7 Great Ceiling LED Downlight Ideas

Generally, when you set out to light a space, LED downlights and ceiling lights are crucial aspects. They are an important part of layering light, responsible largely for ambient illumination. In this article, we explore some common questions about LED downlighters and offer some ideas on how to properly incorporate them into your home.

 

How to Use LED Downlights as Part of a Layered Lighting Scheme

Layered lighting, as mentioned, is an instrumental part of any room. It is also taken into consideration with outdoor downlights. This style of lighting consists of:

 

– Ambient lighting. Downlights, pendants, recessed LED downlights and large floor lamps are usually used for this task. They shine general light over a larger stretch of space that can be supplemented with other types of lighting.

– Task lighting. Task lighting usually comes in the form of table lamps, bedside reading lights and even wall lights. They are meant for spaces where you perform certain tasks, such as food prep areas in the kitchen.

– Accent lighting. Accent lights are meant to highlight or accent a certain feature in the room. Oftentimes, it is used for highlighting art or an architectural feature.

 

LED downlight fittings of many kinds can be used for layered lighting. When it comes to ambient lights, you can use LED ceiling downlights such as a recessed downlight or pendant light to shine light over a general area of space. You can also use downlight fixtures as task lighting, such as in the case of the food prep area in a kitchen. Lights shining straight down on the area provide plenty of illumination for you to cook and clean.

 

What Downlights Can You Use if You Have a Solid Ceiling?

Recessed lighting is a dream for many homeowners, especially those who love modern aesthetics. Unfortunately, not every ceiling is equipped to handle a recessed light fitting. In such cases, a good option is surface mounted downlights.

Surface downlighters attach to the surface of the ceiling instead of being recessed into them. These types of lights offer no issues with positioning, thanks to the beams in the ceiling that might otherwise get in the way of recessed lighting being installed.

They are also smaller and isolated like recessed lighting much of the time, so you can get a similar visual effect and create unique designs. They are also well suited for use on taller ceilings, so you can have plenty of vertical space and not have to worry about hitting your head.

 

How do You Space LED Downlights and How Many do You Need?

When you are considering everything from living room to kitchen downlights, you’ll need to think about exactly how many you will need. Of course, this will depend on the size of your space and how you intend to space them.

To figure out how many downlights a room will need, follow the below steps:

– Measure the square footage in your space. Do this by multiplying the depth and the width of the space.

– Multiple this number by 1.5, so you can see the amount of wattage you will need to adequately light the room.

– Choose the bulb and the amount of wattage you want. Divide the total wattage you intend to use by the wattage of the bulb you plan on installing. Doing so will tell you how many fixtures you will need.

Once you have determined how many downlights you’ll need, you have to think about spacing. A general rule of thumb is to install the recessed lighting around two feet from the edge of the walls to avoid generating shadows. To get the amount of space you’ll need between the lights, you should divide the height of the ceiling by two. For instance, if you have a 10-foot-high ceiling, you will want to space the lights five feet apart.

 

Do You Need to Use Special Types of Downlights in a Bathroom?

When it comes to bathroom downlights, special consideration must be given. The bathroom is a moist, wet room, and you’ll need lights with the appropriate IP rating to ensure they do not get damaged. IP ratings, or Ingress Protection ratings, indicate a light’s protection against solid and liquid particulates. The first number indicates protection from solid objects, while the second number indicates protection against moisture.

 

Below are what both of the numbers mean in an IP rating:

First Digit – Solid Objects

 

0  –  No protection from solid materials

1  –  Protection from solid materials larger than 50 millimeters

2  –  Protection from solid materials larger than 12 millimeters

3  –  Protection from solid materials larger than 2.5 millimeters

4  –  Protection from solid materials larger than one millimeter

5  –  Protection from dust

6  –  Complete and total protection from fine dust

 

Second Digit – Moisture

 

0  –  Zero protection from moisture damage

1  –  Protection against water droplets at a vertical angle

2  –  Protection against water that falls at a maximum angle of 15 degrees

3  –  Protection against water droplets at a maximum angle of 60 degrees, such as rainwater

4  –  Protection against splashing water

5  –  Protection against water from low pressure jets

6  –  Protection against water from high pressure jets

7  –  Protection against being immersed in water temporarily

8  –  Protection against being immersed in water for long periods of time

 

To ensure that your lights are protected in your bathroom, you should have IP65 waterproof downlights. This is especially important in certain bathroom zones, as noted below:

 

Zone 0  –  This is the area inside the shower or bath, which needs an IP67 rating.

Zone 1  –  This is the area above the shower or bath as high as 2.25 meters from the floor. An IP65 rating is necessary.

Zone 2  –  This area constitutes the space around the bath’s perimeter and requires a minimum rating of IP44.

Outside Zones  –  This area is any space that is outside of the above zones. While there is no lighting requirement here, it is recommended that you have a minimum IP20 rating or higher.

Lighting zones for a bathroom

What is The Best LED Colour For Ceiling Downlights?

Alongside being low energy downlights among other things, LED lights offer the benefit of choosing the colour of the light. Light colours refer to the warmth or coolness of a light. This is measured in units Kelvin. The higher the Kelvin rating, the cooler the light will be. On the other hand, the lower the number, the warmer the light will be.

While both ends of the spectrum have their place, in domestic settings, warmer light is generally recommended. Opting for 3000k warm white lighting in your bathroom will give it a pleasing, warm and cozy feeling without being so dim you cannot see. Cooler lights in a bathroom may give it a clinical feel that is too bright to comfortably be in for long periods of time.

 

What Are The Different Downlight Beam Angles Available?

Beam angles indicate the angle at which the light shines. Which ones you choose will depend on what your needs are in any given space. Different spaces in the home or office might require different beams sizes.

 

There are five main beam angles you can choose from:  

– 15 degree beam angle, which offers a narrow beam

– 25 degree beam angle, which provides a bright and narrow light that is intense on a surface or small detail of the room

– 36 to 40 degree beam angle, which is good for use in offices, as it has a gentler and softer light style

– 60 degree beam angle, which is popular, as it covers a larger area but does not bring with it much illumination

– 120 degree beam angle, which is best for having a couple of downlights in your space while still illuminating it well

 

What Wattage LED Should You Use For LED Downlights?

Generally, wattage is a measurement of the brightness of a light. For LED lights, the brightness of the illumination is measured in lumens instead of wattage. Below are the conversions for wattages:

– 25-28 watts will yield 2600 lumens.

– 16-20 watts will yield 1600 lumens.

– 9-13 watts will yield 1100 lumens.

– 8-12 watts will yield 800 lumens.

– 6-9 watts will yield 500 lumens.

 

The amount of wattage or lumens that you will need in any given space depends on how bright you want your space to be. For example, living room light, generally speaking, requires around 4000 lumens. If you want enough illumination to brighten a workspace, you should plan on 7500 lumens.

 

How Important is CRI For LED Downlights?

The type of light bulb that you choose for your downlights can have a major impact on the overall appearance of the room. This is because of what is known as the colour rendering index, or the CRI. This index indicates the way a light source shows the colours of the items in the room when you compare it to natural lighting.

 

The CRI ratings are:

– Excellent, between 90 and 100

– Good, between 60 and 85. These lights tend to be in the daylight or cool white range.

– Poor, between 0 and 55. These lights are usually warm white.

 

If you have a poor colour rendering index on a light, it can make the room look all wrong. Ultimately, though, it comes down to the atmosphere and vibe that you want the space to have. LED bulbs are versatile and allow you to choose not just the colour of the light but also to learn the CRI before you buy it.

 

Are LED Downlights Good For Task Lighting?

LED downlights can have their place as task lighting. Though they are normally used for ambient lights, the right type of light positioned properly can serve the purpose with ease.

 

Counters and Kitchens

You can light kitchen countertops with downlights that are placed between the front edge of the countertop and the face of the upper cabinets. This illuminates the counter in an even way and prevents shadows from falling where you need the most light.

 

Tables and Desks

Illuminating dining tables or office desks where people sit to work can be done properly by installing downlighting at an angle. It is a good idea to position the light just slightly in front of where the person will sit so that it does not cast shadows between their eyes and the work surface.

 

Reading Areas

Anywhere people are gathered to socialize or read should have focused downlights, such as track lights, adjustable LED downlights and similar styles of lights. Having a pair of lights placed on either side of the seating area will reduce glare, preventing eye strain and fatigue.

 

Bathroom Areas

It is a good idea to have a light on either side of a bathroom mirror to reduce shadows and give you a more accurate look at yourself as you get ready for the day.

 

Are dimmable LED ceiling downlights a good idea?

Adjustable LED downlights are an excellent idea, no matter the room you find yourself in. When you can adjust these lights, you can set the mood according to different times of the day. For instance, you might not want a very bright light late at night but may need one to perform tasks during the day. Lights that have dimming ability allow you to customize the brightness of a light at any time of day or night, giving you total control.

 

Ideas for LED downlights for your home

 

  1. CSL022 5 Watt Round Recessed LED Downlight Fitting

CSL022 round recessed 5 watt LED down lights

For those who want a modern look in their home, CSL022 5 Watt Round Recessed LED Downlight Fitting is a great choice. The light recesses and sits flush with the ceiling, giving it a sleek and minimalistic look. It has a silver edge with either a silver or black interior, both of which offer a sophisticated appeal. The light shines 430 lumens of 3000k warm white LED light, so you can easily space out several to get the aesthetic you want.

 

  1. LDC201 12 Watt 173mm Diameter Ultra Slim LED Downlight Fitting

LDC201 12 watt ultra slim LED Downlight

For an even more modern look, the LDC201 12 Watt 173mm Diameter Ultra Slim LED Downlight Fitting is an ultra-thin light fixture that doesn’t take up much space at all. It is almost completely flat across both the rim and the lighting area itself, giving it a sleek and smooth feel. It outputs 1200 lumens of light, making it better suited for ambient lighting in a room that needs to be brighter than most. Its 3000k warm white lighting makes it gentle on the eyes even though it’s bright.

 

  1. LDC734 5 Watt Anti Glare Recessed LED Downlight

LDC734 5 watt recessed anti glare LED downlight

The LDC734 5 Watt Anti Glare Recessed LED Downlight provides you with the same benefits of typical recessed lighting but without all of the glare that often comes with it. The single light is recessed more deeply into the fixture, so when it is looked at, it doesn’t shine abrasively on the eyes. It has a silvery finish that makes it compatible with all manner of interior design styles, thanks to its neutral appearance. The 430-lumen output makes it possible to space several out near one another without making the area too bright.

 

  1. LDC723 6 Watt 600 Lumen Recessed Anti Glare LED Downlight

LDC723 6 watt recessed anti glare LED downlighter

The LDC723 6 Watt 600 Lumen Recessed Anti Glare LED Downlight provides the benefit of anti-glare recessed lighting in a bar style that spreads light out over a larger area of space. The fitting is particularly well suited for food prep areas, as it shines a pool of light down onto the surface below and won’t cause a harsh glare. The product shines a total of 600 lumens by way of three bulbs, making it ideal for task lighting. The neutral colour finish allows it to be worked into kitchens of any design style.

 

  1. LDC701 5 Watt White Gimbal Tilting Recessed LED Ceiling Spotlight

LDC701 5 watt white gimbal tilited recessed LED spotlight

For solid accent lighting, the LDC701 5 Watt White Gimbal Tilting Recessed LED Ceiling Spotlight is a great choice. This spotlight style LED downlighter allows you to tilt and turn the head of the light up to 350 degrees, so you can be in charge of just where it shines. The head of the light can also be tilted 60 degrees for the same effect. The durable aluminium light has a crisp white finish that fits into any style of room.

 

  1. LBL251 5 Watt Hexagonal Surface Mounted LED Downlight

LBL251 5 watt hexagonal surface mounted LED downlight - Surface LED ceiling light

For those who like recessed lighting but do not have the right style of ceiling for it, the LBL251 5 Watt Hexagonal Surface Mounted LED Downlight is a great choice. This light sits against the surface of the ceiling and shines a light straight downward just like recessed lights. It has a unique hexagonal shape that gives it a modern and artistic look with your choice of neutral colour finishes completing the look. The product outputs 400 lumens of 3000k warm white light.

 

  1. LSP706 12 Watt Adjustable Surface Mounted LED Downlight

LSP706 12 watt surface mounted LED ceiling spotlight

Take control over your lighting with the LSP706 12 Watt Adjustable Surface Mounted LED Downlight. This light attaches to the surface of the ceiling and has a head that can tilt and turn to shine in any angle or direction you choose. It outputs a total of 900 lumens of light, which is a 3000k warm white colour. It comes in your choice of black or white finishes to suit any colour scheme.

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