In short
Recessed LED downlights give even, modern light and have replaced halogens as the better long-term choice. Pendants set a mood and suit high ceilings. Wall sconces light hallways, and directional lights pick out artwork or a feature wall, best on a dimmer or a control system like Clipsal C-Bus or Dynalite. Ceiling fans with lights are the most common fitting Ambient installs.
Recessed downlights
Recessed lighting gives a clean, modern look. Halogen downlights were the standard for years, but LED downlights are now the cost-effective choice over the long term: they use far less power and last much longer.
If you are converting halogen downlights to LED, the old transformers may not suit the new globes and can cause flickering. Replacing the whole fitting, or fitting a matched LED driver, avoids that.
Pendant lights
Pendants are a great way to set a mood and are especially effective in homes with high ceilings, over a kitchen bench or a dining table, or in a stairwell. Clusters hung at staggered heights make a feature of the light itself.
Wall sconces and directional lights
Sconces are often used to light hallways, where there is usually little natural light. Directional lights are effective for picking out photos, artworks or a feature wall, and they work best paired with a dimmer or a lighting control system such as Clipsal C-Bus or Dynalite.
Fans with lights
Ceiling fans with lights are the most common fitting Ambient installs, partly because of Sydney's summers. Most come with a remote, so a fan and light combination can replace the central light in a room with no extra wiring.
Dimmers and control
Dimming changes the feel of a room more than any fitting. The dimmer has to match the light: LEDs need a dimmer rated for LED, and not every LED is dimmable. Control systems let you set scenes for a whole room or house from one keypad or an app.
Recessed Lighting such as the 'Halogen downlight', and the increasingly popular recessed LED lights are a great way to achieve that modern, sophisticated and vibrant atmosphere in the home. Whilst the Halogen Downlight has remained popular, the LED has become a cost effective choice in the long term.
Related service: Lighting design
Ambient Electrical works in Marrickville, Inner West, Double Bay and across Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, 24 hours a day.
