How to buy the best spotlights
LED Lights vs halogen Lights, dimmers, beam angles and lumens – we explain everything you need to know before you buy a new spotlight bulb
Spotlights can help provide focused or accented lighting to your home, but you'll need a fair few to light up a space, which mean the costs can add up.
There's a bit more to consider when buying spotlights, too, compared with conventional bulbs – for example, the beam angle you prefer and how to pick the right color and intensity of light for your spaces.
Plus, halogen spotlights (along with other halogen lightbulbs) were banned from sale in October 2021. If you currently use halogen spotlights, you'll need to switch to LED spotlights when you come to replace them.
Below we explain what to look for and how to choose. Regardless of what you opt for, within a given space it's best stick to one type and brand. This will help prevent compatibility issues, as light temperature and output can vary between brands and types.
Sales of halogen bulbs were banned in October 2021 in an effort to cut emissions and to help consumers save on their energy bills, leaving LEDs as the primary bulb for spotlights.
While halogen bulbs were relatively cheap to buy, and the light was similar to an old-style incandescent in terms of color and quality, they only last for around two years and are a lot more expensive to run than an LED.
LED lights are more expensive to buy upfront, but they are likely to save you money in the long run. By swapping those six halogens for 7.5W LED spotlight bulbs that produce the same amount of light, you'll save a lot a year in running costs. Manufacturers claim that LEDs can last up to 25 years.
