How to choose the best recessed spotlights?

What are recessed spotlights?

Before we begin, however, it is necessary to have in mind the concept of a recessed spotlight. This term refers to a type of lighting device that is very popular in the lighting of both commercial and residential spaces.

Unlike ordinary wall lamps and chandeliers, recessed spotlights are designed to be mounted flush with the surface so as to create elegant lighting in an interior space.

These lighting devices consist of 2 basic parts:

• Frame: a mounting structure mounted to cover the hole in the ceiling and intended to fix the light source; the finish of the exterior appearance chosen depending on the available models.
• Container: a cylindrical holder made of metal or plastic, designed to hold the light source and any other components of the luminaire where necessary, depending on the spotlight.

Advantages of recessed spotlights over other lighting solutions

Recessed spotlights are an increasingly popular choice, as they offer a number of unique advantages over other lighting solutions. First, the main advantage, as already mentioned, is one of design: this type of lighting is designed to be concealed within the structure itself, creating a clean, minimalist appearance.

In addition, these devices can be strategically placed to provide direct, focused illumination on specific areas such as kitchens, walk-in closets, living rooms, and to highlight furnishing details.

Because they are installed flush with the surface, recessed spotlights do not take up visible space, which is especially useful in rooms with limited size or in areas where chandeliers cannot be used.

Criteria in choosing recessed spotlights

There are many criteria to consider when selecting these lighting elements and they vary according to the specific lighting needs of each space. Let us now list the main criteria to consider.

Types of recessed spotlights

Recessed spotlights are available in 3 different types of materials, each with distinctive characteristics that affect both aesthetic appearance and lighting performance. The three main types of spotlights include those made of plaster, metal and steel.

Plaster spotlights offer an unobtrusive aesthetic and blend seamlessly with the wall. Metal spotlights add a modern touch and are available in a variety of finishes, so the color can be matched with the decor and style of the room.

Finally, steel spotlights have superior strength and durability, which is why they are mainly used for floor installation.

The choice among these 3 types will depend on the desired aesthetics and functional needs of each space.

Dimensions

When choosing recessed spotlights, it is also crucial to consider the size of the devices.

Medium-sized recessed spotlights (above 16 cm) are ideal when a large area such as a spacious living room or commercial area needs to be illuminated.

For areas such as bedrooms, moderately sized kitchens, bathrooms or narrow hallways, try to opt for small (between 5 and 9 cm) recessed spotlights. This will ensure adequate lighting without making the area feel dimly lit.

Energy Efficiency

Regarding energy efficiency, current lighting technologies make two main options available for downlights: halogen lamps and LED lamps.

LED recessed spotlights are a state-of-the-art solution for energy efficiency and lighting of indoor and outdoor spaces.

LED lamps consume significantly less energy than halogen lamps, allowing you to achieve significant savings on your energy bill. In addition, LED recessed spotlights have a much longer lifespan than their halogen counterparts. Conventional halogen lamps have a relatively short service life (about 2,000 hours), while LEDs can last between 10,000 and 25,000 hours, depending on model and use. This results in lower maintenance and replacement costs, as well as a lower environmental impact related to the production and disposal of spent lamps.

Color type

In addition to the lighting technology, another of the most decisive factors in choosing recessed spotlights is the type of light color. 

As explored in depth in this article, the color of lighting is linked in double strand with the environment in which the devices will be placed; we can distinguish 3 main types of color:

• warm light: this shade is ideal for bedrooms, living rooms and dining rooms, as it makes for warm and cozy atmospheres. The characteristic color is a yellow light, and its temperature ranges from 2,700 to 3,300 degrees Kelvin.
• neutral light: this shade strikes the perfect balance between welcoming effect and functional lighting. It is therefore ideal for transition areas such as corridors and entrances. The characteristic color is white, and its temperature varies between 4,000 and 5,500 degrees Kelvin.
• cool light: this shade is ideal in areas where details are to be enhanced; thus, it is ideal for work areas and as outdoor lights for gate entrances, and in car-passing areas in garages. The characteristic color of the light is deep white or bluish, and its temperature is generally above 5,500 degrees Kelvin.

As we have just seen, the choice of lighting color for recessed spotlights can greatly affect the appearance and functionality of the room.

Power

The wattage of recessed spotlights is one of the main criteria for choice; it affects, in fact, the light output of the device. Before making your purchase study the label to identify the watts (W) and consider how intense you want the beam to be.

If you have a small room or want a more intimate and cozy atmosphere, opting for technologies with a wattage of less than 6 W might be the right choice, while if you are lighting a larger area or need a brighter light, recessed spotlights with a wattage between 7 and 10 W might be more appropriate.

Finishes

In terms of aesthetics, there are numerous recessed spotlights on the market made in a wide range of finishes. These finishes can include materials such as stainless steel, brushed aluminum, polished brass, and different types of colors.

Our advice is to consider the type of finish best suited for the environment in which the product will be placed.

Compatibility with smart technologies

Finally, when choosing recessed spotlights, we cannot fail to mention those equipped with smart technologies for inserting, for example, speakers or light effects. Again, our advice is to choose products according to the environment in which they will be installed.

For gardens, it is possible to opt for smart recessed spotlights equipped with light effects, so as to create striking atmospheres during outdoor evenings. Instead, for relaxation or entertainment areas, it is possible to opt for smart technologies with built-in speakers, so that music or sounds can be played directly from the light source itself.

Amlux's role in choosing the best recessed spotlights

As we have just analyzed, the choice of recessed spotlights must necessarily take into account many variables.

At Amlux, we are a point of reference for the sale of recessed spotlights for both indoor and indoor ceiling and wall, as well as outdoor. We provide a wide range of products with finishes designed for any environment: from the living area to the kitchen, from the bedroom to bathrooms and corridors.

Our products feature LED technology and are all easy to install; browse our extensive catalog now or contact us for more information!