Complete Guide to Buying LED Downlights

LED downlights are an increasingly popular way to illuminate homes, businesses, hotel lobbies and more. Beyond their versatile appearances, they are also more energy efficient, meaning they can also save you plenty of money on your electric bill. Below, we will explore numerous available options for LED ceiling downlights and also answer some common questions concerning them.

 

What Different Types of LED Downlights Can You Buy?

There are many different styles of recessed downlight fittings:

 

Fixed IP20 Downlights  

The most popular basic types of ceiling spotlights is fixed LED downlighters. As the name suggests, these lights shine illumination straight down and tend to be smaller in size. They are well suited for use in kitchens and bedrooms.

 

Waterproof Bathroom Downlights 

Because of the wet environment of a bathroom, downlights in this space need a waterproof IP65 rating. These lights come fitted with a dust- and water-resistant seal to keep out debris both wet and dry. These are also sometimes used as kitchen downlights as kitchens can be humid and moist at times.

 

Adjustable LED Downlights 

This type of downlight lets you direct the beam of light into a direction that isn’t just straight down. These are good for those who want to shine a light on a certain painting or object or illuminate items like cupboards to improve the functionality of the space. They are also perfect for use on sloped ceilings as a downlight and can offset the degree of slope to allow the beam of light to shine straight down onto working surfaces.

 

Adjustable IP65 Downlights 

These lights combine the protective benefits of IP65 waterproof downlights with the convenience and aesthetic appeal of adjustable downlights.

 

Outdoor Downlights 

Outdoor downlights are also rated for water resistance to some degree to keep them protected from exposure to the elements. This type of soffit downlight is often seen under eaves or porches. Most commonly, they come in the form of recessed LED downlights.

 

Square Downlights 

If you want a recessed downlight that has extra modern appeal, square downlights are a fine option. They have stronger lines and angles and therefore add a crisper, more contemporary appearance.

 

LED Spotlights 

A spotlight is simply a surface mounted light that contains one or more bulbs. These usually have LED bulbs that are fully integrated and shine direct, bright beams of light in certain directions. Often, they are used to illuminate certain features in a room or to shine a light on objects in a retail environment.

 

Twin and Triple Downlights 

Twin downlights make good recessed spotlights for those trying to save space. Because there are two bulbs in one fixture, they take up less room while shining the same amount of light as other LED downlights. Triple downlights function similarly but have three bulbs instead of two, making them even more broad reaching. Often, twin and triple LED downlight fittings have adjustable heads, so you can decide at which angle each of the lights shines.

 

 

LED Downlight Beam Angles Explained

Every light has a beam angle, which is the angle at which the illumination shines and is distributed. Typically, downlight fixtures will have a beam angle between 30 and 40 degrees, which makes it easy to direct a beam of light in one specific area. There are wider beams that spread the light out over a larger area. Both sizes of beam angles shine the same number of lumens but fan out differently.

Different lights work better with different beam angles:

– 15 Degrees. A 15 degree beam angle is usually found in accent lighting. This angle is good for shining illumination on pottery, artwork, souvenirs and plants since it is a narrow beam that offers the most concentrated light. This provides intense, focused lighting that can enhance the mood of the space.

 

– 25 Degrees. The narrow beam of as 25 degree angle also generates rather intense illumination. It is particularly good for illuminating smaller details in the room and placing emphasis on them. You will usually see 25 degree angle beams used in kitchens and rooms with high ceilings. 

 

– 36 degrees. Downlights that have a 36 degree beam angle are perfect for rooms in the home and office. This is especially true if you want to spread lighting out without it taking up the entirety of a section of the room.

 

– 60 degrees. Perfect for larger spaces, a 60 degree beam angle covers a larger area of space and spreads it out further, making it perfect for diffusing soft lighting. For this reason, it is commonly used in living rooms as flood lighting.

 

– 120 degrees. If you are concerned about low energy downlights or otherwise only want to incorporate a few lights into a space, choosing such a wide beam angle will help you towards that end. This beam angle shines light across the largest area of space and therefore reduces the number of downlight fixtures you need to illuminate a space.

 

Should LED Downlights Have Firehoods?

A potential fire risk is created each time a hole is cut into a ceiling in order to install a recessed downlight. A plasterboard ceiling serves as a natural fire barrier, and sometimes other kinds of ceilings will be fire rated, but this is not always the case. In areas where the downlight poses a fire risk, fire hoods are sometimes necessary. The purpose of a fire hood is to slow down or altogether stop the fire from getting past it.

Because LED lights give off little to no heat, they do not pose the same fire risk as other types of lighting. If your LED lights have been specifically fire rated, the risk of combustion lessens even more. It is difficult to tell one hundred percent one way or the other whether you should be using a fire hood if you are not a professional electrician.

For this reason, it is best to consult with an electrician whether spotlight hoods are needed on a case-by-case basis. Electricians will also know building codes in a way you are not likely to, so they can be sure your house or flat is up to code.

 

How Many LED Downlighters Do I Need?

Deciding how many downlights you might need in your space requires a bit of planning to figure out. If you plan out where you want the lights to go and sketch up a little blueprint, you can get a better visual of where the lights will sit and ultimately illuminate. As you plan a project, ask yourself the following questions to determine how many lights you should add:

What Focal Point Do You Want?

Downlights can be used to call attention to certain areas of the room or objects in the room as well as provide general ambient lighting. Figure out which areas of the room you want to have more light shining on and work from there. You can position these important lights where they need to go first and then position the remaining lights elsewhere.

What Kind of Room Do You Plan To Illuminate?

Not every room has to be lit up to the same lux levels. Lux is determined by lumens per square meter; living rooms and bathrooms tend to need only 150 lux, while kitchens usually require up to 300 lux. Check the lumen outputs in the lights you’re interested in adding to the room to figure out how many are needed to reach that amount.

Which Beam Angle Will You Use?

Choosing a wider beam angle will shine more illumination over a larger space, so you can include fewer lights. Smaller, more intense beam angles will require more light fixtures to properly illuminate the space.

How Can You Spread the Lights Evenly?

It is important to make sure your space looks uniform. When planning out the placement of downlights, think about the symmetry and how evenly spread out the downlights are. This, paired with the lux metric, can be especially beneficial when determining how many downlights you need to install.

 

 

What Does “Lumens” Mean?

Whereas traditional bulbs had their brightness measured in watts, LED bulbs instead use lumens to do the same. Lumens are a more accurate way to measure just how bright a light really is in a way that old lights could not. This is because wattage instead measured the power input of the light instead of the level of illumination that it outputs.

Lumens measure the amount of light that shines from any given bulb that is visible to the human eye. The more lumens a light bulb has, the brighter it will be. You can expect a conventional light bulb at home to put out anywhere between 300 and 1,000 lumens depending on the type of light it is.

To get an idea of how wattage relates to lumens, consider the following:

– A 40-watt bulb outputs the same amount of light as 450 lumens.

– A 60-watt bulb outputs the same amount of light as 800 lumens.

– A 75-watt bulb outputs the same amount of light as 1100 lumens.

– A 100-watt bulb outputs the same amount of light as 1600 lumens.

 

Can You Put Loft Insulation Over Recessed LED Downlights?

Even though LED lights emit much less heat than standard bulbs, there is still enough heat emitted that you should be keeping the LED bulbs away from the insulation. This helps reduce the risk of starting a fire. This can leave you with a big problem, especially in terms of insulation and keeping valuable heat locked inside.

Many wonder if it is even possible to add insulation in the ceilings above their lights, especially because in order to remain in compliance with Part L (Energy Efficiency), you should not cut around any thermal insulation. This will reduce the energy efficiency of the insulation and cause heat to escape. Since a downlight typically draws the warm air from the room into the ceiling, anywhere that contains a loft would especially suffer.

Adding loft insulation over a downlight was once out of the question, but since loft covers are now in use, you can use them to safely and efficiently keep the area above the lights insulated. The covers can fit over any light fixture. To install it, you just go into the attic, clean the ceiling surface around where you plan to place the fixture and create a slit in the cover for accommodating the electric cable. Then, all you have to do is put the sealant around the cable and the border of the cover to secure it in place.

 

Which Downlights Can You Use in the Bathroom and Outdoors?

Outdoor soffit downlights and bathroom downlights have something in common: they are both frequently exposed to moisture to some degree. In order to ensure the moisture doesn’t damage the light, you will need to purchase lights that have a proper IP rating.

IP rating, or an Ingress Progression rating, is a way to tell how well the lights hold up against both wet and solid debris. Each LED light, both for indoor and outdoor use, comes with an IP rating. These ratings indicate how well they hold up in various settings. The first number in an IP rating indicates its resistance to solid matter. The second number will indicate the protection it has against moisture.

IP65 rated downlights are necessary outdoors and in some areas of the bathroom. This waterproof rating ensures there is a seal around the lights to prevent water from getting inside, whether from rain or faucets. There are different zones in the bathroom to consider when planning downlights for the space:

• ZONE 0. This zone is the area inside of a bath or shower. Here, lights need to be rated a minimum of IP67 to ensure that no water or moisture seeps in.

• ZONE 1. This area is just above the shower or bath at a height of 2.25 meters from the ground up. Lights here need to be rated IP45, but most commonly, IP65 is used.

• ZONE 2. This encapsulates the area extending 60 centimeters from the shower, bath and sink, as high as 2.25 meters from the floor. They need a rating of at least IP44.

• ZONE 3. This final zone is anywhere outside of the aforementioned zones. It is best to have a minimum IP44 rating just to be safe.

 

LED lights are leading the charge for the illumination of commercial and domestic spaces alike. Besides their famous energy efficiency, they also bring other benefits such as colour diversity, beam angles and safety measures. This article explored the different types of LED ceiling downlights and answered a few common questions surrounding them.

 

What Are The Advantages of LED Downlights?

Whether you opt for LED recessed downlighters or surface mounted LED downlights, LED downlights have their own unique benefits that make them stand out among other types of lights.

You can incorporate them as outdoor downlights or apply them in virtually any room in the house, with fixtures such as:

• Bathroom downlights
• Kitchen downlights
• Lounge downlights
• Bathroom spotlights

LED Downlights Have Many Benefits:

 

• ENERGY EFFICIENT – Energy efficient LED downlights can help you save money on your electric bill due to the fact that these bulbs use significantly less energy to create electricity than standard bulbs.

• ECO-FRIENDLY – Due to the efficient energy consumption of an LED light, they are easier on the environment. This means using ceiling downlights can help you reduce your overall carbon footprint without any effort.

• NO HEAT OUTPUT – Since LED lights do not use light generated from heat like traditional bulbs do, you don’t have to worry about them getting hot to the touch. This makes them particularly useful for homes that have children and pets.

• DIRECTIONAL LIGHTING – LED lights are designed to shine at a certain angle and in a specific way. Compare this to standard lights that shine illumination in all directions, making it difficult to concentrate them where you want them to be. With an LED light, you can stay in control of the way the light shines.

• CUSTOMIZATION OPTIONS – With LED bulbs for your ceiling mounted downlights and recessed downlights alike, you can choose the colour temperature of the light itself. Traditional bulbs are either set at warm or cool colour temperatures depending on the type of bulb you buy. LED lights, on the other hand, exist on a large spectrum of colour. Some are even adjustable LED downlights to give you control over their brightness and physical position.

• LONG LASTING LIFE – LED bulbs boast 20,000 hours of life at the minimum. Traditional bulbs such as halogen bulbs only last an average of 1,000 hours. This can save you time by not having to change bulbs as often, as well as money on replacing them.

• COST SAVING – Not only can you save by replacing your lights less often than traditional bulbs, their energy-efficient nature will lower costs on your bill every year as well.

 

 

How LED Downlights Help to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

When you install LED lights in your home or garden, you are already making a big step toward treating the environment with more kindness.

LED light uses around 80 percent less energy when you compare them to the average incandescent or halogen light. This lower energy consumption alone will begin lowering your carbon footprint, thanks to the lower amount of fossil fuels required to produce light.

The longer lifespan of LED lights also means replacing them less often. In turn, this will mean contributing fewer waste materials to landfills. Many LED bulbs are even recyclable these days.

 

Why Consider Using Dimmable LED Lights  

Dimmable recessed lights and other such indoor downlights can help you create an atmospheric room. Using a dimmable downlight as opposed to a fixed downlight lets you change the lighting levels on a whim. Anytime you want to set a mood in a room, you can simply brighten or dim the lights.

Dimmable lights will allow you to alter the brightness of the light according to the time of day. You can keep the lights ebbing and flowing in a more natural manner as the sun goes down. This could promote a healthier sleep cycle and help you get relaxed at night.

 

What Are Retrofit LED Downlights?

Retrofit downlights are fixtures that are meant as a replacement for traditional lighting sources that are already installed in a space. The name “retrofit” refers to the light’s design to fit into existing light fixtures to replace traditional lights with LED technology instead. This can all be done without any expensive rewiring or modification.

Retrofitting lights can be achieved with surface mounted spotlight fixtures, but are most commonly seen with recessed LED downlights. They are super easy to install since they are, by design, made to simply replace existing fixtures. Oftentimes, they have a simple shape that plugs into any existing fixture hole.

If you’re considering updating your old lighting designs with LED bulbs, a retrofit light is a great option to think about. This can significantly cut down on time and effort in replacing your lights with the more energy efficient option among them.

 

What is CRI And Why is it Important For LED Downlights?

CRI stands for Colour Rendering Index. This rating defines how well a light source reproduces the colours of items it shines on. Basically, this boils down to how accurate the colours of various items look beneath a light. A high CRI rating is defined as a 90 degree value or higher.

Having an LED light with high CRI is important for a few reasons.

 

• ACCURACY OF COLOUR – High CRI values will render colours more accurately, so the objects under the light will look more natural and truer to their appearance. This is particularly crucial in areas where the perception of colour needs to be as accurate as possible, including art galleries and retail shops.

• TASK PERFORMANCE – Using high CRI lights in work areas that require attention to detail, colour contrast and general colour differences can ensure more accuracy in a finished product.
  

• VISUAL AESTHETIC APPEAL – Lights that don’t change the colour of an area can make the colours in the space seem vibrant and richer.

What is Colour Temperature And Which Colour Temperature is Best For Your Install?

Colour temperature is one of the main things to pay attention to when selecting surface mounted or recessed downlight. This refers to the warmth or coolness of the light produced by a bulb, and it exists on a spectrum.

Colour temperature is measured on a spectrum of Kelvin units ranging between 1,000K and 10,000K. Warmer lights are on the lower end of the spectrum, whereas cool lights will be found toward the upper end. Both cool and warm lights have their places in the world, but when it comes to domestic use, warm lights are generally preferred.

That said, cool lights are commonly used in domestic settings outdoors as security lighting. It ultimately comes down to where you plan to use the light and what your visual preferences may be.

When Would You Use a Surface Mounted LED Downlighter?

While recessed LED spotlights are a favourite among lovers of modern and contemporary styles, not every space can accommodate them. Some ceilings are simply too shallow to host the light fixtures and the necessary internal wiring for them.

In these cases, that’s where surface mounted LED lights come into play. A surface mounted light can be attached to ceilings of any depth without special preparation. They can provide a similar lighting experience and design as recessed lighting, including the direction of the light and how it shines from overhead.

Some people also just prefer the look of a surface mounted downlight due to its aesthetic appeal and choose them as a part of their interior decor.

 

 

What is a Gimbal LED Downlight?

A gimbal downlight is an adjustable LED light that allows you to adjust the light’s direction. It has a gimbal mechanism inside the fixture that you can tilt, turn and twist to shine the light right where you want it. An adjustable directionality will allow you to target lighting on certain objects or areas of the room.

Their adjustability makes them great choices as task lighting and accent lighting all the same. Commonly, they are used to highlight artwork and architectural features while also providing ample illumination for task areas such as work surfaces, countertops and desks.

 

How to Use Recessed LED Downlights in a Living Room 

Using LED downlights for living rooms is one of the most popular applications of this lighting style. They can be easily incorporated into the space by following these downlight installation tips.

Before installing the lights, take time to thoughtfully consider the room and make your plans. Avoid installing them in a uniform grid style, as this can be distracting and may also over-light the rooms.

Instead, focus on shining lights over key areas and spreading the illumination evenly. Aim for lights that are positioned 1.5 to 2 metres away from one another. Rooms with lower ceilings will need fewer lumens than large rooms with soaring ceilings.

 

Layered Lighting Design

 

• AMBIENT LIGHT. Choose downlights bright enough to cover the entire room without being over-lit. It is recommended that you choose warm white tones between 3000K and 3300K for this room.

 

• TASK LIGHT. Add in task lights over seating areas, reading nooks and writing desks. Adjustable recessed ceiling spotlights are particularly well suited, so you can decide exactly where the light points.

 

• ACCENT LIGHT. Install compact recessed lighting over areas that you wish to make focal points of. This could be artwork or feature walls. Narrow beam angles around 25 degrees work best here.

 

How to Use LED Downlight Fittings in a Dining Room 

Stylish LED ceiling lights work well in dining rooms that need a bit of extra flair. Dining rooms exist for a specific activity and center around one particular piece of furniture. This makes it simple to figure out where your light needs to be focused.

Position downlights in such a way that they are directly above the dining table. Focusing illumination down onto the table not only indicates it as the centerpiece of the room; it also provides ample lighting for you to easily dine by.

Layer the recessed lights with pendant lights to spread illumination even further. The pendant lights could become statement pieces that really make the dining place memorable.

In this room, colour temperatures that are either warm white between 3000K and 3300K ro neutral white between 3500K and 4000K are preferable. Whichever you choose, consider dimmable recessed downlights to help you set a mood for more romantic dinners.

 

Layered Lighting Design

 

• AMBIENT LIGHT. Employ a combination of modern pendant lights and wide-beam recessed lights for foundational lighting.

 

• TASK LIGHT. Place lights just above the dining table and sideboards to provide visibility where you need it most.

 

• ACCENT LIGHT. Highlight any artwork or architectural features in the dining room with adjustable spotlights.

 

How to Use Recessed LED Downlights in a Kitchen 

Kitchens are task-heavy spaces, so they require a lot of illumination. LED downlights for kitchens are instrumental in ensuring the room is bright and evenly lit for food prep, socializing and beyond.

With a focus on task lighting, you’ll want to place your LED lights over work areas primarily. This includes countertops, stovetops, sinks and breakfast bars. By positioning the lights just slightly in front of the surfaces instead of directly over them, you can avoid shadows from your body blocking the light.

Furthermore, since kitchens have moisture in them, it is a good idea to get IP rated lights with a minimum IP44 rating. For areas over the sink or dishwasher where steam may rise up, you may wish to choose higher ratings.

 

Layered Lighting Design

• AMBIENT LIGHT. Position the lights evenly overhead to create the general foundation of illumination. Evenly distribute the light using wide beam angles.

 

• TASK LIGHT. When installing lights over work stations, choose illumination with a more narrow beam, somewhere between 15 to 30 degrees. Add additional task lights with shelf lighting, under cabinet lighting and beyond.

 

• ACCENT LIGHT. Draw attention to breakfast nooks, unique artwork or any other focal point with directional lights. You can also layer in plinth lights for moody, low level lighting.

 

 

How to Use Recessed Downlights in a Hallway 

Hallways are well-traveled transitional spaces that require good visibility for safe navigation. You can install motion sensor lights that will turn the illumination on and off when it detects movement to ensure it is always lit up when you need it to be.

You want to ensure that the lighting is evenly distributed along the length of the corridor by adding LED downlights for hallways in even increments. It is recommended that you space them about 1.5 to 2 metres apart from one another.

Hallways are a good place for gallery walls, which can be highlighted with recessed lights. Choose narrower beam angles for this purpose, and wider beam angles for general ambient lighting.

 

Layered Lighting Design

 

• AMBIENT LIGHT. Recessed downlights can be spaced evenly across the hallway, leading you naturally down its length. Balanced spacing will reduce shadowy areas, making it easier to navigate.

 

• TASK LIGHT. Place task lights over key areas, such as benches, side tables and coat racks near entryways for better visibility.

 

• ACCENT LIGHT. Using picture lights or narrow-beam spotlights, show off artwork and photos with a gallery wall setup.

 

How to Use LED Ceiling Downlights in a Bedroom 

One of the best bedroom downlight ideas you can implement is the use of dimmable lighting. Bedrooms are a place for rest and relaxation, and the lighting should reflect that. Having dimmable bedroom lamps lets you set a nice mood and ambiance to unwind by.

Position the downlights thoughtfully. This means avoiding placement directly above the bed, as this may cause a harsh glare. Instead, place them just off to the side of the bed so you aren’t staring directly into a light when lying down.

You’ll also want to use warm colour temperatures. Warm white light between 2700K and 3000K are ideal, as they create a warm and inviting space while still being bright enough to see by.

 

Layered Lighting Design

 

• AMBIENT LIGHT. The main source of illumination can come from the recessed lights throughout the room. Smaller bedrooms that need to save space may even get their ambient light through Interior wall lights.

 

• TASK LIGHT. Adding a reading light by the bed can take your comfort in the bedroom to the next level. Whether you mount them on the wall or the headboard, these lights provide focused illumination for you to read by.

 

• ACCENT LIGHT. Accent light is commonly used as mood lighting, and readling lights make an excellent candidate for that. You can also illuminate shelving units or backlight the headboard for dedicated accent lighting.

 

How to Use LED Downlights in a Bathroom 

Bathroom LED downlights are a critical element of your lighting design. Since bathrooms are task-heavy spaces that occasionally can be hazardous, visibility is crucial.

A focus on lights around the vanity is usually pretty common. Position downlights on either side of the mirror to provide ample illumination for grooming without casting unsightly shadows.

You should also choose recessed lights with a high CRI here. This will give you a more accurate look at the colours of your makeup and clothes before leaving the house. Also, you will want warmer ceiling lights for a spa-like feel, and cooler lights for a more energizing space.

Since bathrooms are full of moisture, IP ratings are important. Choose waterproof IP ratings near the bath, shower and sink areas especially. This will ensure the lights can withstand exposure to moisture and splashing water without damage.

 

Layered Lighting Design

 

• AMBIENT LIGHT. Create the foundational lighting with recessed ceiling lights evenly spread across the bathroom. Ensure this by placing them about 1.5 to 2 metres apart from one another.

 

• TASK LIGHT. Task light is the most important lighting layer in a bathroom. Ensure visibility in key areas by placing lights by vanities and over showers.

 

• ACCENT LIGHT. Set a nice, relaxing mood in the bathroom with accent and mood lighting. Highlight any recesses, shelves and other unique features to enjoy the benefits of its indirect lighting.

 

How to Use Recessed LED Downlighters in a Home Office 

Quality LED lighting for home offices ensures that you are able to stay focused and productive while working. You’ll need a main foundational level of illumination across the office, which can be achieved with recessed ceiling lights.

From there, you can supplement with task lights. Place lights over work desks and storage areas to improve visibility where you need it most.

As for colour temperature, choosing lights with a cooler colour temperature may encourage focus and concentration. Opt for neutral white light between 3500K and 4000K for best results.

 

Layered Lighting Design

 

• AMBIENT LIGHT. Install recessed downlights across the ceiling in evenly spaced increments. Avoid placing them too close to walls to avoid shadows.

 

• TASK LIGHT. Table lamps, reading lights and floor lamps can be incorporated into the space for dedicated lighting wherever you need it.

 

• ACCENT LIGHT. Add some visual drama to keep the office interesting with accent lighting. Line bookshelves with string lights or show off artwork to create a compelling focal point.

 

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