How to Choose the Right LED Downlight (Fast, No-Jargon Guide)
How to Choose the Right LED Downlight (Fast, No-Jargon Guide)
Everything you need to pick the best size, brightness, colour, beam, IP/IC rating and dimming — in minutes.
Choosing LED downlights is simple once you follow three steps: Fit → Function → Finish. Use the cheat-sheets, then pick from the quick room suggestions below.
LED Downlight Categories
Browse by type — add your own images below to illustrate each style. Click through to shop:
1) Fit — Cut-Out, Size & Type
| Cut-out & body size | Match the existing hole (e.g., Ø70–92mm for most integrated kits, Ø38mm for niche minis). Allow depth for the fitting and any remote driver. When retrofitting, measure twice. |
|---|---|
| Downlight type | Fixed is clean and simple. Gimbal aims light at art/benches. Surface suits concrete ceilings where you can’t recess. |
| Trim colour | Match hardware: white for seamless ceilings, black for contrast, brushed/colour trims for design accents. |
2) Function — Lumens, Beam, CCT & CRI
Lumens (brightness)
Forget watts. Choose by lumens:
- 400–700 lm – corridors, small rooms, ambient layers.
- 700–1000 lm – living, bedrooms, general lighting.
- 1000–1500 lm – kitchens, high ceilings, task areas.
Beam angle & spacing
Wide beams (90–120°) spread light; narrow beams (15–60°) spotlight benches or art. As a quick rule: spacing ≈ ceiling height × 1.0 (e.g., 2.7 m ceiling → ~2.7 m between fittings), then adjust for room shape and reflectance.
CCT (colour temperature)
- 3000K Warm – relaxed vibe for living/bedrooms.
- 4000K Neutral – balanced for kitchens/halls.
- 5000K Daylight – crisp for studies/garages.
Can’t decide? Pick TRI Colour (CCT selectable) to switch on site.
CRI (colour quality)
CRI 80+ is standard. CRI 90+ makes colours and food look more natural — ideal over kitchen benches, wardrobes and retail displays.
3) Finish — Dimming, Drivers, IC/IP Ratings & Smart
Dimming & drivers
| Triac / trailing-edge | Common in homes. Check the downlight is “Triac dimmable” and pair with a compatible dimmer to avoid flicker. |
|---|---|
| 0–10V / DALI | Commercial or premium residential control. Needs matching drivers and control gear. Shop DALI downlights. |
| In-built vs remote driver | In-built = fast retrofit. Remote driver = slimmer fittings/niche installs and easier driver replacement. |
IC & IP ratings (safety & environment)
- IC-4 / IC-F: can be safely covered by insulation (check datasheet). Great for energy efficiency.
- IP ratings: use IP44+ for damp bathroom zones; higher IP (e.g., IP65) for shower areas or exposed outdoor soffits. Shop outdoor-rated.
Smart features
Choose Wi-Fi/Zigbee downlights or use smart controllers for tunable white, scenes, and voice control. Explore smart downlights.
Quick picks by room
- Kitchen: 4000K, CRI 90+, 60–90° beam over benches (gimbal or narrow beam) + 90–120° for general. 900–1200 lm.
- Living / bedrooms: 3000K, 90–120°, 700–900 lm. Choose dimmable for ambience.
- Bathroom: 3000–4000K, IP44+ (IP65 in wet zones if required), consider anti-glare trims. 700–1000 lm.
- Hallways: 4000K, 90–120°, ~600–800 lm, spaced 2–3 m.
- Outdoors/soffits: IP65, 3000–4000K, corrosion-resistant finish.
Fixed vs Gimbal vs Surface vs Smart
| Fixed recessed | Clean look, wide distribution. Best for general lighting. Usually fastest to retrofit. |
|---|---|
| Gimbal/adjustable | Aim light at splashbacks, art or sloped ceilings. Slightly narrower beams; plan spacing accordingly. |
| Surface mounted | Perfect where you can’t recess (concrete ceilings). Architectural look, easy access to drivers. |
| Smart downlights | Tunable white/colour, app and voice control. Great for scenes; ensure network coverage. |
FAQs
How many downlights do I need?
Start with spacing ≈ ceiling height. Example: 2.7 m ceiling → place fittings about 2.4–2.7 m apart, then adjust for furniture and walls.
TRI Colour or fixed CCT?
TRI Colour gives flexibility on install day (3000K/4000K/5000K). Fixed CCT is fine when you already know the look.
What is CRI and do I need 90+?
CRI measures colour accuracy. 80+ is good; 90+ is better for kitchens, wardrobes and displays.
Do I need IC-4/IC-F?
If your ceiling is insulated, IC-rated downlights let insulation cover the fitting safely (check datasheets).
Which dimmer should I use?
Use a trailing-edge (Triac) dimmer approved by the downlight manufacturer for the smoothest performance.
Final 60-second checklist
- ✅ Cut-out & depth match your ceiling.
- ✅ Right type (fixed / gimbal / surface / smart / outdoor) and trim colour.
- ✅ Lumens & beam angle suit the room/task.
- ✅ CCT chosen (or TRI Colour), CRI 80/90 as needed.
- ✅ Dimmable + compatible dimmer (or smart control).
- ✅ IC rating for insulation & correct IP rating for wet areas.