Matt


<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>



<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-_45_.webp" alt="electrical screwdriver" class="wp-image-3333" 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-_46_.webp" alt="drill" class="wp-image-3334" 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-_47_.webp" alt="hammer" class="wp-image-3335" width="250" height="250"/></figure>
</div>
</div>



<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
              name
              parent {
                alias
                name
              }
            }
          }
        }
      }
    }
  }
}


Ceiling spotlight Micro Line, brushed iron

Ceiling-Spotlight-Micro-Line-Brushed-Iron

Low-voltage recessed light stainless steel MR16

Low-Voltage-Recessed-Light-Stainless-Steel-Mr16

Low voltage recessed light in stainless steel

Low-Voltage-Recessed-Light-In-Stainless-Steel

DL7001 high-voltage downlight, brushed iron

Dl7001-High-Voltage-Downlight-Brushed-Iron

Inconspicuous Horn-O ceiling spotlight, black

Inconspicuous-Horn-O-Ceiling-Spotlight-Black

Horn-O recessed ceiling lamp, white

Horn-O-Recessed-Ceiling-Lamp-White

SLV Horn-T recessed light, black, reduced glare

Slv-Horn-T-Recessed-Light-Black-Reduced-Glare

EVN LQ230 recessed wall light direct anthracite

Evn-Lq230-Recessed-Wall-Light-Direct-Anthracite

EVN LR230 LED recessed wall light direct white

Evn-Lr230-Led-Recessed-Wall-Light-Direct-White

EVN LQ230 LED recessed wall light down anthracite

Evn-Lq230-Led-Recessed-Wall-Light-Down-Anthracite

EVN LD3102 recessed light 12V IP68 Ø1.8cm 0.2W 830

Evn-Ld3102-Recessed-Light-12v-Ip68-1-8cm-0-2w-830

EVN LD5102 recessed lamp 12 V IP68 0.3 W 830, lens

Evn-Ld5102-Recessed-Lamp-12-V-Ip68-0-3-W-830-Lens

EVN LD1102 recessed light 12V IP68 Ø1cm 0.1W 830

Evn-Ld1102-Recessed-Light-12v-Ip68-1cm-0-1w-830

EVN LD4102 recessed 12 V IP68 1.8x1.8 cm 0.2 W 830

Evn-Ld4102-Recessed-12-V-Ip68-1-8x1-8-Cm-0-2-W-830

ELC Dakarra recessed lamp 10-set, pivotable nickel

Elc-Dakarra-Recessed-Lamp-10-Set-Pivotable-Nickel

Astro Minima Round Adjustable recessed light white

Astro-Minima-Round-Adjustable-Recessed-Light-White

Astro Taro Round Adjustable downlight Ø 10 cm

Astro-Taro-Round-Adjustable-Downlight-10-Cm

Astro Taro Square Adjustable downlight 10 cm white

Astro-Taro-Square-Adjustable-Downlight-10-Cm-White

Astro Trimless Square Adjustable downlight GU10

Astro-Trimless-Square-Adjustable-Downlight-Gu10

Astro Minima Square Adjustable recessed lamp white

Astro-Minima-Square-Adjustable-Recessed-Lamp-White

Funky downlight angular, set back, aluminium

Funky-Downlight-Angular-Set-Back-Aluminium

LEDS-C4 Secret LED recessed wall light

Leds-C4-Secret-Led-Recessed-Wall-Light

Grok Ely LED recessed wall lamp with touch dimmer

Grok-Ely-Led-Recessed-Wall-Lamp-With-Touch-Dimmer

Ronzano 1 LED downlight white and silver

Ronzano-1-Led-Downlight-White-And-Silver

Achieve a more dramatic home interior with downlights. With a downlight on your ceiling, you can direct focus to pieces you want to showcase such as your painting or an expensive centrepiece. Many people looking for a downlight LED ask questions related to ‘recessed light wattage’, ‘downlight vs. pinlight, and ‘downlight vs. recessed light’. We think that getting downlights is always a good idea whether you need them for your home, office, or business space. A surface-mounted downlight, for example, can be great for small spaces.
 
If the Philips recessed downlight you found in a Philips LED downlight catalogue did not match your style, it’s time to consider other options for downlights here at Buildiro. We have a wide array of exceptional lighting options from reputable manufacturers such as Nyta, Oligo, SLV, Maytoni, Niermann, Nordlux, Searchlight, and Casablanca.
 
Our standards are high but our prices are kept as low as possible because our goal is to provide you with premium lighting at affordable rates. Discover other unique finds at our store and order them together with your downlights. Go to Buildiro now and we’ll deliver your orders to your home in no time!

Steel Downlights

Related Blog Posts