A Downlight is typically used to provide focused illumination in a specific area of your home, though they are sometimes referred to as luminaires or luminaries. Whether you’re trying to save money on your electric bill or simply trying to illuminate an otherwise dark area, there are plenty of options on the market from which you can choose, though some are better than others depending on your budget and your needs. To help you choose the best Downlight for every budget, we’ve compiled a list of the top ten Downlights based on our extensive research and buyer feedback.
Choosing Your Budget
Regardless of your ceiling height, you’ll need to consider how much you’re willing to spend on Downlighting. Thankfully, there are many different options in today’s LED Downlighting Market. The first step is choosing what price point you want to target and then working backward from there. For example, if your budget is $15 per Downlight, can you find a product within that range? In most cases, yes!
Once you’ve determined how much you can spend on each Downlight, it’s time to determine what types of lighting you want to provide. If your top priority is saving energy, look at options that are ENERGY STAR certified. If you plan on dimming your lights, consider LED Downlights with a 1-10 VDC remote or advanced driver IC.
In general, LED Downlights are going to be more expensive than their fluorescent counterparts. However, you can find many options that are priced in line with conventional or halogen models. You’ll want to make sure that you’re not spending money on features you don’t need (or will never use), but always consider value when making your decision—even at a higher price point!
Whether you want to Install LED Downlights in your entire home or just one room, there’s a product to suit your needs. If you want to see some of our favorites, check out our guide to the best LED Downlights.
10 Downlights Under $50
There are thousands of Downlights to choose from on eBay, but not all of them are worth your hard-earned money. The trick is to know exactly what you’re looking for before you begin shopping around. If you want a bright and high-quality fixture that costs less than $50, here are 10 options that will fit in any room of your home.
A modern and Bright Downlight is a great addition to any room. It will illuminate your home with less energy consumption compared to a normal light bulb, while also adding value to your property. A well-installed Downlight can last up to 10 years, so if you plan on selling your house at some point in time, installing one now can be a major selling point.
Another Benefit of Downlights is that you don’t need to hire an electrician to install them. A Downlight can be installed in less than 15 minutes and doesn’t require any additional Electrical wiring or knowledge. All you need is a screwdriver, something to prop open your fixture, and some good lighting installation tips!
These Downlights are specifically created to fit your needs and look great in any room. Not only do they cost less than $50, but they’re also bright, energy-efficient, and easy to install. You really can’t go wrong when it comes to investing in a new Downlight!
5 High-quality Downlights Between $50-$100
When it comes to purchasing Downlights, price is often a major factor. It shouldn’t be—some great quality lights cost as little as $50.
A $50 Downlight from a trusted brand can give you excellent light at an affordable price. Plus, it’s much easier to spend that amount than $100. This makes them ideal for bedrooms or smaller rooms where you don’t need as much light.
- 23 high-quality Downlights between $100-$200: If you have a larger room or require more lighting, spending closer to $100 is sensible.
- 13 high-quality Downlights between $200-$300: These lights will produce significantly more light than their cheaper counterparts. They’re better suited to living rooms and larger bedrooms where greater light output is required.
- 4 high-quality Downlights between $300-$400: These lights are overkill unless you’re lighting a theater. They give excellent light and will last decades if they’re taken care of properly.
3 Top Of The Line Downlights Over $100
If you’re looking for a specific Downlight Fixture but your budget doesn’t allow you to splurge on premium fixtures, check out these three models. Each one of these models is top-of-the-line and comes with a list price that exceeds $100. For example, consider buying from these brands: Phillips and Eglo. (Note: There are other options in-between but each company has its niche market).
These Downlights are perfect if you don’t want to compromise on quality or you want a fixture that will never go out of style. All three models come with a polished chrome finish and include all of their accessories, such as hardware and light bulbs, but they do not come with LED technology. If you choose any of these fixtures for your home renovation project, be sure to visit your local electrician and have them wire up your light fixture properly.
The other budget option is a set of high-end LED Downlights. These fixtures have a higher initial cost, but their reduced energy costs could more than makeup for that extra investment over time. If you go with LED technology, you’ll find many options on Amazon and other eCommerce sites. However, it’s important to be sure that your fixture comes with quality and safety certification to ensure it won’t fail you during use.
Before you invest in a LED Downlighting System, make sure you understand exactly how to install it properly. You can ask your electrician to walk you through your installation so that you can do it yourself at home or, if you’re feeling extra brave, go ahead and do it yourself. Remember that each fixture has its own unique set of instructions, so be sure to read those instructions carefully before moving forward.
Considerations When Choosing The Right Downlight
Ambient light and task lighting: Ensure your Downlights are bright enough to illuminate tasks, but not so bright that they become a distraction. You want a nice even glow around you while still being able to see what you’re working on in fine detail. Lumens vs watts: Lumens measure how much light is coming out of an LED bulb, whereas watts are an indicator of power usage. As with everything else in life, it’s a balancing act.
One thing to be aware of is that different bulbs from different manufacturers have different beam angles (see below). You want a wide beam angle, and ideally, one where you can control it. If you can’t control your beam angle, then ensure that you buy Downlights with an adequate lumen output, otherwise they may not be bright enough in some areas. This is called lighting hot spots and a bad design flaw.
Beam angles are described in degrees. The further away you are from an LED Downlight, and if you’re at an angle to it, the more light will be scattered and lost. It’s also worth remembering that if you have high ceilings (for example if you have a loft conversion) then you may need Brighter Downlights. The general rule is that every foot of ceiling height requires an extra lumen output.
