Small is the New Bold in Lighting Design
A quiet revolution is underway in the lighting industry — and it’s all about going smaller.
Manufacturers across the globe are embracing the trend, launching a new generation of Mini, Nano, Dot, and Micro lights. These compact luminaires are not only impressively efficient, but also offer performance that rivals — and in some cases surpasses — conventional architectural fixtures. According to initial specs and descriptions from manufacturers, these tiny lights are set to redefine how we think about lighting design.
At The Lighting Blog, I’ll be testing and reviewing samples from various brands and will publish a detailed hands-on review soon.
If these products continue to evolve with competitive pricing and higher efficiencies, they have the potential to dominate the market and even replace traditional architectural lighting. For lighting designers, this is a dream come true. These discreet light sources virtually disappear into the ceiling, offering creative freedom to highlight furniture, finishes, and features without being restricted by the usual ceiling grid or symmetry.
🔍 A Glimpse into the World of the Smallest Lights
Below is a curated selection of recently launched micro-lighting products that have caught my attention. The list is based on my research and market observations. I’m sure there are many more great products out there that I may have missed — feel free to share your finds in the comments!
✅ Selection Criteria for This List
To be featured here, the products must meet the following:
- Size: Fixture diameter or body under 3cm (30mm)
- High CRI: Exceptional color rendering (90+)
- Efficiency: High performance output for its size
Products
1.John Cullen Lighting – Polespring 30
The Polespring Trimless Fixed 30 is a low glare directional architectural downlight with a tilt mechanism of 30degrees, suitable for both interior and marine applications. An extra deep black baffle and extra slim steel bezel allows for a lowglare and minimal architectural lighting solutions. The Polespring Trimless Fixed30 features a twist and lock LED engine mount and plugin LED driver for interchangeable components on site with no hand tools required.
2.FLOS – Light shadow DOTS
LED lighting module, with low glare, to be inserted in the recessed frames (not included), installation through a bayonet system with interchangeable spots. Available in one-light versions and groups of two and four lights. Driver not included, the driver has to be directly connected to the embedding frames.
Revolutionary downlights program developed to control glare in countless applications. The unique patented optical system has been applied to multiple custom-made beamwidths for specific applications such as offices, shops and homes.
3.LUCENT – Line flare
Light sources available for Line Flare 2LED Trimless
Dimming. Whilst Lucent can offer the majority of its luminaires with various dimming options, it remains the responsibility of the specifier/installer to check and ensure compatibility of any control equipment used. Additional cabling may be required depending on the dimming protocol specified.Depth indicated is the minimum recess depth for the luminaire with a remote mounted LED driver. Installing a driver through either the luminaire cut-out or installation kit may require additional recess depth, please refer to the relevant luminaire installation instructions for further details.Data correct at time of publishing
4.PLUS LIGHT TECH – PERDU
Click here for the PDF Spec sheet
A ceiling recessed luminaire that achieves a pristine integration with the ceiling for a minimal and refined look.
5.LIGHTHEADED – MINIMALIST
This post is part of a growing conversation — and your input matters!
If you know of a product that fits this trend, drop it in the comments below. I’d love to feature more.
💬 Enjoyed this post or found it useful? Share it with a fellow designer, architect, or lighting enthusiast who might benefit from it. The more we share, the brighter the industry becomes.
— Suraj Francis
Founder, The Lighting Blog
The Lighting Blog 