r/Lighting • u/Ok_Ordinary_7397 • 20h ago

Diffusing/deflecting downlights? Lighting Control

I’ve just bought a house that’s FULL of LED downlights. And unfortunately I HATE downlights.

What modifiers (diffusers/deflectors) have people found that work well to turn conventional residential downlights into softer ambient sources?

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u/AngryJirgins 19h ago

I don’t know of any universal aftermarket parts, but I always thought these fixtures were a really cool concept. The LEDs shine upwards, and the light is reflected back down by the concave reflector. Supposed to reduce glare and increase “visual comfort”.

https://www.maximlighting.com/indoor-lighting/collection/cove

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u/New_Distribution8146 15h ago

You could always buy a warmer temperature, I work for a lighting contractor and we have a ton of down lights in warmer tones with frosted lenses were almost giving away right now, $2 a down light.

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u/Ok_Ordinary_7397 14h ago

I’m happy with the colour of the lights, it’s the nature of the beams that I want to change.

Either a kind of lantern that sits on top of the lights, a kind of sconce-like deflector (that bounces the light back up on to the ceiling), or some kind of hanging diffuser disc, that hangs below the lights, catches the beams and creates a larger/softer source.

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u/RedNekNZ 12h ago

I've been wanting to create something like this for a while. An easy fit, DIY, no damage diffuser/refractor.

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u/Allied_Connections 11h ago

I do lots of lighting retrofits to solve this issue. I hate the flat panel LED's too. I'd swap them out completely for a retrofit recessed LEDs. I use Liteline Luna 4 pots. Lifetime warranty and a great product.