Every room has its personality — and your lighting should match it!
The number of downlights you’ll need can vary depending on the room’s size, purpose, and mood you’re trying to create. Let’s break it down room by room:
Kitchens
Kitchens need to be one of the brightest areas in your home because they’re not just for cooking — they’re social hubs, too.
You’ll need strong task lighting over counters, islands, and sinks, plus good general lighting for the whole space.
Tips for kitchen lighting:
- Aim for 300–400 lux brightness overall.
- Focus extra lights directly above work areas (islands, benches, stoves).
- Space downlights about 1–1.5 meters apart for even coverage.
- Consider beam angles of around 60° for wide, even spread.
Example:
A 15m² kitchen, aiming for 300 lux, would need about 4500 lumens.
Using 600-lumen downlights:
4500 ÷ 600 = 7–8 downlights
Living Rooms
Living rooms are meant for relaxing, entertaining, and sometimes even working.
The key here is layered lighting: combine ambient light from downlights with table lamps, floor lamps, or wall sconces for flexibility.
Tips for living room lighting:
- Aim for 100–150 lux general lighting.
- Use dimmable downlights to change mood based on the time of day.
- Highlight specific zones like reading corners, artwork, or fireplaces.
Example:
A 25m² living room, aiming for 100 lux, needs about 2500 lumens.
Using 500-lumen downlights:
2500 ÷ 500 = 5 downlights
Add extra lamps to create cozy corners and layered warmth.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms need a careful mix of functionality and safety.
You want bright lighting over the sink and mirror but softer lighting elsewhere to create a spa-like vibe.
Tips for bathroom lighting:
- Use IP44 or higher-rated downlights for moisture protection.
- Place extra downlights directly above the mirror for perfect task lighting.
- Spread general lighting across the bathroom with softer, warm-white lights.
Example:
An 8m² bathroom, aiming for around 200 lux, needs about 1600 lumens.
Using 400-lumen IP-rated downlights:
1600 ÷ 400 = 4 downlights
You might add an extra fitting over the shower if the space is large.
Bedrooms
Bedrooms lean towards cozy, ambient lighting rather than intense brightness.
You’ll want enough general light for dressing and cleaning but soft enough for winding down at night.
Tips for bedroom lighting:
- Aim for 100–150 lux.
- Install dimmers if possible to control mood.
- Think about accent lighting near the bed, such as pendant lights or sconces.
Example:
A 20m² bedroom, aiming for 100 lux, needs about 2000 lumens.
Using 500-lumen downlights:
2000 ÷ 500 = 4 downlights
Place a couple more near wardrobes or vanities if needed.
Hallways and Corridors
Hallways are easy to overlook but benefit from good lighting to keep your home open and inviting.
Tips for hallway lighting:
- Space downlights evenly, about 2–3 meters apart.
- Use narrow beam angles if you want to highlight artwork or doors.
Example:
A 10m-long hallway may need 4–5 downlights about 2 meters apart.
