Introduction
When it comes to commercial lighting, two of the most commonly used fixtures are recessed downlights and spotlights. While they may seem similar at first glance, their design, application, and lighting effects vary significantly. Choosing the right one can greatly impact the ambiance, functionality, and energy efficiency of your space.
In this article, we’ll break down the differences, pros and cons, and help you decide which option is better for your specific commercial application.
1. What Are Recessed Downlights?
Recessed downlights, also known as can lights or pot lights, are installed directly into the ceiling, giving a clean and seamless appearance. They provide broad, diffused lighting that works well for general illumination.
Key features:
Flush with ceiling
Soft, wide beam angle
Ideal for hotels, offices, and lobbies
2. What Are Spotlights?
Spotlights are surface-mounted or track-mounted fixtures that produce a narrow, focused beam. They are ideal for highlighting specific areas, products, or architectural features.
Common applications:
Retail shelves
Art galleries
Restaurant décor accents
3. Comparison Table
Feature | Downlight | Spotlight |
---|---|---|
Beam Angle | Wide | Narrow (15°–60°) |
Light Effect | General lighting | Accent lighting |
Installation | Ceiling recessed | Surface/track mounted |
Best Use Case | Offices, hotels | Retail, galleries |
4. COB Technology: Why It Matters
Both downlights and spotlights increasingly use COB (Chip on Board) LED technology, which offers:
Higher lumen output
Better thermal performance
More uniform light
At SUNME Lighting, our COB spotlights and downlights are engineered for longevity, color fidelity, and design flexibility.
5. Which Should You Choose?
Go for recessed downlights if you want a clean ceiling appearance and uniform ambient light.
Choose spotlights if you’re looking to highlight merchandise, signs, or specific room features.
Need both? Many commercial spaces use a hybrid approach: downlights for general lighting, spotlights for focal points.
Conclusion
The best commercial lighting solution depends on your space’s function and design. Whether you’re outfitting a hotel lobby, retail store, or office, understanding the difference between recessed downlights and spotlights can lead to smarter design decisions—and better results.
Explore our range of COB spotlights and downlights at sunmelighting.com
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Custom Commercial Lighting: The Complete Buyer’s Guide for 2025
Lighting Products
Trunk 115 Lens / In & Out
Model |
SC6082115R-L |
---|---|
Power |
35W |
Beam Angle |
20°/24°/30° |
Cut-Out |
Φ115-125mm |
Installation |
Recessed |
Dimension |
Φ138×H105mm |
CCT |
2700K/3000K/3500K/4000K |
CRI |
RA90/RA95 |
Luminous Flux |
3200lm / 3800lm(HE) |
LED |
Origin Bridgelux COB |
Color |
White / Black / Custom |
Surface finish |
Powder Coating |
Material |
Die-casting aluminum |
IP Rate |
IP20 |
Input Voltage |
AC220-240V |
Vf & If |
30-42V 800mA |
TANGO Recessed 6W
Model |
ST3423D |
---|---|
Power |
6W |
Beam Angle |
15°/24°/36°/50° |
Cut-Out |
Φ50mm |
Installation |
Recessed |
Dimension |
Φ40xH100mm |
CCT |
2700K/3000K/3500K/4000K |
CRI |
RA90/RA95 |
Luminous Flux |
400LM |
LED |
Origin Bridgelux COB |
Color |
White / Black / Custom |
Surface finish |
Powder Coating |
Material |
Aluminum |
IP Rate |
IP20 |
Input Voltage |
AC220-240V |
Vf & If |
30-42V 130mA |
TANGO 85 Zoom Track Light / 20W / Built-in
Model |
ST3261 |
---|---|
Power |
20W |
Beam Angle |
9°-42° |
Cut-Out |
/ |
Installation |
3-phase / 1-phase |
Dimension |
Φ85×L161mm |
CCT |
2700K/3000K/3500K/4000K |
CRI |
80Ra/90Ra |
Luminous Flux |
1200lm |
LED |
Origin Bridgelux COB |
Color |
White / Black / Custom |
Surface finish |
Powder Coating |
Material |
Die Casting Aluminum |
IP Rate |
IP20 |
Input Voltage |
AC220-240V |
Vf & If |
30-42V 500mA |
VITO 65 Down Light Fixed / Trimless
Model |
SD8201065RL |
---|---|
Power |
15W |
Beam Angle |
15°/24°/36°/55° |
Cut-Out |
Φ65mm |
Installation |
Recessed |
Dimension |
Φ110xH93mm |
CCT |
2700K ,3000K ,3500K ,4000K |
CRI |
90Ra ,95Ra |
Luminous Flux |
1200lm |
LED |
Origin Bridgelux COB |
Color |
White / Black / Custom |
Surface finish |
Powder Coating |
Material |
Die Casting Aluminum |
IP Rate |
IP20 |
Input Voltage |
AC220-240V |
Vf & If |
30-42V 350mA |
NICO Recessed 6W
Model |
ST3523 |
---|---|
Power |
6W |
Beam Angle |
24°/36°/55° |
Cut-Out |
Φ50mm |
Installation |
Recessed |
Dimension |
Φ25xH90mm |
CCT |
2700K/3000K/3500K/4000K |
CRI |
90Ra ,95Ra |
Luminous Flux |
300LM |
LED |
Origin Bridgelux COB |
Color |
White / Black / Custom |
Surface finish |
Powder Coating |
Material |
Aluminum |
IP Rate |
IP20 |
Input Voltage |
AC220-240V |
Vf & If |
30-42V 150mA |
DUNK 80 High Efficacy Reflector / 30W / In-track
Model |
ST5111W |
---|---|
Power |
30W |
Beam Angle |
15°/24°/36°/55° |
Cut-Out |
/ |
Installation |
3-phase / 1-phase |
Dimension |
Φ80 x 120mm |
CCT |
2700K/3000K/3500K/4000K |
CRI |
90Ra/95Ra |
Luminous Flux |
3100lm |
LED |
Origin Bridgelux COB |
Color |
White / Black / Custom |
Surface finish |
Powder Coating |
Material |
Die Casting Aluminum |
IP Rate |
IP20 |
Input Voltage |
AC220-240V |
Vf & If |
30-42V 750mA |
HELLAS 170R Round Surface Down Light
Model |
SS815170R |
---|---|
Power |
32W |
Beam Angle |
24°/34°/60° |
Cut-Out |
/ |
Installation |
Surface Mounted |
Dimension |
Φ170×H170mm |
CCT |
2700K/3000K/3500K/4000K |
CRI |
RA90/RA95 |
Luminous Flux |
3200LM |
LED |
Origin Bridgelux COB |
Color |
White / Black / Custom |
Surface finish |
Powder Coating |
Material |
Die-casting aluminum |
IP Rate |
IP20 |
Input Voltage |
AC220-240V |
Vf & If |
30-42V 800mA |
ORO 95 IP54 Round / Down Light
Model |
SD8111095R |
---|---|
Power |
15W |
Beam Angle |
15°/24°/36°/45° |
Cut-Out |
Φ95mm |
Installation |
Recessed |
Dimension |
Φ105×H65mm |
CCT |
2700K/3000K/3500K/4000K |
CRI |
RA90/RA95 |
Luminous Flux |
1000lm |
LED |
Origin Bridgelux COB |
Color |
White / Black / Custom |
Surface finish |
Powder Coating |
Material |
Die-casting aluminum |
IP Rate |
IP54 |
Input Voltage |
AC220-240V |
Vf & If |
30-42V 350mA |
HELLAS 72R Round Surface Down Light
Model |
SS815072R |
---|---|
Power |
8W |
Beam Angle |
15°/36°/55° |
Cut-Out |
/ |
Installation |
Surface Mounted |
Dimension |
Φ72×H75mm |
CCT |
2700K/3000K/3500K/4000K |
CRI |
RA90/RA95 |
Luminous Flux |
700LM |
LED |
Origin Bridgelux COB |
Color |
White / Black / Custom |
Surface finish |
Powder Coating |
Material |
Die-casting aluminum |
IP Rate |
IP20 |
Input Voltage |
AC220-240V |
Vf & If |
30-42V 180mA |
SARA 40 2W SMD Adjustable
Model |
SD012040R-S |
---|---|
Power |
2W |
Beam Angle |
15°/24°/36° |
Cut-Out |
Φ40mm |
Installation |
Recessed |
Dimension |
Φ45xH19.5mm |
CCT |
2700K ,3000K ,3500K ,4000K |
CRI |
90Ra ,95Ra |
Luminous Flux |
100LM |
LED |
Origin Bridgelux SMD |
Color |
White / Black / Custom |
Surface finish |
Spray Painting |
Material |
Aluminum |
IP Rate |
IP20 |
Input Voltage |
AC220-240V |
Vf & If |
2-4V 350mA |
MITO 145 Down Light Fixed / Recessed
Model |
SD8141145R |
---|---|
Power |
18W |
Beam Angle |
90° |
Cut-Out |
Φ145mm |
Installation |
Recessed |
Dimension |
Φ159×H60mm |
CCT |
3000K ,4000K ,6000K |
CRI |
80Ra ,90Ra |
Luminous Flux |
1440lm |
LED |
Origin Bridgelux COB |
Color |
White / Black / Custom |
Surface finish |
Powder Coating |
Material |
Die Casting Aluminum |
IP Rate |
IP20 |
Input Voltage |
AC220-240V |
Vf & If |
30-42V 450mA |
ZUTA Adjustable / Square / Surface
Model |
SS805100S |
---|---|
Power |
12W |
Beam Angle |
15°/24°/36° |
Cut-Out |
/ |
Installation |
Surface Mounted |
Dimension |
100X100X100mm |
CCT |
2700K/3000K/3500K/4000K |
CRI |
80Ra/90Ra |
Luminous Flux |
960lm |
LED |
Origin Bridgelux COB |
Color |
White / Black / Custom |
Surface finish |
Powder Coating |
Material |
Die Casting Aluminum |
IP Rate |
IP20 |
Input Voltage |
AC220-240V |
Vf & If |
30-42V 300mA |