Lighting Knowledge

What Is UGR Rating? How to Reduce Glare in Commercial Lighting

UGR rating helps assess discomfort glare in defined indoor lighting conditions. Learn what UGR means, its limitations and how luminaires, layout, shielding and surface brightness reduce glare in commercial spaces.

8 minArtdon Lighting
Low glare commercial lighting with shielded recessed downlights

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.

Glare Control Essentials

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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