Understanding CRI – How High-CRI LEDs Bring Colour to Life
See how high-CRI lighting reveals true colour and clarity, and why CRI 95+ LEDs create the most natural indoor light.
Not all light shows colour the same way. Some bulbs make rooms feel rich and lifelike, while others flatten or distort tones. The reason is CRI — the Colour Rendering Index. This guide explains what CRI means, why it matters, and how to choose high-CRI LED bulbs for spaces where colour and comfort count.
High-CRI vs standard CRI: higher CRI keeps colours vivid and natural.
What Is CRI?
CRI (Colour Rendering Index) measures how accurately a light source reveals colours compared to natural daylight. It’s scored from 0 to 100 — the higher the number, the more true and vibrant objects appear.
| CRI Rating | Colour Accuracy | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 80–85 | Good | General household lighting |
| 90–95 | Excellent | Living areas, retail, hospitality |
| 95+ | Studio-grade | Design, art, photography, high-end interiors |
Daylight has a CRI of 100 — the benchmark for colour accuracy. A bulb with CRI > 90 recreates that balanced daylight look indoors.
Looking for ultra-high accuracy? Our Ultra High CRI 95+ and 97+ LED Bulb Collection delivers exceptional colour fidelity for homes, galleries and commercial spaces where true colour matters most.
Why CRI Matters
- Natural colour: Surfaces, fabrics and artwork appear as they should — without dull or tinted hues.
- Inviting atmosphere: Warm whites and skin tones feel balanced and flattering.
- Visual comfort: High-CRI light improves clarity and reduces visual fatigue in work or reading zones.
Every Classic LED Bulb and Vintage LED Bulb from LiquidLEDs is engineered with CRI 90+ LEDs to bring authentic colour and warmth to every room.
How CRI Is Measured
CRI is determined under IEC 60081 and CIE 13.3 standards. The LED’s spectrum is compared to a reference light at the same colour temperature. The closer the match, the higher the CRI value. LiquidLEDs uses precision phosphor coatings and balanced spectra to achieve CRI 90–97 across our product range.
CRI vs Colour Temperature
CRI tells you how accurately colours appear, while colour temperature (Kelvin) tells you how warm or cool the light looks.
- You can have a warm 2200 K bulb with excellent CRI 95.
- Or a cool 4000 K bulb with low CRI that makes colours appear flat.
Always check both CRI and colour temperature when choosing lighting. For detailed colour-temperature guidance, see our Choosing the Right Colour Temperature guide.
Where High-CRI Light Makes the Biggest Difference
- Bedrooms & bedside: Use CRI 90+ at a warm 2200–2700 K to keep skin tones natural and reduce harsh blue at night. Add a dimmer for wind-down light. Try 2200K Extra Warm or 2000K Ultra Warm bulbs.
- Living & dining rooms: Enhances timber, textiles and skin tones.
- Kitchens: Keeps food colours fresh and accurate for cooking and presentation.
- Retail, hospitality & galleries: Maintains design intent and product vibrancy.
- Studios & creative workspaces: Critical for colour grading, photography and art.
Sleep-friendly tip: CRI measures colour accuracy, not blue light. For evenings, choose warmer colour temperatures (2200–2700 K) and dim low.
How to choose a High-CRI LED bulb (quick steps)
- Check CRI on the spec sheet: Aim for CRI 90+; pick CRI 95–97 for colour-critical areas.
- Match the colour temperature: 2200–2700 K for ambience; 3000 K for kitchens/baths; 4000 K for task areas.
- Look for transparent data: Choose brands that publish verified CRI/spectrum charts.
- Test one room first: Install a sample to confirm colour on walls, timber and fabrics before a full swap.
In Short
High-CRI lighting reveals the true beauty of your space. The higher the CRI, the closer your colours appear to natural daylight — and the more comfortable, flattering and timeless your interiors feel.
Explore our Classic, Vintage, and Ultra High CRI 95+ & 97+ bulb collections to see lighting that brings every shade to life.