Downlights are now an ever popular addition to many homes, and with such versatility and variability as to where they can be placed it is easy to understand why.

Down lighting can add gentle and sometimes shadow free lighting to any room and if you choose to use led fittings the savings on your energy bills can be quite considerable.

If fitting to corridors, be sure to consider where doorways and light switches are placed. This area is generally not “lived” in so you can afford to use the “less is more” technique here. The advice where possible is to use a centred line of lights, but where your corridors are wide multiple rows are certainly a recommendation.

When considering the placement of lighting in your kitchen think about the “key” areas you use. Is there a central island that would benefit from specific lighting? Is there a dining area that again would require its own lighting and switch points? Is mood lighting something can be of use to you? For example, a specific light for the areas where kettles and microwaves are housed can be useful as well as helping to create a good ambient atmosphere.

Kitchen Lighting

When thinking about bathrooms and bedrooms think about high traffic areas such as mirrors, dressing tables and reading spaces.

Fitting down lighting is not too difficult but you must be sure that the lights meet fire regulations and have adequate ventilation surrounding them. Ensure that you read the instructions provided with your lights fully before attempting any installation you may be doing yourself.

The general recommendations when fitting downlights are:

1. Check the ceiling to make sure there are no joists, pipes or wiring that can be interfered with.

2. Cut holes with a plaster saw before re-plastering to ensure an even and neat finish

3. Don’t be too rigid with your placing – really think about where you need light in the room.

Whatever your requirements recessed down lighting can be a fantastic addition to any home.