI, the Colour Rendering Index, scores how accurately a light source shows colours compared with natural light. The scale tops out at 100. Most LED downlights sold in the UK are CRI 80. Better ones are CRI 90. A few reach CRI 97 or 98.
What the numbers mean in a room
- CRI 80: fine for corridors and utility spaces. Reds look dull, and skin and timber can look flat or slightly grey.
- CRI 90: a clear step up. Food, fabrics and paint colours look much closer to how they look in daylight.
- CRI 98: close to daylight. Deep reds, skin tones, natural stone, timber and artwork look rich and true.
Why two CRI 90 lights can look different
The headline CRI figure is an average of eight pastel test colours. It leaves out saturated red, which is scored separately as R9. A light can be CRI 90 with a weak R9, and that is the one that makes meat, wood and faces look lifeless. High-CRI fittings in the 95 to 98 range have a strong R9 as well, which is where most of the visible difference comes from.
Where CRI 98 is worth it
- Kitchens and dining areas, where food should look appetising.
- Bathrooms and dressing rooms, for accurate skin tones and make-up.
- Living rooms with artwork, stone, timber or strong paint colours.
- Restaurants, bars, hotels and retail, where finishes and products are the point.
In a garage, plant room or loft, CRI 80 or 90 is enough.
Is there a downside?
High-CRI LEDs give slightly less light per watt, so a CRI 98 fitting can be a little dimmer than the CRI 90 version at the same wattage. In most rooms you will not notice, and the colour quality more than makes up for it.
CRI 98 downlights from Maison Billions
CRI 98 is available to order across our range, lab-tested at Ra 98.1. Browse all downlights, or use the Downlight Finder to shortlist a fitting for your room.