Downlighting is an excellent tool to use to highlight the features of your home. Just by placing the downlights carefully, they will add more atmosphere and drama than just light. They should be minimized in any scheme. Each downlight must have a purpose and should not be placed in a box. It’s about what you light, not creating patterns on your ceiling.

Pin spotting coffee or dining tables

Downlights add atmosphere and drama to a room by lighting the centre of a coffee or dining table. Use a narrow beam to either pin spot or use two downlights to cross the light. This will create a more intimate environment by providing a focus in the centre of the room.

Cleaning the curtains

Use a recessed light to clean the light at the front of the curtain so that it is visible at night. This will provide a soft light reflection in the space but will also show the texture and colour of the curtain fabric at night.

Highlight Flowers or Objects

Downlights are a great way to highlight flowers or objects you like. Illuminating them with a wide or narrow focus will ensure they are displayed at night when they receive focus and sparkle.

Operating lighting over the kitchen island

Operating lighting is essential in the kitchen so you can see when preparing and cooking food. The downlight provides the best way to achieve activity lighting because it can target light specifically at the surface where most of the work is being done. Carefully place on the kitchen island and work surface. Or, place it so that the light flows onto the front of the cabinet and reflects directly onto the worksurface below.

Lighting Artwork

Downlights are one of the best tools for illuminating artwork throughout the home. The exact position of the downlight will depend on the height of the ceiling and the angle of the luminaire you are using. Always make sure to choose an LED with a high CRI (colour rendering index) so that it shows true colours in art.

Positioning

Never place a downlight in a box because all you will get is a light stream. The space will appear light and evenly distributed. Also, avoid placing it over people’s heads as it is uncomfortable for the person underneath and not very flattering. Instead, place the light fixture in an easily accessible place.