Ceiling Spot Lights

6 years ago

I have a client who would like central lights removed in her new home and spotlights throughout.

She has given me a plan of where the spotlights are to be placed in each room.

The plan shows spotlights at key places where she perceives the need for light rather than laid out traditionally i.e. 9 lights, 3 across and 3 down equally spaced. No spotlights are in the centre of any of the rooms.

I am worried that it will look strange and your eye will be pulled towards odd spots in different places and that the central part of the rooms will be dark.

Can anyone advise if the way she would like them will be OK, I want her to have what she wants but I dont want her to make a mistake.

Many thanks

Featured Answer

PRO

Anna Auzins Interiors Ltd.

6 years ago

I agree -- it's about what is being lit, rather than the pattern in the ceiling. I use directional downlights, so that they light whatever is on the wall in a particular place rather than a patch of floor.

I also agree about keeping a central, decorative fitting on a separate circuit, it adds to the layers of light that make a successful scheme.

I'd also consider having the downlights on several circuits so that you can control the mood in the room more... and don't forget table/floor lamps to complete the room!

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Comments (6)

Tall Blk
6 years ago
Our electrician felt exactly the same when I gave him the layout of our spotlight which were random but highlights and zones the space in the room and We love the end result.

Having said that, we also installed a central piece which is not a spotlight and on a separate circuit which is used to illuminate the space if required. In the year it has been installed, We’ve never turned both on at the same time.
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ghesp
6 years ago
I'm sure a lighting professional will comment, but runway style lighting is awful in my opinion unless your plan is just to flood a space full of light

focus the downlights on the areas that need them, and you have a wonderful cosy feel, especially when paired with lamps to layer the lighting.

take a look at any of the photos of Houzz. none of the downlights are runway, and they're all positioned to highlight bookcases, artwork, tables etc
Senior Moves thanked ghesp
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Resh
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
As the others have said, laying spotlights all over a ceiling just looks brash. They are best around the edges of the room, where the light bounces off walls and serves to give a nice glow, rather than an industrial glare. And I would absolutely advise keeping the central fitting on a separate circuit for a statement pendant - or at the least advise leaving the wiring for that there and hidden in the ceiling, for the potential for one in the future.

Spots are massively overused - I have seen a load of period houses here in London made soulless by removing ceiling fittings and ambient lighting for a carpet of spotlights. spots are one aspect of a good lighting design, but should not light a room on their own - too harsh, too directional. Even in utility spaces like kitchens...
Senior Moves thanked Resh
PRO
Senior Moves
Original Author
6 years ago
Really appreciate the feedback from all, meeting the lighting people this week, feel more confident that the design will work now. relief!
Resh
6 years ago
Also just to say, I think it's great that you are looking out for your client by researching and checking her designs independently. One of the reasons I like my builder so much is that he does not just slavishly do what I want: if he thinks something will look odd, he tells me. He's not always right, but he has been right enough times that we are finishing a project that we are both proud of, and also one on which we have really both felt engaged. It's a great result when client and professional co-operate in such a way - gives me (client) a really good feeling, which is what you want when doing your dream home!
Senior Moves thanked Resh

Ceiling Spot Lights

Anna Auzins Interiors Ltd.

Comments (6)

Tall Blk

ghesp

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Ceiling Spot Lights

Anna Auzins Interiors Ltd.

Comments (6)

Tall Blk

ghesp

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Resh

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Resh

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