Residential Downlights

Residential downlights cover every room in the home, from IP-rated options for kitchens and bathrooms to warm-tone fittings that suit bedrooms and living rooms. Lyco's range includes fixed and adjustable styles, with fire rated options for upper-floor installations. Same-day dispatch on the majority of lines.

The right downlight for every room in your home

Not all rooms are equal when it comes to downlight specification. The kitchen needs brightness and practicality. The bathroom needs IP ratings. The bedroom needs warmth and dimmability. Getting those details right is what separates a lighting scheme that works from one that just exists.

For kitchens, aim for a cooler white (3000–4000K) at the higher end of the lumen range to make task areas feel bright and clean. Space downlights evenly across the ceiling for general ambient light, and consider adding under-cabinet strip lighting separately for direct task illumination at the worktop.

Bathrooms require IP-rated fittings. As a minimum, fittings in Zone 1 (directly above the bath or shower tray) need IP65; those in Zone 2 (within 600mm horizontally of the bath or shower) need IP44. Most modern bathroom downlights meet at least IP44 as standard, check the product listing to confirm.

In living rooms and bedrooms, a warmer colour temperature (2700K) and dimmable fittings are worth the extra consideration. The difference between a room on full brightness and one at 30% through a quality dimmer is significant. All installations above a floor with habitable

rooms below require fire rated downlights, which many homeowners overlook. Lyco offers free delivery on orders over £70.

Frequently Asked Questions

What colour temperature is best for residential downlights?

It depends on the room. Warm white (2700K) suits bedrooms and living rooms where a relaxed atmosphere is the goal. Neutral or cool white (3000–4000K) is better for kitchens, home offices, and bathrooms where task performance matters more. Many homes use warm white throughout for consistency and switch to brighter task lighting locally where needed.

Do I need fire-rated downlights in my home?

Yes, in most cases. Building regulations require fire-resistant ceilings between floors that contain habitable rooms. A standard downlight creates a hole in the ceiling that compromises fire compartmentation. Fire rated downlights are designed to close when exposed to heat, maintaining the integrity of the ceiling for a rated period, typically 30 or 60 minutes.

How do I know what size cutout I need for residential downlights?

The cutout size is listed in the product specification and refers to the diameter of the hole required in the ceiling. Common sizes in UK residential installs are 70mm and 75mm. If you're replacing an existing fitting, measure the hole in the ceiling (not the fitting bezel) to ensure the new product is compatible.

Can I dim residential downlights?

Many residential downlights are dimmable, but you need to confirm this in the product spec and use a compatible LED dimmer switch. Standard dimmers designed for halogen or incandescent lamps may not work with LED drivers. Check the minimum load of your dimmer against the total wattage on the circuit.

Do you sell residential downlights near me?

Lyco delivers residential downlights to all UK mainland addresses with next-working-day delivery as standard. Orders over £70 qualify for free delivery, and same-day dispatch applies to the vast majority of in-stock products across the range.