Recessed lamps

A recessed lamp is usually decided along with the building work, because it has to be fitted inside the ceiling or wall. First draw a plan of the room, with the spots where you work, read and walk, and have an electrician fit the lamps.

Spotlights for false ceilings: what to check first

Above the hole you need space for the body of the lamp. Measure the depth of the false ceiling and compare it with the product page, where you will also find the hole diameter. Check where profiles and beams run, as they may force you to move some light points. If there is insulation above, ask the electrician whether the model can be in contact with the material.

How many ceiling spotlights you need and how far apart

The distance between one spotlight and the next is usually half the ceiling height: about 1.2 m with a 2.4 m ceiling, 1.35 m with 2.7 m, 1.5 m with 3 m. From the wall, guidance ranges from about 60 to 100 cm: any closer and cones of light and shadows form on the wall. Keep a margin from tall wardrobes and furniture too. Spotlights alone make a room look flat: pair them with a table or floor lamp.

Recessed LED spotlights: which light to choose

The beam angle matters first of all. For general light, wide beams are usually used, about 40–60°; for a painting or a detail, narrow beams, about 15–30°, ideally adjustable. In the living room and bedroom choose 2700–3000 K, in the kitchen and bathroom 3000–4000 K. In the kitchen, place the spotlights directly above the worktop, so your body does not cast a shadow. In a bathroom, near a bath or shower, you need at least IPX4, and above a bath or shower some manufacturers ask for more, up to IP65: the electrician determines the zone.

Surface-mounted cube spotlights or recessed: the difference

A cube spotlight usually stays outside the ceiling and does not need a false ceiling, while a recessed one goes into the hole. If you cannot carry out building work, see the indoor spotlights and ceiling lamps.

Modern ceiling spotlights and other recessed lamps

This page does not only have spotlights. You will also find step lights for pathways and small pendants, such as Diphy by Stilnovo, by Mirco Crosatto, a laser-engraved methacrylate petal, or Pendagli by Vesoi, small blown glass pendants that are adjustable in height.

To choose by brand, start from the pages of Ideal Lux, Isyluce, Slamp or Stilnovo. For porches and gardens, see the outdoor recessed lamps; for other lamps, go back to Indoor lamps.