LED Downlights are one of the most common kinds of lighting found in today’s homes. They’re very popular since they produce warm general lighting that is non-intrusive compared to typical light fixtures.
LED downlights can cast light that appears to be emanating from the ceiling. As a result, utilizing downlights optimizes your lighting design while also providing sleekness, modernity, and space savings.
The following are the types of downlights:
- RECESSED DOWNLIGHTS
These are often used to provide general illumination and are installed in the ceiling for a seamless look. LED Recessed Downlights are the most common variety, and they’re commonly seen in residential buildings, hotels, and office buildings. Users will only see the fixtures face parallel to the ceiling and can be utilized with a decorative bezel to make a statement or blend in with the ceiling design.
Recessed downlights are of 2 types, fixed and adjustable.
- Fixed Recessed Downlight: The beam points down, and the fixture is permanently recessed in one position.
- Adjustable (or Gimbal) Recessed Downlight: The beam is adjustable, an innovative Gimbel-like design that can cast light in numerous directions and be titled up to 350°.
- SURFACE-MOUNTED DOWNLIGHTS
LED Surface-mounted downlights are versatile in location and are typically used to cast light a bit below the ceiling or on walls if you can’t use recessed lighting or want a more customized design. After installation, the fixture’s body is readily visible. And are available in a range from plain to ornate, depending on the architecture and design.
Just like recessed downlights, surface-mounted downlights are also of 2 types, fixed and adjustable.
- Fixed Surface Downlight: The beam is pointing down, and the fixture directs light downward.
- Adjustable (or Gimbal) Surface Downlight: Just like the recessed adjustable downlight, the beam is adjustable. Light can be cast in numerous directions and can be titled up to 350°.Advertisement
How to decide how many LED Downlights do you need?
To start, use the “rule of thumb” for ceiling height. Take the height of your ceiling and divide it by two to determine how far between your LED downlights should be. For example, if your ceiling is 8 feet high, your downlights should each be spaced about 4 feet apart from each other.
It’s crucial to remember that this is just a guideline to follow, and it should be utilized with caution. Depending on how bright or dark your decor is, the size and wattage of your fixtures, and the function of your lighting, you may want to place them closer together or further apart.
Next, maintain a safe distance between the edge of your ceiling and your LED downlights. You should at least leave a 3 feet gap. The reason for this is simple: if your downlights are placed too close to the wall, they will cast undesirable shadows, making the space appear smaller than it actually is.
The light reflects off the walls at a distance of around 3 feet, making the space feel lighter and airier.
Bonus Tip-
It’s always preferable to ‘overlight’ your room than to risk not having enough light. But in any case, if you are facing problems with brightness level, you can also control the brightness level by using a dimmer, but only if your LED downlights are dimmer compatible.