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—Comparing the options

LED panels or downlights in an office

Panels spread light evenly across a grid ceiling. Downlights suit gypsum ceilings and feature areas. Desks care about glare.

LED panels drop into grid ceilings and give broad, even light suited to open-plan desks. Downlights suit gypsum ceilings, corridors, receptions and meeting rooms, and can create more varied lighting. Both are available with diffusers that reduce glare.

Comparison guides weigh two electrical options against each other and note where each one fits best.

For desks, even light without glare on screens matters more than fitting type. Light levels, spacing and diffuser quality are planned with the furniture layout. Maintenance access and driver replacement also differ between systems.

01In short

The points that matter most

  • Panels for grid ceilings

    Even light over desks.

  • Downlights for gypsum

    And feature areas.

  • Glare matters

    Choose fittings suited to screen work.

02Detail

Comparing

  • Light distribution

    Panels spread light; downlights focus it.

  • Ceiling type

    Grid ceilings take lay-in panels without cutting; gypsum ceilings need neat cut-outs sized for each downlight and access hatches for drivers.

  • Maintenance

    Panels lift out; downlights need access from below.

  • Controls

    Both can be dimmed or fitted with presence and daylight sensors, which matters in meeting rooms and perimeter desks that are not always occupied.

  • Colour and consistency

    Replacing failed fittings years later is easier when the original model and colour temperature are recorded, so new units match the old ones.

03Checklist

Before choosing

  • Ceiling type

    Grid or gypsum.

  • Furniture layout

    Desks and meeting rooms.

  • Landlord requirements

    Some buildings specify fittings.

04Questions

Questions people ask

Are panels better for offices?
They suit open-plan grid ceilings; the layout decides.
Why is there glare on screens?
Fittings without suitable diffusers or placed poorly.
Can panels be dimmed?
With dimmable drivers and controls.
Do downlights suit meeting rooms?
Often, with careful placement for faces and screens.
Can old panels be replaced without changing the ceiling?
Usually, if the new panels match the grid size; drivers and connectors may differ.
Should corridors use the same fittings as desks?
Not necessarily; corridors need less light and suit downlights or sensor-controlled fittings.

05Related

Related guides

This guide sits under installation. All topics are on the guides page.

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