Downlights produce an indirect glow that is most effective when used in conjunction with other lighting sources such as cabinets lights or wall lights.

For this reason, it's advisable to have at least two ring top wall lights for every four downlights in a kitchen.

This helps to accent the range of up and down movement that lamps give, as well as ensuring that you don't under-illuminate a room. For this purpose, you must know which downlights for kitchen are the best for your home interior?

If you are looking for an ambient kitchen lighting only (i.e. not feature lighting) then consider using LED downlights with an integral LED driver. They are more compact, cleaner and lighter than conventional indirect wall lights, as well as being easier to install (no wiring or drilling required).

Do kitchens need fire rated downlights?

Many local building regulations do stipulate a minimum level of protection that needs to be provided. Therefore, it's worth your while checking the manufacturer's service mainly installation information and specifications (located on the packaging) before you buy the products.

The vast majority of kitchen lighting manufacturers recommend using LED lighting products for kitchen design such as downlights with an intumescent coating. This type of coating expands when exposed to high temperatures, forming a barrier that protects against any spreading flames or smoke from below. This can prevent the fire hazard in the kitchen lighting.

In addition, some downlight manufacturers will specify that their lamps should be installed in a fire-rated enclosure. This is to prevent the lamp from being damaged as well as to provide additional protection against the spread of any fire or smoke if one were to break out.

Types of kitchen lighting

Depending on the shape and size of the kitchen, there are a number of lighting solutions best used as kitchen lighting:

Track light

This kind of lighting is also called linear track lighting, rail lighting, or under track LED lighting. It makes use of a low ceiling to direct light from an upper downlight that is fixed along the edges of a room to illuminate certain spaces below, such as above countertops and cabinets.

Surface-mounted lights or sconce lights

These lights come with dimmer control so you can adjust brightness as per your need(unlike other lights which have the same brightness). They are generally used for side counters/sink areas where more focused spotlights are required rather than general illumination.

Pendant lights

These are suspended lights with long stems that are usually hung in the middle of the kitchen to give a more ambient feel instead of spotlight effect.

Tube lights or linear LED downlights

These come with LED drivers and are used for under counter areas where you want a brighter, cleaner look.

Recessed raised panel spotlights

They work like sconces but they do not protrude from the wall surface (they completely recessed into the wall). They can be used to highlight any areas.

What is a downlight beam angle?

The beam angle is how wide a light will normally illuminate. A wider beam angle is typically brighter, but doesn't carry as far and is more susceptible to shadows or objects in the way of the beam. Narrower beam angles tend to provide more even lighting and are less susceptible to shadows. However, they don't provide as much light and they tend to be less bright. It also affects how light is used. Narrow lighting will shine directly onto an object while a wider light source will spill over the edges of the object and create a softer lighting effect. Downlights have beam angles ranging from 30 degrees to 60 degrees. A beam angle of 30-40 degrees is good for general lighting purposes such as illuminating objects directly below the downlight. It also limits bright spots and shadows in an area by creating a more even, ambient light. A narrow beam angle is great for highlighting certain parts of an object, such as a display case or kitchen islands. However, it may not be ideal when you want to illuminate the entire room because the edges will appear dark. In this situation, a wider beam angle will provide better overall illumination.

Are downlights good for the kitchen?

Downlights are generally good for kitchen area. They provide enough illumination, help reduce shadows and act as a decorative touch. You will have a difference of opinion while making this decision for your house as there will be several other places in the home like work area, painting room, living room, store areas, etc that will need latest lighting scheme, maybe a combination of LED downlights and gimbal downlights. The Federal Government has a handy guide to lighting which you can check out here.

If you install a downlight near the kitchen counter, pay attention to the way it is oriented. The kitchen lighting should not shine directly into your eyes while cooking. Instead, you can point the lighting so that it reflects off of the ceilings and illuminates the space in front of you at an angle.