Hello, yesterday I spent hours planning downlights in various rooms (kitchen, living room, bathrooms).
Late in the evening, I simulated a downlight in my apartment by removing 2 of 3 GU10 LED bulbs and positioning the remaining one facing straight down.
I found the result surprisingly poor. Of course, it was only one downlight, but even if you repeat them every 1.2–1.5m (4–5 feet), the lighting is completely different. Only the tiles on the floor are illuminated. When standing underneath, you look ghostly. The reflections on the ceiling and especially on the walls are completely missing—these are what make the room feel comfortably lit.
Now I’m thinking of almost completely removing the downlights (kitchen: 9–10, living room: 5–6, bathroom: 9–10, hallway: 4). Only the countertop/sink area would get 2 downlights, and the shower (enclosure) 1.
Have you decided on ceiling downlights? If so, are you happy with them?
A nice side effect: I save a lot of money.
Late in the evening, I simulated a downlight in my apartment by removing 2 of 3 GU10 LED bulbs and positioning the remaining one facing straight down.
I found the result surprisingly poor. Of course, it was only one downlight, but even if you repeat them every 1.2–1.5m (4–5 feet), the lighting is completely different. Only the tiles on the floor are illuminated. When standing underneath, you look ghostly. The reflections on the ceiling and especially on the walls are completely missing—these are what make the room feel comfortably lit.
Now I’m thinking of almost completely removing the downlights (kitchen: 9–10, living room: 5–6, bathroom: 9–10, hallway: 4). Only the countertop/sink area would get 2 downlights, and the shower (enclosure) 1.
Have you decided on ceiling downlights? If so, are you happy with them?
A nice side effect: I save a lot of money.
I was told that ordering the drill holes for spotlights starting from the "ceiling structure" could potentially cause problems. My builder strongly advised against it because there have apparently been incorrect or asymmetrical cutouts in the past.
However, I did order and receive 13cm (5 inches) holes per room for the ventilation. I haven’t measured them myself, but they look appropriate. Still, a 13cm (5 inches) hole in each corner of the room is quite different from 10 symmetrical holes for spotlights.
P.S. I have received precast concrete slabs that are 5cm (2 inches) thick, which are supposedly easy to drill into. The electrical wiring will be installed entirely on the ceiling surface anyway. The ventilation will also be mounted there. Afterwards, everything will be encased in concrete.
I will take some photos later.
However, I did order and receive 13cm (5 inches) holes per room for the ventilation. I haven’t measured them myself, but they look appropriate. Still, a 13cm (5 inches) hole in each corner of the room is quite different from 10 symmetrical holes for spotlights.
P.S. I have received precast concrete slabs that are 5cm (2 inches) thick, which are supposedly easy to drill into. The electrical wiring will be installed entirely on the ceiling surface anyway. The ventilation will also be mounted there. Afterwards, everything will be encased in concrete.
I will take some photos later.
P
Painkiller21 Nov 2016 12:43We have also limited the recessed lighting housings to the kitchen and shower.
However, we ordered the housings before the ceiling was poured.
For the other rooms, there are standard connections in the center of the room. Most of the light fixtures will be purchased once the rooms are partially furnished and it becomes clearer where additional lighting is needed.
However, we ordered the housings before the ceiling was poured.
For the other rooms, there are standard connections in the center of the room. Most of the light fixtures will be purchased once the rooms are partially furnished and it becomes clearer where additional lighting is needed.
K
Knallkörper21 Nov 2016 13:00With us, the housings fit perfectly. That is standard practice.
What has been your general experience with GU10 LED spotlights?
In my apartment, I have two ceiling fixtures, each with 3 GU10 bulbs.
I feel like they get too hot and burn out too quickly.
The cheap ones from eBay are okay, but even the Osram 5.3W bulbs I bought afterward last less than 2 years.
I'm considering whether it might be smarter to switch to MR16 bulbs, both in the hallway and later outside under the roof overhang.
If the transformer (driver) is not inside the lamp, the heat generation (which affects lifespan) should be better. Plus, then there is one large transformer instead of 5 (or more) individual transformers (each with their own power loss).
What do you think about that?
Several years ago, I installed MR16 spotlights from Aldi at our house entrance (previously halogen), and they produce fantastic light, both in terms of color and brightness.
In my apartment, I have two ceiling fixtures, each with 3 GU10 bulbs.
I feel like they get too hot and burn out too quickly.
The cheap ones from eBay are okay, but even the Osram 5.3W bulbs I bought afterward last less than 2 years.
I'm considering whether it might be smarter to switch to MR16 bulbs, both in the hallway and later outside under the roof overhang.
If the transformer (driver) is not inside the lamp, the heat generation (which affects lifespan) should be better. Plus, then there is one large transformer instead of 5 (or more) individual transformers (each with their own power loss).
What do you think about that?
Several years ago, I installed MR16 spotlights from Aldi at our house entrance (previously halogen), and they produce fantastic light, both in terms of color and brightness.
Today at Aldi, there are 6W GU10 bulbs available for €2.50 each with Ra>97; 3000K; 345lm; 60°.
I bought three of them and find them significantly better than the 5.xW ones from Philips. I haven’t tried Ledon yet. They aren’t as bright as the 7/8W eBay (Lichtrevolution) ones, but those don’t last long either.
What are your experiences with Aldi LED bulbs?
I bought three of them and find them significantly better than the 5.xW ones from Philips. I haven’t tried Ledon yet. They aren’t as bright as the 7/8W eBay (Lichtrevolution) ones, but those don’t last long either.
What are your experiences with Aldi LED bulbs?
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