LEDs have become the go-to choice for both indoor and outdoor lighting thanks to their low energy consumption combined with powerful illumination. In addition, European legislation decided in 2018 that only these low-energy bulbs would be permitted in the medium term, banning halogen and other less efficient bulbs.
LEDs are available in many forms, adapting to all types of lighting fixtures, and especially to spotlights. Here, we explain how to choose your LED recessed spotlights to combine style with brightness. Several types of spotlights exist, each with their own specific features.
Recessed spotlights➞
You’ll find a wide variety of shapes (round, square, triangular), sizes, and installation systems (recessed and non-recessed). No matter their specifics, these lighting options always bring a distinctly modern style to your home.
Surface-mounted LED spotlights
These spotlights protrude from the wall or ceiling to which they’re attached. They can look like adjustable wall lights, or small round lamps extending just a few centimetres.
Originally, this type of mount was reserved for halogen bulbs, which emitted a lot of heat and therefore couldn’t be enclosed in the ceiling.
Today, you’ll still find them with LED bulbs. While they may be a little less decorative, they make installation easier and are simple to replace. You can get them individually or as a set of several joined together.
Types of LED recessed spotlights
Thanks to their very low heat output, LED technology has made it possible to recess lamps and create seamless surfaces.
They provide light that’s evenly distributed throughout the room, eliminating the need for additional lamps to brighten up shadowy spots.
They’re also very discreet and suit any kind of interior décor.
Fixed spotlights
Non-adjustable ceiling spotlights give a general, downward light. The spread of illumination depends on the bulb used, which may have reflective facets to extend the lit area. For living rooms, it’s more comfortable to choose a beam angle of at least 60° for adequate coverage. When installing a fixed spotlight, a larger diameter is often preferred, as these are intended to light the entire space. However, they can also be installed inside furniture to brighten deep or dark cupboards. In that case, a very low wattage and small diameter are perfect and offer great day-to-day convenience.
Adjustable ceiling spotlights➞
Adjustable designer spotlights
These can be adjusted after installation or further down the line if you update your décor or change the room’s layout. They can be directed at a feature you want to highlight, or at an area used for detailed tasks. To achieve this, they’re set on a pivot axis. You can adjust each adjustable spotlight by gently pressing directly on the bulb. A beam angle of 30° provides a targeted light, ideal for showcasing an object or specific furniture. These models offer greater flexibility over time. As installing recessed spotlights requires fairly substantial ceiling work, being able to adjust your lighting weeks or even months later offers greater longevity and practicality. Choose your spotlight according to the room you want to illuminate.
Which spotlights for your living space?
For this use, you’ll need a recessed spotlight with high—very high—power. After all, comfortable lighting is all about sufficient brightness. Too little illumination leads to eye strain and makes it hard to carry out daily activities. Depending on your room’s style, you might go for a particular material or a unique shape. Round living room spotlights are the most common, but a square spotlight adds some dynamism to your design. The insulation of the spotlight is another essential factor. Although LEDs produce very little heat, a casing provides extra protection when there’s insulation material above the false ceiling. In rooms with limited ceiling depth, extra-slim spotlights fit perfectly into the structure.
Living room➞
Finding the perfect bathroom spotlights
This particularly humid room calls for specialised fittings. Recessed lights for bathrooms should have double protection against water splashes. To check their suitability, look for the indicated protection rating. You’ll need a minimum protection level of 4 out of 8 (IP X4 to IP X8). Also, the voltage delivered to the bulb should be 12V rather than the standard 220V. A transformer is therefore added to the installation.
The placement of lighting is just as important. A bathroom is divided into zones of electrical risk. Zones 1 and 2 are those above bathtubs and showers and in their immediate vicinity. No electrical installation is ever allowed in these zones at less than 2.25 m height.
An adjustable spotlight is especially suited to this environment. It can be positioned away from hazardous zones, while still pointing light where you need it. A lower brightness isn’t a problem in the bathroom. Don’t forget, when buying bulbs for these fittings, to check the socket type, as only specific models are compatible: GU5.3. Stainless steel spotlights blend in well with bathrooms and resist rust in damp conditions.
Now you’re ready to make an informed choice from all the options available.
