Planning your lighting layout can feel a bit overwhelming — especially when it comes to choosing the number of downlights for your space. At Future Light, we help South African homeowners transform rooms with just the right amount of shine. Whether you're revamping your kitchen in Cape Town or building a new lounge in Durban, knowing how many downlights per square metre is essential for both functionality and aesthetics.
Key Takeaways
- Use 1 downlight per 1.5–2 m² for general lighting.
- Room size, purpose, and ceiling height influence how many you need.
- LED downlights offer flexible lumen options for every room type.
- Correct spacing (60–90cm apart) helps prevent shadowy patches.
- Kitchen and task areas require more lumens than living rooms.
- Use our tool below to plan the perfect downlight layout for your home.
Not sure how many downlights you’ll need? Try our free South African room lighting calculator below:
How Many Downlights Do You Really Need per Room?
It all comes down to square meterage and purpose. For general illumination in living areas, the general rule is one downlight every 1.5 to 2 m². This allows for even spread without hotspots or dark zones — and it keeps things cosy, not clinical.
"For a 4x5m lounge (20 m²), you’ll usually want about 10 to 13 downlights, depending on whether you prefer warm or bright light."
Consider These Room-Specific Tips
- Living rooms: Need 10–20 lumens per square foot. A warm, ambient setup works well, especially with dimmable downlights.
- Kitchens: Require 30–40 lumens per square foot. Add more downlights over prep areas and islands for safe chopping and cooking.
- Bedrooms: Mix ambient and task lighting — one downlight per 1.8–2 m² usually does the trick.
"A room’s function matters: use more lumens over kitchen counters, and fewer in bedroom corners where you're winding down from long days."
Spacing and Ceiling Height
The goal is even illumination. Downlights should generally be placed 60 to 90 cm apart, and at least 50 cm away from the walls to avoid harsh wall shadows. With higher ceilings, use stronger lumen outputs — you don’t necessarily need more units, just brighter ones.
| Room Type | Recommended Spacing | Ideal Lumens (Per m²) |
|---|---|---|
| Living Room | 2-3 feet (60–90 cm) | 100–200 lm |
| Kitchen | 1.5-2 feet (45–60 cm near counters) | 300–400 lm |
| Bedroom | 2-3 feet (60–90 cm) | 150–250 lm |
Best Downlights for South African Homes
Need help choosing top-quality downlights? Browse our full LED downlights collection for long-lasting, low-heat solutions. A popular favourite is the LED Recessed Downlight 6W–18W Round — ideal for anything from guest toilets to open-plan living spaces.
Need more lighting ideas? Check out our tips on maximising home lighting with LED dimmables.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many downlights do I need per square metre?
Generally, one downlight is needed per 1.5 to 2 square metres, depending on how bright you want the room.
How do I calculate the number of downlights for a room?
Multiply the room’s length by width to get square metres, then divide by either 1.5 or 2 — for brighter or softer light, respectively.
What affects the number of downlights I’ll need?
Room size, ceiling height, desired brightness, the room’s purpose, and whether you need task or ambient lighting all play a role.
Can I use LED downlights for bright lighting?
Definitely. LED downlights come in various lumen outputs to match your space’s needs — from soft mood lighting to crisp, bright task zones.
Does ceiling height impact downlight placement?
Yes. Higher ceilings may require stronger downlights (higher lumens), but not necessarily more fixtures.
How far apart should I space downlights?
Place them 60 to 90cm apart for even lighting. For task areas like kitchen counters, go even closer.
How many lumens do I need in a living room?
Living rooms usually need 10–20 lumens per square foot (roughly 100–200 lumens per square metre) depending on ambience levels.
How many lumens are ideal for a kitchen?
For kitchens, aim for 30–40 lumens per square foot — this ensures clear, bright illumination for cooking and cleaning.
