Downlighters
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Downlighters
Downlighters
They cast distinct pools of light onto the surface below. They're usually recessed into the ceiling or mounted on the surface and can be fixed or directional. They suit modern and period homes, but you might not have enough recess in the ceiling or prefer not to cut into it and disrupt plasterwork or period detail.
Install downlighters in areas where fixtures are unlikely to move, such as above kitchen and bathroom surfaces, rather than at the ends of furniture. Without wall lights the effect can be gloomy, and rows of them can make you feel as though you're in a shop.
The eyeball type of downlighter that can be swivelled is perfect for accent lighting to highlight a particular feature.
Energy saving
Lighting empty rooms and using bulbs of the wrong wattage for the fittings are two of the most common ways to waste energy.
Try these simple ways to cut down your electricity bills and help save the planet.
Turn lights off when you leave the room.
Replace ordinary bulbs with low-energy ones, especially those you leave burning for four hours or more. You might have to pay more up front - £5 as opposed to £1 - but you'll save in the long run. They're available in many shapes and sizes, although some can't be used with dimmers.
Look for CFLs - they use 25 per cent less energy than ordinary bulbs and last up to 13 times longer.
Fit timers and dimmer switches. Motion sensors that turn on and off when you enter and leave are already being installed in some houses although they're expensive at the moment.
Eyeball fitting
The bulb is encased in a housing and can be ceiling mounted or recessed.
Fittings
Consider how the fittings will distribute the light. This will depend in part on where you put them and whether you conceal or make a feature of them. Visit the lighting shop armed with your lighting plan.
Think about the look you want. Do you prefer minimalist, for example, or period. Chances are, it's a mixture. Track spotlights can sit comfortably alongside Victorian shades, although they have to be mixed carefully. It is a shame to cut into elaborate plasterwork ceilings to fit recessed downlights, and a chrome-and-steel light fitting might look inappropriate hanging from a Victorian ceiling rose.