Bedroom
A standard master bedroom (4m x 3.5m) needs around 6 to 8 LED downlights at 3000K, ideally on a dimmer. Keep downlights out of the zone directly above the bed. Looking up into a bright fitting from bed is uncomfortable, and it's a mistake that's hard to fix after installation. Consider ceiling fans with lights as a dual-purpose alternative in warmer rooms.
Bathroom
Use neutral white downlights at 4000K throughout for clarity. Any fitting installed within the shower or bath zone must be rated IP44 minimum under Australian standards, meaning splash-proof. For the shower recess itself, look for IP65. A standard bathroom (3m x 2m) typically needs 4 to 6 downlights.
Hallway and Passage
Hallways are consistently under-lit in new homes. Space downlights no more than 2m apart along the centreline, and match the warm white 3000K temperature you're using in the rest of the home's living areas.
Alfresco and Outdoor Areas
If your build includes an alfresco, you'll need IP65-rated LED downlights, fully weatherproof and designed for exposure to rain and humidity. A covered 3m x 4m alfresco needs 4 to 6 downlights for a comfortable spread. Don't leave this as an afterthought. It's the space your family will use most on Melbourne's warm evenings. Browse our outdoor wall lights to complete the look.
Warm White or Cool White?
This is the question we get asked most in-store, and the answer is simple.
Warm white (3000K): Living rooms, dining areas, bedrooms, hallways. Anywhere you want to feel relaxed. It's a softer, slightly golden tone, similar to a well-lit restaurant.
Neutral white (4000K): Kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, home offices. Anywhere you need clarity and brightness. It's the most popular colour temperature choice for modern Australian homes overall.
If you're unsure, tri-colour switchable LED downlights let you toggle between 3000K, 4000K and 6500K after installation using the light switch, no rewiring required.
Always Install a Dimmer
Every room should go on a dimmer circuit.
Being able to drop a living room from 100% to 30% at the end of the day changes the feel of the space completely, and it's one of those things that costs very little at rough-in stage but a lot to retrofit into finished walls. Dimmers also extend the life of your LED downlights by reducing the operating load during low-use periods.
Make sure the dimmer is compatible with your specific LED downlights before you buy. A mismatch causes flickering. Your electrician or our team at Oz Lights Direct can confirm compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
One downlight per 1.2 to 1.5m² of ceiling space. A 5m x 4m living room needs 9 to 12 LED downlights spaced evenly. Higher ceilings or darker walls may need more.
Space them 1.2 to 1.5 times the ceiling height apart. With a 2.4m ceiling, that's 2.8 to 3.6 metres, and at least 600mm from walls.
Most new Australian homes use 10W LED downlights, delivering 700 to 1000 lumens per fitting. For ceilings above 2.7m, consider a higher-lumen fitting or add more lights.
Warm white (3000K) for living and bedrooms. Neutral white (4000K) for kitchens and bathrooms. Tri-colour switchable downlights are the flexible option if you're deciding late in the build.
Yes. IP44 minimum for any fitting above a shower or bath under Australian standards. IP65 for inside the shower recess.
Yes. Under AS/NZS 3000, all hardwired lighting in Australia must be installed by a licensed electrician. You can choose and purchase your LED downlights yourself, but installation is the licensed professional's job.
Ready to choose your downlights?
Browse our full LED downlight range online, or visit our Truganina or Clyde North showroom where our team can walk through your floor plan with you. Get in touch if you need a hand before you buy
Browse our Downlight Range
Oz Lights Direct | Lighting specialists for Melbourne's new home buyers | Showrooms in Truganina and Clyde North
Oz Lights Direct | Lighting specialists for Melbourne's new home buyers | Showrooms in Truganina and Clyde North