It’s almost the end of 2020, so this year we decided to round off the year with our top 12 downlights of 2020. Before we get to it, let’s discuss the topic of Downlights, most importantly, what is a downlight? Well, a downlight is a luminaire that commonly directs light in a downward direction towards the space below, and is usually recessed.
Secondly, why use downlights? Downlights are a very adaptable fixture that is excellent for a multitude of uses throughout ones home. They are not only a great way of lighting up the kitchen, navigating around the house but are also quite helpful in highlighting accent pieces such as art and family portraits, etc.
Last but not least, what are the different variations within downlights?
LED downlights have now become the norm; they can come in as a fixed or tilt version, allowing you to direct light where needed. Some downlights are also available with different beam angles, widths, bezel shapes and IP ratings, allowing consumers to gain further flexibilities.
Here are the variety of fittings available to you;
- Trim – where you see the bezel on the ceiling
- Trimless – where the bezel is plastered into the wall to be flush with the ceiling.
- Recessed – where the bezel is plastered-in to be recessed up into the ceiling.
How to use them;
Like the Spotlight you can utilise these lights anywhere within your home, whether it’s in the bedroom, Kitchen or Living room, they work very well to lighten up a dark space. Most commonly, a downlight is usually found within a kitchen environment, as it helps to highlight nooks and cranny’s while providing sufficient light where needed. However, in my opinion, downlights work just as well anywhere around the house as they do within the Kitchen.
For example within the Kitchen use them to highlight the inside of a cabinet, or above a table. Whereas, in the Living room position them above the coffee table, artwork, etc. If there is one advise that I can give you, it will be to never place downlights in grids, place them where you need light the most. Put different lights on a different circuit, thus allowing you to create separate zones with varied ambient lighting. This layered lighting effect works best when there is an open plan living arrangement.
Top 12 Downlight’s…
NITRO PRO
The Nitro Pro signature fire-rated downlight comes with an innovative 2-way ‘plug-and-play’ DC connector allowing you to quickly loop in and loop out when installing, replacing or removing the fitting, saving valuable installation time and allowing for flexibility when wiring, painting and decorating. The simple 3-stage back switch additionally allows you to swap between 3000K (warm white), 4200K (cool white) and 6000K (daylight) within seconds. Making this the ideal multi-room fitting. Why go Nitro Pro? The Nitro Pro can be covered with insulation and has a mere 50mm minimum void, making it ideal for shallow ceilings. The Nitro Pro is fully fire-rated for 30, 60 and 90 minutes and comes with an IP65 rating. Compatible interchangeable ‘twist and lock’ bezels in various finishes and a 150W dimmer module are sold separately. The Nitro Pro comes standard with a matt white low-profile bezel, offering a sought-after modern finish.
REGO
The Rego IP65 range is a collection of compact, fire-rated LED downlights that are slim and boast a low profile design with a super slim 1mm bezel. Featuring fire rated glass, it differentiates itself from other downlights as the glass can withstand high temperatures without the need of a can at the back of the fitting. Suitable with GU10 lamps or our Pacto LED module (not included). *Available in round and square with a matt white, brushed chrome or polished chrome finish.
Please note: The Rego fittings do not work with the frosted GU10 lamps: 86563, 86564 and 86565
CAST WHITE
The Cast is a recessed downlight, available in 4 finishes. Ideal for general, accent and display lighting, this luminaire can be used with both Halogen (max. 50W) and LED (max. 7W) bulbs or the Pacto LED Module. Also available as a tilt and twist & lock baffle downlight. The Cast is suitable for use in dry premises only.
For fire protection, use in combination with the heat guard small fire hood as shown in the accessories.
NITRO CCT
The NITRO 4W CCT is a dimmable fire-rated SMD LED downlight with a slim profile and a Matt White finish. It applies the latest colour changing technology to allow you to switch easily between Warm White (3000K), Cool White (4000K) and Daylight (6000K). The integrated 4W SMD LED module provides a light output of 500 lumens. Compact in size but very powerful, the NITRO offers quick, screwless installation thanks to its four-way push fit terminal block. The NITRO CCT is IP65 rated and supplied with a bezel in Satin Nickel and in Chrome. *Can be covered with insulation.
CONVERSE
The Converse is a mains voltage bezel converter designed to replace older incandescent downlights with a large aperture left from previous installations. Compatible with both Halogen (max. 50W) or LED (max. 7W) bulbs. *Ach fitting includes a GU10 lamp holder. A choice of finishes are available.
SHEILD GU10 NICKEL
Our Shield range of fire rated downlights feature a push-fit installation combined with style, practicality and ease of fit; and can be used in any room around the home. They meet the British Standards requirements for 30, 60 and 90-minute ceilings and are resistant to the passage of sound.
To ensure free movement of air around the fitting removes any roof void insulation from at least 150mm around the whole.
Some models within the Shield range can be used for Part C compliance, please check the individual product for the relevant technical details.
CANNON 9W WHITE
The 9W Cannon range of slim recessed downlights are fire rated and IP65 rated. It’s anti-glare dome projects up to 460 lumens. This unique and patented design can be covered with insulation and fits into shallow ceiling voids. Supplied with a dimmable Eaglerise driver, it is available with warm white or daylight white LEDs and in three finishes, satin nickel, polished chrome and matt white.
HORIZON SQUARE
The Horizon square is a part of our best selling LED GU10 recessed plaster-in range. It offers the benefit of a tiltable (20 degrees) and rotatable insert, that allows the light to be positioned to where it’s needed. The HORIZON also offers anti-glare properties and works perfectly with the Pacto LED modules or any of our (max. 7W) GU10 bulbs fitted directly to the fast-fix connector (included). Each fitting is designed to be fitted into the ceiling during the early stages of a build, fitting your lamp later. As an added protection, each fitting comes with a pre-fit plastic film (to remove post-installation) so it’s covered from any plaster/paint splatter. *Also available in a round version.
RAVEL
The Ravel fire-rated trimless plaster-in luminaire conceals the downlight for a clean, seamless finish. Designed to be plastered into the ceiling during the early stages of a build, allowing for the GU10 to be fitted later. Fitting supplied complete with fast-fix loop-in loop-out connector box. The Ravel provides an ultra-modern way to illuminate a room giving clean lines and unobtrusive lighting.
PACTO
The Pacto 10W integrated LED single track spotlight is small and compact, with a cool white high lumen output. This high performance LED module fitting is ideal for commercial application. Fully dimmable & adjustable, the head can be fitted to our single circuit track range (sold separately).
Comes in a matt white finish, other finishes are available in the range.
XENO
The Xeno recessed boxed downlights provide a high degree of adjustability to ensure precise light placement. Each Xeno fitting has a 30-degree tilt angle and 350-degree rotation. Compatible with both Halogen (Max. 50W) and LED (Max. 7W) bulbs, this range comes in two finishes (white and aluminium) and three sizes: Single, Twin and Triple.
A GU10 lamp holder is included with every fitting. GU10 bulbs are sold separately.
LALO MINI
The Lalo 4W LED miniature fixture featuring a high power COB LED light source. Construction rated to IP44 allowing the versatile application. Light quality assurance with CRI>80. Dimmable when used with dimmable driver (86810). This micro downlight has a variety of uses including general downlighting, retail, cabinets and furniture applications.
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