Spotlights direct light onto a worktop, along a hallway or to a painting. Recessed, surface-mounted or adjustable: choose by ceiling type and bulb cap.
Recessed, surface-mounted or adjustable
- Recessed spotlight: also known as a downlight, it disappears into a false ceiling for discreet lighting; check the cut-out diameter and the depth available. See our recessed spotlights.
- Surface-mounted spotlight: it fixes directly to the ceiling or wall, with no false ceiling needed, which makes a renovation easier.
- Multi-spotlight ceiling fitting: two to four adjustable heads on a single base light several areas from one ceiling connection, like our ceiling spotlight fittings.
For general lighting, space recessed spotlights 1 to 1.5 m apart, about 50 cm from the walls. For a painting, a shelf or an ornament, aim a spotlight at the target: our guide to showcasing objects offers more ideas.
Bulb cap, LED and light colour
The GU10 cap is the most common: the LED bulb can be changed without tools and comes in several colour temperatures. The very flat GX53 suits shallow voids, and the G9 small decorative spotlights. Integrated LED spotlights, grouped among our LED spotlights, allow slimmer shapes and often last 15,000 to 25,000 hours.
Choose warm white, from 2,700 to 3,000 K, for a living room, bedroom or hallway. Above a worktop, switch to neutral white at 4,000 K. To dim the light, the LED, the spotlight and the dimmer must be compatible.
Styles and uses by room
Modern spotlights, in white, black, chrome or gold brass, lead the way. Our designer spotlights favour clean lines, while our classic spotlights, along with vintage and retro or industrial models, have more distinctive finishes. They are mostly fitted in hallways and entrances, kitchens and living rooms.
In a bathroom, a spotlight above the bath or shower, up to 2.25 m from the base of the bath or shower tray, sits in zone 1 under BS 7671: it must be rated at least IPX4 (IPX5 where water jets are used), and the circuit must be protected by a 30 mA RCD. Have the installation carried out by a qualified electrician.
Frequently asked questions about spotlights
How far apart should recessed spotlights be?
Allow 1 to 1.5 m between two spotlights and about 50 cm between a spotlight and the wall, to avoid harsh patches of light on the walls. In a hallway, a single central row is enough. Above a worktop, place the spotlights towards the front edge so that your body doesn't cast a shadow.
How much depth do I need to fit a recessed spotlight?
It depends on the model and is shown on the product page, along with the cut-out diameter. Integrated LED spotlights and GX53 models are the flattest and suit shallow false ceilings; a GU10 spotlight needs more space behind the trim. Leave room around the housing so that heat can escape.
Adjustable or fixed spotlight: which should I choose?
A fixed spotlight, pointing at the floor, suits the general lighting of a hallway or living room, fitted every 1 to 1.5 m. An adjustable spotlight can be angled after installation: it lights a worktop, a painting or a bookcase. A ceiling fitting with several adjustable spotlights combines both uses from a single ceiling connection.
How do I light a painting with a spotlight?
Choose an LED, which emits no UV and gives off little heat, in warm white from 2,700 to 3,000 K, with a CRI of 90 or more for true colours. Always avoid cool white. Angle the spotlight down from the ceiling so that it doesn't create reflections on the glass or varnish.
