Sunset Downlight 21.5cm - Gold

This is the largest of the Sunset recessed bases, a round gold surround around 22cm across with a deep body behind it. The face sits flush with the ceiling line and the gold catches whatever light passes through it, so the aperture reads as a warm ring rather than a dark hole. It is non-electric, with no lamp holder of its own, so it works as the recessed housing and trim for the light source you pair it with.

We reach for this size where the smaller apertures would look mean: a tall hallway, a double-height landing, a wide kitchen ceiling where a run of tiny openings tends to look speckled. In a room with generous ceiling height the bigger face keeps its proportion and reads as deliberate. It suits people planning a whole ceiling scheme rather than replacing one fitting, since the openings can be set out on a grid and the gold picks up brassware, handles and taps elsewhere in the room. Because the trim is the visible part, it is worth choosing the finish first and letting the rest follow.

The base is a moulded body with a gold face, light enough to handle comfortably in one hand while working overhead. Keep a dry duster on the visible rim and wipe kitchen film off with a barely damp cloth, then dry it straight away; abrasive creams and solvent cleaners will dull the gold quickly, so keep both away from the face. It carries a three year warranty. We stock the same base in black and white, and in four smaller sizes down to a neat pinhole aperture, so a single ceiling can mix a broad opening over an island with tighter ones along a corridor. Gold runs across every size in the range.

What size opening does this base need?

The aperture is 200mm. The visible face measures 215mm across, so it covers the cut edge with a small margin all round.

How deep is it?

The body stands 152mm behind the ceiling face, so allow for that depth plus a little clearance above.

Does it come with a lamp?

No. It is a non-electric base, so the light source comes from the fitting it is paired with.

Is it available in other finishes?

Yes, the same base is made in black and white as well as this gold.

What are the smaller sizes?

There are four: 65mm, 85mm, 108mm and 165mm diameters, with cut outs of 55mm, 75mm, 95mm and 150mm.

How should I clean the gold face?

Dust it dry, and for greasy marks use a barely damp cloth and dry immediately. Avoid scouring creams and solvents.