How Far Apart Should Downlights Be?

Too few downlights leave dark patches. Too many make a ceiling look like a runway. These rules of thumb give an even layout in most rooms.

The quick rule

Divide the ceiling height by two. That is roughly how far apart the downlights should be.

• 2.4 m ceiling: about 1.2 m apart.
• 2.7 m ceiling: about 1.35 m apart.
• 3 m ceiling: about 1.5 m apart.

This assumes a medium beam of around 36° to 60°. Narrow beams need closer spacing. Wide beams can go further apart.

Distance from the walls

Place the first row about half the spacing distance from the wall, usually 0.5 to 0.75 m. Too close and you get bright scallops on the wall. Too far and the edges of the room look dim. If you have wall units in a kitchen, measure from the front edge of the units so the light lands on the worktop rather than on top of your head.

How many do you need?

Spacing tells you the grid. Brightness tells you whether the grid is enough. As a guide:

• Living rooms and bedrooms: 100 to 150 lux.
• Bathrooms: around 200 lux.
• Kitchens: around 300 lux on worktops.
• Home offices: 300 to 400 lux.

Our free Downlight Calculator does the sum for you. Enter the room size and use, and it gives the number of fittings, the spacing and the distance from the walls.

Layout tips

• Light the task, not the floor plan. Put fittings over worktops, the dining table and the basin first, then fill in the rest.
• Avoid a rigid grid in living rooms. Fewer downlights plus lamps and wall lights feels more relaxed.
• Use adjustable fittings near walls to light artwork, shelving or curtains.
• Split the circuits. Separate switching or dimming for the centre and the perimeter gives you more than one mood.
• Check for joists before finalising positions. A small shift is better than a compromised cut-out.

Next step

Work out your quantities with the Downlight Calculator, then shortlist a fitting with the Downlight Finder.