I’ve been seeing super small LEDs, no bigger than an inch square, being used in high-end homes—mostly in celebrity properties. They look sleek, but I’m curious about their cost, light quality, and overall performance. Anyone have experience with these?
I’ve been using Elco Oak lights in a few spots in my house. They’re about 1.25” aperture, and I absolutely love them! The light quality is great, and when spaced properly, they provide even coverage.
USAI LittleOnes are another option if you’re looking for something even smaller—down to 1”. Many brands are introducing similar options, so it’s worth checking out. While these aren’t ideal for every scenario, I’m happy with their performance in focused areas.
@Lex
I’m a fan of the Oak and Koto lights too. You can find even smaller ones, but for quality options, prices range from about $40 to $400, depending on the brand and features. Beyond that, you’re venturing into luxury products with no upper limit, really.
@Ainsley
Thanks for your help months ago! I ended up ordering a small pallet of Elco products through your recommendation. I was shocked when a whole pallet arrived, but I guess that’s what it takes for all those fixtures.
@Van
How’s the installation coming along? Glad to hear you got everything you needed.
Ainsley said:
@Van
How’s the installation coming along? Glad to hear you got everything you needed.
It’s coming together, but I’ve hit a snag with the Zooz switches—they flicker with the lights. I switched to Lutron Caseta dimmers, and they work flawlessly, but they’re a bit pricier. Adjusting to where the joists are has been a challenge too, so it’s slow progress.
@Van
Have you checked if the switches are running in the correct phase? It might be worth experimenting or sending the switches back for testing.
Ainsley said:
@Van
Have you checked if the switches are running in the correct phase? It might be worth experimenting or sending the switches back for testing.
Honestly, I left it to my electrician. Zooz suggested trying a bypass, but I’m stretched thin with work, a baby, and the house project. If I can’t return a couple of the switches, I’ll send them your way for testing. Thanks for the help!
@Ainsley
Thanks for the info! Are these direct-to-consumer, or do you have to go through a distributor? Also, how does CRI factor into the price ranges you mentioned? I prefer at least 95+ for accurate colors.
@Weston
CRI is a loose guide and can be misleading. Check TM30 ratings instead—they’re more accurate for judging light quality. California requires CRI 90+ for all chipsets, but that doesn’t guarantee strong performance in all color ranges like R9 (reds).
Most mid-range products use similar chipsets, and prices vary based on features like better finishes, tunable white, and advanced controls. If you’re serious about top-notch lighting, look into Lutron Ketra—it’s the gold standard but starts at $1,000 per light. Definitely for deep pockets!
@Ainsley
You’re speaking my language—love hearing about R9 values! As a photographer, I’ve relied on Waveform Lighting for its high R9 performance and transparency. Do you feel they’re as good as they market themselves?
Also, curious what sets apart the $40–$120 range from the $120–$400 tier. Is it mainly CRI, or are there other factors?
@Weston
Waveform is solid but not unique. Many companies use similar chipsets. They’re great at marketing and transparency, which is rare.
As for price differences, it’s about more than CRI—better chipsets, more reliable transformers, tunable whites, and premium finishes all factor in. If you’re interested in high-end lighting, check out Ketra for a top-tier experience, but be ready for a hefty price tag.
@Lex
How did you go about buying and installing Elco Oak lights? Also, do you think these tiny LEDs will replace recessed cans, or do cans still have a place?
Weston said:
@Lex
How did you go about buying and installing Elco Oak lights? Also, do you think these tiny LEDs will replace recessed cans, or do cans still have a place?
I started by buying online but later found a local distributor for better pricing and options.
Recessed cans still have a place, especially the higher-quality ones like DMF or Koto. Builder-grade 6” cans, on the other hand, feel outdated. For safety and insulation, housings are still important even with smaller fixtures. Tiny LEDs are great, but they won’t replace all applications.
Anything smaller than 2” is impressive, but I’m cautious about their long-term durability due to potential thermal management issues. As long as they meet output requirements, they’re worth considering.
- Lighting designer/specifier
Like others have said, use several of these for even lighting, especially in corners. They work best when placed strategically.
Whitney said:
Like others have said, use several of these for even lighting, especially in corners. They work best when placed strategically.
Could you explain why corners are important? I’m not well-versed in lighting design.
Whitney said:
Like others have said, use several of these for even lighting, especially in corners. They work best when placed strategically.
I revisited this thread and realized I never understood your point about corners. Can you clarify?