Lighting Knowledge

What Is UGR in Lighting?

Learn what Unified Glare Rating (UGR) means, how it influences visual comfort, and why architects and lighting designers use low-glare lighting in retail, hospitality and commercial environments. Discover practical design recommendations, common UGR values and product selection tips for creating comfortable architectural lighting.

8 minArtdon Lighting
Downlight installed in Ferragamo Boutique in an unidentified location, showing Ferragamo boutique entrance with mannequins and recessed spotlights.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • UGR measures discomfort glare.
  • Lower UGR improves comfort.
  • Essential for retail.
  • Anti-glare optics reduce glare.
  • Combine UGR with CRI and beam angle.

01Introduction

Unified Glare Rating (UGR) is an internationally recognised method for evaluating discomfort glare from lighting fixtures. It helps architects and lighting designers create visually comfortable indoor environments.

Beam angle describes the spread of light emitted from a luminaire. It influences brightness, contrast, visual focus and the feeling of depth in a space.

Key Takeaways

Low glare (UGR < 19) compared with high glare (UGR > 22) in a retail lighting environment, showing the impact of glare on visual comfort.

01 Visual Comfort

Lower UGR reduces discomfort glare.

Anti-glare lighting principle illustrating a deep light source, honeycomb louver and shielded viewing angle to reduce direct glare.

02 Retail

Low glare improves customer experience.

Luxury retail lighting project for Ferragamo boutique featuring architectural track lighting and downlights for premium fashion merchandise presentation.

03 Design

Optics and positioning matter.

LITE PRO 60

04 Products

SOFT and LITE PRO support anti-glare design.

02What Is UGR?

UGR is a numerical value that estimates how uncomfortable glare from luminaires appears to occupants. Lower values indicate greater visual comfort. Retail spaces commonly target UGR below 19.

Recommended UGR Values

ApplicationRecommended UGRNotes
Retail<19Comfortable shopping
Office<19Visual tasks
Showroom<16-19Premium display

03Why UGR Matters in Retail

Low-glare lighting allows customers to focus on products instead of bright light sources. It enhances shopping comfort and supports premium brand presentation.

04How to Reduce Glare

Use deep recessed optics, anti-glare reflectors, proper beam angles and correct luminaire positioning. SOFT and LITE PRO are suitable options.

05Conclusion

UGR should be evaluated alongside CRI, CCT and beam angle to achieve balanced architectural lighting.

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