Downlights: How To Choose

Recessed downlights are installed within the ceiling and provide a flush, seamless appearance. This type of downlight is widely used in homes, offices, and commercial spaces because of its discreet design and unobtrusive illumination. These types of downlights dominate the Australian residential sector due to their energy efficiency and unobtrusive illumination. Recessed downlights will generally carry the weight of ambient lighting in a space, we do recommend incorporating different styles of downlights (as below) to really enhance a space.

Example: Faze Edge 110

Surface mounted downlights are installed directly onto the ceiling, as opposed to being recessed. These lights are a suitable option when recessed lighting are not feasible due to structural limitations. That being said, surface mounted lights can be a very specific design choice rather than it being just a way to illuminate a room. They can be used for ambient, task and accent lighting.

Example: Faze Core

Track mounted downlights are fixed onto a track system, offering flexibility in terms of placement and adjustability. They were typically used in retail and commercial environments, where frequent changes in lighting configuration are necessary but have come into their own in the residential sector.

Example: Faze Core 95 Plus Track

Gimble downlights, also known as adjustable or directional downlights, are designed to allow the light source to be tilted or rotated, directing light to specific areas or objects. They can be recessed (Pro Adjustable), surface mounted (Faze Split), or track mounted (Faze Split Track), depending on the application. They are largely an extention of the three different downlights mentioned above but standalone with their level of flexibility.

In a living room setting, recessed downlights can be used for general ambient lighting, providing an even distribution of light across the space. Gimble downlights can be used to highlight artwork or architectural features, while surface mounted downlights can add a touch of visual interest to the ceiling.

Kitchens benefit from a combination of general and task lighting. Recessed downlights can provide overall illumination, while surface mounted or gimble downlights can be placed above work areas, such as countertops and stovetops, for focused task lighting.

In a bedroom, recessed downlights can create a soft, ambient atmosphere for relaxation. For bedside reading, it’s typical to use a suspension or table lamp to add to layers of lighting.

Bathrooms require a mix of general and task lighting. Recessed downlights are suitable for overall illumination, while surface mounted or gimble downlights can be used above mirrors or vanity areas for more focused lighting.

There’s many factors that go into choosing the right downlight for your space. If you haven’t already, we recommend reading our article on LED quality here to understand what makes a quality luminaire.

Through our website, you’ll notice there’s a number of downlight models and each serve very different purposes. Keep on reading below to learn about the variables that go into selecting the right downlight for a space.

First up is quite simply, an aesthetic decision. Are you looking for a traditional circular downlight or something more modern with a square profile? Then are you needing something with a big profile to emit more light or would you prefer having more lights?

For example, the Edge 135 is a larger version of the Edge 100 with a lumen output over 2200 so this is perfect for commercial applications or spaces where you need a lot of light.

Reducing glare can (and should) be a key priority for designing a space. Therefore you should look for a downlight with a deep-set lamp position to control glare. You’ll find our premium Edge and Pro models have effective, deep-set globes whereas our more affordable Disc option uses a diffuser to control glare.

We offer different finishes (or colours) for our downlight models, allowing you to find the perfect aesthetic match for your room. Our most popular finishes include black and white, which seamlessly integrate with various interior design styles. The finish you choose will ultimately depend on your personal preference and the overall look you want to achieve.

Colour temperature plays a significant role in setting the mood and atmosphere in a space, and we offer a range of colour temperature options to cater to various preferences and applications.

Colour temperature is measured in Kelvins (K) and refers to the appearance of the light emitted by a light source. Lower colour temperatures produce a warmer, more yellow-toned light, while higher colour temperatures emit a cooler, whiter light. The most common colour temperature options available for our downlights are 3000K (warm white) and 4000K (cool white).

We offer a range of driver options with different wattages, including 10W, 12W, and 15W for our popular models. The wattage you select will dictate the lumen output of your downlight, with higher wattages producing more lumens.

It’s essential to consider the specific lighting requirements of your space when selecting the appropriate driver and wattage for your downlights. If energy efficiency is a priority, opt for a lower wattage driver, which will consume less power while still providing adequate illumination.

The refractor you choose for your downlight will impact the beam angle, which determines the spread and intensity of the light in your space. We offer various refractor options for our downlights, providing beam angles as low as 15 degrees for focused, spotlight-style lighting, and well over 60 degrees for more diffused, broad light.

When selecting a refractor, consider the intended purpose of your downlight and the atmosphere you want to create in your space. Different beam angles can be used to highlight specific features, create ambient lighting, or provide general illumination, so it’s essential to choose the refractor that best suits your needs.

At Faze Lighting, we pride ourselves on helping our customers find the perfect downlights for their projects. Our knowledgeable team is always on hand to guide you through the selection process, ensuring you choose the ideal finish, driver, wattage, and refractor for your specific requirements. Reach out to us for professional advice and assistance in selecting the best downlights for your space.