This is the question where most orders go wrong: the spot is ordered, the hole is drilled, and then it turns out there's a difference of a few millimeters. The cut-out size is the only number you really need to get right beforehand.
The short answer: Ø68 to Ø75 mm
By far most recessed spotlights in the Netherlands fall within this range, and almost our entire assortment does too. If you're working with a new ceiling and have free choice, a cut-out size around 70 mm is the safest decision: that's where you'll have the widest selection of replacements later on.
Cut-out size is not the same as the size of the spot
Two numbers, and they are constantly confused:
- Cut-out size — the hole you drill in the ceiling. This number must be correct.
- Outer size — the visible edge that covers the hole. This is always larger and hides a little bit of sloppiness.
For our Lesto, the cut-out size is Ø68-75 mm compared to an outer size of Ø82 mm: the edge extends about 4 to 7 mm beyond the hole. If you saw 2 mm too wide, it will disappear under the edge. If you saw 10 mm too wide, you'll be looking through your ceiling.
What we offer per cut-out size
- Ø28 mm — the Dovo sets, mini-spots on 12V for a cabinet, niche, or staircase.
- Ø40 to Ø50 mm — Cielo, Rondo and Trimo. Small and discreet, suitable for accent lighting.
- Ø55 mm — Marlo, Vigo and the Nivo Mini. The smallest size where you still get full ceiling lighting.
- Ø68 to Ø78 mm — the majority: Lesto, Lyvo, Warmo, Privo, Rendo, Quaro and the Movo with sensor.
- Ø80 to Ø82 mm — Feno, Plano and the recessed Vero.
- Square — the Cardo is trimless and requires a cutout of 97 × 97 mm.
Some spots cover a range
Pay attention to spots with two numbers, such as Ø68-75 mm or Ø50-70 mm. These have sprung brackets with a wider range, allowing them to clamp into any hole within that range. The Ferro is the most versatile in this regard: it fits securely from Ø50 to Ø70 mm.
That makes them the logical choice if you're replacing existing spots and aren't sure what size was drilled originally. One spot that can handle four different hole sizes saves you from remeasuring every hole.
Replacing existing spots? Measure the hole, not the spot
Remove one spot from the ceiling and measure through the opening with a tape measure or caliper. Measure twice, criss-cross — holes drilled by hand are rarely perfectly round.
The size of the old spot says nothing: that edge covers the hole and is therefore always larger. Anyone who uses the outer size is guaranteed to order too large.
If the hole is incorrect
Hole too small. The easiest case. Drill it out with a hole saw to the correct size; the old hole will then be perfectly round again.
Hole too big. This is the annoying one. Three options:
- A spot with a larger outer size that covers the hole — for example, the Privo with Ø85 mm or the Feno with Ø92 mm.
- A plaster frame: you place it in the ceiling, plaster it in, and it completely conceals the hole.
- Fill the hole with a piece of plasterboard and start over. More work, but the neat end result.
New ceiling? Choose the spot first
The order is: choose the spot, find the cut-out size, buy the hole saw, then drill. The other way around, you'll be stuck with whatever is coincidentally available in that size.
And at the same time, look at the recess depth. In a renovation ceiling, there is often only three centimeters between the plasterboard and the concrete. The Lesto (26 mm), Cavo (25 mm) and Rendo (23 mm) will fit there; a Cardo with a 90 mm installation height will not.
All cut-out sizes and recess depths are listed in the specification table for each product. The full range can be found under recessed spotlights.