How to Choose the Best Commercial Downlights for Your Workspace

Whether work, rest or play, we all need light. In office spaces, retail settings and public buildings, appropriate lighting is always a must. However, knowing how to efficiently and effectively light your space isn’t always simple. There are plenty of different points to consider!

However, time and again, commercial downlighting proves to be hugely popular. When used correctly, these lighting standards can help to ensure your space is both functional and inspiring. What’s more, commercial downlights are timeless in their setup, design and purpose.

But – what is likely to work best for you? What type of work do you and your team undertake each day? Are you looking to change the aesthetic of a space, or to make it more productive? Much of this revolves around the fittings and bulbs you choose early on.

Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to consider when setting them up, and at a few options available from Arrow Electrical.

What is Downlighting?

As its name suggests, downlighting is the act of casting illumination downwards. For example, instead of having wall lights cast light from side to side, these fixtures point to the floor. A very simple example, in fact, is the classic pendant or hanging light fixtures you will normally see across UK homes.

However, downlighting in a commercial sense is a little different to the standard hanging bulbs you’ll find at home. Commercial downlighting arrives in a variety of different options depending on your business’ setup and style. For example, you may choose recessed lights that build into your ceiling.

A great example of these are our twin recessed multi tilt 20W spotlights. Simple yet effective, these downlights are easy to install in ceiling recesses to ensure that light spreads gently. The point of downlighting is, ultimately, to ensure that everything below is washed in light so that it’s easy to see and use.

As its name suggests, downlighting is the act of casting illumination downwards. For example, instead of having wall lights cast light from side to side, these fixtures point to the floor. A very simple example, in fact, is the classic pendant or hanging light fixtures you will normally see across UK homes.

However, downlighting in a commercial sense is a little different to the standard hanging bulbs you’ll find at home. Commercial downlighting arrives in a variety of different options depending on your business’ setup and style. For example, you may choose recessed lights that build into your ceiling.

A great example of these are our twin recessed multi tilt 20W spotlights. Simple yet effective, these downlights are easy to install in ceiling recesses to ensure that light spreads gently. The point of downlighting is, ultimately, to ensure that everything below is washed in light so that it’s easy to see and use.

This applies in various working scenarios. You may find some downlighting options in public buildings and hospitality settings. For example, in hotels, bars and restaurants, you may find downlighting in the form of open bulbs. Or, there may be lampshades or covers involved to help stem the glare of direct light.

Otherwise, as mentioned, one of the more popular modern ways to downlight is to recess lighting. Dimmable options, such as those linked to above, are additionally flexible in that you have control over their brightness and tone.

Crucially, downlighting is a great idea if you need to create specific focus and don’t need to create accents. Commercial downlights used the right way can add to and build new atmospheres, however, they are generally seen as practical. Take a look at the different twists on commercial downlighting available next time you head into a public building!

Why Use Commercial Downlights?

Commercial downlights are not purely beneficial from an aesthetic standpoint. Task lighting comes in various shapes and forms. However, for broad and open spaces, such as offices and workshops, there needs to be an even spread of light. That’s not always possible with specific types of lighting – traditional downlights and ceiling options included.

Commercial downlights such as recessed LEDs or flexible spotlights can help to enhance productivity. In a dimly-lit space or working environment, employees may feel less compelled to work to their full potential. Thus, there is an increasing need for businesses to think carefully about keeping their spaces well-illuminated.

Commercial downlights are hugely effective in working environments where natural light is absent. It is entirely possible to replicate the look and feel of natural lighting flowing through with specific LEDs. In addition, it is worth remembering that dimmable and versatile commercial LEDs can be adjusted in line with the time of day. This could help to lessen staff fatigue and to help keep targets in sight.

Beyond the productivity aspects, commercial downlights are hugely influential in building atmosphere. While businesses may invest in accent lighting to help dress and design a space, it may not always be enough. Modern downlights for businesses can help to enhance productivity and bring out the best in a room – a double effect.

Commercial downlights in the modern era are also designed to streamline various interior designs. Options such as our modern double LED dimmable downlights, for example, hardly interrupt office or workplace design. Small yet highly effective, these downlights are also effective in helping to provide illumination in hospitality settings.

Crucially, modern commercial downlights are simple to manage and set up. Barely imprinting on your existing design, the best installations work purely to illuminate space. Straightforward and effective, business owners considering practical lighting in any building or workspace should consider downlights first.

That’s not to say other types of lighting in the workplace aren’t effective! In fact, our catalogue is brimming with brilliant options you can mix and match.

Functionality and Aesthetic Points to Consider

Of course, the types and styles of downlights you invest in for your workplace will vary depending on your needs. For instance, you need to consider lighting intensity. Depending on the type of space you are designing, you need to be careful with too much glare and too little light. In working areas, dim light can cause fatigue – and too much can cause intense discomfort.

Therefore, before choosing the ideal light fittings and bulbs, you need to consider how much light your space needs. Or, for more flexibility, it is worth considering dimmable bulbs and fixtures. This way, at least, you can modify the intensity as you go.

Do also consider sizing. As mentioned, downlights can be too intense in some situations, which means you need to balance out the size. Effectively, the smaller the working space, the smaller the lights you’ll need. However, where you choose to place your lighting can also impact size – we’ll cover this shortly.

Think about how you’d like your fittings to appear, too. Are you considering recessed lighting for your space or lamps that you can quickly move when needed? With recessed lighting, there may be the need for additional installation work. This is because you will need to recess these lights into your ceiling or other panelling actively.

Do also consider quality. It may seem cost-effective to choose a cheap downlighting option to save money. However, it is likely to save you money if you choose lighting that is built for intensive, commercial use. For example, our hard-wearing Apollo Twin in textured white will weather years of service.

Of course, you need to consider the colour of your fittings and bulbs, too. Do you want a cool burn or a warm glow? Are you looking for polished metal lights or black or white to blend in? Arrow Electrical is pleased to offer a range of choices – you don’t have to follow the crowd.

It’s not always easy to know which lighting options are likely to work best for your workspace. Therefore, be willing to reach out to an expert if you need guidance.

Where Should You Place Commercial Downlights?

Choosing downlights for your workspace or public building is, of course, only part of the issue at stake. Once invested, you will need to be sure that you are placing your lights in the most effective spots available. As with task lighting in general (and as mentioned), it makes sense to install smaller overhead lighting above smaller workstations.

Otherwise, it would help if you considered where your team is likely to be working day in and day out. If they are working at computers in an office space, consider gentle downlighting to lessen glare. Consider, too, where other lights may currently be placed. Unfortunately, it is still easy to overwhelm your employees if the lighting is too intense.

When it comes to public businesses such as restaurants and bars, of course, you need to illuminate tables and seating. Crucially, it’s vital to keep downlights above where people are likely to be. For example, if your lighting is too far off to the side, people are likely to find themselves in the dark! This may seem moot, but it bears repeating.

Therefore, it always makes sense to consider a dry run before buying. Look at how lighting is already set up in your office or working space. If there is already an abundance of light from PC screens and overhead lighting, it may be worth altering the setup. While adding more light to a room can seem like a good idea, it can sometimes be counter-productive.

Consider the natural light in your space, too. If your working area is surrounded by windows, then it’s likely you won’t need downlights too intensive. Consider, however, if your team works after hours after the sun goes down. It’s here where you may wish to set up a gentle spread of lights with dimmer functionality.

Beyond this, it’s a good idea to follow manufacturer recommendations. At Arrow Electrical, we make sure to provide lighting assets that arrive with professional care and support. If you’re unsure where to place downlights for the best, reach out for guidance!

Are LED Downlights the Future?

LED downlights are not just the future. They are the present! LEDs have become the leading standard for cost-effective, energy-efficient lighting across homes and commercial settings. Using only a portion of the energy that traditional bulbs demand, they immediately pay for themselves. Less energy is used, and therefore less money is spent on commercial electricity bills.

When considering commercial downlights, it’s crucial to use LEDs as a starting point. Traditional bulbs – while still used in some circumstances – are hugely inefficient. What’s more, they are much less flexible than their modern LED counterparts. LED bulbs provide lighting at an impressive intensity, though with much less glare – if at all. Extremely low power LED lighting can arrive at 10W – just 5% of the power used in some everyday bulbs.

Modern LEDs are also flexible in that they are easy to use in dimmable fittings as you require them. LEDs can alter the look and mood of a space within a moment and with a simple button touch. With standard bulbs, you are likely restricted to the standard glow you receive out of the box.

Let’s also consider safety in the workplace. LED downlighting is much less hazardous than traditional bulb lighting in that the risk of explosion is all but negated. Glass bulbs that can explode if overpowered or at the end of their lifespan can – off course – prove hazardous. When hanging overhead while someone is working or when you are welcoming customers, this is all the more dangerous.

Commercial downlights based on LED technology will also weather many years to come. Some of the best-LED bulbs on the market today will last decades of use. That means there will never be the need for you to change your fittings or bulbs unless you wish to. Even then, modern LEDs can dim, change colour and more – there’s even less need to swap out.

There are abundant reasons to invest in commercial downlighting LEDs. Consider flexible, contemporary fittings such as the twin tiltable dimmable LED downright in matt white. This little fitting could transform your whole space!

Conclusion

While downlighting may seem like the most obvious choice for homes, it’s not always the case at work. What’s more, traditional downlighting may not always be as efficient or effective as the latest LED technology.

Therefore, no matter your place of work and no matter your industry, it is crucial to consider lighting. Lighting helps us stay productive and on target. What’s more, the proper lighting can help enhance your space’s look and feel.

At Arrow Electricals, we are committed to providing great lighting solutions at home and work. By all means, look at the products we have linked you to in our guide!