Lighting is undoubtedly one of the most significant aspects of interior design. If you do it correctly, it can give a room stunning illumination and a pleasant atmosphere. One of the most excellent ideas to improve the ambience of an interior is to install downlights. You usually place them within the ceiling or in some hidden areas. A downlight is amazingly helpful in enhancing the light quality in any place you mount it. Since downlights are recessed into the ceiling, it produces a narrow, downward light beam. Such a hidden enhancement looks as if the light was coming directly from the ceiling, not from an additional lighting fixture.
Most commonly, downlights are round. But there are other varieties, depending on the type of bulb you use. Here are some types of downlights that you can consider.
Different Downlight Types
Fire Rated Downlights
Whether you plan to upgrade your business or home lighting, fire-rated downlights are an excellent choice. The primary difference between them and non-fire-rated lights is the amount of time to stop the fire from spreading. Using the wrong kind of light may result in some horrible consequences. But with a bit of an upgrade from the usual, you’ll be able to reduce casualties.
So, what exactly are fire-rated downlights? To put it simply, it is a kind of lighting that seals off the hole made in the ceiling due to installation. The special coating around this type of downlight swells under a specific temperature, preventing the flames from spreading. When such protection is not implemented, the fire will come through the hole and reach the flammable materials a lot faster. Nonetheless, remember that your downlights should not compromise your ceiling’s structural integrity. The ceiling’s reliable construction is also vital in preventing the fire from reaching more and more areas. If its structural strength is damaged, the flames will spread faster and will be far more destructive. Ask a professional to install these lights so you’ll feel more confident everything is in good condition.
LED Fire-Rated Downlights
Fire-rated downlights have an LED variant which is more durable and energy-saving, an excellent alternative to halogen bulbs. Because of this, you’ll be able to reduce your bills and lower your carbon footprint. You can find a wide range of fire-rated LED downlights to choose from. Some of these include waterproof IP65 downlights, ideal for wet areas like bathrooms, and GU10 dimmable LED downlights, perfect for ambient lighting.
LED fire-rated downlights have an intumescent pad that swells up in extremely high temperatures, making it impossible for the fire to spread quickly. Whenever you decide on installing a recessed downlight, make sure that you’re using a certified fire-rated LED model to ensure the fire resistance of your home.
One of the most significant aspects you should consider while choosing a fire-rated downlight is security. It is recommended to determine what level of safety is necessary for your building and purchase the downlights following that. As those products reduce the fire risk, choosing the correct variant for your workspace or home is genuinely crucial.
Some LED downlights can fit in smaller areas. What is more, they are improved with a well-ventilated design. Apart from that, some of them are also enabled with a heat sink, helping you make sure that they always stay cool.
Standard LED Recessed Downlights
Aside from fire-rated LED downlights, you can also find standard LED Recessed Downlights. They are excellent for both residential and commercial buildings. This type of downlight is high quality, energy-saving, environment-friendly, and cost-effective! Plus, they can produce light of exceptional quality catering to your needs.
Bathroom downlight
The fire-rated downlight counterpart. Though they can also be used anywhere, bathroom downlights are the best type of downlights to put in your–you guessed it–bathroom. They’re made with an IP65 rating, meaning they’re water and dust-resistant. This is the perfect choice for a wet environment like your bathroom. In fact, you can install them directly above the shower, and you’ll have no problem with water seeping into your ceiling and electrical wiring. You don’t want that happening with non-waterproof fixtures!
Most bathroom downlights you’ll find in your local hardware are made with LED. This means brighter bathrooms without worrying about energy consumption, a longer lifespan for less maintenance, and an overall environment-friendly light solution (less carbon footprint).
Bathroom downlights look similar to regular downlights but have added dust and water protection. So, if you were already planning on installing downlights in your bathroom, there’s no need to make any adjustments. Just make sure to use the right type.
IP20 Downlights
This is the most common type of downlight used for general lighting purposes in both home and commercial spaces. They’re a popular choice even though they’re made with less dust and water resistance, mainly because they’re usually cheaper than other options. They’re also very versatile, so you can use them for any lighting projects.
They’re suitable for use inside living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, corridors, and offices—anywhere except outdoors and in the bathroom, where moisture exposure is a concern. We recommend using downlights with IP44 and above for these settings.
The IP20 downlights can also accommodate different downlight bulb types, mainly LEDs and halogens, but we recommend you stick to LED lamps rather than traditional ones. They’re usually more cost-effective down the line. Just make sure to use compatible bulbs with the correct wattage to maximise performance. You can always check the manufacturer’s recommendations before buying.
Non-Dimmable Downlights
When given the choice between dimmable and non-dimmable downlights, you might be more likely to choose the former than the latter. And you will be right for many reasons depending on the setting and application, but is that always the case?
Dimmable downlights are perfect for people who want complete control of their lighting experience (a.k.a. dimming and brightening the lights). These downlights ensure you have your ideal setting in any given situation. This is perfect for mood-setting.
But if this isn’t you, you’re a “non-dimmable lights person”. If you want consistent lighting throughout your house and don’t want to be bothered by adjusting the lights every time you enter a room, then non-dimmable fittings will suit you best.
Non-dimmable downlights are simple, easy, and practical. Plus, they’re more widely used than dimmable downlights, which means they’re likely to be more readily available in your local hardware store.
Fixed vs Adjustable Downlight
The common difference you’ll see when choosing from a long list of different types of downlights is whether it’s fixed or adjustable. What’s the difference, and is one better than the other?
Fixed Downlight
This is the most straightforward and, without a doubt, the most popular type of downlight. Fixed downlights have a stationary beam angle, so the light shines directly downward. They are best suited for situations where an even spread of brightness is needed, like in general ambient lighting.
Adjustable Downlight
As their name implies, these downlights can be adjusted or tilted to your desired angle. This feature shines (pun intended) exponentially in sloped ceilings. With the adjustable downlights, you can position your light for optimal performance.
Conclusion
Installing LED downlights flushed to the ceiling creates an unspeakably gorgeous appeal. Not only do they make the room or workspace more stylish and elegant, but they are extraordinarily durable, making them a long-term investment for you. They come in various styles and finishes like brushed steel, crystal, chrome, and white or black. Therefore, no matter what your taste is and what effect you need to achieve, you will undoubtedly find a suitable downlight LED for your needs.
Are you looking to upgrade your lovely home with some downlights? Visit our website today and check out the wide variety of LED lighting we offer!
