{"id":463,"date":"2020-09-17T11:21:07","date_gmt":"2020-09-17T10:21:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplelighting.co.uk\/blog\/?p=463"},"modified":"2021-05-24T07:49:44","modified_gmt":"2021-05-24T06:49:44","slug":"how-many-downlights-do-i-need","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.simplelighting.co.uk\/blog\/how-many-downlights-do-i-need\/","title":{"rendered":"How Many Downlights Do I Need"},"content":{"rendered":"

LED downlights are rising in popularity among customers looking for lighting for various purposes. It is hard to wonder why – LED bulbs<\/a> are highly efficient, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly, while downlights are incredibly versatile. They can be used as task lighting to create focal points (for example, in the kitchen), or be strategically placed all around the room to light up the entire space as the general lighting.<\/p>\n

The key to achieving the desired effect is the right number of lights. The final number will depend on many different factors, such as the size of the room, its decor and use, the amount of natural light, etc. However, there are some general rules that you should follow to calculate how many downlights you will need for lighting the space properly.<\/p>\n

To learn about the details, just keep reading!<\/p>\n

Plan It Carefully<\/h2>\n

It is always a great idea to put everything on paper first, even if you don’t work with a professional designer. It may be challenging to visualise it all in your head, and creating a plan will provide you with a much-needed perspective. This way, you\u2019ll be able to make some changes in the initial stages of the project, so that you\u2019ll avoid making a mess later on. It will help you determine whether your ideas are really worth considering.<\/span><\/p>\n

Identify the Focal Points<\/h2>\n

Once you have a self-made blueprint of your room, make sure to include furniture in it to be able to determine all the necessary focal points that will need more light than other places. For example, when it comes to the kitchen, you probably would like your countertops to be well-lighted, while in the bathroom, there should be more lights around the sink and the mirror.<\/p>\n

Start your planning with focal points and plan the rest downlights in the room around them.<\/p>\n

Determine How Much Light You Need<\/h2>\n

The general brightness of the light is measured in <\/span>lumens<\/b>. Make sure not to confuse them with <\/span>watts<\/b>, which refer to how much electricity a bulb needs to produce light.<\/span><\/p>\n

The rule of thumb here is to determine the <\/span>square metres<\/b> of the room (multiply the length by the width) and the <\/span>lux measurements<\/b> (how bright a light is on the surface, that is away from the light source – one lumen per square metre). Multiply one by another, and you will get the number of needed lumens. Bear in mind that it is only a suggestion and may not apply to all interiors. For example, if you have dark walls in a room, it may be a good idea to add 10 lumens more per square metre. You may also have some individual preferences, and they should be taken into consideration as well. If you prefer bright spaces, just go for it.<\/span><\/p>\n

A regular home lighting should be around 150 lux. However, for working or studying, you will need around 500 lux for optimal illumination, while more detailed tasks will require at least 750 lux.<\/span><\/p>\n

Consider the Lights<\/span><\/h2>\n

Obviously, not all downlights are the same, so it is vital to consider the variables, especially if you opt for some non-standard lighting solutions.<\/p>\n

A light with a narrower beam angle will be perfect for task lighting but may become irritating if used as a part of general lighting.<\/p>\n

If you plan to install lights in your bathroom, you should pay more attention to the IP ratings, which refer to the waterproofness of the bulbs.<\/p>\n

Consider the Ceiling Height<\/span><\/h2>\n

When it comes to planning the lights according to your ceiling height, the rule of thumb is to divide it by 2. For example, if your ceiling is 3 metres high, the downlights need to be around 1.5 metres apart from each other. However, remember not to follow any rules blindly. If you choose brighter bulbs, you may want the lights further apart; some spaces may not require to be as well-lighted as others. Your decor style is also of great importance, as well as the purpose of the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mind the Edges<\/span><\/h2>\n

You don’t want to place any lights too close to the edges of your ceiling or walls, as it will create shadows, which won\u2019t look good in any room. Shadows make space seem smaller, plus, they create an uncomfortable atmosphere. Usually, it is recommended to keep downlights at least half a metre away from the edges.<\/span><\/p>\n

Too Many Are Better Than Too Few<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you ever have any doubts, it is best to get too many lights than risk dark spots. If you end up overlighting your space, all you need is a dimmer switch to adjust the lighting. Dimmers will allow you to have it all – a bright, well-lighted room as well as a cosy, romantic atmosphere when needed. Keep in mind, though, that many LED downlights<\/a> may not work well with some (or all) dimmers<\/a>, so make sure to contact a professional first.<\/span><\/p>\n

Placing Downlights in Different Rooms<\/span><\/h2>\n