Home is a personal space where you feel protected. It is always comfortable here, you can relax, relax, spend time with loved ones and your beloved animal. It is in this place that real life takes place. Therefore, everyone is trying to make their corner more comfortable and beautiful. The room is decorated in different styles, choosing a beautiful finish for the walls, installing the best flooring. An important element in the interior is the ceiling. It is always in sight, therefore, its design is very kindly, instead of whitewashing or ordinary painting, more expensive linen products are installed. For those who first encountered such a repair, it is very difficult to decide on the lighting, to decide which luminaires for suspended ceilings are better, to understand the types of lighting fixtures.
Lighting elements not only allow you to enjoy artificial light, with their help you can focus on a decorative object, perform zoning of space. The choice of electrical points should be approached responsibly. Of primary importance are the types of lamps.Correctly selected sources will create the best illumination, help save on energy consumption.
When choosing lighting devices for suspended ceilings, first of all, you need to pay attention to the material from which the coating is made. Two types of canvases are made: from seamless fabric, from vinyl film (PVC). The second option is not allowed to be installed in baths and saunas, when the temperature rises above 600 ° C, the raw material may lose its original appearance, and at 900 ° C it starts to emit harmful substances such as phenol, toluene, and others. Fabric products are more resistant to heat.
Given the disadvantages inherent in tension structures, it is required to choose such lamps that meet the following requirements:
The best option to avoid damaging the canvas are energy-saving devices. Unlike other similar light sources, they do not heat up during operation.
If you need to install a chandelier, then preference should be given to hanging models. In this case, the maximum power of halogen lamps, incandescent lamps should not exceed 30 W and 60 W, respectively. To reduce surface heating, increase the distance between the lamp and the canvas, which should be more than 30 cm.
You can not choose products with shades facing up. The heat flux will concentrate on the film and cause its deformation.
In rooms with low ceilings, it will not be possible to install a pendant chandelier, in such a situation, the use of spotlights will be the best solution.
The polyvinyl chloride layer is completely destroyed under the influence of a temperature exceeding 1100 C. An incorrect choice of a light source will result in damage to expensive glossy, dull surfaces.
At the design stage, it is necessary to plan the location of all elements correctly. It is necessary to provide for the attachment of electrical points directly to the ceiling, and not to the fabric, in which it remains only to make holes and install heat-insulating rings that act as additional protection.
Types of luminaires for suspended ceilings
Manufacturers of lighting devices produce a wide range of models that differ in design, mounting method, electricity consumption, and other parameters. Before making the right choice, you should familiarize yourself with the types of light sources:
Outboard. They are very popular, just installed. At the placement of the ceiling, before installing the cover, a hook is placed on the ceiling. After pulling the canvas on the hook, the lamp is fixed.
Overhead. They are divided into rotary and non-rotary models. The former can be adjusted, change the direction of lighting. Such elements are fixed on adjustable racks. After installing the tension structure, special rings are mounted that do not allow the lighting elements to interact with the coating.
Recessed. There is a wide range of these models that can be embedded in the canvas. Differ in a simple design. Fastened with latches with springs, racks, wooden beams, hooks.
Panel. Most often used in offices, public buildings, less often residential.They are a square, rectangular case, covered with a transparent or translucent plate. The box is made mainly of thin metal, and the diffuser plate is made of plastic.
Chandeliers. The classic look of the lamp. If this lighting option is selected, the requirements for this item must be observed: the shades are directed sideways or down, the distance to the canvas should exceed 30 cm, incandescent lamps should not exceed the permissible power.
Point. The best option that can be applied on any ceiling height. The number of devices is calculated based on the area of the room, one element is able to illuminate up to 2 m2. They can be used both as a primary light source and as an auxiliary one.
Raster. One of the main elements of such luminaires is the grill, which distributes the luminous flux. A mirror wavy plate is located on top of the grating; LEDs and fluorescent tubes serve as a light source. Mainly used in reception rooms, halls, large areas. - LED Strip Light. This option is used mainly as a decoration, with their help you can focus on a specific subject or area. They are characterized by economical energy consumption and durability. Most often mounted between the ceiling and ceiling skirting.
Starry sky. It is also not a full-fledged source of lighting. Serves for decorative purposes. The bottom line is that stars were printed on the canvas with the help of photo printing in the night sky, and LEDs or fiber optic threads are located on top of the coating.
Shape Lighting
The construction market offers a huge selection of products in the most diverse form, which often depends on the type of lighting device. In this case, the lamp housing and the lamp installed in it are different.For incandescent bulbs, halogen models, you can choose the most diverse forms of lamps. Fluorescent lamps are produced in the form of a rod, a torus, a spiral, which limits the design of the body to a rectangle, less often a circle. LED options can be installed in any, even asymmetric in form devices.
The lamp housing can have any geometric shape, from round, square, to polygonal. The choice is made from the preference of the buyer and the design plan. For some, priority is given to right angles and straight lines, so they opt for rectangular products, others prefer oval or non-standard models, for example, linear LED designs, which are very popular.
Dimensions of fixtures
Each type of lighting product has its own dimensions, on which the weight of the entire structure depends. Ideal for suspended ceilings are spotlights. They are lightweight, do not create a large load on the canvas, which does not lead to sagging.
The items do not have standard sizes, they depend on the specific manufacturer. For spotlights, the average diameter is 10 cm. Chandeliers are selected depending on the area of the room; there are models up to 8 meters in diameter that are installed in temples, mosques, palaces. For raster sources, parameters of 40x40, 50x50, 60x60 cm are typical. The width of the LED strip is on average 8-14 mm, the thickness is 2.2 -5.5 mm, depending on the type of protection. The length is limited to 5 meters for one connection.
The main thing when choosing light sources is to take into account their proportionality to the ceiling area so that they do not look tasteless, do not spoil the interior of the room.
Methods of fixture mounting
Depending on the type of lighting device, this or that installation option is selected. The chandelier can be fixed on a hook or on linear, cross-shaped planks. The first option relates to the suspension method.The mass of the product plays an important role, for lightweight constructions a hook on the thread is enough, which is screwed into a dowel or cork, driven into a drilled hole. To withstand heavier structures, a hole is made in the concrete slab to its cavity, into which the hook is hammered until the petals open. In the second method (ceiling), one or a couple of wooden blocks are used for fastening, fixed to the ceiling using perforated metal tape.
LED strip, used mainly as a decor, can be placed above or below the canvas. For the first case, installation is carried out by gluing the product to the coating using glue or double-sided tape. Installation of the lamp under the fabric is carried out by means of fastening from profiles.
Spot overhead lights are mounted on adjustable racks, which are installed before stretching the canvas. Recessed instances form a single plane with a film or cloth, attached with hooks or racks.
Light source or what type of light bulb to choose
A room with a stretch ceiling can be equipped with almost any type of lighting. In the living room, hallway, nursery, it is necessary to install pendant, spotlights that will ensure the correct flow of light. For darkened places in the corridor or kitchen, you can use long LED strips, decorative pendant lights. Choosing a lamp, a chandelier, you need to pay attention not only to the type of design, the method of fastening. Of great importance, affecting the comfort and durability of the device, is the lamp itself, screwed into the base.
Incandescent lamps
Suitable for almost all types of luminaires built into ceilings. The most popular option. An ordinary incandescent lamp has an affordable price, it is easy to change to a new one. For stretch ceilings, minion models and E - 14 mirror lamps with a power of not more than 60 watts are mainly used.The maximum illumination can be achieved if for every two square meters of the ceiling surface there will be at least one device.
Incandescent lamps are available with various types of cap and characteristics. They can be matte, glossy, in the form of a candle, a mushroom. It is necessary to select them for tension structures very carefully, since they turn into light only 3% of energy. The remaining 97% becomes heat, which is dangerous for the ceiling material.
If the plafonds in the lighting device are directed upwards, the minimum distance to the canvas should be 30 cm. For a design with lower horns, a distance of 10 cm is allowed. The best option is incandescent lamps that are completely in the luminaires.
Halogen
Improved appliances compared to simple incandescent bulbs. They emit a bright, sparkling light due to a special scattering element. Robust, durable designs are ideal for false ceilings. Any equipment option can be installed at the most suitable angle. The light emits immediately after switching on, you do not have to wait for the heating of the wire thread.
Halogen lamps can be installed in outdoor and recessed fixtures. They have a high efficiency, since a special quartz bulb keeps heat inside, preventing heat. Lamps with such elements exude yellow bright, directional light. Basically, these are small bulbs, the size of which allows you to create a point, aesthetic lighting.
Energy saving fluorescent
Often used for PVC stretch ceilings. Fluorescent lamps have a special glow principle, heat up slightly, save energy. Light from built-in lights does not penetrate the space between the ceiling and the stretched canvas. This makes it possible to choose any coating design, apply a different texture, finish color, fully preserve decorative features.
Luminescent devices do not tolerate steam and moisture; they are not mounted in the bathroom or toilet. The negative aspects include a gradual increase in brightness, a large size.They are not suitable for every lamp. Indisputable advantages - a very long service life, high light output. One lamp is enough for full lighting of a spacious hall.
LED
One of the most popular elements for suspended ceilings. LED lights can effectively illuminate a room of any size, while creating original decorations. For them, point devices, hanging, recessed chandeliers are suitable. The backlight comes in a wide variety of designs and shapes.
For PVC cloths, LEDs should be selected taking into account the power. If the lamp produces more than 50 watts, the coating will quickly turn yellow, lose elasticity, and crack. Their main difference from other types of lighting is the transformation of current into light. Devices have the following advantages:
Simple installation;
Energy Efficiency;
Emission of soft pleasant light;
Long service life;
Safety, absence of harmful substances in the design of devices;
The ability to adjust the intensity of lighting;
Vibration resistance, reliability.
Dimmable lamps are very popular. Lighting devices are supplemented by a special sensor, which allows you to smoothly increase, decrease their brightness. Good dimmers will be the best solution for lovers of a romantic atmosphere and relaxation in the twilight. Such LEDs can be used as a nightlight, using the timer to set the time to turn off the light. You can control them from the remote control.
Fiber optic yarn
The unusual backlight solution has a fiber optic principle, it can be called flickering. It is better not to consider it as the main light source, since the restrained interior decoration will need to be oversaturated with lamps, which will spoil the visual effect of photo printing or airbrushing.
A stretch ceiling made of PVC film is the most suitable for installation of fiber optic threads.It is easier to apply a drawing, a decorative coating on it. On a fabric surface, it is much easier to make markings to bring the optical elements out. With the help of interior printing, matte satin canvases are decorated with paintings of the starry sky, sand dunes, northern lights, falling stars, a parade of planets and others.
The operation of the fiber optic backlight is carried out by a light generator. By placing the threads in the tension structure, you can achieve the image of any luminous picture with areas of different brightness. They can be hidden under matter or brought out.
How to distribute fixtures on the ceiling
The choice of lighting method and its implementation on a stretch ceiling depends on the design of the room and personal preferences. To achieve a high-quality, pleasant glow, devices should be placed taking into account the following rules:
Do not exceed a minimum distance of 20 cm between the edge of the wall and the mounted lamp;
The chandelier should hang strictly in the center of the ceiling. If it is a studio apartment, a room with a loft interior, using a pendant lamp they make zoning;
Spotlights should be placed on the condition that one spot is able to illuminate well no more than 2 square meters of area;
With a symmetrical position of the spotlights, they should be located at the same distance from each other and from the walls;
In large rooms, it is better to use lighting schemes of different levels, to highlight the work area, dining table, and leave the rest place darkened.
How to choose for different rooms
The lighting of each room, regardless of its purpose, should be carefully thought out. This affects the level of comfort and psychological mood of all family members. There are many options for decorating the ceiling using light. To create a cozy atmosphere, it is necessary to study the characteristics of available appliances. It is possible to emphasize the advantages of the interior if the lamps are placed correctly in each room.The choice should be made based on the purpose of the premises:
Kitchen. The main light source should be built above the table. If there are several of them, it is necessary to maintain the correct distance between them. It is better to line the lamps above a square, rectangular piece of furniture; any arrangement is suitable for an oval table;
Hallway In a room without windows, artificial light should be saturated with bright colors. It is better to choose lamps of diffuse glow, in the center hang a small chandelier, arrange spotlights in bunches;
Bedroom. You should not use bright lamps, a large number of LEDs on the ceiling. “Starry sky” with fiber optic illumination will look beautiful;
Living room; For a spacious room, combined lighting is suitable. Large symmetrical lamps, LEDs around the perimeter will look good. Modern models with a brightness adjustment sensor will be appropriate;
Children’s. Ceiling lighting is best created in a dotted manner over the gaming and work area. With the help of lamps of different power, you can make the illusion of a fairy tale;
How to replace yourself
There are several reasons for changing fixtures in suspended ceilings. They can simply fail, which happens quite often with cheap models. Also, the lamps will inevitably have to be dismantled when removing the entire canvas, when changing the interior.
When replacing devices yourself, first of all, it is necessary to de-energize the house or apartment. When dismantling a burnt down lamp, one must remember the fixture structure in order to correctly and reliably fix the new lamp. If this is a chandelier, you will need to remove it from the hook or retaining strips, disconnect the wires and replace it with another device in the same way, but in the reverse order.
A spotlight can only be replaced with a fixture of the same design and diameter. It can be absolutely any design, but it is attached identically.Following the step-by-step instructions, you can easily and quickly change lamps:
Turn off the stand-alone light switch;
Holding two metal brackets, disconnect the plug of the device;
Slowly snap the new lamp into the slots;
Dip it into the slotted hole in the tension web.
Conclusion
Having decided to carry out repairs, to improve the room, to make it more comfortable with the help of suspended ceilings, it is necessary to carefully consider the lighting system, choose the right lamps most suitable for the room. Light sources play an important role. They not only allow you to enjoy the light in the evening and at night, but also act as a decor. A huge number of models that differ in shape, size, type, color, makes it possible to choose the most suitable option, competently decorate the interior.
Home is a personal space where you feel protected. It is always comfortable here, you can relax, relax, spend time with loved ones and your beloved animal. It is in this place that real life takes place. Therefore, everyone is trying to make their corner more comfortable and beautiful. The room is decorated in different styles, choosing a beautiful finish for the walls, installing the best flooring. An important element in the interior is the ceiling. It is always in sight, therefore, its design is very kindly, instead of whitewashing or ordinary painting, more expensive linen products are installed. For those who first encountered such a repair, it is very difficult to decide on the lighting, to decide which luminaires for suspended ceilings are better, to understand the types of lighting fixtures.
Lighting elements not only allow you to enjoy artificial light, with their help you can focus on a decorative object, perform zoning of space. The choice of electrical points should be approached responsibly. Of primary importance are the types of lamps.Correctly selected sources will create the best illumination, help save on energy consumption.
Content
Features
When choosing lighting devices for suspended ceilings, first of all, you need to pay attention to the material from which the coating is made. Two types of canvases are made: from seamless fabric, from vinyl film (PVC). The second option is not allowed to be installed in baths and saunas, when the temperature rises above 600 ° C, the raw material may lose its original appearance, and at 900 ° C it starts to emit harmful substances such as phenol, toluene, and others. Fabric products are more resistant to heat.
Given the disadvantages inherent in tension structures, it is required to choose such lamps that meet the following requirements:
At the design stage, it is necessary to plan the location of all elements correctly. It is necessary to provide for the attachment of electrical points directly to the ceiling, and not to the fabric, in which it remains only to make holes and install heat-insulating rings that act as additional protection.
Types of luminaires for suspended ceilings
Manufacturers of lighting devices produce a wide range of models that differ in design, mounting method, electricity consumption, and other parameters. Before making the right choice, you should familiarize yourself with the types of light sources:
- LED Strip Light. This option is used mainly as a decoration, with their help you can focus on a specific subject or area. They are characterized by economical energy consumption and durability. Most often mounted between the ceiling and ceiling skirting.
Shape Lighting
The construction market offers a huge selection of products in the most diverse form, which often depends on the type of lighting device. In this case, the lamp housing and the lamp installed in it are different.For incandescent bulbs, halogen models, you can choose the most diverse forms of lamps. Fluorescent lamps are produced in the form of a rod, a torus, a spiral, which limits the design of the body to a rectangle, less often a circle. LED options can be installed in any, even asymmetric in form devices.
The lamp housing can have any geometric shape, from round, square, to polygonal. The choice is made from the preference of the buyer and the design plan. For some, priority is given to right angles and straight lines, so they opt for rectangular products, others prefer oval or non-standard models, for example, linear LED designs, which are very popular.
Dimensions of fixtures
Each type of lighting product has its own dimensions, on which the weight of the entire structure depends. Ideal for suspended ceilings are spotlights. They are lightweight, do not create a large load on the canvas, which does not lead to sagging.
The items do not have standard sizes, they depend on the specific manufacturer. For spotlights, the average diameter is 10 cm. Chandeliers are selected depending on the area of the room; there are models up to 8 meters in diameter that are installed in temples, mosques, palaces. For raster sources, parameters of 40x40, 50x50, 60x60 cm are typical. The width of the LED strip is on average 8-14 mm, the thickness is 2.2 -5.5 mm, depending on the type of protection. The length is limited to 5 meters for one connection.
Methods of fixture mounting
Depending on the type of lighting device, this or that installation option is selected. The chandelier can be fixed on a hook or on linear, cross-shaped planks. The first option relates to the suspension method.The mass of the product plays an important role, for lightweight constructions a hook on the thread is enough, which is screwed into a dowel or cork, driven into a drilled hole. To withstand heavier structures, a hole is made in the concrete slab to its cavity, into which the hook is hammered until the petals open. In the second method (ceiling), one or a couple of wooden blocks are used for fastening, fixed to the ceiling using perforated metal tape.
LED strip, used mainly as a decor, can be placed above or below the canvas. For the first case, installation is carried out by gluing the product to the coating using glue or double-sided tape. Installation of the lamp under the fabric is carried out by means of fastening from profiles.
Spot overhead lights are mounted on adjustable racks, which are installed before stretching the canvas. Recessed instances form a single plane with a film or cloth, attached with hooks or racks.
Light source or what type of light bulb to choose
A room with a stretch ceiling can be equipped with almost any type of lighting. In the living room, hallway, nursery, it is necessary to install pendant, spotlights that will ensure the correct flow of light. For darkened places in the corridor or kitchen, you can use long LED strips, decorative pendant lights. Choosing a lamp, a chandelier, you need to pay attention not only to the type of design, the method of fastening. Of great importance, affecting the comfort and durability of the device, is the lamp itself, screwed into the base.
Incandescent lamps
Suitable for almost all types of luminaires built into ceilings. The most popular option. An ordinary incandescent lamp has an affordable price, it is easy to change to a new one. For stretch ceilings, minion models and E - 14 mirror lamps with a power of not more than 60 watts are mainly used.The maximum illumination can be achieved if for every two square meters of the ceiling surface there will be at least one device.
Incandescent lamps are available with various types of cap and characteristics. They can be matte, glossy, in the form of a candle, a mushroom. It is necessary to select them for tension structures very carefully, since they turn into light only 3% of energy. The remaining 97% becomes heat, which is dangerous for the ceiling material.
If the plafonds in the lighting device are directed upwards, the minimum distance to the canvas should be 30 cm. For a design with lower horns, a distance of 10 cm is allowed. The best option is incandescent lamps that are completely in the luminaires.
Halogen
Improved appliances compared to simple incandescent bulbs. They emit a bright, sparkling light due to a special scattering element. Robust, durable designs are ideal for false ceilings. Any equipment option can be installed at the most suitable angle. The light emits immediately after switching on, you do not have to wait for the heating of the wire thread.
Halogen lamps can be installed in outdoor and recessed fixtures. They have a high efficiency, since a special quartz bulb keeps heat inside, preventing heat. Lamps with such elements exude yellow bright, directional light. Basically, these are small bulbs, the size of which allows you to create a point, aesthetic lighting.
Energy saving fluorescent
Often used for PVC stretch ceilings. Fluorescent lamps have a special glow principle, heat up slightly, save energy. Light from built-in lights does not penetrate the space between the ceiling and the stretched canvas. This makes it possible to choose any coating design, apply a different texture, finish color, fully preserve decorative features.
Luminescent devices do not tolerate steam and moisture; they are not mounted in the bathroom or toilet. The negative aspects include a gradual increase in brightness, a large size.They are not suitable for every lamp. Indisputable advantages - a very long service life, high light output. One lamp is enough for full lighting of a spacious hall.
LED
One of the most popular elements for suspended ceilings. LED lights can effectively illuminate a room of any size, while creating original decorations. For them, point devices, hanging, recessed chandeliers are suitable. The backlight comes in a wide variety of designs and shapes.
For PVC cloths, LEDs should be selected taking into account the power. If the lamp produces more than 50 watts, the coating will quickly turn yellow, lose elasticity, and crack. Their main difference from other types of lighting is the transformation of current into light. Devices have the following advantages:
Dimmable lamps are very popular. Lighting devices are supplemented by a special sensor, which allows you to smoothly increase, decrease their brightness. Good dimmers will be the best solution for lovers of a romantic atmosphere and relaxation in the twilight. Such LEDs can be used as a nightlight, using the timer to set the time to turn off the light. You can control them from the remote control.
Fiber optic yarn
The unusual backlight solution has a fiber optic principle, it can be called flickering. It is better not to consider it as the main light source, since the restrained interior decoration will need to be oversaturated with lamps, which will spoil the visual effect of photo printing or airbrushing.
A stretch ceiling made of PVC film is the most suitable for installation of fiber optic threads.It is easier to apply a drawing, a decorative coating on it. On a fabric surface, it is much easier to make markings to bring the optical elements out. With the help of interior printing, matte satin canvases are decorated with paintings of the starry sky, sand dunes, northern lights, falling stars, a parade of planets and others.
The operation of the fiber optic backlight is carried out by a light generator. By placing the threads in the tension structure, you can achieve the image of any luminous picture with areas of different brightness. They can be hidden under matter or brought out.
How to distribute fixtures on the ceiling
The choice of lighting method and its implementation on a stretch ceiling depends on the design of the room and personal preferences. To achieve a high-quality, pleasant glow, devices should be placed taking into account the following rules:
How to choose for different rooms
The lighting of each room, regardless of its purpose, should be carefully thought out. This affects the level of comfort and psychological mood of all family members. There are many options for decorating the ceiling using light. To create a cozy atmosphere, it is necessary to study the characteristics of available appliances. It is possible to emphasize the advantages of the interior if the lamps are placed correctly in each room.The choice should be made based on the purpose of the premises:
How to replace yourself
There are several reasons for changing fixtures in suspended ceilings. They can simply fail, which happens quite often with cheap models. Also, the lamps will inevitably have to be dismantled when removing the entire canvas, when changing the interior.
When replacing devices yourself, first of all, it is necessary to de-energize the house or apartment. When dismantling a burnt down lamp, one must remember the fixture structure in order to correctly and reliably fix the new lamp. If this is a chandelier, you will need to remove it from the hook or retaining strips, disconnect the wires and replace it with another device in the same way, but in the reverse order.
A spotlight can only be replaced with a fixture of the same design and diameter. It can be absolutely any design, but it is attached identically.Following the step-by-step instructions, you can easily and quickly change lamps:
Conclusion
Having decided to carry out repairs, to improve the room, to make it more comfortable with the help of suspended ceilings, it is necessary to carefully consider the lighting system, choose the right lamps most suitable for the room. Light sources play an important role. They not only allow you to enjoy the light in the evening and at night, but also act as a decor. A huge number of models that differ in shape, size, type, color, makes it possible to choose the most suitable option, competently decorate the interior.