Simply put, a downlight is any type of light that points downwards and illuminates an area from above. They are usually installed in your ceiling and are often recessed to sit flush and provide a seamless appearance. They can be used for ambient, task, or accent lighting in both residential and commercial properties. LED downlights are particularly popular as they are extremely energy efficient and long lasting in comparison to traditional bulbs.
If you’re asking yourself – how many downlights do I need – then you have come to the right place for the answer! Carry on reading for more information on how many downlights per room is needed for your application.
How many downlights do I need?
There is a short, hard and fast rule of thumb to answer the question – how many downlights do I need? To follow this rule of thumb you can:
- Install one downlight per square metre
- Make sure there is one metre space between each downlight
- Leave a distance of at least half a metre from your walls
Generally speaking, this will provide bright and even results, and sufficient lux levels for the majority of installations. But it does not account for other variables.
What is lux level?
Lux (lx) is a unit of measurement used to quantify the intensity of light that reaches a specific area. It represents the amount of light falling onto a surface and is specified as one lumen per square metre. The lux level is important in determining how bright a space feels, and it is commonly used in lighting design to ensure the appropriate level of illumination for different activities.
For example:
- 1 lux is equivalent to the light from a candle shining on a one square metre area
- 500 lux is typical for office work or reading
- 1,000 lux is typical of a brightly lit room
- 10,000 lux or more is the amount of light in direct sunlight
Higher lux levels generally mean brighter lighting, which can be important for tasks requiring more precision or visibility. The required lux level depends on the space and the activity taking place, such as reading, cooking, or working in an office.
When designing lighting for the workplace, it’s important to consider the lighting at work regulations to ensure compliance and that the space is well lit for health and safety reasons. For example, you want to make sure there is no harsh glare, as this can lead to fatigue or even headaches.
What are other variables?
Several variables affect how many downlights per room are required.
- Room size: It goes without saying, but the larger the room, the more downlights you'll need to achieve the right amount of illumination.
- Light output (lumens): You need to know the lumen output of the downlights you're considering in order to determine how many are required to achieve the desired light intensity. For more information on this subject you can check out our other blog – How Many Lumens Do I Need for Outdoor Security Lights.
- Room purpose: The type of activity that occurs in your room will of course affect how much light you need. Task lighting generally requires higher lux levels around 500 to 1000 lux. Whereas ambient lighting typically requires lower lux levels around 150 to 300 lux.
- Ceiling height: This will impact how far light travels and how effectively it illuminates the space. Higher ceilings may require more downlights or ones with higher output.
- Room colour and surface reflectivity: Lighter walls and ceilings reflect more light, so you may need fewer downlights in comparison to a room with dark colours and features, as these absorb more light.
- Lighting control: if you plan to have dimmable downlights, you may need fewer lights because they can be adjusted based on the specific mood or atmosphere requirements at any given time.
- Light distribution: The spread of the light beam from each downlight also matters. Spotlights often have narrow beam angles that focus light on smaller areas. If you need to light up a garage or outbuilding for example, then you could opt for LED floodlights instead. These typically have wide beam angles that cover a larger area. Choose the appropriate beam angle for your room size and lighting requirements.
How many downlights per room?
Now we understand a little bit more about light intensity and light output, and also the importance of the size and purpose of your room, we can work out how many downlights you need.
This can be done using a simple calculation:
Lumens Per Light divided by the Area of the Room times by the Number of Lights equals the Average Light Level.
Or to abbreviate: lm ÷ m2 x quantity = lux
Benefits of LED downlights
- Energy efficiency: LEDs consume significantly less power than traditional bulbs, leading to lower energy bills.
- Long lifespan: LED downlights typically last for tens of thousands of hours, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
- Brightness and control: They provide bright, focused light. Many LED downlights are also dimmable, allowing you to adjust the light intensity.
- Instant light: Unlike some other lighting types, LEDs reach full brightness immediately.
- Low heat emission: LEDs produce very little heat, making them safer and ideal for use in enclosed spaces or areas sensitive to temperature increases.
For more information on the topic check out our other blog – Benefits of LED Lighting.
Find out how many downlights per room are required for your project with Vision Lighting
If you’re still undecided about the right lighting type for you, we also offer LED ceiling panels as a great alternative to downlights. Here at Vision Lighting we offer a wide range of lighting solutions, from LED strips to sign lights and exterior wall lights.
Whatever you need, we are more than happy to help provide the right lighting solution for you. Browse our collection or get in touch to speak to one of our team members.
You can call us on +44 (0) 1132 799745 or email us at info@vision-lighting.co.uk.