Matt


<p><strong>Do you furnish housing? Believe that well-chosen lighting can do wonders. However, finding your way around and choosing the right one in the rich assortment of lighting fixtures can sometimes be challenging. Our article will help you select lighting for the living room, kitchen, bedroom, children&#8217;s room, bathroom and office.</strong></p>



<h2>Living Room</h2>



<p>Since the living room is usually the centre of events, where we relax, welcome visitors or watch our favourite TV shows, we should carefully consider the lighting of these spaces. It is also appropriate to divide the living room into individual zones &#8211; central lights, indirect lighting, etc., and decorative lighting elements.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2023/06/Untitled-design-29-1024x576.png" alt="living room lighting" class="wp-image-4649" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2023/06/Untitled-design-29-1024x576.png 1024w, https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2023/06/Untitled-design-29-300x169.png 300w, https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2023/06/Untitled-design-29-768x432.png 768w, https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2023/06/Untitled-design-29-1536x864.png 1536w, https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2023/06/Untitled-design-29.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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<p>Each zone should have independent control. During the day, you can turn on the main lights in the living room, while for a pleasant evening, you can use dimmed lighting. Darkness can be easily solved with a central lamp with a dimming function, which ensures a lower brightness.</p>



<p>Hanging chandeliers look great in rooms with higher ceilings, while ceiling lights represent a space-saving solution. Remember that the central lighting should be strong enough to illuminate the room. For even brightness, please place it in the centre of the living room.</p>



<p>And how to illuminate other parts of the room?</p>



<p>Indirect lighting will be perfectly replaced by wall lamps reflecting off the walls. <a href="https://buildiro.com/category/ceiling-spotlights" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spotlights</a> built into the ceiling are also popular. It optically enlarges the room and provides a softer, more muted light.</p>



<p>Other lighting elements should already be dependent on your daily routine. The designed <a href="https://buildiro.com/category/floor-lamps/black" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black floor lamp</a> will be useful for reading or evening conversations. Illuminated LED strips look great on TVs, furniture, etc. For example, no one will miss such a glass showcase with the most important items.</p>



<h2>Kitchen Lighting</h2>



<p>We also usually spend much time in the kitchen/dining room, preparing lunch for the family or entertaining friends at the dining table. The central ceiling light is the basis of success. Additional lighting directly at the work surface in the form of &#8220;spotlights&#8221; or wall lights above the kitchen counter (LED strips, LED tubes) is also very suitable or even necessary.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2023/06/Untitled-design-30-1-1024x576.png" alt="kitchen lighting" class="wp-image-4650" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2023/06/Untitled-design-30-1-1024x576.png 1024w, https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2023/06/Untitled-design-30-1-300x169.png 300w, https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2023/06/Untitled-design-30-1-768x432.png 768w, https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2023/06/Untitled-design-30-1-1536x864.png 1536w, https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2023/06/Untitled-design-30-1.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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<p>Whether to choose additional lights depends on the size of your kitchen. A light fixture for the kitchen island, above the dining table, etc., would be suitable. For work surfaces, it is ideal to use a neutral white colour of light (3,500 to 6,000 K); in other parts of the kitchen, warm white (1,800 to 3,000 K) will be more pleasant. , which creates a cosy atmosphere. Remember to consider the kitchen&#8217;s overall design when choosing light fixtures and keep the lighting in a similar tone.</p>



<h2>Bedroom Lighting</h2>



<p>Although the bedroom is mostly used for sleeping, with the right lighting, you can enjoy the comfort of your bed for relaxation, such as reading books or listening to podcasts. Choose the central light/lights with less brightness and warmer colours; waking up from a warm bed with harsh brightness is unpleasant. Bulbs weighing 2700 to 3000 K will be more than enough for you.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2023/06/Untitled-design-31-1024x576.png" alt="bedroom lighting" class="wp-image-4651" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2023/06/Untitled-design-31-1024x576.png 1024w, https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2023/06/Untitled-design-31-300x169.png 300w, https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2023/06/Untitled-design-31-768x432.png 768w, https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2023/06/Untitled-design-31-1536x864.png 1536w, https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2023/06/Untitled-design-31.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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<p>If you have a small, cosy bedroom, a designer hanging chandelier can easily become a central element that catches your eye. But watch out for low ceilings! In this case, choose a recessed or built-in light. The wall lamps on both sides of the bed also have a pleasant effect. If you have clothes stored in the bedroom or connected to the wardrobe, supplement the central lighting with built-in lights and LED strips directly in the cabinet.</p>



<p>Other light points include, for example, bedside lamps. Thanks to the wide range, today, you can also choose lamps with brightness or colour settings to adapt them to current needs.</p>



<h2>Kids Bedroom Lighting</h2>



<p>Do you care that the children feel comfortable in their room? Be sure to choose the right lighting!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2023/06/Untitled-design-32-1024x576.png" alt="kids bedroom lighting" class="wp-image-4652" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2023/06/Untitled-design-32-1024x576.png 1024w, https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2023/06/Untitled-design-32-300x169.png 300w, https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2023/06/Untitled-design-32-768x432.png 768w, https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2023/06/Untitled-design-32-1536x864.png 1536w, https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2023/06/Untitled-design-32.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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<p>The basis is a central ceiling light with a warm white light. You can easily reach for an elegant, discreet light for older children and teenagers. The light with the option to adjust the colours will make you happy. However, if the room is intended for smaller children, why not get something more colourful? In our offer of children&#8217;s ceiling lights, models with the design of stars, night skies, toy cars and others are waiting for you.</p>



<p>Supplementing the central light with a &#8220;work&#8221; table lamp, whether your child will be drawing, writing homework or studying for a test, is advisable. Its height should be approx. 30 cm, and it should aim at the work table from above or from the side. Night lights are also popular, helping the little ones overcome their fear of the dark. However, remember to place them so they do not shine into the child&#8217;s eyes! A very similar function is performed by smaller wall lights, for example, with the motif of a unicorn, a rainbow or a cat.</p>



<h2>Bathroom Lighting</h2>



<p>Bathroom lighting can again be divided into central and additional lighting. When choosing, ensure the IP standard protects all light sources. After all, these are wet rooms. We also recommend considering the room&#8217;s dimensions &#8211; it is usually a smaller area where a ceiling-mounted or recessed light will be useful. Spotlights also look great.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2023/06/Untitled-design-33-1024x576.png" alt="bathroom lighting" class="wp-image-4653" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2023/06/Untitled-design-33-1024x576.png 1024w, https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2023/06/Untitled-design-33-300x169.png 300w, https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2023/06/Untitled-design-33-768x432.png 768w, https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2023/06/Untitled-design-33-1536x864.png 1536w, https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2023/06/Untitled-design-33.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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<p>And since the bathroom is also used for beautifying purposes, you probably have a mirror in it as well. You can light it up with wall lights &#8211; an LED lamp directly above the mirror or lights placed on the sides. Mirrors with built-in LED lighting are available today, which fulfil their purpose perfectly, and in addition, they look cool and modern. Cosmetic mirrors with magnification or integrated lighting are also handy helpers.</p>



<h2>Study Lighting</h2>



<p>Does your house or apartment also have a study/office? Choosing the right lighting will boost your productivity and pay off!</p>



<p>So how to choose lighting for the office?</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2023/06/Untitled-design-34-1024x576.png" alt="study lighting" class="wp-image-4654" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2023/06/Untitled-design-34-1024x576.png 1024w, https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2023/06/Untitled-design-34-300x169.png 300w, https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2023/06/Untitled-design-34-768x432.png 768w, https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2023/06/Untitled-design-34-1536x864.png 1536w, https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2023/06/Untitled-design-34.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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<p>Choose central lighting such that it sufficiently illuminates the entire room. No need to look for design pieces; focus more on performance. White light valued at 3,000 to 6,500 K is ideal for work and does not tire the eyes.</p>



<p>Your office should also include a desk lamp that illuminates the entire desk area. Lights with the possibility of positioning, most often with a flexible arm, are practical. If you are right-handed, place the lamp on the left side; if you write with your left hand, choose the right side.</p>
<div class="saboxplugin-wrap" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person" itemscope itemprop="author"><div class="saboxplugin-tab"><div class="saboxplugin-gravatar"><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2022/07/Screenshot-2022-07-21-at-18.00.42.png" width="100"  height="100" alt="" itemprop="image"></div><div class="saboxplugin-authorname"><a href="https://buildiro.com/magazine/author/luke/" class="vcard author" rel="author" itemprop="url"><span class="fn" itemprop="name">Matt</span></a></div><div class="saboxplugin-desc"><div itemprop="description"><p>Matt is a professional copywriter and researcher over at <a href="https://sucklessatcontent.com/">https://sucklessatcontent.com/</a>. When he can be prised away from his PC, his wife enjoys setting him DIY tasks around the house.</p>
</div></div><div class="clearfix"></div></div></div>

Do you furnish housing? Believe that well-chosen lighting can do wonders. However, finding your way around and choosing the right one in the rich assortment of lighting fixtures can sometimes be challenging. Our article will help you select lighting for the living room, kitchen, bedroom, children&#8217;s room, bathroom and office.



Living Room



Since the living room is usually the centre of events, where we relax, welcome visitors or watch our favourite TV shows, we should carefully consider the lighting of these spaces. It is also appropriate to divide the living room into individual zones &#8211; central lights, indirect lighting, etc., and decorative lighting elements.








Living Room Lighting Products




Each zone should have independent control. During the day, you can turn on the main lights in the living room, while for a pleasant evening, you can use dimmed lighting. Darkness can be easily solved with a central lamp with a dimming function, which ensures a lower brightness.



Hanging chandeliers look great in rooms with higher ceilings, while ceiling lights represent a space-saving solution. Remember that the central lighting should be strong enough to illuminate the room. For even brightness, please place it in the centre of the living room.



And how to illuminate other parts of the room?



Indirect lighting will be perfectly replaced by wall lamps reflecting off the walls. Spotlights built into the ceiling are also popular. It optically enlarges the room and provides a softer, more muted light.



Other lighting elements should already be dependent on your daily routine. The designed black floor lamp will be useful for reading or evening conversations. Illuminated LED strips look great on TVs, furniture, etc. For example, no one will miss such a glass showcase with the most important items.



Kitchen Lighting



We also usually spend much time in the kitchen/dining room, preparing lunch for the family or entertaining friends at the dining table. The central ceiling light is the basis of success. Additional lighting directly at the work surface in the form of &#8220;spotlights&#8221; or wall lights above the kitchen counter (LED strips, LED tubes) is also very suitable or even necessary.








Kitchen Lighting Products




Whether to choose additional lights depends on the size of your kitchen. A light fixture for the kitchen island, above the dining table, etc., would be suitable. For work surfaces, it is ideal to use a neutral white colour of light (3,500 to 6,000 K); in other parts of the kitchen, warm white (1,800 to 3,000 K) will be more pleasant. , which creates a cosy atmosphere. Remember to consider the kitchen&#8217;s overall design when choosing light fixtures and keep the lighting in a similar tone.



Bedroom Lighting



Although the bedroom is mostly used for sleeping, with the right lighting, you can enjoy the comfort of your bed for relaxation, such as reading books or listening to podcasts. Choose the central light/lights with less brightness and warmer colours; waking up from a warm bed with harsh brightness is unpleasant. Bulbs weighing 2700 to 3000 K will be more than enough for you.








Bedroom Lighting Products




If you have a small, cosy bedroom, a designer hanging chandelier can easily become a central element that catches your eye. But watch out for low ceilings! In this case, choose a recessed or built-in light. The wall lamps on both sides of the bed also have a pleasant effect. If you have clothes stored in the bedroom or connected to the wardrobe, supplement the central lighting with built-in lights and LED strips directly in the cabinet.



Other light points include, for example, bedside lamps. Thanks to the wide range, today, you can also choose lamps with brightness or colour settings to adapt them to current needs.



Kids Bedroom Lighting



Do you care that the children feel comfortable in their room? Be sure to choose the right lighting!








Kids Bedroom Lighting Products




The basis is a central ceiling light with a warm white light. You can easily reach for an elegant, discreet light for older children and teenagers. The light with the option to adjust the colours will make you happy. However, if the room is intended for smaller children, why not get something more colourful? In our offer of children&#8217;s ceiling lights, models with the design of stars, night skies, toy cars and others are waiting for you.



Supplementing the central light with a &#8220;work&#8221; table lamp, whether your child will be drawing, writing homework or studying for a test, is advisable. Its height should be approx. 30 cm, and it should aim at the work table from above or from the side. Night lights are also popular, helping the little ones overcome their fear of the dark. However, remember to place them so they do not shine into the child&#8217;s eyes! A very similar function is performed by smaller wall lights, for example, with the motif of a unicorn, a rainbow or a cat.



Bathroom Lighting



Bathroom lighting can again be divided into central and additional lighting. When choosing, ensure the IP standard protects all light sources. After all, these are wet rooms. We also recommend considering the room&#8217;s dimensions &#8211; it is usually a smaller area where a ceiling-mounted or recessed light will be useful. Spotlights also look great.








Bathroom Lighting Products




And since the bathroom is also used for beautifying purposes, you probably have a mirror in it as well. You can light it up with wall lights &#8211; an LED lamp directly above the mirror or lights placed on the sides. Mirrors with built-in LED lighting are available today, which fulfil their purpose perfectly, and in addition, they look cool and modern. Cosmetic mirrors with magnification or integrated lighting are also handy helpers.



Study Lighting



Does your house or apartment also have a study/office? Choosing the right lighting will boost your productivity and pay off!



So how to choose lighting for the office?








Study Lighting Products




Choose central lighting such that it sufficiently illuminates the entire room. No need to look for design pieces; focus more on performance. White light valued at 3,000 to 6,500 K is ideal for work and does not tire the eyes.



Your office should also include a desk lamp that illuminates the entire desk area. Lights with the possibility of positioning, most often with a flexible arm, are practical. If you are right-handed, place the lamp on the left side; if you write with your left hand, choose the right side.
MattMatt is a professional copywriter and researcher over at https://sucklessatcontent.com/. When he can be prised away from his PC, his wife enjoys setting him DIY tasks around the house.

Do you furnish housing? Believe that well-chosen lighting can do wonders. However, finding your way around and choosing the right one in the rich assortment of lighting fixtures can sometimes be challenging. Our article will help you select lighting for the living room, kitchen, bedroom, children's room, bathroom and office.

How to choose lighting for your home


<p>Downlights are a type of light fixture installed in the ceiling and provide general lighting for a room. There are many different types of downlight bulbs, and it is helpful to know the differences between them to choose the best one for your needs. This article will explain the different types of downlight bulbs and their applications.</p>



<h2>The 7 main types of downlight bulb</h2>



<h3>MR16</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2022/07/shutterstock_243208552.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-3375" width="250" height="167"/></figure>



<p>The most common type of downlight bulb is the MR16. It is a small, round bulb typically used in recessed lighting fixtures. MR16 bulbs come in various low wattages and beam angles and can be either incandescent or halogen. The MR16 is also known as the GU5.3 bulb. Early versions of the MR16 used tungsten filaments, but newer versions use halogen gas to produce a brighter light. Alongside the halogen bulb, they use a transformer as part of their operation.</p>



<h3>GU10 LED</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2022/07/led-ge64d2385b_1280.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-3376" width="213" height="320"/></figure>



<p>A GU10 LED uses light emitting diodes (LEDs) instead of incandescent or halogen filaments. LED bulbs are more efficient than traditional bulbs and last much longer. GU10 LEDs are available in various wattages and beam angles and are the most common LED downlight types.</p>



<h3>MR11</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2022/07/Screenshot-2022-07-25-at-11.34.26.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-3379" width="282" height="266"/></figure>



<p>The MR11 is a small, round bulb similar to the MR16. However, MR11 bulbs have a lower wattage and a narrower beam angle. They are typically used for accent lighting or in-track lighting fixtures. You will find these mostly in kitchens. They are used to spotlight sections of the countertops or as accents within the skirting of the cabinets.</p>



<h3>G4 and G9 Globes</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2022/07/Screenshot-2022-07-25-at-11.35.53.webp" alt="g4 light bulb" class="wp-image-3380" width="208" height="257"/></figure>



<p>These smaller format bulbs are frequently used for spotlights and accent lighting. The G4 is a small, square bulb with 12 or 24 volts. It has 2 pins sticking out of the bottom and typically emits a warm white light. The G9 is similar to the G4 but is slightly larger and uses 120 volts. It also has 2 pins on the bottom, but it emits brighter light. These bulbs are often used in display cases or as accent lighting in the home.</p>



<h3>AR111</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" width="360" height="303" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2022/07/Screenshot-2022-07-25-at-11.37.57.webp" alt="ar111 light bulb" class="wp-image-3381"/></figure>



<p>An AR111 is a larger format bulb that uses 110 or 130 volts. It has a reflector in the centre and an aluminium shell around the outside. The beam angle on these bulbs is very wide, making them ideal for general lighting applications. You will often see these used in retail stores or as floodlights.</p>



<h3>E27 and E26</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" width="304" height="320" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2022/07/Screenshot-2022-07-25-at-11.39.07.webp" alt="e27 light bulb" class="wp-image-3382"/></figure>



<p>E27 and E26 are the standard light bulb sizes in North America. E27 bulbs use 220-240 volts and have an Edison screw base. E26 bulbs use 120 volts and also have a screw base. Both bulb types come in various shapes, sizes, and wattages. They are typically used for general lighting applications such as table lamps or floor lamps.</p>



<p></p>



<h3>PL Lamps</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" width="375" height="524" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2022/07/Screenshot-2022-07-25-at-11.41.51.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-3383"/></figure>



<p>PL lamps are a type of fluorescent light bulb used in recessed lighting fixtures. They come in various sizes and wattages and have a base that is either a 2-pin or 4-pin configuration. PL lamps typically emit a cool white light and are more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs. They are generally used in commercial locations.</p>



<h2>How to know which bulb is right</h2>



<p>When choosing a downlight bulb, you must consider the wattage, beam angle, and type of light fixture you have. The wattage will determine how bright the light is, and the beam angle will determine how wide the light spreads. You also must ensure that your bulb is compatible with your light fixture. For example, if you have a GU10 LED fixture, you must choose a GU10 LED bulb. You cannot use a different type of bulb.</p>



<h3>Wattage</h3>



<p>The wattage of a downlight bulb is important to consider because it will determine how bright the light is. If you are using the bulb for general lighting, you will want to choose a higher wattage so that the light is bright enough. If you are using the bulb for accent lighting or task lighting, you will want to choose a lower wattage so that the light is not too bright.</p>



<h3>Beam angle</h3>



<p>The beam angle of a downlight bulb is essential to consider because it will determine how wide the light spreads. If you are using the bulb for general lighting, you will want to choose a wider beam angle.</p>



<h2>Conclusion</h2>



<p>Now that you know the different types of downlight bulbs, you can understand the choices that have been made in your home lighting design and the intended results. If you plan to change fittings,&nbsp; you can pick the bulb that best suits your needs. You might want to try a wider beam angle for general living areas or a narrower beam angle for task lighting in the kitchen. Choosing the correct bulb will help you get the most out of your lighting.</p>



<h2>FAQ</h2>



<div class="schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1658741375483"><strong class="schema-faq-question">What are the different types of downlights?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">The most common types of downlights are LED, halogen, and fluorescent.<br/>LED downlight bulb types are more energy-efficient than other bulbs and last longer. They also emit a cool white light ideal for task lighting, such as kitchens.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1658741401629"><strong class="schema-faq-question">What bulbs do downlights use?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Downlights use a range of bulb types, depending on your home design. The most common downlight bulbs for home use are MR16, and GU10 LED.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1658741416973"><strong class="schema-faq-question">What are the 4 types of bulbs?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">There are many light bulbs for downlights; we&#8217;ve covered 7 in our article above. However, the 4 most common are MR16, GU10 LED, E27, and M11.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1658741431071"><strong class="schema-faq-question">What are the 3 types of light bulbs?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">There are many light bulbs for downlights; we&#8217;ve covered 7 in our article above. However, the 4 most common are MR16, GU10 LED, and E27.</p> </div> </div>
<div class="saboxplugin-wrap" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person" itemscope itemprop="author"><div class="saboxplugin-tab"><div class="saboxplugin-gravatar"><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2022/07/Screenshot-2022-07-21-at-18.00.42.png" width="100"  height="100" alt="" itemprop="image"></div><div class="saboxplugin-authorname"><a href="https://buildiro.com/magazine/author/luke/" class="vcard author" rel="author" itemprop="url"><span class="fn" itemprop="name">Matt</span></a></div><div class="saboxplugin-desc"><div itemprop="description"><p>Matt is a professional copywriter and researcher over at <a href="https://sucklessatcontent.com/">https://sucklessatcontent.com/</a>. When he can be prised away from his PC, his wife enjoys setting him DIY tasks around the house.</p>
</div></div><div class="clearfix"></div></div></div>

Downlights are a type of light fixture installed in the ceiling and provide general lighting for a room. There are many different types of downlight bulbs, and it is helpful to know the differences between them to choose the best one for your needs. This article will explain the different types of downlight bulbs and their applications.



The 7 main types of downlight bulb



MR16







The most common type of downlight bulb is the MR16. It is a small, round bulb typically used in recessed lighting fixtures. MR16 bulbs come in various low wattages and beam angles and can be either incandescent or halogen. The MR16 is also known as the GU5.3 bulb. Early versions of the MR16 used tungsten filaments, but newer versions use halogen gas to produce a brighter light. Alongside the halogen bulb, they use a transformer as part of their operation.



GU10 LED







A GU10 LED uses light emitting diodes (LEDs) instead of incandescent or halogen filaments. LED bulbs are more efficient than traditional bulbs and last much longer. GU10 LEDs are available in various wattages and beam angles and are the most common LED downlight types.



MR11







The MR11 is a small, round bulb similar to the MR16. However, MR11 bulbs have a lower wattage and a narrower beam angle. They are typically used for accent lighting or in-track lighting fixtures. You will find these mostly in kitchens. They are used to spotlight sections of the countertops or as accents within the skirting of the cabinets.



G4 and G9 Globes







These smaller format bulbs are frequently used for spotlights and accent lighting. The G4 is a small, square bulb with 12 or 24 volts. It has 2 pins sticking out of the bottom and typically emits a warm white light. The G9 is similar to the G4 but is slightly larger and uses 120 volts. It also has 2 pins on the bottom, but it emits brighter light. These bulbs are often used in display cases or as accent lighting in the home.



AR111







An AR111 is a larger format bulb that uses 110 or 130 volts. It has a reflector in the centre and an aluminium shell around the outside. The beam angle on these bulbs is very wide, making them ideal for general lighting applications. You will often see these used in retail stores or as floodlights.



E27 and E26







E27 and E26 are the standard light bulb sizes in North America. E27 bulbs use 220-240 volts and have an Edison screw base. E26 bulbs use 120 volts and also have a screw base. Both bulb types come in various shapes, sizes, and wattages. They are typically used for general lighting applications such as table lamps or floor lamps.







PL Lamps







PL lamps are a type of fluorescent light bulb used in recessed lighting fixtures. They come in various sizes and wattages and have a base that is either a 2-pin or 4-pin configuration. PL lamps typically emit a cool white light and are more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs. They are generally used in commercial locations.



How to know which bulb is right



When choosing a downlight bulb, you must consider the wattage, beam angle, and type of light fixture you have. The wattage will determine how bright the light is, and the beam angle will determine how wide the light spreads. You also must ensure that your bulb is compatible with your light fixture. For example, if you have a GU10 LED fixture, you must choose a GU10 LED bulb. You cannot use a different type of bulb.



Wattage



The wattage of a downlight bulb is important to consider because it will determine how bright the light is. If you are using the bulb for general lighting, you will want to choose a higher wattage so that the light is bright enough. If you are using the bulb for accent lighting or task lighting, you will want to choose a lower wattage so that the light is not too bright.



Beam angle



The beam angle of a downlight bulb is essential to consider because it will determine how wide the light spreads. If you are using the bulb for general lighting, you will want to choose a wider beam angle.



Conclusion



Now that you know the different types of downlight bulbs, you can understand the choices that have been made in your home lighting design and the intended results. If you plan to change fittings,&nbsp; you can pick the bulb that best suits your needs. You might want to try a wider beam angle for general living areas or a narrower beam angle for task lighting in the kitchen. Choosing the correct bulb will help you get the most out of your lighting.



FAQ



What are the different types of downlights? The most common types of downlights are LED, halogen, and fluorescent.LED downlight bulb types are more energy-efficient than other bulbs and last longer. They also emit a cool white light ideal for task lighting, such as kitchens.  What bulbs do downlights use? Downlights use a range of bulb types, depending on your home design. The most common downlight bulbs for home use are MR16, and GU10 LED.  What are the 4 types of bulbs? There are many light bulbs for downlights; we&#8217;ve covered 7 in our article above. However, the 4 most common are MR16, GU10 LED, E27, and M11.  What are the 3 types of light bulbs? There are many light bulbs for downlights; we&#8217;ve covered 7 in our article above. However, the 4 most common are MR16, GU10 LED, and E27.  
MattMatt is a professional copywriter and researcher over at https://sucklessatcontent.com/. When he can be prised away from his PC, his wife enjoys setting him DIY tasks around the house.

Downlights are a type of light fixture installed in the ceiling and provide general lighting for a room. There are many different types of downlight bulbs, and it is helpful to know the differences between them to choose the best one for your needs. This article will explain the different types of downlight bulbs and their applications.

What are the Different Types of Downlight Bulbs?


<p>Here are <a href="file:///F:/Dropbox/Fiverr%20-%20Customer%20Orders/2022-07-22%20DIY%20Articles/buildiro.com">buildiro.com</a> we receive a lot of questions about which light bulbs to use and how many are needed to properly light a room, particularly when it comes to downlights/spotlights.</p>



<p>The answer can be surprisingly complex and will depend on the type of bulbs you choose to use and the usage of the room you are trying to illuminate. We&#8217;ve gathered together some of your questions to try and cover as many as possible in this one short article.</p>



<h2>How is light measured?</h2>



<p>For most of your life, you&#8217;ve probably checked out the wattage of a light bulb when deciding which one to use to replace your existing bulbs. But as energy-efficient bulbs have proliferated across the market, and the wattages have stopped being a reliable way to gauge the output of bulbs, the focus has moved to lumens and lux as measurements.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2022/07/kitchen-in-light-colours-2021-08-26-15-43-10-utc-1.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-3403" width="678" height="452"/></figure>



<h2>Lumens v Lux &#8211; What is the difference?</h2>



<p>Lumens measure the total amount of light output from a bulb, whereas lux measures the intensity of light on a particular surface. A lumen can be thought of as how much light is emitted from a bulb, whereas lux measures how brightly that light will appear when it hits an object. For example, a 1000 Lumen light source will illuminate 1 square meter with 1000 Lux or 10 square meters with only 100 Lux. This means we would get a different measurement of lux on a sideboard, for example, for the same light bulb, based on the distance of the bulb from the surface. If this sounds complicated, this should simplify it &#8211; a lightbulb in the ceiling will light up a sideboard brighter than the floor because the floor is further away.</p>



<p>Here is a handy conversion table to help you understand the typical lumens you can expect from bulbs of a specific wattage.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Brightness in Lumens</td><td>200+</td><td>400+</td><td>700+</td><td>900+</td><td>1300+</td></tr><tr><td>Traditional Bulb</td><td>25W</td><td>40W</td><td>60W</td><td>75W</td><td>100W</td></tr><tr><td>Halogen Bulb</td><td>18W</td><td>28W</td><td>42W</td><td>53W</td><td>70W</td></tr><tr><td>CFL Bulb</td><td>6W</td><td>9W</td><td>12W</td><td>15W</td><td>20W</td></tr><tr><td>LED Bulb</td><td>4W</td><td>6W</td><td>10W</td><td>13W</td><td>18W</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2>How many lumens do I need for a spotlight?</h2>



<p>The necessary lumens of each bulb will depend on its usage. For example, a bulb installed just a few feet above a counter as a task light is intended to highlight an area to allow for easier and safer work, but because it is closer to the counter than your ceiling lights, the bulb itself would not need to exceed the lights installed for ambience.</p>



<p>However, if you were attempting to use ceiling lights directly above a counter to create the highlight effect, those bulbs would require higher lumens than those used to create a general light level in the room.</p>



<p>Because of this complexity, we talk about the measurement of lux on the surfaces to be illuminated, as we will do in the following examples.</p>



<h2>How many ceiling spotlights do I need?</h2>



<p>So, as we stated above, the usage of a room will alter the number of spotlights you need. It&#8217;s important to factor in how often the space is used and for what purposes. Also, personal preferences will affect how brightly you like your room lit.</p>



<p>For regular rooms, where ambience wins over task lighting, such as the bedroom or living room spaces, a lux level of 150 at floor level is often recommended. This can be achieved with as few as 2-5 bulbs in smaller rooms, placed around the room at strategic positions. However, bear in mind that while fewer, brighter light bulbs might provide sufficient illumination, spreading the load between more bulbs at a lower lumens value will give a more even lighting result.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>&nbsp;</strong></td><td><strong>2m</strong></td><td><strong>3m</strong></td><td><strong>4m</strong></td><td><strong>5m</strong></td><td><strong>6m</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>2m</strong></td><td>2</td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>4</td><td>5</td></tr><tr><td><strong>3m</strong></td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>6</td><td>6</td><td>8</td></tr><tr><td><strong>4m</strong></td><td>4</td><td>6</td><td>6</td><td>8</td><td>9</td></tr><tr><td><strong>5m</strong></td><td>4</td><td>6</td><td>8</td><td>9</td><td>10</td></tr><tr><td><strong>6m</strong></td><td>5</td><td>8</td><td>9</td><td>10</td><td>12</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<p>The estimated number of bulbs on each table in this article is based on using 8W LED spotlights with a 2.4m ceiling. Each bulb would emit approximately 500 lumens.</p>



<h2>How many spotlights do I need in my kitchen?</h2>



<p>Needless to say, kitchens typically need a brighter light level to ensure that we can safely work with sharp implements and do complicated kitchen tasks.</p>



<p>For areas where task lighting is more important, such as kitchens or bathrooms, a lux level of 300-500 is advised at counter-top height. This will require more spotlights, but the difference in light quality will be significant.</p>



<p>Under-cabinet lighting can also supplement the light in a kitchen, particularly if there are no windows in the room. This is a great way to add task lighting without installing extra spotlights in the ceiling.</p>



<p>If we assume all lighting comes from the ceiling and you require even lighting across the room, you can use the following table to gauge how many bulbs you need.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>&nbsp;</strong></td><td><strong>2m</strong></td><td><strong>3m</strong></td><td><strong>4m</strong></td><td><strong>5m</strong></td><td><strong>6m</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>2m</strong></td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>5</td><td>6</td><td>7</td></tr><tr><td><strong>3m</strong></td><td>3</td><td>8</td><td>8</td><td>10</td><td>12</td></tr><tr><td><strong>4m</strong></td><td>5</td><td>8</td><td>12</td><td>15</td><td>18</td></tr><tr><td><strong>5m</strong></td><td>6</td><td>10</td><td>15</td><td>16</td><td>20</td></tr><tr><td><strong>6m</strong></td><td>7</td><td>12</td><td>18</td><td>20</td><td>25</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2>How many spotlights do I need in my bathroom?</h2>



<p>Bathrooms are an interesting mix of wanting task lighting and also a gentler ambience. As such, we recommend a 200 lux measurement at floor level.</p>



<p>If anyone in the house likes to use the bathroom mirror for doing their make-up, you might require additional lighting above or around the mirror, but otherwise, even lighting across the room will provide flattering light without exposing every flaw.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2022/08/pexels-vecislavas-popa-3741317.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-3422" width="700" height="1050"/></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>&nbsp;</strong></td><td><strong>2m</strong></td><td><strong>3m</strong></td><td><strong>4m</strong></td><td><strong>5m</strong></td><td><strong>6m</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>2m</strong></td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>6</td><td>6</td><td>8</td></tr><tr><td><strong>3m</strong></td><td>4</td><td>6</td><td>8</td><td>9</td><td>10</td></tr><tr><td><strong>4m</strong></td><td>6</td><td>8</td><td>9</td><td>12</td><td>12</td></tr><tr><td><strong>5m</strong></td><td>6</td><td>9</td><td>12</td><td>12</td><td>15</td></tr><tr><td><strong>6m</strong></td><td>8</td><td>10</td><td>12</td><td>15</td><td>20</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2>How many lumens do I need for a spotlight?</h2>



<p>If you&#8217;re happy using 8W LED downlights (Roughly equivalent to traditional 40-60W lightbulbs), you can use our tables above as a guide for how many lightbulbs you need.</p>



<p>However, if you have something else in mind, here is how you can calculate the lumens needed for a room.</p>



<p>1. Measure the room&#8217;s square footage. Multiple Length x Width to get square footage.</p>



<p>2. Identify your room usage (below) to get the necessary &#8220;footcandle&#8221; measurement.</p>



<ul><li>Living room or bedroom &#8211; 10 to 20</li><li>Kitchen or Dining room (Ambient) &#8211; 30 to 40</li><li>Kitchen (Task lighting) &#8211; 70 to 80</li><li>Hallway &#8211; 5 to 10</li><li>Bathroom &#8211; 60 to 80</li></ul>



<p>3. Multiple the room&#8217;s square footage by the footcandle suggestion. For example, a 4-metre x 3-metre (130 square-foot) living room, lit to the brighter end of our suggestion,* at 20 footcandles, would need 2600 lumens to light it sufficiently.</p>



<p>4. Work out how many bulbs you need. If we continue using our 8W / 500 lumen LED downlighters, it would require 6 bulbs to light the room. Or you could opt for brighter bulbs, perhaps 10W / 700 Lumen bulbs, requiring only 4 downlights.</p>



<h2>Conclusion</h2>



<p>At first glance, it can appear complicated to understand how many spotlights you need. However, following the simple steps above, you can easily calculate how to light your room sufficiently without going overboard or underlighting the room. So next time you&#8217;re wondering, &#8220;How many downlights do I need?&#8221; come back to this article and see how to work it out.</p>
<div class="saboxplugin-wrap" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person" itemscope itemprop="author"><div class="saboxplugin-tab"><div class="saboxplugin-gravatar"><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2022/07/Screenshot-2022-07-21-at-18.00.42.png" width="100"  height="100" alt="" itemprop="image"></div><div class="saboxplugin-authorname"><a href="https://buildiro.com/magazine/author/luke/" class="vcard author" rel="author" itemprop="url"><span class="fn" itemprop="name">Matt</span></a></div><div class="saboxplugin-desc"><div itemprop="description"><p>Matt is a professional copywriter and researcher over at <a href="https://sucklessatcontent.com/">https://sucklessatcontent.com/</a>. When he can be prised away from his PC, his wife enjoys setting him DIY tasks around the house.</p>
</div></div><div class="clearfix"></div></div></div>

Here are buildiro.com we receive a lot of questions about which light bulbs to use and how many are needed to properly light a room, particularly when it comes to downlights/spotlights.



The answer can be surprisingly complex and will depend on the type of bulbs you choose to use and the usage of the room you are trying to illuminate. We&#8217;ve gathered together some of your questions to try and cover as many as possible in this one short article.



How is light measured?



For most of your life, you&#8217;ve probably checked out the wattage of a light bulb when deciding which one to use to replace your existing bulbs. But as energy-efficient bulbs have proliferated across the market, and the wattages have stopped being a reliable way to gauge the output of bulbs, the focus has moved to lumens and lux as measurements.







Lumens v Lux &#8211; What is the difference?



Lumens measure the total amount of light output from a bulb, whereas lux measures the intensity of light on a particular surface. A lumen can be thought of as how much light is emitted from a bulb, whereas lux measures how brightly that light will appear when it hits an object. For example, a 1000 Lumen light source will illuminate 1 square meter with 1000 Lux or 10 square meters with only 100 Lux. This means we would get a different measurement of lux on a sideboard, for example, for the same light bulb, based on the distance of the bulb from the surface. If this sounds complicated, this should simplify it &#8211; a lightbulb in the ceiling will light up a sideboard brighter than the floor because the floor is further away.



Here is a handy conversion table to help you understand the typical lumens you can expect from bulbs of a specific wattage.



Brightness in Lumens200+400+700+900+1300+Traditional Bulb25W40W60W75W100WHalogen Bulb18W28W42W53W70WCFL Bulb6W9W12W15W20WLED Bulb4W6W10W13W18W



How many lumens do I need for a spotlight?



The necessary lumens of each bulb will depend on its usage. For example, a bulb installed just a few feet above a counter as a task light is intended to highlight an area to allow for easier and safer work, but because it is closer to the counter than your ceiling lights, the bulb itself would not need to exceed the lights installed for ambience.



However, if you were attempting to use ceiling lights directly above a counter to create the highlight effect, those bulbs would require higher lumens than those used to create a general light level in the room.



Because of this complexity, we talk about the measurement of lux on the surfaces to be illuminated, as we will do in the following examples.



How many ceiling spotlights do I need?



So, as we stated above, the usage of a room will alter the number of spotlights you need. It&#8217;s important to factor in how often the space is used and for what purposes. Also, personal preferences will affect how brightly you like your room lit.



For regular rooms, where ambience wins over task lighting, such as the bedroom or living room spaces, a lux level of 150 at floor level is often recommended. This can be achieved with as few as 2-5 bulbs in smaller rooms, placed around the room at strategic positions. However, bear in mind that while fewer, brighter light bulbs might provide sufficient illumination, spreading the load between more bulbs at a lower lumens value will give a more even lighting result.



&nbsp;2m3m4m5m6m2m234453m346684m466895m4689106m5891012



The estimated number of bulbs on each table in this article is based on using 8W LED spotlights with a 2.4m ceiling. Each bulb would emit approximately 500 lumens.



How many spotlights do I need in my kitchen?



Needless to say, kitchens typically need a brighter light level to ensure that we can safely work with sharp implements and do complicated kitchen tasks.



For areas where task lighting is more important, such as kitchens or bathrooms, a lux level of 300-500 is advised at counter-top height. This will require more spotlights, but the difference in light quality will be significant.



Under-cabinet lighting can also supplement the light in a kitchen, particularly if there are no windows in the room. This is a great way to add task lighting without installing extra spotlights in the ceiling.



If we assume all lighting comes from the ceiling and you require even lighting across the room, you can use the following table to gauge how many bulbs you need.



&nbsp;2m3m4m5m6m2m345673m38810124m581215185m6101516206m712182025



How many spotlights do I need in my bathroom?



Bathrooms are an interesting mix of wanting task lighting and also a gentler ambience. As such, we recommend a 200 lux measurement at floor level.



If anyone in the house likes to use the bathroom mirror for doing their make-up, you might require additional lighting above or around the mirror, but otherwise, even lighting across the room will provide flattering light without exposing every flaw.







&nbsp;2m3m4m5m6m2m346683m4689104m68912125m691212156m810121520



How many lumens do I need for a spotlight?



If you&#8217;re happy using 8W LED downlights (Roughly equivalent to traditional 40-60W lightbulbs), you can use our tables above as a guide for how many lightbulbs you need.



However, if you have something else in mind, here is how you can calculate the lumens needed for a room.



1. Measure the room&#8217;s square footage. Multiple Length x Width to get square footage.



2. Identify your room usage (below) to get the necessary &#8220;footcandle&#8221; measurement.



Living room or bedroom &#8211; 10 to 20Kitchen or Dining room (Ambient) &#8211; 30 to 40Kitchen (Task lighting) &#8211; 70 to 80Hallway &#8211; 5 to 10Bathroom &#8211; 60 to 80



3. Multiple the room&#8217;s square footage by the footcandle suggestion. For example, a 4-metre x 3-metre (130 square-foot) living room, lit to the brighter end of our suggestion,* at 20 footcandles, would need 2600 lumens to light it sufficiently.



4. Work out how many bulbs you need. If we continue using our 8W / 500 lumen LED downlighters, it would require 6 bulbs to light the room. Or you could opt for brighter bulbs, perhaps 10W / 700 Lumen bulbs, requiring only 4 downlights.



Conclusion



At first glance, it can appear complicated to understand how many spotlights you need. However, following the simple steps above, you can easily calculate how to light your room sufficiently without going overboard or underlighting the room. So next time you&#8217;re wondering, &#8220;How many downlights do I need?&#8221; come back to this article and see how to work it out.
MattMatt is a professional copywriter and researcher over at https://sucklessatcontent.com/. When he can be prised away from his PC, his wife enjoys setting him DIY tasks around the house.

Here are buildiro.com we receive a lot of questions about which light bulbs to use and how many are needed to properly light a room, particularly when it comes to downlights/spotlights.
The answer can be surprisingly complex and will depend on the type of bulbs you choose to use and the usage of the room you are trying to illuminate. We've gathered together some of your questions to try and cover as many as possible in this one short article.


How many spotlights do I need?

Luke


<p>Downlights are among the most popular lights used in residential and commercial spaces. They offer a sleek, modern look and can be installed in various ways to achieve different effects. Contrary to popular belief, downlights are not as tricky to install as many believe. In fact, with the right tools and some basic knowledge, anyone can do it!</p>



<p>We&#8217;ve got you covered if you&#8217;ve ever wondered how to install downlights. Let&#8217;s take a look at how to fit downlights in a few easy steps.</p>



<h2>The Buildiro 6-step guide to installing downlights</h2>



<h3>1. Getting Ready</h3>



<p>The first step in fitting a downlight is gathering the correct tools and materials. You will need a <a href="https://buildiro.com/category/tools-hand-tools-screwdrivers-and-hex-keys-mains-testers">screwdriver</a>, <a href="https://buildiro.com/category/tools-power-tools-drills">drill</a>, <a href="https://buildiro.com/category/tools-hand-tools-hammers-crowbars-and-axes-hammers">hammer</a>, <a href="https://buildiro.com/category/tools-woodworking-tools-wood-chisels">chisel</a>, <a href="https://buildiro.com/category/tools-measuring-tools-tape-measures">tape measure</a>, <a href="https://buildiro.com/category/tools-measuring-tools-spirit-levels">spirit level</a>, and downlights.</p>



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<div class="wp-block-columns">
<div class="wp-block-column">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2022/07/Untitled-design-_48_.webp" alt="chisel" class="wp-image-3336" width="250" height="250"/></figure>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2022/07/Untitled-design-_49_.webp" alt="tape measure" class="wp-image-3337" width="250" height="250"/></figure>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2022/07/Untitled-design-_50_.webp" alt="spirit level" class="wp-image-3338" width="250" height="250"/></figure>
</div>
</div>



<h3>2. Check for safety features</h3>



<p>Once you have all of the correct tools, it is time to mark out where you want the downlights to go. Before fitting downlighters into ceiling spaces, it is essential to check that the installation will not compromise the building regulations by reducing the property&#8217;s fire safety. Ceilings should slow the spread of fire, but multiple holes can hinder this protection if the ceiling has been damaged during installation. It is recommended that you use fire-rated downlights that will not reduce the overall fire safety of the ceiling.</p>



<h3>3. Positioning</h3>



<p>The primary light source in most kitchens and bathrooms is artificial ceiling lighting. For this reason, downlights are often positioned in these areas, allowing light to be focused where it is needed most. It is essential to use a tape measure and mark out the positions of the downlights on the ceiling with a pencil.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" width="1000" height="670" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2022/07/shutterstock_1362910358.webp" alt="downlight fitting" class="wp-image-3341"/></figure>



<p>The number of lights required will depend on the size of the room and the desired effect. In a typical ceiling downlights installation, in rooms that require brighter illumination, such as kitchens, downlights are typically used every 1.2m to 1.4m.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="How to install downlighters/downlights. LED downlight installation." width="1300" height="731" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DjtB6OnjvlE?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<h3>4. Drilling Holes</h3>



<p>The next step in fitting ceiling downlights is to know where to drill the holes. Use a stud finder to help you avoid electrical wires and other hidden dangers. Once you have located the joists, mark where the holes need to be drilled with a pencil.</p>



<p>As the joists should be equally spaced, you should be able to estimate where they all are once you have located a few. We recommend drilling your holes at least 6 inches from a joist.</p>



<p>Drill a pilot hole, and then assess from above to ensure that you are clear to carry on fitting the downlights in the positions you have chosen. If you cannot assess from above, you may need to try probing with a wire to ensure there are no obstacles before cutting out the plasterboard.</p>



<p>The hole size will depend on the type of light you are using. It is essential to make sure that the hole is big enough to fit the light securely. Once you have marked out the desired location of the downlights, use a drill to create holes for them. The size of the hole will depend on the size of the downlight.</p>



<h3>5. How to wire downlights</h3>



<p>It is important to know how to wire downlights in ceiling spaces. If you are not confident dealing with electricity, we strongly recommend hiring a professional when fitting LED downlights or other electrical projects.</p>



<p>However, assuming you know what you&#8217;re doing and just need a little specific guidance on how to wire downlights in a ceiling, we&#8217;re here to guide you.</p>



<p>Downlights are wired in series, meaning the electricity flows from one light to the next in a loop. The first downlight in the circuit is connected to the light switch. Each subsequent light is connected to the previous light in the circuit. The final light in the circuit is also linked back to the main supply, completing the loop.</p>



<p>If you&#8217;re planning a large run of lights, we&#8217;d recommend you create a downlight wiring circuit diagram to ensure that you don&#8217;t make a mistake in your downlight connection process.</p>



<p>Having run the wiring through your ceiling, use chocboxes to connect the downlight fittings to the wires, as this is the easiest way to make the connections.</p>



<h3>6. Insert the downlight</h3>



<p>At this point, you should have your downlights hanging from the ceiling. The final task is to insert the downlights into the drilled holes.</p>



<p>There are several fitting types, but the most popular are spring-loaded or twist-and-lock. With a spring-loaded fitting, simply push the downlight up into place, and it will &#8216;click&#8217; into position. For a twist-and-lock fitting, screw the downlight in until it is tight.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2022/07/shutterstock_2133106823.webp" alt="fit downlight" class="wp-image-3339"/></figure>



<p>Be careful not to over-tighten the downlight as this could damage the fitting.</p>



<p>Downlights can get hot, so it is vital to check that they are not in contact with combustible materials, such as insulation.</p>



<p>Finally, turn on the electricity at the fuse box and test your new lights. If you have wired them correctly, they should all turn on.</p>



<h2>Conclusion</h2>



<p>And that&#8217;s it! You have now successfully installed your downlights. Remember to carefully dispose of any offcuts and packaging and switch on your new light fittings at the fuse box.</p>



<p>Why not check out our other home improvement advice if you found this guide helpful? From painting and decorating tips to how to install a new kitchen, we&#8217;ve here to help you. Below are some common questions we often receive on this topic.</p>



<h2>FAQ</h2>



<div class="schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1658316489149"><strong class="schema-faq-question">Can I install my own downlights?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Many people are rightly worried about dealing with electricity and turn to professional installation services. This is likely to be faster, neater, and safer. However, installing downlights yourself is possible if you are confident in dealing with electricity and have the right tools.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1658316503718"><strong class="schema-faq-question">How do you fit a downlight fitting?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">The two most common types of downlight fittings are spring-loaded and twist-and-lock, giving you a choice on how to fix downlights to ceiling spaces in your home. With a spring-loaded fitting, simply push the downlight up into place, and it will &#8216;click&#8217; into position. For a twist-and-lock fitting, screw the downlight in until it is tight.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1658316518965"><strong class="schema-faq-question">How do you install a ceiling light?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">If you&#8217;ve wondered how to install LED downlights in a ceiling, follow our 5-step guide to fit a downlight in ceiling spaces to enjoy energy-efficient and stylish lighting in your home.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1658316525705"><strong class="schema-faq-question">Can you fit downlights without lifting floorboards?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">If you don&#8217;t want to lift your floorboards, you could try to fish the wiring through an existing hole. However, this is more difficult and may not be possible depending on the layout of your home. A stiff, bent wire can let you feel around for obstacles that will prevent you from successfully installing the lighting.</p> </div> </div>
<div class="saboxplugin-wrap" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person" itemscope itemprop="author"><div class="saboxplugin-tab"><div class="saboxplugin-gravatar"><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2022/10/Screenshot-2022-10-30-at-16.46.22.png" width="100"  height="100" alt="" itemprop="image"></div><div class="saboxplugin-authorname"><a href="https://buildiro.com/magazine/author/luke-p/" class="vcard author" rel="author" itemprop="url"><span class="fn" itemprop="name">Luke</span></a></div><div class="saboxplugin-desc"><div itemprop="description"><p>Luke is the founder of Buildiro.com and he is passionate about construction and building. His mission is to show people how to make things done fast and easy.</p>
</div></div><div class="clearfix"></div><div class="saboxplugin-socials "><a target="_self" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-polach-b863305b/" aria-label="Linkedin" rel="nofollow noopener" class="saboxplugin-icon-grey"><svg aria-hidden="true" class="sab-linkedin" role="img" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 448 512"><path fill="currentColor" d="M100.3 480H7.4V180.9h92.9V480zM53.8 140.1C24.1 140.1 0 115.5 0 85.8 0 56.1 24.1 32 53.8 32c29.7 0 53.8 24.1 53.8 53.8 0 29.7-24.1 54.3-53.8 54.3zM448 480h-92.7V334.4c0-34.7-.7-79.2-48.3-79.2-48.3 0-55.7 37.7-55.7 76.7V480h-92.8V180.9h89.1v40.8h1.3c12.4-23.5 42.7-48.3 87.9-48.3 94 0 111.3 61.9 111.3 142.3V480z"></path></svg></span></a></div></div></div>

Downlights are among the most popular lights used in residential and commercial spaces. They offer a sleek, modern look and can be installed in various ways to achieve different effects. Contrary to popular belief, downlights are not as tricky to install as many believe. In fact, with the right tools and some basic knowledge, anyone can do it!



We&#8217;ve got you covered if you&#8217;ve ever wondered how to install downlights. Let&#8217;s take a look at how to fit downlights in a few easy steps.



The Buildiro 6-step guide to installing downlights



1. Getting Ready



The first step in fitting a downlight is gathering the correct tools and materials. You will need a screwdriver, drill, hammer, chisel, tape measure, spirit level, and downlights.











































2. Check for safety features



Once you have all of the correct tools, it is time to mark out where you want the downlights to go. Before fitting downlighters into ceiling spaces, it is essential to check that the installation will not compromise the building regulations by reducing the property&#8217;s fire safety. Ceilings should slow the spread of fire, but multiple holes can hinder this protection if the ceiling has been damaged during installation. It is recommended that you use fire-rated downlights that will not reduce the overall fire safety of the ceiling.



3. Positioning



The primary light source in most kitchens and bathrooms is artificial ceiling lighting. For this reason, downlights are often positioned in these areas, allowing light to be focused where it is needed most. It is essential to use a tape measure and mark out the positions of the downlights on the ceiling with a pencil.







The number of lights required will depend on the size of the room and the desired effect. In a typical ceiling downlights installation, in rooms that require brighter illumination, such as kitchens, downlights are typically used every 1.2m to 1.4m.









4. Drilling Holes



The next step in fitting ceiling downlights is to know where to drill the holes. Use a stud finder to help you avoid electrical wires and other hidden dangers. Once you have located the joists, mark where the holes need to be drilled with a pencil.



As the joists should be equally spaced, you should be able to estimate where they all are once you have located a few. We recommend drilling your holes at least 6 inches from a joist.



Drill a pilot hole, and then assess from above to ensure that you are clear to carry on fitting the downlights in the positions you have chosen. If you cannot assess from above, you may need to try probing with a wire to ensure there are no obstacles before cutting out the plasterboard.



The hole size will depend on the type of light you are using. It is essential to make sure that the hole is big enough to fit the light securely. Once you have marked out the desired location of the downlights, use a drill to create holes for them. The size of the hole will depend on the size of the downlight.



5. How to wire downlights



It is important to know how to wire downlights in ceiling spaces. If you are not confident dealing with electricity, we strongly recommend hiring a professional when fitting LED downlights or other electrical projects.



However, assuming you know what you&#8217;re doing and just need a little specific guidance on how to wire downlights in a ceiling, we&#8217;re here to guide you.



Downlights are wired in series, meaning the electricity flows from one light to the next in a loop. The first downlight in the circuit is connected to the light switch. Each subsequent light is connected to the previous light in the circuit. The final light in the circuit is also linked back to the main supply, completing the loop.



If you&#8217;re planning a large run of lights, we&#8217;d recommend you create a downlight wiring circuit diagram to ensure that you don&#8217;t make a mistake in your downlight connection process.



Having run the wiring through your ceiling, use chocboxes to connect the downlight fittings to the wires, as this is the easiest way to make the connections.



6. Insert the downlight



At this point, you should have your downlights hanging from the ceiling. The final task is to insert the downlights into the drilled holes.



There are several fitting types, but the most popular are spring-loaded or twist-and-lock. With a spring-loaded fitting, simply push the downlight up into place, and it will &#8216;click&#8217; into position. For a twist-and-lock fitting, screw the downlight in until it is tight.







Be careful not to over-tighten the downlight as this could damage the fitting.



Downlights can get hot, so it is vital to check that they are not in contact with combustible materials, such as insulation.



Finally, turn on the electricity at the fuse box and test your new lights. If you have wired them correctly, they should all turn on.



Conclusion



And that&#8217;s it! You have now successfully installed your downlights. Remember to carefully dispose of any offcuts and packaging and switch on your new light fittings at the fuse box.



Why not check out our other home improvement advice if you found this guide helpful? From painting and decorating tips to how to install a new kitchen, we&#8217;ve here to help you. Below are some common questions we often receive on this topic.



FAQ



Can I install my own downlights? Many people are rightly worried about dealing with electricity and turn to professional installation services. This is likely to be faster, neater, and safer. However, installing downlights yourself is possible if you are confident in dealing with electricity and have the right tools.  How do you fit a downlight fitting? The two most common types of downlight fittings are spring-loaded and twist-and-lock, giving you a choice on how to fix downlights to ceiling spaces in your home. With a spring-loaded fitting, simply push the downlight up into place, and it will &#8216;click&#8217; into position. For a twist-and-lock fitting, screw the downlight in until it is tight.  How do you install a ceiling light? If you&#8217;ve wondered how to install LED downlights in a ceiling, follow our 5-step guide to fit a downlight in ceiling spaces to enjoy energy-efficient and stylish lighting in your home.  Can you fit downlights without lifting floorboards? If you don&#8217;t want to lift your floorboards, you could try to fish the wiring through an existing hole. However, this is more difficult and may not be possible depending on the layout of your home. A stiff, bent wire can let you feel around for obstacles that will prevent you from successfully installing the lighting.  
LukeLuke is the founder of Buildiro.com and he is passionate about construction and building. His mission is to show people how to make things done fast and easy.

Downlights are among the most popular lights used in residential and commercial spaces. They offer a sleek, modern look and can be installed in various ways to achieve different effects. Contrary to popular belief, downlights are not as tricky to install as many believe. In fact, with the right tools and some basic knowledge, anyone can do it!

How to Fit Downlights

downlights &#8211; Buildiro Magazine

alias

CategoryPageCategoriesQuery

CategoryList_categories

CategoryBar_categories

Categories_categories

productCategoryTree

uuid

depth

name

description

faq_items

parent

L1PageCategory_category

L2PageCategory_category

onlyValid

productCategoryTreeAll

children

image_url

additional_html

query CategoryPageCategoriesQuery(
  $alias: String!
) {
  ...CategoryList_categories
  ...CategoryBar_categories
  ...Categories_categories
  productCategoryTree(alias: $alias) {
    uuid
    depth
    name
    description
    alias
    faq_items {
      question
      answer
    }
    parent {
      name
    }
    ...L1PageCategory_category
    ...L2PageCategory_category
  }
}

fragment Categories_categories on Query {
  productCategoryTreeAll(onlyValid: true) {
    alias
    name
    children {
      alias
      name
      children {
        alias
        name
        children {
          alias
          name
          children {
            alias
            name
            children {
              alias
              name
              children {
                alias
                name
              }
            }
          }
        }
      }
    }
  }
}

fragment CategoryBar_categories on Query {
  productCategoryTreeAll(onlyValid: true) {
    alias
    name
  }
}

fragment CategoryBox_category on ProductCategoryTree {
  name
  alias
  uuid
  image_url
  children {
    uuid
    alias
    name
  }
}

fragment CategoryGrid_categories on ProductCategoryTree {
  children {
    uuid
    ...CategoryBox_category
  }
}

fragment CategoryList_categories on Query {
  productCategoryTreeAll(onlyValid: true) {
    alias
    name
    uuid
  }
}

fragment CategoryList_category on ProductCategoryTree {
  alias
}

fragment HeroCategoryPageHero_category on ProductCategoryTree {
  name
  image_url
  description
}

fragment L1PageCategory_category on ProductCategoryTree {
  name
  description
  alias
  image_url
  ...HeroCategoryPageHero_category
  ...CategoryGrid_categories
  ...CategoryList_category
}

fragment L2PageCategory_category on ProductCategoryTree {
  uuid
  name
  alias
  meta
  additional_html
  description
  image_url
  ...HeroCategoryPageHero_category
  ...CategoryGrid_categories
  children {
    uuid
  }
  faq_items {
    question
    answer
  }
  parent {
    alias
    name
    parent {
      alias
      name
      parent {
        alias
        name
        parent {
          alias
          name
          parent {
            alias
            name
            parent {
              alias
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              parent {
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            }
          }
        }
      }
    }
  }
}


SLV New Tria 1 downlight QPAR51 round black

Slv-New-Tria-1-Downlight-Qpar51-Round-Black

KnightsBridge GU10 50W 230V LED Compatible IC Fire Rated Tilting Downlight - Polished Chrome

Knightsbridge-Gu10-50w-230v-Led-Compatible-Ic-Fire-Rated-Tilting-Downlight-Polished-Chrome

KnightsBridge GU10 50W 230V LED Compatible IC Fire Rated Tilting Downlight - White

Knightsbridge-Gu10-50w-230v-Led-Compatible-Ic-Fire-Rated-Tilting-Downlight-White

KnightsBridge GU10 50W 230V LED Compatible IC Fire Rated Tilting Downlight - Brass

Knightsbridge-Gu10-50w-230v-Led-Compatible-Ic-Fire-Rated-Tilting-Downlight-Brass

KnightsBridge GU10 50W 230V LED Compatible IC Fire Rated Tilting Downlight - Brushed Chrome

Knightsbridge-Gu10-50w-230v-Led-Compatible-Ic-Fire-Rated-Tilting-Downlight-Brushed-Chrome

Carina LED downlight 2,700 K dim tilt 3-set chrome

Carina-Led-Downlight-2-700-K-Dim-Tilt-3-Set-Chrome

Enhance the modern aesthetic of your space with the sophisticated touch of downlights. These recessed lighting fixtures offer a sleek and minimalistic finish that seamlessly blends into your ceiling, making them a popular choice for contemporary interiors. Upgrade your lighting game with the understated elegance of downlights. Achieve a sleek and subtle aesthetic with our flush-fitting downlights, making them the perfect lighting solution for various interior spaces. Illuminate your kitchen with the bright and direct light of recessed downlights, a popular choice for this space. For your bathroom, choose from a specialist range of downlights explicitly designed for this area. With various bezel colours, IP ratings and beam colours from top trade brands, you can customise your lighting to fit your unique style and needs.

Retro Downlights

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