In the past week, I’ve received an unusually large number of emails about downlights. Many readers have asked what downlights we used in our home. They’ve asked if they’re warm or cold LEDs, the exact K value of the globes, if they’re matte or gloss and so much more.
If you’re designing or renovating a contemporary home, chances are you’ve already realised the importance of lighting. It’s not just about illuminating a space — it’s about creating mood, defining zones, and highlighting key features of your home. And when it comes to contemporary interiors, downlights are a must-have. But not all downlights are created equal. So, how do you choose the right ones? Let me shed some light on the matter (pun intended).
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What downlights we used in our contemporary home
For our home, we imported the lights directly from overseas. As we were building the two houses, we needed a large quantity of lights and it made sense to source them direct. We used 3000k warm white LED bulbs. The light feels natural and homely. It doesn’t look yellow at all which is what one reader asked. You can buy 4000k cool globes but I find bluish light feels a bit clinical. The downlights are rimless recessed lights in a satin white metal finish.
Because we didn’t buy the lights in Australia, unfortunately I can’t give you the details of where to buy the downlights we used. But I have found a couple of others that come close.
Where to buy contemporary downlights
In a contemporary home, less is more. The best downlights are sleek, discreet, and designed to blend seamlessly with the ceiling. Look for options with slim bezels or even trimless designs that sit flush with the ceiling for a clean, modern look.
Designer tip: Dimmable downlights are a game-changer in contemporary homes. They let you adjust the mood at the flick of a switch, from bright task lighting to a soft, ambient glow. Perfect for transitioning from a workday to a relaxing evening.
If you love the recessed look of our downlights, here are some close alternatives.
Lampada dimmable downlight $79.95
Recessed warm light downlight $84.95 each
Before you decide what downlights to use, it’s important to remember the lighting tips from our lighting expert who recommends limiting the number of ceiling lights and using a mix of lighting solutions including wall lights and lamps.
Do you have any more questions about our lights that I didn’t answer? Ask them in the comments below and I’ll answer them for you!
