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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Lighting Products
EVO 75 Down Light Adjustable / Trim
Model |
SD042075R |
---|---|
Power |
12W ,15W |
Beam Angle |
15° ,24° ,36° ,55° |
Cut-Out |
75x75mm |
Installation |
Recessed |
Dimension |
82×82×H115mm |
CCT |
2700K ,3000K ,3500K ,4000K |
CRI |
90Ra ,95Ra |
Luminous Flux |
960lm/1200lm |
LED |
Origin Bridgelux COB |
Color |
White / Black / Custom |
Surface finish |
Powder Coating |
Material |
Die Csting Aluminum |
IP Rate |
IP20/IP54 |
Input Voltage |
AC220-240V |
Vf & If |
30-42V 300mA/350mA |
HIRO 165 Down Light Fixed / Recessed
Model |
SD8161165R |
---|---|
Power |
20W |
Beam Angle |
80° |
Cut-Out |
Φ165mm |
Installation |
Recessed |
Dimension |
Φ185×H93mm |
CCT |
3000K ,4000K ,6000K |
CRI |
80Ra ,90Ra |
Luminous Flux |
1600lm |
LED |
Origin Bridgelux SMD |
Color |
White / Black / Custom |
Surface finish |
Powder Coating |
Material |
Die Casting Aluminum |
IP Rate |
IP20 |
Input Voltage |
AC220-240V |
Vf & If |
30-42V 500mA |
TANGO 60 Track Light / 20W / In-track
Model |
ST3121W |
---|---|
Power |
20W |
Beam Angle |
15°/24°/36°/50° |
Cut-Out |
/ |
Installation |
3-phase / 1-phase |
Dimension |
Φ60×L165mm |
CCT |
2700K/3000K/3500K/4000K |
CRI |
80Ra/90Ra |
Luminous Flux |
1800lm |
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 |
CLAY 75 Down Light
Model |
SD8281075R |
---|---|
Power |
8W |
Beam Angle |
15°/24°/36°/55° |
Cut-Out |
Φ75mm |
Installation |
Recessed |
Dimension |
Φ84×H55mm |
CCT |
2700K/3000K/3500K/4000K |
CRI |
RA90/RA95 |
Luminous Flux |
640lm |
LED |
Origin Bridgelux COB |
Color |
White / Black / Custom |
Surface finish |
Powder Coating |
Material |
Die Casting Aluminum |
IP Rate |
IP20/IP54 |
Input Voltage |
AC220-240V |
Vf & If |
30-42V 180mA |
ONUR 145 Down Light
Model |
SD8271145S |
---|---|
Power |
35W |
Beam Angle |
15°/24°/36°/55° |
Cut-Out |
145x145mm |
Installation |
Recessed |
Dimension |
158×158×H96mm |
CCT |
2700K/3000K/3500K/4000K |
CRI |
RA90/RA95 |
Luminous Flux |
2800lm |
LED |
Origin Bridgelux COB |
Color |
White / Black / Custom |
Surface finish |
Powder Coating |
Material |
Die Csting Aluminum |
IP Rate |
IP20/IP65 |
Input Voltage |
AC220-240V |
Vf & If |
30-42V 800mA |
PREMIUN 75 Down Light Fixed / Trim
Model |
SD051075R |
---|---|
Power |
12W ,15W ,18W |
Beam Angle |
15° ,24° ,36° ,55° |
Cut-Out |
Φ75mm |
Installation |
Recessed |
Dimension |
Φ82×H98mm |
CCT |
2700K ,3000K ,3500K ,4000K |
CRI |
90Ra ,95Ra |
Luminous Flux |
960lm-1440lm |
LED |
Origin Bridgelux COB |
Color |
White / Black / Custom |
Surface finish |
Powder Coating |
Material |
Die Csting Aluminum |
IP Rate |
IP20/IP54 |
Input Voltage |
AC220-240V |
Vf & If |
30-42V 300mA/350mA/450mA |
Phi 12W
Model |
KD8121112R |
---|---|
Power |
12W |
Beam Angle |
80° |
Cut-Out |
Φ112mm |
Installation |
Recessed |
Dimension |
Φ118xH50mm |
CCT |
2700K/3000K/4000K/6000K |
CRI |
90Ra ,95Ra |
Luminous Flux |
960LM |
LED |
Origin Bridgelux SMD |
Color |
White / Black / Custom |
Surface finish |
Powder Coating |
Material |
Die-casting aluminum |
IP Rate |
IP20 |
Input Voltage |
AC220-240V |
Vf & If |
30-42V 300mA |
LETGO 68 Wall Wash Fixed / Trim
Model |
SD043068R |
---|---|
Power |
15W |
Beam Angle |
Wall Wash |
Cut-Out |
Φ68mm |
Installation |
Recessed |
Dimension |
Φ75xH90mm |
CCT |
2700K ,3000K ,3500K ,4000K |
CRI |
90Ra ,95Ra |
Luminous Flux |
800LM |
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 |
RHO 165 Down Light Fixed / Recessed
Model |
SD8131165R |
---|---|
Power |
20W ,25W |
Beam Angle |
60° |
Cut-Out |
Φ165mm |
Installation |
Recessed |
Dimension |
Φ190×H90mm |
CCT |
3000K ,4000K ,6000K |
CRI |
80Ra ,90Ra |
Luminous Flux |
1800/2700lm |
LED |
Origin Bridgelux SMD |
Color |
White / Black / Custom |
Surface finish |
Powder Coating |
Material |
Die Casting Aluminum |
IP Rate |
IP20 |
Input Voltage |
AC220-240V |
Vf & If |
30-42V 500/600mA |
PREMIUN 75 Down Light Adjustable / Trim
Model |
SD052075R |
---|---|
Power |
12W ,15W ,18W |
Beam Angle |
15° ,24° ,36° ,55° |
Cut-Out |
Φ75mm |
Installation |
Recessed |
Dimension |
Φ82×H102mm |
CCT |
2700K ,3000K ,3500K ,4000K |
CRI |
90Ra ,95Ra |
Luminous Flux |
960lm-1440lm |
LED |
Origin Bridgelux COB |
Color |
White / Black / Custom |
Surface finish |
Powder Coating |
Material |
Die Casting Aluminum |
IP Rate |
IP20/IP54 |
Input Voltage |
AC220-240V |
Vf & If |
30-42V 300mA/350mA/450mA |
PREMIUN 68 Down Light Fixed / Trimless
Model |
SD051068RL |
---|---|
Power |
12W ,8W |
Beam Angle |
15° ,24° ,36° ,55° |
Cut-Out |
Φ68mm |
Installation |
Recessed |
Dimension |
Φ110×H76mm |
CCT |
2700K ,3000K ,3500K ,4000K |
CRI |
90Ra ,95Ra |
Luminous Flux |
640lm-960lm |
LED |
Origin Bridgelux COB |
Color |
White / Black / Custom |
Surface finish |
Powder Coating |
Material |
Die Casting Aluminum |
IP Rate |
IP20/IP54 |
Input Voltage |
AC220-240V |
Vf & If |
30-42V 200mA/300mA |
EVO 68 Down Light Fixed / Trim
Model |
SD041068R |
---|---|
Power |
8W |
Beam Angle |
15° ,24° ,36° ,55° |
Cut-Out |
Φ68mm |
Installation |
Recessed |
Dimension |
Φ75×H75mm |
CCT |
2700K ,3000K ,3500K ,4000K |
CRI |
90Ra ,95Ra |
Luminous Flux |
640lm |
LED |
Origin Bridgelux COB |
Color |
White / Black / Custom |
Surface finish |
Powder Coating |
Material |
Die Casting Aluminum |
IP Rate |
IP20/IP54 |
Input Voltage |
AC220-240V |
Vf & If |
30-42V 200mA |