A method, for controlling color output of a variable color lighting system (1) capable of emitting light within a color gamut, comprising the steps of receiving (10) a request for a target color (T), converting the target color (T) to a set of lighting system control parameters, and applying (15) the set of lighting system control parameters, thereby controlling the color output of the lighting system (1). The step of converting comprises the steps of determining (11) a target set (DT) of lighting system control parameters corresponding to the target color (T), evaluating (12) the target set (Dt) of lighting system control parameters with respect to a range of allowable control parameters, thereby determining whether the target color (T) is outside the color gamut, and, when the target color (T) is outside the color gamut, determining (14) an approximation set (DA) of control parameters, the approximation set corresponding to an output color (A1; A2) within the color gamut, the output color (A1; A2) being an approximation of the target color (T).