Journal · Topic
Guide guides.
Every guide guide on recessedlighting.co.uk, in one place.
Start here if you are new to recessed lighting or need a clear explanation to share with a client. These foundation guides explain what recessed lighting is, how it works, the main options and the terms you will see on data sheets, without assuming specialist lighting knowledge. Each links on to deeper specification and detailing guides when you are ready to go further.
What these guides cover
- Plain-English explanations of the key terms
- The main product types and when each is used
- Where to go next for specification and detailing
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Guide · 6 min
What is recessed lighting? A guide for commercial interiors
Recessed lighting is installed into the ceiling void so the light sits flush with the ceiling, giving clean, uncluttered interiors with linear profiles or downlights.

Guide · 7 min
Recessed linear lighting: a complete specification guide
Recessed linear lighting creates flush lines of light in the ceiling; specify it by length, output, optic, trim type, controls and coordination with the ceiling void.

Guide · 6 min
Architectural downlights: how to choose for commercial projects
Choose architectural downlights by beam angle, glare control, output, colour quality, cut-out size, IP rating and controls, matched to the space and ceiling.

Guide · 4 min
Recessed vs surface-mounted lighting
Recessed lighting sits flush in a ceiling void for a clean look, while surface-mounted fittings fix directly to the ceiling, ideal for concrete soffits and shallow voids.
All guide guides
- What is recessed lighting? A guide for commercial interiors — Recessed lighting is installed into the ceiling void so the light sits flush with the ceiling, giving clean, uncluttered interiors with linear profiles or downlights.
- Recessed linear lighting: a complete specification guide — Recessed linear lighting creates flush lines of light in the ceiling; specify it by length, output, optic, trim type, controls and coordination with the ceiling void.
- Architectural downlights: how to choose for commercial projects — Choose architectural downlights by beam angle, glare control, output, colour quality, cut-out size, IP rating and controls, matched to the space and ceiling.
- Recessed vs surface-mounted lighting — Recessed lighting sits flush in a ceiling void for a clean look, while surface-mounted fittings fix directly to the ceiling, ideal for concrete soffits and shallow voids.
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