Design Notes
Lighting Terms Homeowners Should Know Before Buying
Updated 2026-03-18
Quick answer
The most important terms are lumens (brightness), CCT (color temperature), CRI (color accuracy), and dimming compatibility.
Lumens vs watts
Lumens describe light output. Watts describe energy use. Compare brightness by lumens, not watts.
CCT and CRI
CCT affects warmth/coolness of light; CRI affects how natural colors appear under that light.
Beam angle and dimming
Narrow beams are focused, wide beams spread light. Always confirm dimmer compatibility to avoid flicker.
FAQ
What CRI is good for homes?
A high CRI is generally preferred for natural color rendering in living spaces and kitchens.
Why does dimming sometimes flicker?
Mismatch between fixture driver and dimmer type is the most common cause.