LED Downlights
Downlights pretty much do what ‘they say on the tin’, but they come in a variety of types: recessed or semi-flush, dimmable and non-dimmable, fixed or adjustable, line mains or low voltage. All of the usual LED advantages apply: zero appreciable generation of heat, no use of toxic mercury, little or no UV output, fantastically long lifespans and economical use of power.
Dimmable LED downlights
For ease of installation you’ll find that recessed dimmable LED downlights usually come complete with an LED driver. This ensures the finely adjustable voltage that is necessary to dim an LED lamp, which cannot be achieved with cruder, bog standard 12V transformers.
A strategy
When choosing the right technology for the job, it’s a good idea to have a strategy. Which lights are likely to get the most use? Make those the more energy-efficient ones, and save the likes of halogen for specialist applications like colour critical displays or detail task lighting. LED is so useful in that respect, having minimal impact on your energy bills where incandescent is very thirsty. In between those two you have fluorescent, which is also economical, but still consumes twice the wattage of LED on average and with a lesser lifespan.
Downlighting and spotlighting
Some downlights have an adjustable head for a degree of spotlighting, so even though they’re generally recessed into the ceiling you can direct the light according to your needs.
Ideal in kitchens, hallways, corridors, hospitality areas, retail environments, and other venues, downlights are a straightforward and inconspicuous solution to task lighting or everyday illumination.