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Downlights: Where to Install Them and Which Type to Choose

A practical guide to recessed downlights - where they work best, which types suit different rooms, and how to avoid common mistakes like glare in living spaces.

10 February 20267 min read

Downlights: Where to Install Them and Which Type to Choose

Recessed downlights are one of the most popular lighting choices in modern homes. They sit flush to the ceiling, giving a clean, uncluttered look that works especially well in kitchens and bathrooms. But they are not the right choice for every room, and picking the wrong type can leave you squinting on the sofa.

Here is a practical guide to where downlights work best, the different types available, and how to get the most from them.

Why Downlights Are So Popular

The main appeal of downlights is their low profile. Because they are recessed into the ceiling, there is no fitting hanging down to collect dust and grease. In kitchens, this is a real advantage - ceiling-mounted pendants and flush lights attract cooking grease and grime over time, while a flat downlight is far easier to keep clean.

In bathrooms, downlights are often the best option because they can be IP rated for use in moisture-heavy environments. A flush fitting also means no exposed metalwork at risk of condensation.

Beyond the practical benefits, downlights create even, ambient light without dominating the ceiling. They let architectural features, wall colours, and furniture do the talking.

Where Downlights Work Best

Kitchens

This is where downlights really shine. A well-spaced grid of downlights across the kitchen ceiling provides even task lighting for worktops, cooking areas, and breakfast bars. The flush fitting means no grease traps above your hob, and the clean lines complement modern kitchen designs.

Bathrooms

Downlights are the go-to choice for bathrooms because they can be specified with the correct IP rating for wet environments. They provide bright, even light for mirrors and grooming without taking up headroom - particularly important in smaller bathrooms and en-suites.

Hallways and Landings

Narrow spaces benefit from downlights because there is no fitting protruding into limited headroom. They provide consistent light along the length of a corridor without dark spots.

Utility Rooms and Boot Rooms

Practical spaces where you want clean, bright light without fuss. Downlights keep things simple.

A Word on Living Rooms and Bedrooms

This is where personal experience matters. Downlights can work in living rooms and bedrooms, but they need to be chosen carefully. A standard downlight pointing straight down from directly above your seating position can be genuinely dazzling - especially when you are lying on the sofa or in bed looking up at the ceiling.

The light from a conventional downlight is directional and concentrated. Sitting or lying directly beneath one is uncomfortable, and it creates a harsh, clinical atmosphere rather than the warm, relaxed feel most people want in a living space.

If you do want downlights in a living room or bedroom, there are ways to make them work:

Anti-Glare Downlights

These have a deeply recessed LED module or a cowl that shields the light source from direct view. You get the light output without the blinding spot when you look up. They cost more than standard fittings, but the difference in comfort is significant.

Adjustable / Gimbal Downlights

These can be angled to wash light across walls or artwork rather than pointing straight down at seating areas. This creates a softer, more interesting effect.

Dimming

Always install downlights on a dimmer circuit in living spaces. Being able to drop the brightness in the evening transforms the atmosphere. Make sure the downlights and dimmer switch are compatible - not all LED downlights dim smoothly.

Supplementary Lighting

In living rooms and bedrooms, downlights often work best as background lighting supplemented by table lamps, floor lamps, or wall lights. This gives you layers of light to suit different moods and activities.

Types of Downlights

Fixed Downlights

The most common type. They point straight down and cannot be adjusted. Ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways where you want even overhead light.

Adjustable / Tilt Downlights

The inner module can be angled, typically up to 30 degrees. Useful for highlighting features or directing light away from seating positions.

Anti-Glare Downlights

Designed with a deep recess or honeycomb louvre that conceals the LED from direct view. The light output is similar, but the visual comfort is far better. Worth the extra cost in any room where people sit or lie down.

Fire-Rated Downlights

Required in most domestic installations. A fire-rated downlight maintains the fire integrity of the ceiling - the hole cut for the fitting is sealed so that fire cannot pass through from one floor to the next. Always specify fire-rated fittings. This is not optional in most situations.

IP-Rated Downlights

Required in bathrooms and other wet areas. The IP (Ingress Protection) rating indicates how well the fitting is protected against moisture. For bathrooms, you typically need IP65 within zones 1 and 2. Read our guide to IP ratings for more detail.

How Many Downlights Do You Need?

A common mistake is installing too many downlights, which creates an over-lit, commercial feel. As a rough guide:

Kitchens: One downlight per 1.0-1.5 square metres
Bathrooms: One downlight per 1.5-2.0 square metres
Hallways: Spaced 1.0-1.5 metres apart along the length
Living rooms (if used): One per 2.0-2.5 square metres, supplemented with other lighting

These are starting points - the exact number depends on the room layout, ceiling height, and the lumen output of the fittings you choose.

Installation

Downlight installation involves cutting holes in the ceiling, running new cables, and connecting to a lighting circuit. In most cases, additional fire hoods or intumescent covers are needed above the fitting in the ceiling void.

This is not a DIY job. Incorrect installation can compromise fire safety, and any new lighting circuit is notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations. A registered electrician will ensure the installation meets BS 7671, is correctly fire-rated, and is fully certified.

Get a Free Quote

If you are considering downlights for your home, get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote. We can advise on the best fittings for each room, spacing, dimming options, and provide a fixed price for supply and installation. See our sockets, switches and lighting services for more detail.