Lighting Quality That Transforms A Home
From sLED economical performance to ZELA architectural precision, discover how lighting quality from Switch Lighting transforms the way a space is experienced.
See the Difference: How Lighting Quality Transforms a Home
Lighting is one of the most powerful yet understated elements of architectural design. It influences how materials are perceived, how artworks are revealed, and how comfortable a space feels to inhabit. When lighting is done well, it quietly enhances everything around it. When it is not, even the best architecture can feel flat or uncomfortable.
This is why Switch Lighting created this side-by-side comparison.
Three downlights installed in the same setting to demonstrate how lighting quality truly changes the experience of a space.
From economical performance through to architectural precision, this image clearly shows how different luminaires shape atmosphere, depth and visual comfort.
Good: sLED Dome Downlight — Reliable, Economical Performance
The first luminaire in the comparison is the sLED Dome Downlight (SLED315F). Designed for dependable, cost-effective general illumination, this fitting delivers strong light output and wide coverage, making it ideal for spaces where practicality and budget are key considerations.
This type of downlight is commonly used to illuminate homes or commercial spaces. However, it can introduce uncomfortable glare and uncontrolled light spill.
SLED Dome downlights do what they are designed to do: they flood a space with light. But their focus is brightness rather than visual refinement or architectural control.
Better: LED Low Glare Downlight — Improved Comfort and Control
Stepping up, the sLED Low Glare Downlight (SLED314F) introduces a more considered lighting experience.
By recessing the light source deeper into the fitting, glare is reduced, improving visual comfort and making the space feel more balanced. The beam becomes more controlled, reducing light spill while still delivering excellent illumination.
In the comparison image, this difference is immediately apparent — surfaces are lit more evenly and the room begins to feel designed rather than simply illuminated. This level of control makes SLED Low Glare a better choice for living spaces and bedrooms where comfort and clarity are equally important.
Best: ZELA Deep Tilt — Architectural Precision
At the pinnacle of the comparison is the ZELA Deep Tilt Downlight (SLDL221T) — a true architectural luminaire designed for visual precision, flexibility and exceptional comfort.
ZELA combines a deep recessed optical system with a fully adjustable tilt mechanism, allowing light to be aimed exactly where it is needed — onto artwork, textured walls, joinery or architectural details — while keeping the light source hidden from view. This product eliminates glare and creates beautifully controlled beams that bring focus and depth to a space.
In the image, ZELA delivers the most refined result:
• The space Is comfortably and gently illuminated
• Shadows feel natural and soft
• The room appears balanced, calm and intentionally designed
This is the difference between lighting that simply fills a room and lighting that shapes how it is experienced.
Lighting Designed for Layered Spaces
Architectural lighting is never just one type of light. Great spaces rely on a balance of ambient, task and accent lighting. In this comparison, each luminaire plays a role in that layered approach.
At Switch Lighting we use high quality Citizen Electronics LED in our products, the best LED’s in the world. Poor quality LEDs are susceptible to colour shift and in a single batch of LEDs you could see the difference, this is not the case with luminaires from Switch Lighting.
Designed, Engineered and Built in Nelson
The ZELA architectural range is designed, engineered and assembled in Switch Lighting’s Nelson factory, where optical performance, thermal management and mechanical precision are carefully controlled.
This local manufacturing allows for finely tuned optics, precise beam control and long-term reliability, critical elements in architectural lighting. Every ZELA luminaire is built to deliver consistent light quality, minimise glare and perform beautifully over time.
Custom Solutions for Unique Projects
Because ZELA is locally designed and manufactured, it can be customised to suit the needs of each project. Options include custom trim finishes, beam angles, colour temperatures and lighting control solutions, allowing luminaires to integrate seamlessly into the architecture.
Whether it’s a gallery-like living space, a luxury residence or a hospitality environment, ZELA can be tailored to complement both the visual language and functional needs of the design.
Lighting That Enhances the Way You Live
Exceptional lighting does more than illuminate — it enhances wellbeing, visual comfort and atmosphere. Low-glare, well-controlled light reduces eye fatigue, while highlighting textures and creating spaces that feel warmer, calmer and more inviting.
In modern architecture, where darker ceilings and walls, layered materials and feature walls are common, lighting quality matters more than ever. This is where architectural luminaires like ZELA truly come into their own.
Experience the Difference with Switch Lighting
Switch Lighting also offers a professional lighting design service, working alongside homeowners, architects and designers to create lighting schemes that are tailored to each space and how it is used.
To fully appreciate the difference lighting quality makes, visitors are encouraged to explore Switch Lighting’s showrooms, where luminaires can be experienced in realistic, home-like environments. With guidance from experienced showroom Lighting Consultants, you can see how beam angles, glare control and colour temperature influence how a space feels.
Switch Lighting Hubs
Auckland, 49 Ponsonby Road
09 972 0607 | auckland@switch-lighting.co.nz
Nelson, 107 Bolt Road
03 970 0755 | info@switch-lighting.co.nz
Christchurch, 227a High Street
03 281 8126 | christchurch@switch-lighting.co.nz
Explore the full range of Switch Lighting products here:
