What is the purpose of downlighting?

What is a downlight?

A downlight is a light fitting (luminaire) that lights in a downward direction to light an area below. They are usually recessed into the ceiling so you see only a small part of fitting below the ceiling.

For more information, please visit Surface down Light.

Why use downlights?

Downlights are a versatile light fitting excellent for a multitude of uses throughout the home. They are a great way to create zones, navigate around the space and highlight your key pieces such as art. They can provide in-fill light as well as task lighting for example over a kitchen island. They work well with a combination of other architectural and decorative fittings in a layered lighting schemes. Take a look at our projects to see how we have used downlights.

Additionally, downlighting serves a significant purpose in enhancing the overall ambiance of a space. It can create a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it ideal for living areas, dining rooms, or any other space meant for relaxation and entertaining. Properly placed downlights can accentuate architectural features, art pieces, or any focal points within a room, thus elevating the overall aesthetic.

What are the different variations with a downlight?

LED downlights are now the norm. They can come as either a fixed downlight or directional version. Some are also available with different beam widths which add additional flexibility - narrow, medium or wide. The bezel shape can also be different from round, square to rectangle. IP ie waterproof versions are available for wet areas such as the bathroom.

John Cullen also offer a range of different sizes and power from the 30 range, 40 range and 50 range.

They come in a variety of different fittings options:-

• Trim - where you see the bezel on the ceiling
• Trimless - where the bezel is plastered-in to be flush with the ceiling
• Recessed - where the bezel is plastered-in to be recessed up into the ceiling
• True Trimless - where the bezel is plastered flush with the ceiling - see the new Polefinity range.

What is the difference between a downlight and a spotlight?

Downlights are installed into the ceiling and a spotlight is fixed onto a wall or ceiling as demonstrated in the below images.

What do I need to consider when buying downlights?

When buying downlights, firstly consider what you will be lighting. This will determine the power you require and thus the size of fitting. You will need to consider the function of the downlight ie are you using it in a wet area and if you have the enough room in the ceiling void to fit one in.

Read our full article on How to Select LEDs to discover what you need to look for with colour temperature, heat and CRI.

Where is the best place to position a downlight? Is there a specific number of downlights that I should be using?

The best place to position a downlight is dependent on the use of the room for example in a kitchen it would be to highlight the inside of the cabinets, workspace and table whilst in a living room it would be above the coffee table, artwork and navigate around the room. Never place downlights in grids but place them where you need the light. Put different lights on different circuits to be able to create different zones and effects especially in an open plan living area.

How do I install a downlight?

It is best to hire a trained electrician to install downlights.

Can downlights be dimmed or put on a circuit?

Yes if set up correctly they can do both. Take a look at our lighting controls guide to find out more.

I have a halogen downlight can I change them to an LED downlight?

What do you do if you have a ceiling fill of halogen downlights but would like to replace them with LEDs? LEDs are much more energy efficient and it will certainly save on your energy bills, but how easy is this to achieve with minimum upheaval?

When thinking about retro-fitting a halogen downlight you have two options: replace the existing bulb or upgrade the entire lighting system (the fitting, the bulb, the drive and dimming system).

The former will not provide the same quality of light as halogens and may not last longer than 20,000 hours. You can do this yourself but it is best to check with an electrician that the power supply (transformer/driver) and dimmer switch are compatible with the LED replacement. If you go for a full switch to a dedicated system, the system is designed to work in unison and will provide the best quality of light in terms of lumen output, colour consistency, colour rendering, dimming performance and choice of beam angle. The typical lifetime of a bulb would be 50,000 but this work would need to be carried out by a qualified electrician.

Want more information on sky panel light? Feel free to contact us.

Read our article on How to upgrade your lights from halogen to LED.

Moving in a dark area is challenging. Often, you may get lost in your way or if your lighting is not placed in proper locations, which could also affect the quality of work you could produce and your productivity.

Sometimes, having natural light enter your area will not be enough to light up a dark space. So, utilization of various lighting types and having proper lighting in any establishment and even houses is essential. Additionally, it could help improve the mood inside your room.

What Is a Downlight?

Downlight is a lighting fixture that is usually recessed into a ceiling. Only small parts of the downlight are visible on the surface, but the light still reflects the light perfectly. Most downlights are round, but there are some varieties you can find that differ in the bulb used. They are great for people who want their area to have a sleek style in achieving a modern decoration.

What Are the Types of a Downlight?

There are various types of these lights available in the market. The most famous type is the recessed downlights. This downlight type is typically used in residential buildings and offices, which blend perfectly with the ceiling design.

Additionally, gimbal downlights are also great for people who want a light directed in various directions. It’s a perfect addition to any home that wants to create a luxurious vibe. Some of the common lights you can also see are the surface mounted downlights. These lights are best if you are not permitted to drill holes in your home.

Why Should People Use Them?

They Have Long Lifespan

There’s a reason why these lights are more expensive than other standard bulbs. One of the reasons is that having downlights means that you get to save more money in a way that they are designed to withstand long years.

Compared to standard halogen bulbs, these lights last for years, and they are cost-effective too as they save up more energy!

They Are Ideal for Directional Lighting

Some standard lightings are designed to reflect light in all directions. But, with a downlight, you could highlight or make a specific direction to have better lighting and have a more comfortable ambiance. You can easily direct its light exactly where you prefer without any hassle of using another reflector.

Available in Wide Range of Colors

Do you have a specific interior design in mind? Getting a downlight could surely help in achieving your aspire look. Downlights are available in various ranges of colors in which you could use to beautify and define the mood and ambiance of your area.

Are They Hard to Install?

No, downlights are not hard to install. However, it will always be best if you consult and ask a professional electrician to help you establish your lighting. This task would be easy for professionals, and once they are positioned, you don’t need to worry about maintaining them.

How Many Lights Should I Need for My Space?

To determine accurately how many lights you would need to light up a space, consider the size of the place where you will be placing the theme. The bigger the area, the more downlights would be required. Also, take note that each should be placed at least two feet away from the wall to prevent creating shadows.

Takeaway

If lighting is done right, it could help you in various ways, like creating illumination and other more creative interior designs. These types of lights are one of the go-to lightings of most people nowadays for the benefits it brings. You can check out the information mentioned above if you want to know more about them.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit window light design.