LED downlights offer a discreet alternative to traditional incandescent recessed lighting. They're sometimes known as can lights, pot lights, or recessed lights. These fixtures are ideal for a wide range of commercial and residential applications.
They improve the style and sophistication of any space. With the rising popularity of LED technology, downlights reduce maintenance costs and electricity use compared to traditional options.
Read on to learn more about LED downlights, including their application and benefits.
What Is an LED Downlight?
An LED downlight is a light fixture installed above or concealed in a ceiling. It lights up the surrounding space. Its trim lies flat against your ceiling. But some trims like eyeball recessed lighting drops below the ceiling, enhancing proper aiming.
You can install these LED downlights throughout a room for general illumination that lights up indoor or outdoor spaces. In some cases, you can utilize a downlight to draw attention to a specific area.
Downlights are easy to install during property construction. You can also modify your existing recessed lighting to LED downlights. These LED lights produce less heat, emit more light, and consume less energy.
Where Should You Put a Downlight?
If you want a sleek lighting finish for a residential or commercial property, you need an LED downlight. If you are curious about where you should install downlighting, below are three of the most common locations:
- Ceilings of Large Rooms: LED downlights are excellent for installation in large rooms with low ceilings. You can space these lights evenly throughout your room. They're discreet enough for more fixture installations compared to other lighting options.
- Outdoor Downlights: LED downlights are also ideal for outdoor installations. Outdoor downlights enhance your property's visual appearance while also improving security. Install them in overhangs or eaves if you're lighting up a property's perimeter.
- High Building Eaves: Those with hard-to-reach second-story overhangs will enjoy the long lifespan benefits of LEDs. Installing an LED lighting option will reduce the maintenance requirements for taller lighting applications.
While these are some of the most common locations, you can install LED downlights anywhere with reliable results. The installation for downlights requires a space where the fixture can enter up into the ceiling, creating a flush finish.
What Are the Differences Between a Downlight and Ceiling Light?
LED downlights and ceiling lights have several similarities. For instance, they save energy, have fast response speeds, and have long lifespans. Yet, there are a few differences between them due to their installation method and style.
Downlight installations are completed in two ways—concealed or exposed options. Regardless of the installation method, downlights are placed on the ceiling's edge. These inlaid lamps are concealed in the corners. The projected light faces downwards, and it occupies a smaller area.
Ceiling lights come in different varieties but mostly work for indoor environments. LED ceiling lights have a romantic and warm decorative effect in bedrooms. They occupy a relatively large space and provide general lighting for well-light areas.
A ceiling light has more condensing features than ceiling lights. They're ideal for auxiliary or general lighting applications. Downlights provide concentrated light, and their illumination has specific targets. They're suitable for special lighting, like emphasizing a special area in a room.
Benefits of an LED Downlight
There's been an increase in demand for LED downlights by property owners. More homeowners are using them to complement their home design and decoration. Others choose these lights for their energy-saving features. Here are some benefits of having LED downlights in your home.
Save Energy and are Eco-Friendly
Compared to halogen lamps, LED downlights can save on average 75% on electricity bills. Compared to incandescent bulbs, you'll save about 80% on electricity. Hence, it helps to cut down energy bills each month. Their low voltage supply also improves electrical safety.
These lights don't contain hazardous liquids, solids, or gas like tungsten lights. Therefore, they're safer for your occupants and the environment. LEDs also produce cold light that's ideal for your indoor plants, which improves air quality.
Thanks to their eco-friendly nature, LED downlights significantly reduce your carbon footprint.
LEDs emit non-UV light. So, they're not harmful to the skin or eyes. They are also recyclable, so you can dispose of them with ease.
Longer Lifespan and Durability
LED lights are highly durable. They feature powder-coated surface finishes that protect them from corrosion in outdoor environments. LED lighting is ideal for outdoor and indoor applications.
A great benefit is the brightness of LED downlights slowly wears off over time, giving you enough time to replace them before a blackout. When a traditional lighting option reaches the end of its lifespan, it turns off suddenly.
LED downlights have long lifespans and they can last an average of 50,000 hours. That means they last three times longer than traditional light bulbs. Regular lights offer a one-year warranty. But most LED lighting options come with two-year warranties.
Variety of Designs and Colors
LED downlights come in a wide variety of shades and colors. You can easily define the perfect setting, ambiance, and style for your home. LED lights can also produce the same warm, soft glow as incandescent lights.
These lights allow you to dim them while maintaining their original colors. Traditional lights emit light in every direction. You can only direct their light using a reflector or shade. LED downlights shine in specific ways and are perfect for directional lighting.
You can point directional downlight options in suitable directions for a welcoming and comfortable ambiance. These customizable light angles are what make LED lighting such an excellent option.
No Noise Emission or Flickering Light
Unlike standard lighting, LEDs don't flicker, which is ideal for those with photosensitivity issues.
You will have a bright light that produces steady illumination that you can count on at all times. LED downlights are the most ideal option if you want to experience lighting with zero interruptions.
