Space + Light
Placing Halogen Downlights
Every designer knows that clever lighting can turn a room from stylish to sensational. There are loads of great options on the market - here Donna Hardie discusses halogen downlights and how best to place them for maximum effect.
Dear Donna,
We are in the process of having our bathroom renovated. We have chosen all the fixtures and fittings but cannot decide on the lighting. We would like to have spotlights that fit flush with the ceiling which is about two metres square. Please can you advise how many spotlights would be best, and also what advice can you give on where to position them?
Thanks,
Janet
Our Homes And Property Expert replies
Dear Janet,
Halogen downlights are a great idea as they give a bathroom an uncluttered look and feature directional light that can brighten up a dark corner or highlight a certain feature of the room. You shouldn't need many, as experts recommend only one light fixture for every 25 square foot (2.25 square metres) of floor space, but it's really up to you. You could space four or six of them evenly in the ceiling if you think the space needs more light, or you could add a simple row of three or four down the centre, then add accent light in the shower, above a mirror or on the wall either side of an alcove if you have a fireplace.
Look out for something called the Ingress Protection Rating in a light fitting which tells you the level of resistance it has to water. The maximum IP rating of IP68 indicates that the fitting is both dust-tight and resistant to water. Bathroom fittings with high IP ratings have to be extremely well manufactured after all, water and electricity is a lethal combination and your safety depends on the quality of the fittings.
For a wide range of downlighters with different coloured or metal finishes, visit Christopher Wray or call (020) 7751 8701. B&Q also has a wide selection. The mini tilting halogen downlights illustrated in a chrome finish come in a pack of three for around £17.97. Visit the B&Q website for more details.
I wouldn't recommend fitting any lights yourself unless you have a confident knowledge of electrics, so contact your local electrician. You could either check in the Yellow Pages or contact the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contractors (NICEIC) on (020) 7564 2323. They can provide you with the contact numbers of qualified members in your area.
Hope that helps!
Donna
We are in the process of having our bathroom renovated. We have chosen all the fixtures and fittings but cannot decide on the lighting. We would like to have spotlights that fit flush with the ceiling which is about two metres square. Please can you advise how many spotlights would be best, and also what advice can you give on where to position them?
Thanks,
Janet
Our Homes And Property Expert replies
Dear Janet,
Halogen downlights are a great idea as they give a bathroom an uncluttered look and feature directional light that can brighten up a dark corner or highlight a certain feature of the room. You shouldn't need many, as experts recommend only one light fixture for every 25 square foot (2.25 square metres) of floor space, but it's really up to you. You could space four or six of them evenly in the ceiling if you think the space needs more light, or you could add a simple row of three or four down the centre, then add accent light in the shower, above a mirror or on the wall either side of an alcove if you have a fireplace.
Look out for something called the Ingress Protection Rating in a light fitting which tells you the level of resistance it has to water. The maximum IP rating of IP68 indicates that the fitting is both dust-tight and resistant to water. Bathroom fittings with high IP ratings have to be extremely well manufactured after all, water and electricity is a lethal combination and your safety depends on the quality of the fittings.
For a wide range of downlighters with different coloured or metal finishes, visit Christopher Wray or call (020) 7751 8701. B&Q also has a wide selection. The mini tilting halogen downlights illustrated in a chrome finish come in a pack of three for around £17.97. Visit the B&Q website for more details.
I wouldn't recommend fitting any lights yourself unless you have a confident knowledge of electrics, so contact your local electrician. You could either check in the Yellow Pages or contact the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contractors (NICEIC) on (020) 7564 2323. They can provide you with the contact numbers of qualified members in your area.
Hope that helps!
Donna
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