Full Spectrum Natural Light and Color Perception

The use of full spectrum light in working with color is essential for designers, artists, and sewing professionals, but did you know how color is perceived and why?
The Color Rendering Index (CRI) is a scale for measuring the degree that perceived colors of objects match their true colors.  The CRI has a numerical value of 1-100. The higher the value the more accurate color reproduction can be. On this scale, a standard incandescent bulb’s CRI can vary from 80 to 100 depending on design and coatings.  A quality compact fluorescent lamp has a minimum CRI of 80. A CRI of 90 -100 is considered excellent. The newest true color lamps, such as the ones manufactured by Ott-Lite are customized to fall into the 90-100 CRI categories.
Visible colors are ranked on the (visibility) scale as follows:  Red = 625 – 740, Green = 500 – 565, Blue = 440 – 485, Violet =380 – 440.  Of course, there are many colors and variables in between these colors.  This visibility is important for working with color indoors.
Full spectrum lighting duplicates the characteristics of daylight in the blue north sky. It provides all parts of the visual spectrum of light. Full spectrum lighting also has a color temperature of at least 5000 Kelvin and a Color Rendering Index of at least 90. A point of reference is that natural daylight has a varying temperature of 5000 - 10000 Kelvin, and a CRI of 100. A traditional incandescent light bulb is rich in the red and yellow spectrums with little blue and green, a temperature of 2700 to 3000 Kelvin and has a Color Rendering Index of 95 - 100.
Additionally, there are a variety of statements made for the benefits of natural lighting. These include:  increased work productivity, relief of Seasonal Affected Disorder (SAD), improved color perception and visual clarity. 
Many of the mental and physical benefits associated with better lighting can be subjective and difficult to measure and study. The individual user should decide if they receive benefit from using full spectrum lighting products by how it makes them feel and if it improves their living environment. Most of us prefer natural daylight to common artificial lighting.
Replicating the natural daylight spectrum with full spectrum lighting creates an indoor environment that is more functional and healthier.  This lighting, with its high Color Rendering Index, improves color perception. Colors appear true for matching and blending, which makes for a more comfortable, productive and enjoyable living space.  Understanding the significance of color perception goes a long way in organizing your home, your office, and your life.