We get asked this question a lot so we thought we'd get a blog post out there to address the issue of LED down light spacing.
Proper downlight spacing can make or break the feel of your home. Whether you’re lighting a sleek Jozi apartment or upgrading your beach house in Hermanus, getting the layout right is essential. At Future Light, we speak to dozens of South African homeowners every week who are either installing LED downlights for the first time—or fixing setups that just don’t work. We’ve put together this practical, local guide to help you confidently plan your downlight placement, whether in your kitchen, bathroom, or open-plan living space.
Key Takeaways
- Use the ceiling height ÷ 2 rule for general downlight spacing
- Keep downlights 60 to 90cm from walls to prevent harsh shadows
- Wider beam angles need fewer lights, narrower beams need tighter spacing
- Avoid glare in bathrooms by placing downlights 45 to 60cm from mirrors
Use our handy tool below to calculate how many downlights you’ll need and the ideal spacing based on your ceiling height and room dimensions:
How to Space Downlights for Your South African Home
Start with the Ceiling Height Rule
The simplest guideline for downlight spacing is to divide your ceiling height by 2. In South Africa, our standard ceiling height is around 2.4m to 2.8m. For example, a 2.8m ceiling would typically require your downlights to be spaced about 1.4m apart. This provides even ambient lighting without dark patches.
“Just halving the ceiling height is often the best place to start—we don’t always need overcomplicated maths,” says a Cape Town-based lighting installer we work with often.
Managing Shadows: Stay Away from the Walls
When lights are installed too close to walls—especially textured ones—you’re more likely to get harsh shadows. The best practice is to position your downlights around 60–90cm (2–3 feet) from walls for smooth, even light distribution. This is especially important in living rooms and hallways where soft ambiance is key.
Beam Angle and Spacing: Getting Granular
The beam angle of your chosen LED downlight makes a big difference. A wide 120° beam spreads out more and usually needs fewer fixtures. A narrow 30° or 40° beam provides focused light, ideal for task lighting or art accents.
| Beam Angle | Type of Lighting | Typical Spacing |
|---|---|---|
| 120° | Ambient Lighting (Bedrooms, Living Rooms) | 1.5–1.8m apart |
| 90° | General Task Areas | 1.2–1.5m apart |
| 30°–40° | Accent or Spotlighting (Art, Kitchen Islands) | 0.8–1.2m apart |
Room-by-Room Tips
Living Rooms
For wide open rooms, downlights spaced about 1.5–1.8m apart (5–6 ft) using a 120° beam work best. Want some bounce light off your feature wall? Use accent downlights with a narrower beam, spaced closer.
Kitchens
For prepping, chopping, and cooking, you’ll want crisp shadows and great visibility. Stick to 90° beam angles with spacing of 1.2–1.5m. For kitchen islands, align 2 or 3 narrow beam (30–40°) downlights directly above the surface.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms often deal with reflective surfaces like mirrors or tiles. To avoid glare, position your IP65-rated waterproof downlights 45–60cm from the mirror edge and never directly overhead.
“In our coastal homes, waterproof lighting isn't a bonus—it’s a must. IP65+ is the minimum in wet zones,” advises one of our KZN lighting contractors.
More Smart Lighting Solutions for SA Homes
For full home lighting harmony, check out our LED downlight collection or try our popular LED Recessed Downlights.
Want more lighting guidance? Don’t miss our blog on how to maximise dimmable LED efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the general rule for spacing downlights?
Divide your ceiling height by two. For example, with a 2.8m high ceiling, downlights should be spaced about 1.4m apart.
How far should downlights be from a wall?
Keep a distance of 2–3 feet (around 60–90cm) from walls to avoid casting hard shadows and to distribute light more evenly.
What is the spacing criteria (SC) method?
The SC method multiplies a light fitting’s Spacing Criteria (typically 0.7–1.5) by the mounting height to calculate optimal spacing.
How many downlights do I need in a room?
Divide your required lumens by the output of your chosen LED downlight. You can also use our calculator above for a quick answer.
What downlight spacing works best in kitchens?
Use 90° beam angles with spacing of 1.2–1.5m. Over kitchen islands, focus 2–3 downlights with narrow 30°–40° angles.
Can beam angle affect how many downlights I need?
Yes, wider beam angles require fewer and more spaced-out lights, while narrow beams focus light in tight spots and need closer spacing.
How do I avoid glare from downlights in bathrooms?
Install IP65 waterproof downlights and position them 45–60cm from mirrors to avoid facial glare and harsh shadows.
