CRI and CCT are very important. But what do these measurements mean? We're here to explain exactly why they're important and how to take them into account when designing lighting.
CRI (COLOR RENDERING INDEX) IN VREDNOST R9
The CRI, or Color Rendering Index, determines how accurately the lighting renders the eight pastel colors. If the light renders these colors well, it must render all colors well. CRI is measured from 0-100. A CRI above 90 is generally considered to be excellent, and a CRI of 95 is the best when using today's technology. Whenever we consider CRI, the term "R9" follows immediately after it. This is a value that determines how accurately the light can display true red. An R9 value of 60 or more is considered very good. The higher the R9, the better.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
A high CRI and R9 value is important in accurate color rendering in cases such as picture lighting for accurate colors, makeup application lighting, restaurant lighting to display food in a tasteful way, retail lighting to display clothing or products in their truest colors.
CCT (CORRELATED COLOR TEMPERATURE)
CCT, or Correlated Color Temperature, determines how amber or blue the color of the light is. CCT is measured in Kelvin and can range from 1900K to 7500K. The lower the number, the more amber the color of the light. 1900K is warm enough to be considered equivalent to candlelight. The higher the Kelvin, the bluer the temperature becomes. 5000K is very cool, equal to daylight.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
Intimate spaces require warmer light temperatures, as opposed to productive spaces that require cooler light temperatures. We recommend that you use color temperatures from 2400K - 3000K for restaurants, living rooms, salons and bedrooms. Cooler temperatures of 3000K - 4000K are used for office spaces, medical spaces and bathrooms. Here learn more about the ideal color temperature for your space.
