How to choose layout & number of downlights

[N3mo]

Hi all,

Especially ban all sheds as this is his favourite topic.

I have a through lounge 4m x 7.5m and want to install spotlights.

Question is how do i calculate how many I should use and in what arrangement? Is there a fixed distance away from the walls and should they be a certain distance apart etc

I am thinking 3 rows of 7

X X X X X X X


X X X X X X X


X X X X X X X

Joists run vertical so using the gap between joists I can get the 3 spots to sit in line.

Likely to use GU10 LED bulbs at 4w - (35w equivalent)

thanks in advance

 

[bernardgreen]

If you ever intend to lay face up on the settees then make sure the spotlights above the settees can be turned off. It really is painful and probably harmful to have a spot light shining in your eyes.

Same thing for children laying on the floor.

 

[ericmark]

The lighting calculations are complex. I have made mistakes mainly due to not considering ceiling height and reflective surfaces and with spot lights the idea is to reflect the light off a near white surface so colour and ability to aim lights at appropriate surface are very important.

BAS I am sure will show this image

And really without consideration of where the light will bounce off it is the right response. Ideal Homes have very light surfaces and spot lights able to be pointed to surfaces able to reflect the light. With dark wood finish and dark floors the spot lights look like a planetarium with little or no light reflected.

So light surface with lights aimed at them likely 1000 lumen will do the job but dark wood and aimed at floor then 10000 lumen still not enough.

As to watts well depends on quality of lamps they very so wildly that it is times 100 rather than times 10 when looking at watts.

I would light with 2D florescent for general and spots for counter tops it is always a compromise between looks and ability to light the area.

Ups lounge not kitchen but same problem white or cream furniture will give very different result to brown and again carpet colour is really important.

 

[swampy2]

Chose warm lamps ,cool to bright.

 

[N3mo]

If you ever intend to lay face up on the settees then make sure the spotlights above the settees can be turned off. It really is painful and probably harmful to have a spot light shining in your eyes.

Same thing for children laying on the floor.

Ermmmm I intend to put the tv on the wall, not the ceiling

 

[N3mo]

Chose warm lamps ,cool to bright.

Need to decide on configuration first. That is my first query

 

[JohnW2]

If you ever intend to lay face up on the settees then make sure the spotlights above the settees can be turned off. It really is painful and probably harmful to have a spot light shining in your eyes.

Ermmmm I intend to put the tv on the wall, not the ceiling

I don't doubt that, but Bernard's comment is nevertheless valid in most houses - watching TV is not the only thing that people do in (most) lounges.

Kind Regards, John

 

[N3mo]

so how many lights do I need and in what config?

 

[JohnW2]

so how many lights do I need and in what config?

As others have said, there simply is no 'one size fits all' answer. It depends on many things - how light you want the room to be (which partially depends on what activities will be happening in the room, as well as personal preference), how high your ceiling is, what colour your ceiling, walls and floor are, position and colour of furniture etc. etc. etc.

Kind Regards, John

 

[ricicle]

Ermmmm I intend to put the tv on the wall, not the ceiling

Do you think you deserve help with an attitude like that ?

 

[swampy2]

If i was installing downlights in a lounge, i would have each row independently switched, and dimmed if lamps/transformers used.
I would fit 3 rows x 4 and if more needed fit after(warm lamps).

 

[OwainDIYer]

I would put a downlight over each vase or other ornamental knick-knack the Mrs wanted spotlit.

 

[Taylortwocities]

If I was chosing lighting for my lounge I would have the downlights
packed in their boxes on the shelf at the electrical supplier.

 

[mfarrow]

The trick with spots lights is to ensure they are used in the most effective manner. They're not designed for even surface lighting, so don't use them as such. So forget the Connect4 design you proposed for a start.

Have a look through magazines, lighting designer's websites, hotel rooms etc and really think about where you need light within the room. Probably 4 over dining cable in a diamond, at front edge of sofa, over coffee table, etc. We cannot build you an aesthetic lighting design with what you've given us.

20W MR16 or equivalent per lamp will be ample, by the way.

 

[RF Lighting]

600mm from each wall and then every 1000mm - 1500mm there after seems to work well as a rule of thumb.

Use wide angle LED fittings in warm white. 5W - 9W are plenty bright enough.

Allow them to be switched in rows, and consider dimmers too for different mood settings.