Color Over Angle in 1-Inch Downlights

September 11, 2026

Color Over Angle in 1-Inch Downlights

The Optical Challenge of Small-Aperture Lighting

September 11, 2026

Small-aperture lighting delivers the clean, minimal aesthetic many architectural interiors demand, but achieving high performance in a 1-inch downlight presents unique optical challenges. One of the least discussed is Color Over Angle (CoA), a phenomenon that can cause the perceived color of light to change as the viewing angle shifts.

For lighting designers, architects, and specifiers, understanding CoA is increasingly important when selecting ultra-small-aperture downlights, particularly in applications where consistent color, precise beam control, and low glare are critical.

What Is Color Over Angle (CoA) in Lighting?

CoA refers to variations in correlated color temperature (CCT) and chromaticity as the viewing angle of light from a single luminaire changes. An LED source may appear, for example, 3000K when viewed on axis (0°) but shift toward 2700K—or exhibit a visible blue or amber tint—when viewed off axis. In simpler terms, CoA describes how consistently a fixture maintains its color as the viewing angle changes across its beam.

CoA is different from fixture-to-fixture color consistency, which is influenced by LED binning. CoA is a within-fixture phenomenon: the same downlight can produce different perceived colors depending on where the observer or illuminated surface is positioned relative to the beam’s optical axis.

The effect can appear in several ways, including a visible color ring at the edge of a beam, a cool-blue core surrounded by a warmer halo, or a perceptible color shift as someone moves beneath a fixture. With adjustable or gimbal downlights, it can also appear as a perceived color mismatch between adjacent fixtures aimed at different angles.

Pictured: Example of poor CoA performance, with the bottom-right portion of the beam appearing significantly more yellow/amber than the rest of the beam.

For designers, these shifts may be subtle—or they may become highly visible depending on the application.

Why 1-Inch Downlights Are More Susceptible to CoA

CoA can occur in many types of lighting fixtures, but ultra-small-aperture recessed fixtures can be particularly susceptible because the LED, optics, and other components must all fit within a highly constrained space. Fixtures with a true 1-inch aperture are also limited by the size of the light-emitting surface (LES) that can be used.

These spatial constraints affect the optical system in several ways.

Four Optical Factors That Affect Color Over Angle

Short Mixing Distance

One-inch fixtures typically need to package the LED, optics, and lens arrays within a very short distance, often close to the fixture’s exit aperture. This leaves little room for the light to blend before exiting the fixture.

As a result, angular color non-uniformity in the LED source can be projected from the fixture with limited optical mixing. Larger aperture fixtures typically provide greater distance and surface area for optical mixing, making these variations less noticeable in the resulting beam.

Smaller Optics

The overall diameter of the optics is also smaller, particularly in fixtures designed to maintain an overall diameter close to their 1-inch aperture. This constrained diameter greatly reduces the surface area available within the optical system to redirect and homogenize light rays from different points on the LED package.

Phosphor-Converted LED Physics

Most white LEDs produce light by pairing a blue LED die with a yellow or yellow-and-red phosphor. Light emitted near normal (0°) to the die travels through a shorter effective path in the phosphor than light emitted at more oblique angles.

This difference in optical path length changes the balance between converted and unconverted blue light as a function of angle. In general, light traveling through a greater effective phosphor path undergoes more conversion, altering the spectral balance of the emitted light. This angular effect is common in phosphor-converted LEDs and can become more noticeable when combined with the small optical packages and limited mixing distances of 1-inch fixtures.

Beam Angle and Trim Geometry

Narrow optics, typically in the sub-30° range, can make angular color shifts more visually apparent by concentrating the light into a smaller area and increasing intensity and color contrast. This can make color variation more noticeable than with a wide-flood optic, where the same angular differences are distributed across a larger area.

A 1-Inch Aperture Isn’t Always a True 1-Inch Fixture

There is an important distinction between a fixture with a 1-inch aperture and a fixture whose overall diameter is 1 inch.

One approach to creating a 1-inch aperture is to use a pinhole trim that reduces a larger fixture opening to a 1-inch visible aperture. This design allows for a larger fixture and optical system with greater mixing distance, similar to what is found in traditionally sized downlights.

But that approach can involve trade-offs.

A larger fixture may require a larger trim flange, which can diminish the minimal aesthetic appeal of a 1-inch aperture. Components of the fixture may also be inaccessible after installation, creating significant challenges for maintenance, service, or future design changes.

A true 1-inch fixture, by contrast, maintains the minimal form factor of the 1-inch aperture throughout the fixture itself. The trade-off is that the LED, optics, and other components must be engineered within a much more constrained space. This creates greater optical challenges, including the potential for increased CoA, while preserving the clean architectural appearance and compact form factor that make small-aperture lighting desirable.

How Lighting Manufacturers Can Mitigate Color Over Angle

Fixture manufacturers must carefully balance the competing demands of output, beam uniformity, glare control, and aperture size when designing ultra-small-aperture fixtures. Several strategies can help reduce CoA.

Remote phosphor design separates the phosphor layer from the LED die and can help produce more uniform color. Remote-phosphor designs can also offer benefits related to thermal management, efficiency, and LED longevity, depending on the implementation. However, the technology requires additional physical space, making it better suited to larger fixtures, such as linear lighting and soft panels used in film and television. It is generally impractical for ultra-small-aperture recessed fixtures.

Color mixing chambers add distance or dedicated mixing space within the optical system, allowing light to blend more uniformly before exiting the fixture. This approach becomes increasingly difficult as available space decreases, particularly in true 1-inch fixtures. Additional mixing can also come at the expense of lumen output and optical efficiency—an especially important consideration when the limited LES size of a 1-inch fixture already places a premium on maintaining output.

Diffusion elements are another common strategy for improving color uniformity. Microstructured films or textures can be incorporated into optical elements to introduce controlled scattering, helping blend light from different areas of the LED source and reduce visible color variation. The trade-off is some loss in lumen output and optical efficiency, although that loss can be modest enough to justify the improvement in color uniformity.

For a true 1-inch fixture, the challenge is finding the right balance: high output, beam control, glare management, and color uniformity—all within an extremely small optical envelope.

How to Evaluate CoA in Architectural Lighting

CoA is not a widely discussed, tested, or reported metric for lighting fixtures, even among top-tier architectural-grade products. Testing CoA variation typically requires advanced photometric equipment, such as a goniophotometer paired with a spectroradiometer, to measure CCT and chromaticity at multiple angles across the beam rather than at a single normal (0°) position. Depending on the equipment and measurement protocol, this type of testing can take multiple hours to complete.

Lighting manufacturers also have not traditionally reported CoA data on specification sheets or in photometric reports. Traditional apertures in the 3-inch and larger range generally experience less severe color-over-angle variation than ultra-small-aperture fixtures, while 1-inch apertures can amplify the effect significantly.

For this reason, visual evaluation of a physical fixture sample remains a practical and effective way to assess whether any CoA variation falls within an acceptable range. The intended application should also be considered. General-purpose downlighting, where individual beams blend smoothly, may be more forgiving of CoA variation than accent lighting applications where fixtures illuminate artwork or other highly visible surfaces.

How DMF’s True 1 Downlight Addresses the Challenge

DMF’s True 1 downlight is a true 1-inch-aperture fixture that employs a unique optical stack to balance powerful output, extremely low glare, and excellent angular color uniformity.

The True 1 three-stage optical stack utilizes non-imaging optics to create a precise cross beam focus that is highly effective at mitigating glare at the fixture’s exit aperture. The final optical element in the stack features a precisely engineered level of microstructure diffusion that softens and diffuses variations in the source image.

Together, these optical approaches allow the fixture to balance high output, low glare, and uniform color over angle within a minimal 1-inch form factor. The result is a small aperture downlight designed not simply around what can fit into a 1-inch opening, but around what can be achieved optically within it, while also delivering installation simplicity and long-term serviceability.

1-Inch Downlights: Small Aperture, Serious Optical Engineering

The appeal of a 1-inch downlight is easy to understand: less visual presence, cleaner ceilings, and the ability to deliver architectural illumination without allowing the fixture itself to dominate the space.

But achieving that minimal aesthetic without compromising performance requires more than simply making a fixture smaller.

It requires thoughtful optical engineering at every stage—from the LED and mixing strategy to beam control, glare management, and color consistency.

That’s the real challenge of a true 1-inch downlight and where optical design makes the difference.

Pictured: DMF’s True 1 optical stack and resulting cross beam focus.

Insights Technical

Recessed LED Optics and Glare

September 3, 2026

Recessed LED Optics and Glare

Why Optics Matter More Than Ever in the Age of Small-Aperture Downlighting

September 3, 2026

Over the past decade, architectural lighting has experienced a significant shift toward smaller and smaller luminaire apertures. Once, 4-inch and 6-inch recessed downlights dominated commercial and residential projects alike. Today, however, designers routinely specify 2-inch fixtures, and increasingly, apertures below 2 inches are becoming viable options for high-end architectural applications.

The driving force behind this trend is clear. Architects and interior designers continue to pursue cleaner ceiling planes, minimalist aesthetics and environments where lighting quietly supports the architecture rather than becoming a visual focal point. Advances in LED technology have enabled this evolution, allowing compact fixtures to deliver light output levels that would have been impossible only a few years ago.

Yet while smaller apertures create more elegant ceilings, they also introduce a fundamental challenge: glare.

As fixture apertures shrink, the same amount of light must be delivered through a much smaller opening. The result is higher luminance at the aperture and a dramatically increased potential for visual discomfort. This reality has elevated optical engineering from a secondary design consideration to one of the most critical aspects of downlight development.

Today, the success of a small-aperture downlight depends not simply on its lumen output or efficiency, but on the sophistication of the optical system behind it.

The Relationship Between Aperture Size and Glare

At first glance, it might seem intuitive that smaller fixtures would naturally be less noticeable and therefore more comfortable. In reality, the opposite can often be true.

Consider two fixtures producing the same lumen output. If one distributes that light across a large aperture and the other emits it through an aperture half the size, the smaller fixture will exhibit significantly higher luminance at its opening. To the human eye, that concentrated brightness can become distracting or even uncomfortable.

This challenge becomes especially apparent in environments where occupants spend significant amounts of time looking across a room rather than directly downward. Hospitality spaces, residences, healthcare facilities and workplaces all place occupants in positions where ceiling fixtures frequently enter their field of view.

Without careful optical control, a small aperture can appear as an intensely bright point source that attracts attention and degrades visual comfort.

The challenge for manufacturers is therefore twofold: maintain the performance expectations of modern lighting while simultaneously minimizing source visibility and glare.

Why Raw LED Output Is Not Enough

LEDs have revolutionized lighting because of their efficiency, longevity and compact size. However, the light produced directly from an LED source is rarely suitable for architectural applications.

In its natural state, an LED emits light according to what is known as a Lambertian distribution. This means light radiates broadly in nearly every direction with relatively uniform intensity.

While this characteristic may be advantageous from a manufacturing perspective, it creates several problems when incorporated into a recessed downlight.

Without optical control, light can spill into the ceiling cavity, strike fixture trims, illuminate surrounding surfaces at unintended angles and expose the bright LED source directly to room occupants. The result is wasted light, reduced efficiency and increased glare.

This is where optics become indispensable.

Optical systems transform raw LED output into useful illumination. Through carefully engineered components, designers can shape beam distributions, improve efficiency, conceal the source and create visually comfortable environments.

In many respects, optics serve as the bridge between an LED’s technical capability and the occupant’s visual experience.

Understanding Cutoff Angles

Figure 1 – A diagram showing the cutoff angle of a recessed downlight.

Among the many metrics used to evaluate downlight performance, cutoff angle is one of the most important when discussing glare.

A cutoff angle describes the point at which the light source is no longer visible to an observer. Above this angle, the optical system successfully shields the source from view. Below it, the source becomes progressively more visible.

The concept may seem simple, but its impact on visual comfort is profound.

A fixture with a narrow cutoff angle limits the number of viewing positions from which occupants can see the brightest portions of the luminaire. Consequently, the fixture appears more comfortable and less visually intrusive.

In residential living rooms, hotel guestrooms, restaurants and healthcare facilities, where occupants frequently sit or recline, narrow cutoff angles are often critical. People naturally view ceilings from shallow sightlines, increasing the likelihood of seeing directly into fixture apertures.

By contrast, in spaces with higher ceilings and more upright occupant positions, such as commercial lobbies or atriums, wider cutoff angles may be acceptable.

As apertures continue shrinking, achieving meaningful cutoff becomes increasingly difficult because there is less physical space available to shield the source. This challenge places greater importance on sophisticated optical design.

Reflectors: The Foundation of Downlight Optics

Figure 2 – An example of light beams that escape a reflector without hitting a surface, causing unwanted glare.

Reflectors represent one of the oldest and most familiar forms of optical control in lighting.

The principle is straightforward. Light emitted from the LED source strikes a reflective surface and is redirected toward the intended target area. By adjusting the shape and depth of the reflector, designers can create narrow, medium or wide beam distributions.

Reflectors offer several advantages. They can be highly efficient, produce attractive beam patterns and naturally contribute to glare control by physically recessing the light source.

For decades, deep reflector geometries formed the foundation of architectural downlighting.

However, reflector systems face increasing limitations as apertures shrink.

Effective reflector designs require physical depth. As fixtures become smaller and ceiling plenums become more constrained, the available space for meaningful reflector geometry diminishes. Reflectors also introduce optical losses through absorption and can struggle to capture very wide-angle rays emitted by LED sources.

While reflectors remain important, they are often no longer sufficient on their own for modern small-aperture fixtures.

Refractive Optics and the Rise of Precision Beam Control

Figure 3 – A diagram of a TIR optic, which concentrates light to a tight narrow beam.

Refractive lenses provide another powerful approach to optical control.

Unlike reflectors, which redirect light through reflection, refractive optics bend light as it passes through materials with different refractive indices. This allows designers to manipulate ray trajectories with exceptional precision.

Among the most common examples are Total Internal Reflection (TIR) lenses. These optics combine refractive and reflective properties within a single element, capturing a large percentage of LED output and directing it into highly controlled beam patterns.

TIR lenses have become especially valuable in compact architectural fixtures because they can deliver precise beam control without requiring deep housings.

The benefits are significant:

High optical efficiency
Consistent beam patterns
Excellent intensity control
Compact form factors

For applications such as museums, retail environments, galleries and accent lighting, refractive optics often provide performance that traditional reflectors cannot match.

However, they also introduce challenges. Refractive optics can reveal imperfections in the LED source and may create visible color separation or hotspots if not carefully designed. As a result, they are frequently combined with secondary optical elements that soften and homogenize the beam.

The Role of Microstructure Optical Films

Figure 4 – DMF’s 4-inch downlights utilize microstructure lenses places in front of TIR lenses for final shaping and beam spread.

As fixture dimensions continue shrinking, optical designers increasingly rely on technologies that occupy very little physical space.

Microstructure optical films represent one of the most effective solutions.

These films contain microscopic patterns engineered to redirect, diffuse or homogenize light. Although nearly invisible to the naked eye, these structures can significantly influence beam characteristics.

Placed near the aperture plane, microstructure films often serve as the final stage of beam refinement. They can soften harsh beam edges, eliminate source imaging and create a more uniform luminous appearance.

Their thin profile makes them especially attractive for low-profile fixtures where conventional optics may not fit.

Microstructure films also play an important role in reducing visual distractions such as LED imaging, hotspots and phosphor inconsistencies.

The challenge is that diffusion inherently introduces some efficiency loss. Excessive diffusion can also undo the beam-shaping work performed by upstream optics.

Consequently, successful implementations require a careful balance between beam control, efficiency and visual comfort.

Cross Beam Optics and Modern Glare Reduction

Figure 5- An example of a regressed TIR cross beam optic and the effect on rays of light, utilized in DMF’s 3-inch downlights.

One of the most significant advances in contemporary downlight design is the development of cross beam optical systems.

Cross beam optics seek to solve a common problem in recessed lighting: stray light striking fixture trims and surrounding surfaces.

In traditional systems, some light rays escape at shallow angles and illuminate the trim ring or aperture edge. This creates bright halos around fixtures that draw attention to the luminaire itself.

Cross beam systems redirect those peripheral rays inward, causing them to converge before exiting the fixture.

The benefits are substantial:

Reduced trim brightness
Less ceiling splash
Lower perceived glare
Cleaner ceiling appearance
Improved visual comfort

Perhaps most importantly, cross beam optics help fixtures visually disappear into the architecture. Rather than becoming bright points on the ceiling plane, they allow attention to remain focused on the illuminated environment itself.

As aperture sizes continue shrinking, cross beam approaches are becoming increasingly important.

Scattering vs. Non-Scattering Optics

Modern optical systems can generally be categorized as either scattering or non-scattering.

Scattering optics deliberately introduce controlled randomness into light paths. Diffusers, frosted lenses and many microstructure films fall into this category.

Their primary advantage is visual smoothness. They soften beams, eliminate hotspots and conceal source details.

However, scattering comes with tradeoffs. Light becomes less predictable, beam edges become less defined and some optical efficiency is inevitably lost.

Non-scattering optics operate differently.

Specular reflectors, polished lenses and precision optical elements preserve ray directionality and redirect light through deterministic optical principles. The resulting beams are highly controlled and efficient.

These systems excel when precise beam shaping, hard cutoffs and maximum intensity concentration are required.

The downside is that non-scattering optics faithfully reproduce source characteristics. Any non-uniformities within the LED source may become visible within the beam pattern.

Most advanced architectural fixtures therefore employ a carefully balanced combination of both approaches.

The Future of Ultra-Small Aperture Downlighting

Figure 6 – DMF’s True 1 optical stack and resulting cross beam focus

As the industry continues moving toward apertures of 1 inch and below, optical design will become even more critical.

In these ultra-small formats, every stray ray matters. Even minor amounts of trim illumination can dramatically increase perceived glare. Traditional combinations of reflectors, lenses and diffusion elements often struggle to provide sufficient control within such limited physical space.

This challenge is driving a new generation of optical innovation.

For example, DMF’s True 1 downlight utilizes a patent-pending optical stack that combines multiple non-scattering optical elements with a final microstructure layer. The design creates a true cross beam focus while minimizing spill light and reducing source visibility.

The result is a soft, visually comfortable beam, exceptional glare control and a narrow cutoff angle that would be difficult to achieve using conventional optical approaches alone.

The Bottom Line

The trend toward smaller apertures shows no signs of slowing. Architects and designers continue to seek cleaner ceilings, more discreet fixtures and lighting systems that quietly complement the built environment.

But miniaturization alone does not create better lighting.

As apertures shrink, optics become increasingly responsible for determining whether a fixture delivers visual comfort or visual distraction. Reflectors, refractive lenses, microstructure films and cross beam technologies all play important roles in shaping the modern lighting experience.

Ultimately, the best small-aperture downlights are not simply miniature fixtures. They are highly engineered optical systems designed to balance efficiency, beam control, glare reduction and occupant comfort.

In the pursuit of visually quiet ceilings, optics have become the true differentiator.

For more in-depth information, read the Recessed LED Optics and Glare Technical Bulletin

Optics for DMF Lighting Fixtures

True 1 Downlight

3-Inch Downlights

4-Inch Downlights

Optic System

3 Stage Optical Stack:

Non-Scattering Optical Elements and Microstructure film

Regressed TIR Optic:

Cross Beam Focus and Diffusion Lenses for Beam Softening

Proprietary Folded TIR Optic and Microdiffusion Lenses for Beam Angle Control

Light Focus

Cross Beam

Traditional Cone

Reasons for Use

– Ultra-small aperture requires the ultimate glare control and minimal spill

-Traditional TIR lenses can’t create a true cross beam focus

– Smaller aperture fixture requires cross beam focus for reduced glare and increased performance

– Diffusion lenses allow for additional beam softening

– Ability to achieve a very shallow optical package

– Wider 4-inch aperture doesn’t require cross beam focus, as the larger aperture is inherently less glare prone

Technical

TM-30

Get insight into TM-30 for DMF’s products

June 11, 2026

TM-30

See the TM-30 Reports for our products below

June 11, 2026

What is TM-30?

TM-30, developed in 2015 by the Illumination Engineering Society (IES), is an advanced method for measuring the color rendering capabilities of light sources. It addresses the limitations of the older Color Rendering Index (CRI) by providing a more comprehensive and accurate evaluation of how well a light source renders colors.

TM-30 is particularly beneficial in environments where precise color rendering is essential. It allows designers and lighting professionals to make more informed decisions, ensuring that the chosen lighting enhances the desired colors and ambiance of the space.

4” Downlight

4" IC Downlight
4" IC Adjustable
4" Non-IC Downlight
4" Non-IC Adjustable

4” Cylinders

4" Cylinder
4" Adjustable Cylinder

3” Downlights

3" Downlight
3" Adjustable

3” Cylinders

3" Cylinder
3" Adjustable Cylinder

1” Downlights

1" Downlight
1" Adjustable

Linear

0.5 Concealed Linear

To learn more about TM-30, click here.

Products Technical

Essential Safety: Why Fan-Rated Junction Boxes are Required

Understanding NEC 2020 mandates, UL testing standards, and the importance of proper installation for ceiling fan support

February 19, 2026

Essential Safety: Why Fan-Rated Junction Boxes are Required

Understanding NEC 2020 mandates, UL testing standards, and the importance of proper installation for ceiling fan support

February 19, 2026

Why Fan-Rated Junction Boxes Matter

Ceiling fans place unique stresses on electrical boxes as ordinary boxes for lighting weren’t built to handle the vibration and movement of a fan. To ensure safety and compliance, only fan-rated junction boxes, tested and certified by UL and required by the National Electrical Code (NEC), should be used.

NEC 2020 Requirements

The 2020 NEC mandates fan-rated boxes in any habitable room where a ceiling fan could be installed, even if no fan is present during construction. This prevents unsafe retrofits and ensures long-term safety.

Testing Standards (UL 514A)

Fan-rated boxes undergo rigorous static and dynamic load tests. They must support fans up to 35, 50, or 70 pounds, with clear markings indicating their capacity. Testing simulates real-world conditions, including imbalanced loads and loosened screws, to guarantee reliability.

Box Ratings & Markings

Boxes are labeled by their tested weight limits (35, 50, or 70 pounds in the US and Mexico). In Canada, any fan over 16 kg must be independently supported. Screw types and installation hardware differ by country.

Where Are Fan-Rated Boxes Required?

Fan-rated boxes are required in all habitable rooms except bathrooms, closets, hallways, and similar spaces. Exceptions include areas too close to walls or above certain countertops.

Product Example: DMF’s F4NC Housing

DMF’s F4NC junction box meets UL 514A requirements and is rated for fixture support up to 50 pounds in the US, Canada, and Mexico, and for ceiling-suspended fan support up to 35 pounds and up to 16-inch joist spacing in the US and Mexico.

Additionally, the F4NC boasts ASTM E283 Air Tight rating and is code compliant for use in appropriate fire-rated assemblies for up to two hours.

The F4NC features a highly durable, universal bar hanger design, accommodating joist spacing from 14 to 24 inches (up to 16 inches maximum joist spacing for fan-rated applications) — or even down to 8 inches with simple field modification. For secure installation, the F4NC is supplied with two #8-32 screws for fixture support and six pre-installed screws to fasten the bar hangers to joists. Note that for ceiling suspended fan support, the F4NC may be installed into wood joist or studs only and all 6 joist screws must be fastened.

DMF Product Solutions

F4NC Housing

For a deeper dive on fan-rated standards, testing, ratings and requirements, review the Fan-Rated Junction Boxes Technical Bulletin.

Products Technical

Performance Decorative Lighting Application Guide

High Aesthetics, High Performance with Decorative Pendants and Trims

February 9, 2026

Performance Decorative Lighting Application Guide

High Aesthetics, High Performance with Decorative Pendants and Trims

February 9, 2026

Performance Decorative Lighting masterfully blends striking aesthetics with advanced technical capabilities, empowering designers to create spaces that are both visually captivating and highly functional. This harmonious integration ensures that style never comes at the expense of performance, allowing every environment to shine with both beauty and purpose.

Key Highlights & Benefits

Design Flexibility & Sustainability

Lighting products that feature a modular systems offer effortless customization, allowing you to refresh the ambiance of any space by simply replacing decorative components.

These interchangeable elements enable cost-effective updates, ensuring the core lighting infrastructure remains intact — saving both time and money.

Enhanced Performance

Decorative elements like trims and shades improve lighting performance by increasing shielding and diffusion, reducing glare and enhancing visual comfort.

Solving for Style & Space Pendant Lighting

Pendants are versatile, seamlessly fitting into various lighting designs and layouts to provide focused, low glare illumination. An ideal solution for spaces where recessed fixtures can’t fit including shallow plenums and open ceilings, pendants provide the essential downlight layer, while also offering an optional layer of indirect light (uplight), adding depth and ambiance to a space.

DMF has introduced highly configurable Decorative Pendants with Shades with a diverse array of silhouette options to suit any design preference. The newest additions to the company’s 3-inch aperture X Series and 4-inch aperture M Series cylinder collections, the 15 decorative performance pendants are offered in three complimentary shade designs (Wide, Medium and Narrow) and in multiple lengths, giving designers distinctive solutions for architecturally demanding indoor and outdoor spaces.

Decorative Pendants Performance Benefits

The pendant’s decorative shades improve comfort by effectively extending the edge of the fixture, which increases the shielding angle, providing a higher level of visual comfort. By shielding the viewer from the direct light source, shades mitigate unwanted glare, resulting in a more comfortable and better-quality lighting experience.

Shielding Angle Study

The study of the 3-inch Decorative Pendant with Shades reveals the remarkable efficacy of cutoff angles in providing substantial shading, eliminating light spill and glare. Utilizing a tight-beam Narrow Spot (NS) optic, the overall lumen output and beam remain highly effective. Additionally, there is a slight concentrating effect, which increases the center beam candlepower.

Note: Photometric data provided is for 1000 lumens, 3000K module equipped with a NS Optic and a white finish. The accompanying photographs depict cylinders in a black finish, positioned approximately 9 to 12 inches from the rear wall, to effectively illustrate the beam and cutoff angle.

Decorative Pendants Photometric Performance

The adjacent tables demonstrate how cylinder shades

influence both total lumen output and beam angle across

various shade profiles and optic combinations.

It is important to recognize that increasing the shielding angle may diminish overall light output—this effect is especially pronounced with the Narrow Shade when paired with broader beam spreads.

Choice of Optic

For Narrow shades, the Narrow Spot (NS) and Spot (SP) optics are the most effective, offering minimal light loss.

When utilizing the Medium or Wide Shade profiles, there is greater flexibility to employ a wider optic if needed.

Note: Photometric data provided is for 1000 lumens, 3000K module in a white finish. Black finishes further reduce output by approximately 1%. Items shown in ORANGE denote shade-optic combinations with diminishing returns in terms of beam spread, which are not recommended combinations.

Decorative Pendant Applications

DMF’s Decorative Pendants with Shades deliver focused, low glare downlighting, available in a diverse array of silhouette options to complement any design aesthetic.

Expertly merging high-performance illumination with exceptional shielding, these pendants are ideally suited for:

Task Lighting: Perfect for illuminating countertops, reception desks and workstations.

Hospitality Spaces: Elevating the ambiance of hotels, bars and dining areas by creating an intimate and inviting atmosphere.

Open Offices: Offering stylish, controlled illumination that ensures a low-glare, productive work environment.

Decorative Downlight Trims

DMF’s M and X Series decorative trims introduce an elevated sense of style and visual intrigue to any space. Crafted from optical-quality acrylic and available in finishes ranging from frosted to clear, these trims are thoughtfully designed to interact with light in captivating ways. Their versatility makes them especially well-suited for low ceilings, compact areas, and environments that benefit from wide, soft illumination.

Below-Ceiling Intrigue: Each trim features an acrylic element that sits below the ceiling plane, capturing light and adding depth.

Custom Translucency:

Choose from varying levels of translucency —from fully frosted to clear to control the light effect.

Uninterrupted Beam:

The X Series Round Decorative Trims are fully open to the optic, allowing the beam of light to travel completely uninterrupted while still adding a decorative accent.

Decorative Trim Applications

Low Ceilings:

The high diffusion and somewhat decreased center beam candle power make these trims great for low ceiling applications where wide beam spreads are needed to adequately cover a space.

Tight Spaces:

These decorative trims also cast a higher percentage of light up walls, making tighter spaces such as powder rooms and corridors feel brighter and more expansive, especially when there isn’t space for dedicated wall washing or accent lighting.

Decorative Focal Points:

Reception desks, display areas, and shelving units can be transformed by the distinctive aesthetic of decorative trims, elevating ordinary spaces into striking visual features.

Spas, Beauty Salons & Gyms

In settings where patrons may recline and gaze upward, decorative trims offer significant benefits. The lower center power, combined with higher diffusion and beam spread, can

significantly reduce disability glare from looking towards light sources.

For more information including detailed information on the Decorative Trims photometry, please reference our Performance Decorative Lighting Application Guide.

Products Technical

Wall Washing

Benefits, Techniques and Solutions of Wall Washing

September 10, 2025

Wall Washing

Benefits, Techniques, and Solutions of Wall Washing

September 10, 2025

From creating evenly illuminated spaces and high levels of visual comfort, to crafting visual interest and architectural intrigue, lighting designers face many challenges when approaching a project.

Wall washing is a commonly used lighting technique in a designer’s toolkit that provides a versatile solution to many common design challenges.

The Benefits of Wall Washing Include:

Here are Some Wall Washing Uses + Techniques.

Indirect Lighting

Uniformly lighting walls can add an additional layer of indirect lighting and increase the perceived brightness of a room, defining architectural space, and helping to orient the inhabitants in the room.

Grazing Textured Walls

A steeper angle of wall washing can help to accentuate feature walls or walls with natural texture, such as stucco or brick.

Featured Artwork & Wall Murals

Wall washing can provide even illumination for mural walls or walls where placement of artwork may continually change.

Corridors

Corridors can benefit immensely from wall washing. The high degree of perceived brightness that comes from illuminated vertical surfaces creates the perception of a more open space.

DMF Product Solutions

Wall Wash/Sloped Ceiling Trim

Our next generation of wall wash and sloped ceiling trims offer a versatile, modular solution, compatible across the entire range of M Series fixed downlights. High performance optics provide increased lumen output and a flatter field, allowing for up to a 1:2 or even 1:3 setback/spacing ratio, meaning you can achieve even wall washing with fewer fixtures than before.

Our optics have increased thermal performance, expanding compatibility to all lumen packages in the M Series Commercial and Residential lines. These trims are interchangeable with our full range of M Series downlights and standard trims, so your designs can remain nimble and adaptable to changes, even after housings have been roughed in.

For information on appropriate wall washing fixture spacing and placements, as well as layout examples, please refer to our Wall Wash Application Guide.

Products Technical

Marine-Grade Lighting

Best Practices When Choosing Lighting Fixtures for Marine and Coastal Environments

August 21, 2025

Marine-Grade Lighting

Best Practices When Choosing Lighting Fixtures for Marine and Coastal Environments

August 21, 2025

Marine and coastal environments are harsh on buildings due to airborne salt, wind, and humidity. Salt water becomes aerosolized when ocean waves break, causing premature decay in metal materials. To ensure durability and normal service life for lighting fixtures in these environments, it is recommended to specify marine-grade trims and fixtures.

Lighting fixtures in coastal regions should comply with the American Architectural Manufacturers Association’s (AAMA), AAMA 2605 standard for wear and corrosion resistance. AAMA 2605 sets some of the highest standards for protective metal coatings, which are most suitable for marine environments.

Specifically, Section 7.8.2, Salt Spray Resistance, is crucial for marine-grade finishes. Test samples are scored to expose aluminum and subjected to a 4,000-hour, 5% salt solution spray test, as defined by ASTM B 117.

When evaluating lighting fixtures, choose products with verifiable marine-grade claims based on these tests.

Where are Marine-Grade Finishes Required?

While the highest levels of salt spray are closest to shore, accelerated corrosion can occur up to five to 10 miles inland. For installations within 10 miles of the coast, marine grade, IP-rated fixtures should be used for proper protection and longevity.

In regions with extreme weather and environmental conditions, corrosion may occur even further inland than 10 miles. The strongest example would be isthmuses, surrounded by ocean, like the southernmost parts of Florida. Since there isn’t a comprehensive source of corrosion data by geographic region, it’s best to consult local building professionals and examine levels of corrosion in older buildings to identify high-corrosion areas.

Metal Corrosion & Marine-Grade Lighting Finishes

Lighting fixtures use metals like aluminum and steel for housings, trims, and major components. Aluminum is popular for trims and bodies but faces challenges in marine environments. When exposed to air and water, raw aluminum alloys form a protective oxide layer, which is sufficient in most interior or mild climates, but salt and moisture cause galvanic corrosion. This occurs when a more negatively charged metal transfers electrons to a positively charged one via an electrolyte. Marine conditions create this electrolytic solution, making aluminum alloys with elements like copper problematic. Manufacturers must protect metal parts from galvanic corrosion to ensure fixture longevity.

For long-lasting light fixtures, marine-grade finished aluminum is an excellent choice. Two main processes achieve marine-grade finishes: epoxy-based powder coating and marine anodizing (hard anodizing). Alternatively, brass or stainless steel, which are naturally corrosion-resistant, can be used, though these are mostly used for landscape lighting.

Epoxy-Based Powder Coating

Powder coating provides a durable, corrosion-resistant finish for aluminum fixtures. This process uses electrostatically charged paint particles that are magnetically attracted to the substrate, ensuring even application. The coated substrate is then cured in an oven, creating a robust finish.

Epoxy-based powder coating offers even higher abrasion and corrosion resistance. Epoxies, made of a resin and a hardener, form a rigid, cross-linked structure when mixed, providing excellent durability and flexibility. This makes them suitable for areas with extreme thermal changes as they prevent cracks in the finish due to underlying metal expansion or contraction.

The process starts with extensive surface preparation, including mechanical cleaning and chemical treatments for optimal adhesion. An epoxy primer is applied, followed by a super-durable polyester powder coat finish. Once cured, this results in a UV-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and flexible finish that withstands extreme and corrosive conditions.

Anodized Aluminum

Anodizing submerges metal in an acid-electrolyte solution and applies an electrical current through the substrate, creating a controlled oxide later that is relatively durable and corrosion-resistant. Standard anodizing forms a 12-micron thick layer, suitable for indoor or non-marine exterior applications, but can wear quickly and is susceptible to scratching and corrosion.

Hard anodizing creates a thicker 25-micron layer using a stronger acid bath and higher electric current density, resulting in greater abrasion resistance and durability. It’s suitable for marine-grade applications and industrial uses requiring high wear resistance.

However, both processes involve harsh chemicals, higher costs, skilled labor, and variability in color consistency. Anodized aluminum may also be susceptible to UV damage and color fading, and its metallic appearance may not be ideal for architectural-grade lighting trims.

Non-Aluminum Marine-Grade Fixtures

Some manufacturers use metals other than aluminum for marine-grade durability, with brass being the most common. Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, forms a protective patina when oxidized, preventing corrosion but changing the fixture’s appearance over time. Raw brass initially has a high shine and yellowish color, but in marine environments, it typically develops a light green patina. This change may be desirable for some installations but bothersome for others due to its unpredictability.

IP65+ Rated Marine-Grade Fixtures

Marine-grade lighting fixtures should be IP rated to protect internal components from humidity, moisture, and salt. They should achieve at least an IP65 rating, meaning they are fully dust-tight and protected against water jets. For more details, refer to DMF’s IP Ratings Technical Bulletin.

DMF’s Marine-Grade Products

DMF Lighting has select products that can be configured with marine-grade trims or finishes, all of which comply with AAMA 2605-05, Section 7.8.2 and achieve a minimum rating of IP65.

M Series IP/Marine Grade Trim
- M Series recessed downlighting family features a wide range of specification options. The newest IP/Marine Grade trim offers superior durability for corrosive, marine environments. Available for the round downlight in both black and white colors, the marine-grade finish utilizes a super durable epoxy-based power coat finish and additionally achieves an IP66 and IK10 rating with its fully sealed and impact resistant front lens. Look for the “IP” part code under the trim selection for the standard round downlight.

X & M Series Marine Grade Cylinders
- X & M Series Cylinders offer a massive array of options for exterior lighting applications, from pendant, surface mount and wall mount cylinders. Utilizing the same light engine modules from their counterpart downlight families, these marine-grade cylinders are finished in the same manner as the Marine Grade/IP trim and achieve an IP65 rating, appropriate for use in fully exposed, uncovered exterior applications. For full information on DMF Lighting’s Marine Grade cylinders, see the X Series & M Series Cylinders Marine Grade specification sheets.

For more information, please review the Marine-Grade Technical Bulletin.

Products Technical

Wildlife-Friendly Lighting

A Guide to Responsible Outdoor Lighting Practices

June 19, 2025

Wildlife-Friendly Lighting

A Guide to Responsible Outdoor Lighting Practices

June 19, 2025

Artificial light at night (ALAN) refers to the use of electric light sources in outdoor spaces. As cities and infrastructure grow, ALAN is used for various applications, from lighting roadways and parking lots for safety to illuminating architecture. While safety is crucial, ALAN has created problems for wildlife that have lived under natural light at night (moonlight and starlight).

ALAN disrupts sleep cycles, displaces wildlife from their habitats, disrupts migration patterns and breeding rituals, and alters hormone production. To combat these effects, wildlife-friendly lighting standards advocate for specific fixtures, design principles, and lighting control methods to minimize disruption to wildlife and their natural environment.

Wildlife Lighting Standards Recommendations

There are several organizations that establish and promote wildlife-friendly lighting standards and one of the most prominent is the International DarkSky Association (IDA), an independent organization offering certification and educational resources.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) are key government agencies that provide guidelines and resources for wildlife lighting. They are the most referenced for sea turtle-friendly lighting and bird-friendly lighting, and they have developed the Wildlife Lighting Certification Program to ensure lighting practices are safe for wildlife.

International DarkSky Association

Aside from the five principles, IDA has a few other core functions, including the DarkSky certification program and DarkSky Approved program, as well as education and outreach. The IDA also works as a resource to aid in crafting ordinances and legislation for municipalities to help combat the growing problem of light pollution.

IDA’s Five Lighting Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting

A guide to assist lighting professionals when designing exterior lighting, these simple principles are intuitive and relatively easy to implement and can have an enormous impact when applied correctly to reduce light pollution and maintain dark skies and healthy habitats for wildlife.

Many guidelines, like “Low Level” and “Targeted,” are subjective. Testing and mockups in the field can help determine what is “Low Level” in the context of the project site. For example, a 4-watt luminaire may be appropriately bright in a city park but too bright in a rural residence.

DarkSky Approved Program

The DarkSky Approved program provides third-party approval for products, lighting designs and projects, ensuring that they meet necessary requirements that abide by Five Lighting Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting.

When searching for outdoor luminaires, the DarkSky Approved seal can help guide the fixture selection for projects that need to meet any DarkSky requirements. DarkSky approved fixtures can be found with the DarkSky Approved Seal on manufacturers cut sheets or through the DarkSky Database. Full program requirements can also be found in the DarkSky Approved Luminaires Guidelines.

Turtle-Safe Lighting

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) manages fish and wildlife resources for their safety and the good of the community. One large part of the FWC’s programs is establishing turtle-safe lighting practices.

Turtle nesting seasons typically run from May through October in Florida. As hatchlings leave their eggs, they must make the trip back to the ocean across the beach where they were laid. Their natural means of navigation is following the naturally blue moonlight, which is brightest on the water horizon. Traditional ALAN can disturb this process, so turtle safe lighting ordinances have been implemented to protect this journey and save turtle lives. The most important aspect of turtle safe lighting is the use of no blue wavelength light (shorter than 560nm).

The FWC’s Wildlife Lighting Certification Program helps identify lighting fixtures which meet requirements for turtle-safe lighting. Additionally, the DarkSky Approved program also has their own specific DarkSky Sea Turtle Sensitive Approved program, which has nearly identical standards.

Bird-Friendly Lighting Standards

Bird populations worldwide are highly susceptible to the negative impacts of artificial light at night (ALAN). Eighty percent of North American birds migrate overnight, relying on magnetoreception to detect Earth’s magnetic poles. Studies show that high levels of blue spectrum light can impair this sense, disorienting birds and causing them to fly in non-migratory directions.

In urban areas, blue spectrum light traps birds in “bubbles” of artificial light, leading to collisions, exhaustion, and mass-mortality events, especially on foggy or low cloud ceiling nights when birds fly lower than normal.

The standards and strategies set by DarkSky and the FWC sea turtle program are similar to bird-friendly lighting recommendations. Turning off unnecessary lighting is the most effective solution, especially during spring (April-May) and fall (August-October) migration seasons and on cloudy or foggy nights. Additionally, if birds become trapped in bright light, turning lights off for 15 to 20 minutes can help them escape. Automatic timers can create breaks if monitoring is not feasible. To reduce light pollution from interiors, close blinds, shades, or curtains at night, or use window tinting.

Bird-Friendly Lighting Ordinances

Bird-friendly lighting ordinances are often grouped with bird-friendly building ordinances. Architects and designers can use construction materials, glazing, and lighting to create safer environments for birds.

In the U.S., these ordinances are mostly managed by local municipalities. Notably, Maui County recently enacted stringent requirements for bird and wildlife-safe lighting, including outdoor fixtures emitting no more than 2% of light from the blue spectrum (400nm-500nm), no uplight, and full fixture shielding. For more information on other ordinances, refer to The Yale Bird-Friendly Building Initiative’s national database.

DMF’s Wildlife-Friendly Lighting Solutions

DMF offers a variety of fixtures that are both DarkSky approved and turtle-sensitive for recessed downlighting and cylinder applications. Approved fixtures are limited to certain configurations.

DarkSky Approved
- Luminaires cannot include decorative trims and must be 3000K CCT or lower.
- M Series Residential (4-inch aperture) and X Series recessed downlights both offer configurations.
- M Series and X Series Cylinders have configurations. Cylinders must be downlight (direct only), without any uplight.
- Look for the DarkSky Approved seal on DMF specification sheets for approved fixtures.

Dark Sky Approved Turtle Sensitive
- DMF turtle-friendly lighting fixtures come in 300 lumen output, specialty CRI and Turtle & Wildlife Friendly (TF) spectrum.
- M Series Residential and X Series Recessed downlights are both available in turtle sensitive configurations.
- M Series and X Series Cylinders are also available in TF configurations, in downlight configurations only.

Note that DMF Turtle and Wildlife Friendly fixtures are not currently listed as FWC Certified but are designed within the required specifications and are certified DarkSky Approved Sea Turtle Sensitive.

To review the Wildlife Lighting Technical Bulletin, which includes references, click here.

Technical

IP Ratings

April 16, 2025

IP Ratings

What is an IP Rating and why have IP Ratings?

April 16, 2025

An Ingress Protection Rating, or IP Rating, grades the resistance of an enclosure against the intrusion of dust and water and the ease in which individuals can access potential hazardous parts within the enclosure. Used widely in the industry, it provides a standardized method to evaluate/test a device’s resistance to environmental conditions and the suitable environment for the device, or lighting fixture.

The numerical rating consists of two numbers, the first digit [zero (0) to six (6)] refers to the protection against solid objects and the second numeral rates the protection against water [zero (0) to nine (9)]. In both cases, zero (0) represents no protection.

In some instances, the numeral position may contain the letter X, indicating no data/testing to specify ingress protection. IP Ratings may also contain a third supplemental digit, which indicates additional protection or testing conditions. This is more commonly seen in industrial equipment and enclosures, not typically in luminaire IP Ratings.

When evaluating IP Ratings for lighting fixtures, the ratings help to evaluate the appropriate environmental conditions that the luminaire can withstand since environments can vary greatly. Think of interior spaces such as bathrooms, covered porches, or fully exposed exteriors , all these spaces have different levels of exposure to contaminants and water.

The most common IP Ratings for exterior luminaires include IP65, which indicates a fully dust-tight lighting fixture that is also protected against water jets, and IP68, also indicating a fully dust-tight product but can also be fully submerged in water, such as in a pool or pond.

IP Ratings give the user and specifier the confidence that the product will not prematurely fail because of intrusion from dust or water and help determine if a fixture is safe for use in that environment.

DMF Lighting offers several fixtures with IP Ratings that can be used in exterior applications with frequent exposure to water and harsh elements. Those fixtures include:

M Series Commercial Downlights – The M Series Commercial Vandal Trim features a gasketed seal and IK10 (impact-rated) lens that offers IP66 level protection when installed in an appropriate ceiling. Available in both round and square standard trims, look for the “VP” option at the end of the trim product code.

VP = Vandal Proof/IP66

M Series Cylinders & X Series Cylinders – These cylinders are highly configurable with up to 14+ million possible combinations. Each have options for IP65-Rated Pendant, Wall Mount, and Surface Mounted versions. When building your configuration, look for the water droplet next to the options that will fulfill an IP65 Rated option:

H Series Wall Mount Cylinders – These cylinders are easy to order and do not require any special configuration to meet the IP65 rating.

Numeral Definitions

For a deeper dive into IP Ratings, including the rigorous testing procedures and the differences between IP Ratings versus UL Listings, check out our Technical Bulletin.

Technical

Technical Bulletin: Splash Zone Safe

Lighting the Way to the Splash Zone: Understanding ANSI/NSF 2 Standard

June 27, 2024

Technical Bulletin: Splash Zone Safe

Lighting the Way to the Splash Zone: Understanding ANSI/NSF 2 Standard

June 27, 2024

As industry professionals—lighting designers, architects, or others involved in the commercial and industrial lighting industry—we are continually faced with a myriad of standards and regulations. Among these, the National Sanitation Foundation’s (NSF) “splash zone” standardization is one way to evaluate implications on lighting design and application in food-related environments. DMF Lighting, in its commitment to quality and safety, has met ANSI/NSF 2 standard suitable for splash zone use with modules, trims, and cylinder extrusions in the matte white or matte black finish across all product series.

The Importance of Splash Zone Standards

Why should the lighting industry concern itself with a standard seemingly geared towards food equipment? The answer is simple—our products are pervasive, illuminating environments from offices to industrial plants and, importantly, food processing areas. In these settings, luminaire lenses and trims are potentially exposed to the same environment as food processing equipment, making ANSI/NSF 2 standards relevant to our industry. ANSI/NSF 2 splash zone standards underscore a luminaire’s capability to withstand and function optimally under specific conditions. Earning this certification also highlights a product’s adherence to stringent quality and safety criteria, providing reassurance to clients that the lighting equipment can sustain sanitary conditions vital in areas like commercial kitchens, food processing plants, and other similar environments.

Measuring up to the Standard

The process of obtaining ANSI/NSF 2 listing for splash zone use is comprehensive and rigorous. It involves several stages including product testing, material analyses, plant audits, and product-system conformity assessments. The testing phase ensures that the product surfaces can endure high-humidity environments and frequent washing without compromising its performance or the safety of the environment. The materials used are scrutinized for their resistance to corrosion and their ability to prevent microbial growth.

For luminaires, the standards specifically assess only those elements exposed below the ceiling – the lens design, durability, ingress protection ratings, and fixture construction. The fixtures should be designed such that they do not accumulate dust, dirt, or food particles. The lenses should be shatter-resistant to prevent contamination risks in case of breakage. These measures ensure the luminaire is easy to clean, minimizes bacterial growth, and can withstand routine cleaning without functional degradation.

Conclusion

In summary, while the notion of “splash zones” may seem quite specific to food equipment, its implications significantly influence the lighting industry. Our understanding and adherence to these standards not only foster the development of safer, higher quality products but also elevate the standards of the environments our products illuminate.

At DMF, we are the guiding light, illuminating the path for our clients in a manner that is efficient, sustainable, and safe. The ANSI/NSF 2 Standard, with its specific provisions for splash zones, helps ensure we stay true to this objective, shaping our creations to meet not just the lighting needs, but also the hygiene and safety demands of the spaces we enhance.

To learn more about typical use cases and examples, click here.