Until recently light bulbs were all basically the same. LED lighting has become increasingly popular in homes and businesses due to its energy efficiency, long lifespan, and versatility. However, understanding the different features and terms associated with LED takes out some of the frustration and confusion when shopping and ordering lighting. Here are a few key terms to know:
CCT (Correlated Color Temperature) - CCT is a measure of the color of light emitted by an LED bulb. It’s measured in kelvins (K). Lower CCTs (2700K-3000K) emit a warmer, yellowish light, while higher CCTs (5000K-6500K) emit a cooler, bluish light. It’s important to choose the right CCT for the intended use of the light, as it can affect the mood and atmosphere of a room.
PRO TIP #1: Shop by your preferred kelvin temperature instead of the written description on the packaging or buy fixtures with selectable color temperatures for additional flexibility.
Lumens - Lumens are a measure of the brightness of an LED or fixture. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light. To determine the appropriate lumens for a space, consider the size of the room and the desired level of brightness.
PRO TIP #2: When in doubt, go brighter and add a dimmer or order fixtures with selectable lumens.
CRI (Color Rendering Index) – This is an often-overlooked part of LED lighting. CRI measures how accurately a light source can display colors compared to natural sunlight. Avoid bringing home red apples that suddenly look brown in your kitchen by finding LED lighting with high CRI. It’s measured on a scale from 0-100, with a higher score indicating better color accuracy. A CRI of 90 or above is recommended for most indoor residential settings.
PRO TIP #3: Low-cost LED lighting may not reference “CRI” while better quality options will make it clear. (HALO downlights make it simple by always being 90+ CRI.)
By understanding these key terms, you can make informed decisions when choosing LED lighting for your home or businesses.