High cri specification standard

Color Rendering Index measures how accurately light source renders colors compared to daylight. Retail lighting should be 90+ CRI minimum, with particular attention to R9 (saturated red) which affects reds, skin tones, and many warm colors.

Easy Mid-Range
Approach Detail

Specify all fixtures at CRI 90+ with R9 value 50+ minimum (80+ for fashion). Request TM-30 data where available for more detailed color rendering analysis. Test sample fixtures against actual merchandise before final specification. Maintain consistent CCT (typically 3000K) throughout store for color consistency.

Key Fixtures

High-CRI LED track heads, high-CRI linear fixtures, specified rather than commodity fixtures

Designer Notes

RENDER SETUP: Display with color-critical merchandise (red fabrics, skin tones, varied colors). Side-by-side: 80 CRI (shifted colors) vs 95+ CRI (accurate). Show fabric swatch comparison.



HOW TO LIGHT IT: All fixtures: CRI 90+ minimum, R9 50+ minimum. Fashion/cosmetics: CRI 95+, R9 80+. Request test samples before specification. Consistent 3000K throughout for color consistency between zones. Avoid mixing CCT which can shift color perception zone-to-zone.



EFFECTS TO SHOWCASE: Accurate color rendering, red fabrics appearing true, skin tones flattering, customer color confidence, reduced returns from color mismatch.

Best For
All retail where color matters, especially fashion, home décor, cosmetics, paint/fabric stores