How to Choose a Recessed Spotlight? Cut-Out Size, Beam Angle and Layout
Short answer
When choosing a recessed spotlight, first determine the cut-out size and recess depth the ceiling allows, then the function: a wide-beam downlight for general lighting, a narrow-beam adjustable spotlight for accents. Then check luminous flux, colour temperature, CRI, glare (UGR) and at least IP44 protection in wet rooms.
Recessed spotlights are built into the ceiling, with only their front visible. That makes them the most common way of providing light without disturbing the architecture; but chosen badly, they leave dark patches, glaring bright spots and a disorderly look on the ceiling.
1. Check the ceiling
- Cut-out size: Use the value in the datasheet; our Reflect model, for example, has a diameter of 240 mm and a cut-out of 210 mm.
- Recess depth: There must be enough space behind the suspended ceiling for the luminaire and the driver.
- Ceiling type: Plasterboard, metal tiles or timber; the mounting springs must suit the ceiling thickness.
2. Define the function
| Need | Choice |
|---|---|
| General lighting | Wide-beam (60° and above) fixed downlight with opal or micro-prismatic diffuser |
| Accent (paintings, shelves, products) | Narrow or medium beam (15°–36°), adjustable spotlight |
| Wall lighting | Recessed wallwasher with asymmetric optic |
| Wet rooms | IP44 or higher, model with a closed front |
3. Technical values
- Luminous flux: Compare lumens and lm/W instead of watts.
- Colour temperature: 2700K–3000K in homes, 4000K in offices; do not mix them in the same space.
- CRI: At least Ra 80; Ra 90+ in shops and for artworks.
- Glare: Models with deep-set LEDs or anti-glare accessories reduce direct view of the light source.
- Dimming: Triac in homes; DALI- or 1-10V-compatible drivers in commercial projects.
4. Layout
- As a starting point, take the spacing between spotlights close to the ceiling height and the distance to the wall about half of that; verify the result by calculation according to the beam angle.
- Do not squeeze spotlights against the walls; unwanted scallops of light appear on the wall. If wall lighting is wanted, use a wallwasher.
- Do not cut holes for accent spotlights without knowing the furniture layout; the spotlight must be positioned according to the object it will light.
Conclusion
The right recessed spotlight is chosen by the size the ceiling allows, a beam angle suited to the function and sufficient technical quality. You can explore our recessed models.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a downlight and a recessed spotlight?
A downlight is usually wide-beam and fixed, for general lighting. A recessed spotlight can have a narrower beam and is often adjustable; it is used for accent lighting.
How is the cut-out size of a recessed spotlight determined?
The cut-out size is given in each model's datasheet. The ceiling hole is cut to this size; there must be enough depth in the ceiling void for the luminaire body and driver.
What spacing should recessed spotlights have?
As a starting point, a spacing close to the ceiling height is taken (for example, wide-beam downlights at about 1.2–1.5 m intervals under a 2.8 m ceiling); the spacing is verified by calculation according to the beam angle for uniform light.
Which recessed spotlight should be used in a bathroom?
Models with at least IP44 protection; higher protection is preferred close to the shower.