CRI vs CCT: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters in Lighting Design
When selecting architectural or decorative lighting, two specifications—CRI (Color Rendering Index) and CCT (Correlated Color Temperature)—play a critical role in how your space looks and feels.
Understanding these measurements will help you choose lighting that not only complements your design but also functions beautifully in its intended environment.
CRI (Color Rendering Index) and R9 Value
What It Means
CRI measures how accurately a light source renders colors compared to natural light, using eight standard pastel color samples. The scale ranges from 0 to 100, with higher numbers indicating more accurate color rendering. A CRI above 90 is considered excellent, and 95+ is ideal with today’s lighting technology.
Closely related is the R9 value, which measures how accurately a light source reproduces true, vibrant reds—a critical factor in applications such as retail displays, restaurant lighting, and art presentation. An R9 value of 60 or higher is considered good, with higher values delivering even greater accuracy and richness in red tones.
Why It Matters
High CRI and R9 values ensure colors appear natural and vibrant, a critical factor across various applications.
In art galleries, they preserve the subtle variations in hue and texture as intended by the artist. Vanity lighting ensures natural skin tones and accurate makeup appearance under daylight conditions. In restaurants, true color rendering enhances the presentation of every dish, making it more appealing. In retail environments, it allows fabrics, finishes, and materials to be displayed authentically, supporting informed purchasing decisions.
Juniper’s lighting features a CRI of 90+ and multiple CCT options.
Explore our systems to find the perfect balance of color accuracy and ambiance.
CCT (Correlated Color Temperature)
What Does It Mean?
CCT describes the warmth or coolness of a light’s appearance and is measured in degrees Kelvin (K). Lower values produce warmer, amber-toned light, while higher values produce cooler, bluish light. Around 1900K, the light resembles candlelight, creating a very warm and intimate glow. At 3000K, the light is a warm white, and at 5000K, it is bright and cool, similar to daylight.
Why Does It Matter?
CCT plays a significant role in shaping the mood and functionality of a space. Warmer color temperatures between 2400K and 3000K create a relaxed and welcoming environment, making them ideal for living rooms, restaurants, lounges, and bedrooms. Cooler color temperatures between 3000K and 4000K enhance alertness and visibility, making them better suited to offices, healthcare environments, and bathrooms.
Learn more about choosing the ideal color temperature for your space.
CRI and CCT in Lighting Design
The best lighting choices account for both CRI and CCT. A high CRI with a strong R9 value ensures that colors are rendered accurately, while the right CCT helps set the appropriate mood and supports the intended function of the space.
At Juniper, our contemporary architectural lighting offers a CRI of 90+ across a variety of CCT options, so you can achieve both precision in color rendering and the perfect atmosphere for any setting.