Lighting is one of the most important aspects of your home or office interior. In order to decide what kind of lighting to use, where to place the fixtures and the frequency of placement, you have to consider a couple of factors:
- the brightness
- the color tone
- the aesthetic appeal, and
- the financial cost.
After weighing the pros and cons of different types, we were led to the conclusion that there is currently no better alternative than LED downlights for any kind or residential or corporate structure, both interior LED downlights and outdoor LED downlights.
So what separates LED downlights from other kinds of lights such as incandescent bulbs, fluorescent lights, halogens and the like.
First off, a downlight typically refers to a light that has been fixed into a hollow space in the ceiling and shines light in a narrow vertical beam down onto the ground. The primary benefit of this is that the light is evenly distributed throughout the space, making the place feel as though it is bathed in ambient luminosity.
Normally, the lights are placed at a distance of four feet from each other but this can change depending on how low or high the ceiling is. Generally, the higher the ceiling is, the further apart are the recessed downlights. So it’s prudent to divide the height of the ceiling by two and use that distance as the space between each set.
So, why exactly are LEDs the preferred choice?
Brightness
The brightness of a light bulb is measured in lumens (which is the measure of brightness) as opposed to wattage (which is a measure of the power consumed).
You will find that LED lights produce the highest amount of lumens for the least amount of wattage. Which basically means, that you can illuminate your house or your office with the same amount of brightness while at the same time your electricity bill is going to take a much needed dive.
Let’s not forget about the dimmable LED downlights as you can add a dimmer which can control the level of brightness and therefore can be adjusted according to your need and desire; or smart LED downlights that can adjust themselves according to pre-programming.
Long-lasting
As previously mentioned, LED downlights consume a lot less energy as opposed to other kind of lighting. This means that the elements are likely to last a lot longer and you won’t have to worry about the hassle or the cost of constantly replacing them.
It lasts nearly ten times longer than a CFL which is currently the second most durable option we have and nearly fifty times longer than an incandescent bulb.
Cost
Less energy required for the same amount of illumination means less money spent on the electricity bill. Long lasting means you don’t have to keep buying new lights which also means less money spent. Plus the fact that LED downlights are generally a lot cheaper to begin with, so it’s a win-win in any scenario.
Aesthetics
Now, come on people. Let’s be real with ourselves. Nobody wants to see outdated bulbs or tubes stuck to your ceilings and walls, whether it be your office or your home.
The LED downlights embedded in the ceiling give the place a more appealing and elegant look. Think, as an example, of LED recessed retrofit downlights.
Not to mention, the overall aura of the place is vastly improved because of the way the area is bathed in ambient light whereas in other situation it glares from one direction or another, throwing vast, messy shadows that ruin the aesthetic appeal of the place.
Now, let us consider a few custom options for your LED downlights.
Material
LED downlights can either have frames and heatsinks made out of aluminum or out of plastic. Aluminum, obviously is the more expensive option but it is worth the price. Heatsinks, as you should be aware, help to dispel the excess heat generated during use. Aluminum does it a lot better which makes the overall appliance much more durable and reliable.
Furthermore, an external LED driver will serve you better than a built-in one.
Frame
The frame for the LED downlights can be either fixed or adjustable, round or square. Fixed downlights are cheaper and radiate a general ambience that isn’t focused on any particular area.
Adjustable frames can be used if you wish to be able to direct the lights in any direction at will e.g. in a study room.
Color
Here, we are specifically talking about the temperature color, which can either produce a yellowish glow or a bluish glow.
The bluish light is typically hotter, inhibits melatonin production in the body, and therefore makes your focus much sharper. Its best use would be in study room if you’re using them at home. As far as your office space is concerned, this should be the only option, unless you want your employees taking long naps instead of putting in regular work.
Similarly, the yellowish light which measures less than 4000 Kelvin would be perfect for the bedroom as it is a more comforting, relaxing color.
Beam angle
You can opt either for a wide angle beam, which spreads the lights around at an angle of greater than sixty degrees. This creates an atmosphere where the light is evenly spread out all across the space. Or you can opt for a Narrow beam angle where the light is more focused, for example in the case of a spotlight.
All these options make the LED downlights one of the most versatile selections for your residential or corporate interior lighting. It’s best that we get with the times and stop living in the past.
Tags: LED downlights, recessed LED downlights, dimmable LED downlights, LED recessed retrofit downlights, smart LED downlights.
It was great article.. thank you