Choosing lighting options for an apartment with a suspended ceiling

Choosing lighting for a stretch ceiling

When starting to design, it is important to determine the current lamp. With proper organization of lighting, the comfort of the room will increase. You need to choose based on the decorative parameters of the room and the amount of natural light.

There are 3 types of chandeliers on the market, which differ in the type of attachment to the ceiling:

• Hanging;
• Built-in;
• Ceiling-mounted.

Suspended ones are attached directly to the ceiling using a hook and a strip. The fixation is reliable, durable, fastening elements are not visible. The disadvantage of the system is that the chandelier is mounted to the bar with screws on top of the canvas. This leads to two disadvantages:

• The fabric may tear due to tension and uneven openings;
• Using incandescent or halogen lamps may cause the plastic to melt.

Hanging chandeliers are rarely used in residential premises, but are popular in cafes, restaurants, and bars. They give a large amount of light and cover huge areas.

Embedded systems are almost invisible, as they merge with the panel. A base is mounted on the ceiling in advance. After installing the ceiling, a hole is made in the fabric. A lamp with special springs is inserted into it. They straighten and tightly fix the body. Additionally, a decorative overlay is placed on top.

Visually, the light source completely merges with the surface. It looks laconic, no screws are used. Suitable for residential buildings, they allow you to zone a room. Spots are mounted in a group so that the light flux is larger. Often equipped with a fluorescent flux regulator.

The invoices got their name due to the specifics of the fastening. They are literally superimposed on the fabric. The type of fastening is similar to the previous type. They do not spoil the design of the room.

They can have a rotating (it is possible to manually adjust the direction of the light) and a non-rotating design.

Lighting options

Now there are options for organizing lighting in the interior. These are traditional chandeliers, LED strips, spotlights, starry skies and complete solutions. The most common option is a central chandelier. Stylish and large, it can become the highlight of the room and can set the tone for the whole room.

Spot light will allow you to get interesting design lighting solutions. The possibilities are endless. You can emphasize individual interior details, perform zoning, and apply lighting scenarios.

By combining these solutions with each other, you can get very interesting light compositions. Take a look at what it might look like in the photo. This project deserves comment.

Lamps

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There are many different classifications of lighting equipment: they differ in design features, design and type of lamp:

• According to the method of fastening, lamps are divided into pendant or traditional chandeliers, surface-mounted, and built-in solutions.

Pendant lamps Surface-mounted lamp model

• Based on the number of light sources, point and cascade light sources are distinguished. Based on whether it is possible to somehow regulate the flow of light, static and rotating models are distinguished.

Recessed spotlight Spot rotary light

• Based on the lighting source, we can distinguish LED solutions for suspended ceilings, devices with halogen lamps, and fluorescent equipment.

LED lamp

Installation of spotlights in a tension structure

When choosing lighting devices, you should give preference to low-power products so as not to damage the stretch ceiling fabric. Hidden-type models are purchased from trusted manufacturers. The lamps are installed so that the light flux falls on the floor and not on the ceiling.

You should install the lamps with the utmost care - the ceiling fabric is so delicate that it is very easy to damage. For installation you will need the lighting fixture itself, glue, and a knife. Installation will not be possible without a special ring and acrylic box. Before installation, all communications must already be carried out.

Work order:

1. First of all, install the profile. At a certain marked height, the box is attached under the lamp. Each box must have a nut for height adjustment. The bottom of the box should always be no lower than the planned level of the tension fabric.

2. To remember the installation locations, they are marked with a laser on the floor. Next, the stretch ceiling fabric itself is stretched.

3. Mark the center of the future location of all lamps on the PVC film, then apply glue and glue the mounting ring.

4. A hole is made in the central part of the ring through which the height of the box is adjusted, after which the light source is installed in it.

In the video: installing spotlights in a suspended ceiling.

Chandelier

Some people prefer a classic design, so they use traditional chandeliers as lighting equipment. There are a lot of designer models on sale - they are incredibly beautiful. Take a look at what lighting can look like in a room with a suspended ceiling based on a chandelier.

How is the chandelier attached?

When installing a chandelier, first accurately mark its future location and make a mount for it. The fastening can be made in the form of a hook (the chandelier is simply suspended) or a mounting strip is installed - it is mounted to the base ceiling, and the chandelier itself is attached to it.

The strip can also be of three types: standard, cross for large chandeliers, and I-beam.

Installation rules and requirements

The requirements for mounting the chandelier are:

• The work is carried out in compliance with all electrical safety rules; the voltage is turned off in the hall and the entire apartment.
• It is not recommended to make holes towards the switch.
• Do not press the chandelier tightly against the canvas.
• When making cuts in the cable sheet, a plastic ring is first glued.
• The chandelier should not disturb the space of the ceiling - evenness must be maintained.

In the video: installing a chandelier in a suspended ceiling with your own hands.

Recommendations for lighting design

Everyone can decide for themselves where to place the lighting fixture. In this case, it is better to follow a few basic rules.

You can always add a light accent to a room to significantly improve comfort. For example, you can emphasize a work area, a play area, or a place to relax. If you like to read books, you can organize a reading area for yourself. A spotlight can autonomously change the light power in a specific area.

Additionally, you need to remember that:

• The lamps are placed at a distance of at least 30 centimeters, since a smaller gap will worsen the dispersion;
• The distance from the walls should be at least 20 cm.
• On average, a spotlight can illuminate 2 square spaces, but, depending on the power of the lamp, the indicator may float;
• With a large ceiling area, it is possible to combine different types of lamps into groups, which is useful in one-room apartments and studios.

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Recessed luminaires for suspended ceilings must be LED. Their heating temperature is low. Halogen or incandescent bulbs increase temperatures and melt the fabric. This may damage the panel and the device. According to the requirements of the PUE, the control unit must be located in a place with free air exhaust to prevent overheating of the microcircuits.

Ideas and options for different rooms

Children's

For a children's room, it is recommended to choose spotlights - round or square. Lamps should be LED or halogen. Multi-colored lamps are often used. Lighting equipment is arranged as required by the design - either in one row or in a checkerboard pattern. Experts recommend the second option. This will not only look more impressive, but will also allow the light to be evenly distributed in the nursery.

Living room

Lighting in a living room with suspended ceilings is most often carried out using spotlights. They are able to harmoniously fit into any style framework. Using point light, you can create a lot of different effects. So, using LEDs, it is possible to achieve the effect of a starry sky.

Spots fit easily and harmoniously into interiors. These are specialized lighting devices with directional action. One lamp allows you to direct the glow to any point. This design is used as an auxiliary one. There are other options for lighting a stretch ceiling - it all depends on the style.

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Bedroom

There are also a variety of lighting options available here. It is important to consider that this is a special room, and the light here needs to be moderate. It is better to give preference to soft warm light in the bedroom. It will promote relaxation and rest. If the ceiling is multi-level, it is illuminated with ceiling spotlights. Often two or more lighting schemes are made - different situations happen in the bedroom. The main thing is that the light is soft and matte in the sleeping area.

Spotlights can be placed around the perimeter of the room. Often in the bedroom there is a floor lamp or built-in lamps in a plasterboard structure near the head of the bed. Also, good and interesting effects are obtained using LED strips hidden in cornices or other elements.

Bathroom

A bathroom doesn't need a lot of light. A few lamps located around the perimeter will suffice here. It is recommended to organize different schemes in the bathroom - for example, for a pleasant rest, the light can be soft and gentle, but for washing, cleaning and other tasks, on the contrary, it can be bright. This is convenient when you can choose lighting according to the situation.

Corridor

A small hallway area is typical for almost all modern apartments. This is not a problem, since people spend little time in these rooms. However, the ceiling design needs some work. The glossy texture of the ceiling reflects every ray; it not only promotes uniform lighting, but also adds volume. Small chandeliers and recessed lamps are used as lighting.

Kitchen

The types of lighting in the kitchen can be completely different. So, the room is divided into several zones. The work area needs brighter light; in the area where there is a table and people eat, it is better to use a pleasant, unobtrusive glow in warm colors. They use chandeliers, spotlights, and pendant lamps. By combining devices of different types, you can get unique combinations.

Balcony

Stretch ceilings can be found very rarely on balconies due to climatic factors - this finish does not withstand low temperatures. But if the balcony is heated, then a great idea is to decorate the starry sky. The effect is universal. Bright light is also necessary, and soft built-in or hanging lanterns for a pleasant holiday and any occasion.

Using different types of lamps, you can get very interesting effects and decorate the room beautifully. There are a lot of photographs on the Internet - they show examples of how, with a stretch ceiling and imagination, you can get a stunning result. And if you can’t do it yourself, then Moscow is full of craftsmen who can do it.

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Lamps with G5.3 socket

On sale you can find lamps with a base of this format, both halogen and spot. Popular due to its moderate cost and ease of replacement. Previously, there were halogens that had a defect in the additional diffuser, which distributed light under the stretched film. As a result, one could see all the imperfections of the ceiling, unevenness, communications stretched under the canvas. Modern models do not have this drawback.

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One of the most significant drawbacks in suspended ceilings is the deep fit inside the panel, which seems to be the main reason for poor dispersion. Since the light comes out at a right angle and the lighting is too harsh. Spots of this type are often used in children's rooms and corridors.

Examples of placement on a suspended ceiling with a chandelier

The living room is a room where the arrangement of lamps can be used in a wide variety of ways. However, experienced craftsmen advise placing small lamps along the entire perimeter of the ceiling, using the main light source - a chandelier - in the central part.

Spotlights are responsible for zoning a room and illuminating areas noticeably distant from the central chandelier

The use of two types of lighting will help regulate and control the amount of light supplied to the room at different times. You can use only a chandelier, only spots, or all together.

Placing spotlights around the entire perimeter of the room can contain different options and patterns. Using spots you can create images of geometric shapes, such as:

• circle;
• rhombus;
• square and others.

Popular options for placing spotlights relative to a chandelier

A chandelier may not be used if it does not fit the interior and the area of ​​the room is small.

If you don’t have your own options and special requirements for the placement of light around the perimeter of the ceiling, then an excellent option would be a chandelier in the center and spot lighting on both sides in a semicircle.

GX53 sockets

The main difference from the previous type is the protrusion above the plane by 4-5 millimeters. For this reason, the light comes out at a maximum wide angle of 180 degrees.

The base connector has virtually no disadvantages. LED and energy-saving lamps for suspended ceilings are produced under it. Less common are halogen light bulbs and fluorescent ones.

Basic rules for location

It is important to remember that the grouping of light, division into zones and accents are unlikely to be thought out on your own. Therefore, you need to follow simple rules.

Accents and zones are broken up by a cluster of spots - the first thing to explore. That is, a place to relax does not need strong lighting.

Rather, it will only interfere there and create an uncomfortable atmosphere.

In contrast, the workplace, on the contrary, requires more light and brightness. The dots can easily replace even a table lamp, so you need to install them there as much as possible.

This needs to be done even before calculations have been made in accordance with the requirements of building codes and regulations. It's better to take a piece of paper, draw the outlines of the room and highlight the areas.

Otherwise, spotlights for suspended ceilings are also installed in accordance with the standards.

There are only 6 main ones, which are enough for comfort:

• The location of spotlights on the suspended ceiling around the perimeter. The most common position, as it allows you to illuminate all dark corners. In this case, the distance must be at least 200 millimeters. The distance may be greater, but not less. The reason is poor dispersion. The light will be like a stream from the chandelier - not diffused and too bright. This also contributes to overheating, which shortens the life of the wiring.

• In other parts, the distance should be at least 300 millimeters for the same reasons.
• The seams require special attention. They are formed by soldering 2 sheets, so with regular heating the joint may break. For this reason, the lamp should be located at a distance of 200 millimeters.
• Spot lighting is ineffective, so they are always placed en masse. 1 spotlight can illuminate no more than 2 square meters.

• The power supply is mounted in the free zone, if it is present in the connection diagram. It should be freely available and, preferably, not under film. It is normal for them to overheat and burn out, which is why replacing the power supply is not uncommon.
• The spots use only LED bulbs on the suspended ceiling. They do not heat up, practically do not burn out, and their service life is more than 5 years. Halogen, incandescent, and other bulbs get too hot and can damage ceilings.

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Important. The ceiling should not be allowed to overheat. Therefore, you cannot save on both light bulbs and wiring. With low traffic, the wire heats up.

For PVC film, heating to 65 degrees Celsius for a short period of time will be critical. Therefore, you can additionally install a reflector.

Often a chandelier is installed with spotlights. This is especially true for large apartments and private houses.

There, spots alone are not enough, so you definitely need a powerful light source, like a chandelier. At the same time, it is mounted as far as possible from the canvas. Especially if you plan to use non-LED lighting.

Base G9

This type is in the middle in terms of efficiency and comfort. The protrusion of the bulb is much stronger, which contributes to a powerful luminescent spread. All types of lamps are developed for this format. Suitable for industrial premises, studios, workshops, photo studios, since the beam covers the entire room.

Review of manufacturers

There are many brands on the lighting market, whose products you can find in stores. Those who want to save money and use equipment for a long time can buy products from the following manufacturers.

Ecola. Lighting engineers emphasize the capabilities and value of this brand. The Chinese manufacturer has many positive reviews about its products. All models are equipped with a moisture protection system and are easy to install. Having top-segment qualities, they are inexpensive. Only environmentally friendly materials are used in production. The catalog contains models for any base, including table lamps. They have low heat generation, a body made of impact-resistant plastic that is not prone to temporary changes. Does not oxidize in air, does not turn black when overheated and does not emit toxic substances into the atmosphere.

Philips. A Dutch brand that focuses on practicality and minimalism. It is protected from moisture and is resistant to power surges. The Philips stretch ceiling lamp is undemanding during installation and will fit any interval between the ceiling and the film. The entire catalog has European certification and is allowed for sale by PUE and SNiP. The catalog includes flat spots and lamps with remote control. They belong to the moderately expensive segment.

Citilux. Danish manufacturer creating innovations in the lighting equipment segment. Ceiling lights for suspended ceilings "Citylux" are resistant to vibration, moisture, and mechanical damage. The products are available and have European certification. Does not require constant maintenance, easy to install. Experts are in demand for their price and environmental friendliness. Top models are equipped with flood protection. Even if there is a flood from above, there will be no short circuit inside the light bulb.

Photo examples

It is worth giving a few examples to complete the picture. Below are descriptions with photo examples showing possible solutions for the home. Among them there will be both standard schemes and original compositions.

For kitchens

The kitchen is the brightest room in the apartment. It is impossible to cook food in the twilight, so you need to provide a powerful luminous flux. It is better to zone the room: a separate place for cooking and dining. The “I” and “K” systems are common.

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The second option is suitable for large areas. One line of instruments runs through the center, and additional lines of light diverge from it. This way you can flood the entire room with light.

It is important that the work area is well lit. Lamps in the kitchen can be positioned in an L shape, focusing on the cutting table. In large rooms, a chandelier is often installed above the dining area to distribute light evenly.

For the hall

The main room in the apartment should have cozy lighting, which will be pleasant to be in. The classic option is the main lighting in the form of a chandelier and auxiliary lighting. The design of suspended ceilings with spotlights and chandeliers is common due to its simplicity and efficiency. In such a room it will be pleasant to watch TV, read, communicate with family and friends.

Lamps in the living room can be placed randomly or according to your design. The uneven distribution of light allows for zoning, creating separate areas for rest and work. The scheme is common in studio apartments, where there is a lot of space.

For the bedroom

The bedroom is a place to relax. Therefore, lighting should be moderate and soft. Using classic systems of LED spotlights for suspended ceilings of type E (8 points) or H (11 points), harmonious lighting is obtained. It is advisable to supplement it with a dimmer to adjust the light. Smooth controls will allow you to adjust the mode for reading, sleeping, relaxing or watching TV.

The organization of lighting requires harmony with the interior design. The bedroom is the most furnished room, so the light will take on the palette of the overall atmosphere.

For children's room

The children's room is a multifunctional room, which is characterized by a clear zoning into a play area, a place for study and sleep. It is advisable to install powerful spots above the table that can provide the required amount of light. To avoid damaging your eyesight, you can install an additional table lamp.

A place to sleep does not need strong lighting, so a sconce will do. This element will create a warm relaxing atmosphere. It can be used as a night light or for reading before bed.

It is not advisable to install a hanging chandelier, as a child may break it while playing. The spot system will completely eliminate any need for a chandelier.

For the hallway

There is no need to install performance lighting in the corridor, so there is no need for a central chandelier. Houses and apartments with low ceilings will not allow you to turn around, which will make you feel cramped.

A convenient way to organize it would be to install spotlights along the perimeter walls. In a narrow corridor, it is better to install one line of lighting fixtures along the entire length. The small space will be well lit, and you will not feel discomfort. On multi-level ceilings it is possible to create a beautiful composition of dots.

For bathroom

In panel houses, the bathroom is small, so there are not many algorithms for lighting equipment. The classical organization of light is considered to be the “B” system. It is possible to install sconces near the mirror.

In spacious rooms you can give free rein to your imagination. For example, several lines of spots are often installed. Zoning emphasizes the breadth of the room, visually increasing its area.

Distance between spotlights on the ceiling

The minimum parameters are:

1. From the wall - no less than 20 cm. If the edge is closer, the device will begin to overheat due to insufficient air flow, and the rays will dissipate worse.
2. The distance between adjacent spotlights on the ceiling should be at least 30 cm.
3. For single-level structures in large rooms, if the width of the material is not enough, the film sheets are connected using soldering on a high-frequency machine. In such cases, the smallest safe distance from the seam is 15 cm.

The maximum gap during layout depends on the number of luminaires and their characteristics (power and direction of flow). Without a chandelier, the spots are usually located at least 1-1.5 meters from each other, since the rays are directed at a small area.

Spotlights in the interior: photo