Recessed Downlights

Recessed downlights give you clean, modern light set flush into the ceiling, with only a small trim on show. Arranged in a grid they wash a room in even light, which is why they're the go-to for kitchens, bathrooms, hallways and open-plan living. We stock them in GU10 and integrated LED, fire-rated, IP-rated and trimless, so there's a downlight for every room and every ceiling.

What is a recessed downlight?

A recessed downlight sits inside the ceiling and points straight down, lighting the area below. Because the body is hidden and only the trim shows, the ceiling stays clean and uncluttered. Spaced out in a grid, several downlights give smooth, even light with no dark corners, which a single central fitting can't manage in a bigger room.

GU10 or integrated LED?

GU10 downlights take a replaceable bulb, so you can swap it if it fails or change the colour temperature yourself. Integrated LED downlights have the LED built in, which gives a slimmer, sealed fitting with a long life, though the whole unit is replaced at end of life. Both are efficient; it comes down to whether you'd rather change a bulb or a fitting.

Do I need fire-rated downlights?

If there's a room, loft or roof space above the ceiling, yes. Cutting holes for downlights breaks the ceiling's fire barrier, and a fire-rated downlight seals that hole again to hold back a fire for a set time. It's the safe default for most homes and is required in many situations, so if in doubt, choose fire-rated or check with your electrician.

Trimless, adjustable, twin or IP-rated?

• Trimless downlights sit seamlessly in the plaster for a high-end, borderless look.
• Adjustable versions tilt, so you can aim light at a wall, worktop or artwork.
• Twin downlights light two areas, or throw light two ways, from a single fitting.
• IP-rated downlights are sealed for use in bathrooms, showers and kitchens.

How many downlights do I need, and how far apart?

As a rough guide, space downlights around 1 to 1.2m apart, and keep them about 0.5m in from the walls so you light the room, not the edges. A quick rule of thumb is to divide the ceiling height by two to get the spacing. For a kitchen, line them up with the worktops and the walkway rather than dropping them in a plain grid.

Which rooms suit recessed downlights?

They work almost anywhere, but shine in kitchens for even light over worktops, in bathrooms with an IP rating, and in hallways and living rooms for a clean, modern finish. Put them on a dimmer and they take a room from bright and practical to soft and relaxed.

Finishes

• White and matt black for a modern ceiling
• Chrome and satin nickel for a subtle metallic trim
• Brass and gold for warmth and traditional rooms

Buying recessed downlights in Ireland

We carry recessed downlights, including plaster-in and GU10 ranges, from brands including Saxby, Endon, Searchlight and Dar, all available to order online with fast delivery across Ireland and Europe.

Related categories

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