I did a direct replacement from halogen to LED using the existing light fittings. I too had repair 'burning off paint 'on my my light fittings ! Had to repaint them but cool running LEDS are no problem now :)
You need to be aware that LEDs are usually available in 'Warm White' and 'Cool white' - the Warm White are nearest in colour output to the Halogens, the Cool White are very blueish and 'cold' ! Also it is best to pay a bit more and get better quality AC/DC rated LEDs. Some of the cheaper imports don't like the poor DC output from the Eriba AC mains smoothing to DC , in some cases !
I recommend the change over and if your fittings are 'in the way' try the LED Pencil light as mentioned previously :) I have something similar fitted behind my curtain pelmet as a background /mood light :)