Ceiling lighting - 95 photos of unusual ideas from designers

Good lighting in a room is important. It is important to correctly position its sources so that the light is smooth and uniform, without going overboard with the number of devices. An original lighting option is a luminous ceiling. Modern techniques and technologies make it possible to create such an effect with minimal financial investment.

Pros and cons of a suspended luminous ceiling

Like any suspended structure, a tension covering allows you to hide flaws in the finishing of the base ceiling, wiring, communications, and make the surface smooth and even. Considering that the cost of tensile structures is not much higher than the cost of any other finishing, this option is the optimal and practical solution for repairs.

By placing several LEDs under the hanging material, you can create a luminous ceiling. At the same time, it is not necessary to exclude traditional chandeliers or standard lamps from the interior. A canvas with a glow effect can become decorative lighting or interior decoration.

If you decide to use other lighting options, there may be difficulties with their maintenance in the future, so it is better to choose LEDs. They emit fairly good light and can be used as the main lighting in a room.

A ceiling on which some pattern is reproduced using tape under the covering will look original. If the glow is not very strong, it can be used as night lighting when you only need to light up the room a little.

However, such designs are not without drawbacks. For example, if you incorrectly calculate the distance from the LEDs to the film coating, you will get uneven illumination. Therefore, luminous ceilings require thorough preparation and correct calculations before installation, since after installing the canvas you will not be able to change anything.

To find the desired distance, you will need to know the power of the LEDs. As a rule, the value should be at least 10-15 cm. Consequently, the system will take away quite a lot of height from the room. This is unacceptable for low rooms.

Servicing the hidden backlight will also not be possible, so you will need to buy high-quality strips that will work for a long time without requiring replacement or repair.

You also need to purchase a special transformer, to connect which you will need to install several converters on the ceiling surface. Accordingly, this will increase the final cost of the luminous ceiling.

The price will also be affected by the installation of a dimmer - a device used to regulate the brightness of the light. It is necessary when LEDs are used not only as backlight, but also as the main light source.

Most popular lamps

Most often, the following can be used to illuminate the ceiling in a house or apartment:

• chandeliers;
• Spotlights;
• directional lamps;
• LED and neon strips.

Let's consider the features of using each option.

Chandeliers are a classic option for illuminating not only the ceiling, but the entire room. There are no special requirements for them, the only thing is weight. This is due to the fact that when connecting a chandelier, some types of ceilings may not withstand the load and collapse (for example, plasterboard). The luminous flux of these products is quite diffuse and bright, so in most cases, just one chandelier is enough for the entire room. The advantage of these devices is their versatility - you can easily create lighting for a two-level, flat ceiling, or even an inclined one (if you use a pendant lamp on a chain) .

Spotlights are a modern version of lighting. They come in external and built-in types. The first option “floods” the surface with light more efficiently. The products have many advantages, the main ones being simple installation and attractive appearance. The disadvantage is that some light sources can damage the surface when heated. This problem often occurs with stretch ceilings.

Directional lamps can illuminate a specific area because... their luminous flux is not scattered, but concentrated in one area. Most often, such products are used to visually change the area of ​​a room. In addition, directional light lamps can be used to illuminate certain areas of the room itself, for example, the kitchen work area.

LED and neon strips have proven themselves to be excellent when installing hidden ceiling lighting. The products are placed inside the prepared cornice and act as decorative lighting for the perimeter of the room. Today, LED strips are commonly used in the kitchen, bedroom, hallway and living room. The bathroom is not suitable for these products due to high humidity.

You can also illuminate the surface using lampshades, but they are rarely used. This is due to the fact that the luminous flux of the products has a small radius of dispersion, and the dimensions take up quite a lot of space.

Glowing ceiling

Nuances when choosing

To achieve the expected effect, it is necessary not only to choose the right lighting, but also the external coating. The best option would be a high-quality translucent vinyl film. In manufacturers' catalogs it is designated translucent. The surface transmits up to 50% of the light from the lamps located above it in the ceiling space. At the same time, the wires and finishing of the rough ceiling are not visible from below. Turning off the light, you will see only a smooth matte surface; when the devices are turned on, a uniform glow on the ceiling will remain noticeable.

Types of modern film differ from each other in the degree of transparency, which is influenced by the color of the material. White film coatings have high transparency, while brown ones have the worst transparency. If the light source is only an LED, purchase a light-colored canvas that will give a daylight effect.

What to make lighting from

To make a luminous stretch ceiling you will need to purchase an LED strip. It is produced in the form of long flexible strips, the width of which is 8-10 mm and the thickness is 2-3 mm. LEDs and resistors are located on the surface of the board. The standard length of products is 5 meters.

To choose the right lighting, you need to know the main qualities of such lamps:

• glow color. You can buy a source with one shade - yellow, red, blue, white, green, or purchase a special RGB tape that combines several colors;
• There are two types of LEDs - SMD3528 and SMD5050. They differ from each other in the intensity of the glow;
• number of LEDs. The brightness of the glow depends on it. Typically, there are 60, 120 or 240 elements per meter of tape. For color tape, the indicator is limited to 30 elements;
• moisture protection. If you plan to install such a ceiling in the bathroom, you should definitely buy moisture-proof tape. There are two types: IP 30 and IP 65. The second option has a greater degree of protection.

When choosing a tape, pay attention to its service life. For example, if the service life of the device is indicated at 30,000 hours, and the backlight will work for at least five hours a day, the illuminated stretch ceiling will serve you for 16 years.

And, of course, an important point is the high-quality installation of the luminous element and its connection. This includes secure fastening, checking contacts for connection and functionality, and insulation.

Backlight installation

You can make a luminous ceiling with your own hands. The most important thing is to follow the exact sequence of work and the correct connection of elements.

There can be several lighting options:

• from the inside. The tape is attached behind the tension fabric to a slab or pre-mounted profile. This method will help not only illuminate the ceiling from its inside, but also create an interesting design in the form of shapes, ornaments and patterns. The location of lamps for a suspended ceiling must be designed at the preparation stage. An image is drawn on the base surface. In this case, you need to know that the more bends you use, the less the LEDs will last.
• invisible ceiling cornices. The tape is installed under a special plinth mounted to the ceiling. If you position the luminous elements correctly, you will be able to achieve a “floating effect” of the structure;
• tier of plasterboard. In this case, it is assumed that a suspended ceiling consisting of two levels will be installed. The lower tier is mounted from plasterboard, which is used to cover a metal frame, and a PVC film is stretched in the center.

To install backlights from LED strips under the coating, you will need to purchase:

• tape;
• controller;
• power unit;
• connector;
• RGB amplifier;
• wires;
• cable.

When choosing the type of tape, keep in mind that the number of light bulbs affects the power of the device. For example, a product with 60 light bulbs consumes 4.8 W per meter, 120 - 7.2 W, 240 - 16 W. You should not choose the highest power, since strong heating of the canvas from the light source will lead to its deformation.

The tapes are powered by different voltages - from 12 to 64 Volts. Therefore, choose the power of the power supply based on this indicator. It should exceed the total power of the LEDs by a quarter.

If you are making a complex pattern on the ceiling and you need to purchase more than five meters of tape, you will need to install an additional power supply. Otherwise, the diodes will overheat during operation and quickly fail.

You also need to purchase a controller. With its help, the color of the glow on the device changes.

Features of tape installation:

• the attachment point must be degreased and covered with a layer of primer;
• The fixation can be strengthened using special glue and polyvinyl chloride corners. This will make the installation more secure than using simple double-sided tape;
• if several sectors of the tape are combined on the ceiling, they are connected to each other using connectors or special solders. The main condition at this stage is to correctly determine the polarity;
• after the tape is secured, it is connected to the power supply or controller;
• The power supply and controller may fail during operation, so it is better to place them in accessible places to make it convenient to replace elements or repairs;
• the wires connecting the tape to the power supply are hidden behind furniture, plaster or special baseboards.

Ceiling installation

After the tape is connected and checked, you can decorate the surface of the luminous ceiling from PVC film.

For a luminous stretch ceiling with LEDs, the installation technology is similar to the installation of a standard suspended structure. You must proceed as follows:

• First, markings are made for the base of the future structure. To do this, determine the lower corner in the room, step down from it by the required amount, and make a mark;
• using a level, find points in the remaining corners of the room. Connect them to each other with a horizontal line outlining the perimeter of the room;
• a profile made of plastic or aluminum is installed along the line. Fasten it with self-tapping screws in increments of 15-20 cm;
• PVC film is hung from three corners to the baguette and heated with a heat gun;
• after the canvas has stretched under the influence of heat, it is tucked into the profile using a spatula;
• After cooling and stretching, the coating forms a smooth, even surface.

Now all that remains is to check how your luminous stretch ceiling works.

Types of lighting fixtures

Many people choose devices based on popularity, here are a few options:

The pendant lamp is a classic of the genre. It is not limited in variety, you are sure to find a suitable model. As for installation, you can simply connect everything yourself using the cord that is included in the kit.

Surface lighting devices are popular because of their practicality. Mounted directly on the ceiling itself or inside.

It should be noted that there are two types of lamps: multi-lamp and single-lamp. The first option is more suitable for lighting a stretch ceiling in a large room. As a rule, this is a guest room or bedroom. The second option is suitable for the corridor, toilet, bathroom. If desired, you can collect them together or place them around the entire perimeter of the room, a kind of highlight.

Spotlights are popular now. Spot lighting of ceilings occurs as follows:

This type of lamp is mounted at the base of the ceiling; it can be distributed over the entire area or selectively, depending on your wishes. Lighting power can be adjusted. They create an unusual atmosphere and help you relax. A clear example can be seen in the photo of the ceiling lighting.

Glowing wallpaper on the ceiling

In addition to LED strips, you can illuminate ceilings using special wallpaper that creates a special glow effect.

Glowing wallpaper with a pattern of phosphor paint

The composition does not contain phosphorus compounds and has the following properties:

• during the day it accumulates solar energy, and at night it returns it, emitting diffused soft light;
• shades of radiation can be made in blue or green, orange and yellow tones;
• Such wallpaper not only illuminates the space, but also creates a romantic atmosphere in the room.

Phosphor paints do not contain harmful substances and are therefore completely safe for health. They are used not only on finished wallpaper. You can purchase luminous stickers or special stencils and make your own starry sky in your child’s room. A do-it-yourself ceiling design based on your own sketch will make the glowing ceiling unique and interesting.

Fluorescent wallpaper with 3D effect

They are presented with a coating that, in natural light, resembles a luxurious finish with three-dimensional images, and in the dark it impresses with individual luminous patterns and contours.

Such photo wallpapers have the following characteristics:

• images are applied using fluorescent paints;
• To fully reveal the luminous stretch ceiling, manufacturers recommend using the so-called Wood's lamp. The magical waves of this device are reflected on fluorescent pigments, while the floating ceiling glows mesmerizingly;
• To extend the life of such a coating, it is necessary to protect it from direct sunlight.

Usually the ceiling space is decorated with images of planets, the cosmic universe, and a luminous sky. A spaceship, characters from fairy tales or favorite cartoon characters will look original in a child's room.

Luminous stickers

Ceiling stickers have many advantages and have long been used by designers in interior design. They perform the following functions:

• create an original design;
• mask imperfections of the base surface - stains, cracks and other noticeable flaws;
• add interesting accents to the room;
• visually smooth out unevenness.

The market offers a wide range of these decor options. The main thing is not to make a mistake in choosing.

To do this, follow the following rules:

• First of all, decide on the appearance of the decorative elements. For example, for a strictly interior room, stickers that create the effect of a starry sky will look inappropriate. But a complex geometric pattern will fit into this style in an original way. For the bedroom, choose floral patterns or clouds;
• color is important. Stickers must be combined with the entire range of shades that decorate the room;
• do not buy too cheap products. Of course, expensive is not always good, but you shouldn’t buy the cheapest product. There is a high probability that such stickers are made of low-grade materials and, at a minimum, will not last long on the ceiling surface or will quickly fade;
• if you want to decorate the ceiling with a cosmic universe, use special star stickers or corresponding stickers;
• Carefully consider the number and sizes of stickers. You may only need one large element, or you may need several small ones.

On a note! You can make a luminous sticker yourself using a stencil and special paints.

Interesting ideas

Finally, I would like to provide some interesting ideas for installing lighting in each room.

Original ideas for a modern house and apartment

Corridor

Very often, the corridor in an apartment is a room with an awkward layout: narrow and elongated, or small, in which there is not even room to put a closet. In this case, you can visually correct the situation using design techniques. To illuminate the ceiling in a narrow long corridor, you can install several bright spotlights along the entire path, directed straight down, which will visually shorten the room,

If, on the contrary, you need to slightly increase the volume of the room, the products should be directed upward, as shown in the picture.

Kitchen

We talked in detail about lighting in the kitchen in the corresponding article. As for the ceiling specifically, it should be noted that in this case it is best to use several groups of spotlights and an LED strip. The latter will increase the free space and create a creative interior.

Bedroom

To illuminate the ceiling in the bedroom, you can use anything: from sconces to floor lamps. If the bedroom is small with a low ceiling, point the lamps upward, illuminating the room from all sides. This idea will allow, as you understand, to increase the volume of the bedroom.

A spacious bedroom can be made smaller by using lamps aimed straight down the wall. In this case, the ceiling will be darkened and, therefore, lowered.

Living room

Very often, with the help of ceiling lighting in the living room, they create a “zest” of the interior. For this purpose, LED strips and spotlights located in several rows are used.

You can also use designer chandeliers, hinged lamps and sconces pointing upward in the hallway. To illuminate a high-tech living room, you can create a “starry sky” backlight, as shown in the photo above.

Bathroom

We also talked about bathroom lighting, so we advise you to study this material in detail.

The only thing I would like to note is that there is a bright light in the bathroom that will not cast shadows from objects, otherwise the process of shaving, bathing and applying makeup will be significantly complicated. Bright lighting in the bathroom can be achieved using special fluorescent lamps in a waterproof housing.

Tips and tricks

The least labor-intensive of all the options presented is decorating the ceiling surface with luminous wallpaper. For them, you do not need to first draw an image; you just need to stick the canvases on the ceilings.

For a luminous stretch ceiling, the film can be replaced with translucent plexiglass, as well as ordinary or stained glass. Designers recommend using luminous stickers and luminescent wallpaper in children's rooms.

If you are planning to arrange a luminous ceiling, you can safely implement any idea we have considered. Most of them will have an insignificant impact on the budget. The most expensive option is suspended ceilings and plasterboard structures.