Functional, practical and very stylish - ceiling spotlights can be used in any room and any space, both in an apartment and in a private house. This method of lighting will be appropriate in most interiors made in various styles.
This is a very simple and inexpensive way to qualitatively illuminate the required space and place accents in the design of both the entire room and a specific area. And the variety of types of lamps and their purposes will allow you to individually approach the solution to any problem.
Ceiling lamps - spots
What are lighting spots?
The main advantage is the ease of placement on walls and ceilings.
The lamps can be rotated, which will help illuminate the desired object and highlight important details in the room. Spots can be either a single light source or part of a lighting composition. The lamps do not put pressure on vision - they have a comfortable brightness for the eyes.
Kinds:
- Built-in – installed in a suspended ceiling.
- Overhead – attached to a special bracket that is installed on the ceiling.
- Combined - there are two or more sources in the housing that can be independently directed.
Based on the light source, there are classic and LED spots. Installing spots does not require knowledge or skills, it is only important to follow safety precautions. Spots are universal devices that are suitable for large and small apartments.
Types of lamps:
- LED;
- halogen;
- incandescent lamps.
Choose the right material. Most often, metal or thermoplastic is used to create spots. If the spot will be used as an additional lighting device, it is better to choose a material made from temperature-resistant plastics. For spots that are used as the main light source, it is advisable to install metal structures.
Types of lamps for ceiling spots
Wall-ceiling spots can be equipped with various types of lighting elements. Depending on this indicator, the properties of the equipment differ.
Incandescent lamps
While classic chandeliers still use incandescent lamps, most modern lighting fixtures use energy-saving lighting elements. In addition, the use of incandescent lamps in spots is not recommended for a number of reasons:
- Spots with light bulbs require a reflector that will reflect both light and heat. In addition, hanging spots are most often made of plastic, which is damaged by constant heating. In this case, it is recommended to use glass structures, the cost of which is higher.
- Modern technologies are aimed at maximum energy efficiency, so diode spots are most often produced, which allow you to get even lighting and save energy.
- Incandescent lamps have a warm light. To create certain design options, the ability to vary shades is important, and incandescent lamps do not provide this opportunity.
- The heat generated by incandescent lamps can damage some surfaces. For example, it is prohibited to use such lamps for suspended ceilings. With prolonged contact, they can damage even plastic structures.
Halogen lamps
Such lighting elements visually resemble classic incandescent lamps, but their characteristics are much better than conventional lamps. Their light is much brighter and is not inferior to the sun. In addition, their use makes it possible to highlight certain interior objects.
Halogen lamps are durable, energy efficient and have a high brightness rating. However, due to the fact that such light bulbs also heat up, it is prohibited to use them for suspended ceilings.
LEDs
LED lamp is the most modern and energy-efficient type of lighting elements. This is why ceiling LED spots are most often used. There are many options for diode spots. A single LED or many small elements can be installed.
Directional LED light is more suitable for illuminating a specific decorative item, but it is preferable to use multiple elements for general lighting of the room.
Diode spots are economical, reliable and durable. LED lighting elements do not heat up, so they can be used for suspended ceilings. You can buy lamps with white and yellow light, as well as different brightnesses. In addition, you can use a brightness adjustment system, so it is possible not only to direct the light through the use of suspended structures with LED lighting, but also to adjust its brightness.
Advantages and disadvantages
Spots have many advantages, which include:
- Turn in the right direction.
- Easy to install and install.
- Visual increase in space - lamps take up little space, but at the same time provide a large amount of light.
- Installation anywhere on the ceiling without the need for grooves.
- Versatility and combination with any design solutions in the interior.
- Possibility of connecting in groups.
Despite the obvious advantages that make spots attractive to users, they also have disadvantages:
- difficulty in organizing general lighting - a chandelier is better suited for these purposes;
- the cost is higher than classic lamps.
Proper organization of lighting and selection of high-quality lighting devices will help solve lighting problems.
Kinds
There are 3 types of spots, differing in design and installation method. These are built-in, overhead and combined. There are also wall and ceiling lamps.
Large ceiling
Ceiling ones are directional point light sources with lighting supply controls.
Large ceiling spots look like a chandelier. An important difference is the adjustment of light rays, which is absent in classic chandeliers. This type of lighting fixture is attached directly to the ceiling surface.
Recessed LED spotlights in the ceiling
The built-in LED spot is a structure that can be rotated. Placed under the suspended ceiling. Installation is simple - just drill a hole in the suspended structure and install the lamp there.
Spot spots in the wall
Wall spots consist of several components:
- bracket (a mechanism for turning, also a frame to which the body is attached);
- lamp frame.
Based on the number of lamps, spotlights on the wall are divided into single and multi-lamp. Multi-lamp models are rarely used; single-lamp models are more ergonomic. Although two or three lamps on one frame are practical above or on the sides of a mirror in a bathroom or hallway. And there is a place for them in the bedroom.
Criteria for selecting lamps
Thanks to different shapes, materials of production, decor of brackets and lampshades, spots on the ceiling look completely different. Photos of the diverse design of lighting equipment will help you choose models that organically match the decoration of the room, the color of the furniture upholstery, and decorative elements.
When choosing lighting equipment, you need to focus not only on its appearance, but also consider the characteristics in detail:
- The number of cartridges determines the brightness of the light sources. Several light bulbs are placed in parallel or on opposite sides at different angles, significantly expanding the illumination area and the dynamism of the light beam. The choice depends on the functional purpose of the spots. To illuminate the fireplace area or other seating area with soft diffused light, it is enough to install a lamp with a single socket on the ceiling. Above the bar counter, dining table or countertop, where it is customary to do cooking, it is wise to hang ceiling spots with several cartridges. In bright lighting, dishes and cocktails look much more appetizing than in dim light.
The brightness of the lighting depends on the number of cartridges
- The type of fastening of built-in models does not play a special role in the design of the ceiling. Reinforcing parts and fasteners are hidden in the space between the concrete and plasterboard slabs or tension fabric. Overhead and suspended models are attached using string track cables, rails, rods, and flat bases of various shapes. Spots for suspended ceilings have a special type of fastening. Photos of the installation of bases in the form of a platform according to the marked layout of lighting equipment before installing the canvas will clearly demonstrate the ease of performing fastening work. It is worth emphasizing the optimal way to connect ceiling spots: with a parallel connection to the electrical network when the lamp burns out, the lighting system will continue to work minus one light source.
Ceiling spots are not difficult to install yourself
- The design of lamps is striking in variety. Brackets can follow the shape of a spiral, zigzag, arc, infinity sign and many other geometric shapes. Lampshades are made from thermoplastic, chrome steel, wood, glass, porcelain. Depending on the material of production, the coating of the lampshade is polished to a shine, nickel-plated, anodized, perforated, burned, tinted, glazed in order to obtain a unique design.
The design of lamps is very diverse
How to choose the right stylish and practical LED lamps
When faced with the choice of ceiling LED spots for the first time, it is difficult to immediately understand all the characteristics.
The main parameters that you should pay attention to are: lamp power, brightness, light temperature, rotatability, dimensions and design itself.
Lamp power
Power consumption is measured in Watts (W). The higher this indicator, the more energy the lamp spends. It is important to remember that high power does not mean high brightness. Modern LED lamps are known for their low energy consumption, which is what attracts buyers.
The color temperature of the lamps is also an important indicator. Its values range from 3000 K (warm yellow) to 7000 K (cool white). For an apartment, lamps of 3000-4000 K are used; for an office, industrial premises or shopping center, lamps of a cool shade of 4000-6000 K are suitable.
Swivel mechanism
The ability to rotate is an important distinguishing feature. A lamp with a rotating mechanism can be directed in any direction, highlighting a specific piece of furniture or scattering light throughout the room.
Dimensions
Spotlights are compact and miniature. When buying recessed ceiling spots, it is especially important to know the exact dimensions, since a few extra centimeters can disrupt the entire structure. Main dimensions of luminaires:
- The installation depth is the size that you need to know to install it into the ceiling surface.
- The diameter, length, width of the lamp are selected based on the size of the room.
- The height of the lamps - for built-in models it is actually equal to the depth of installation, for outdoor models it is different. The lamp is selected according to this indicator, taking into account the height of the ceilings in the room.
The choice of point sources is huge; if desired, you can always find a model with all the necessary technical characteristics.
Style
The lighting device carries not only a functional load, but also a decorative one.
The style of the source is selected based on the room in which they will be installed and the design of the room. For the bathroom, simple models without frills are chosen - in the style of minimalism, hi-tech, loft. The spots chosen are the same.
But if the room is large, you can divide the zones with different lamps. Or multi-colored lampshades.
Spotlights with decorative shades are suitable for living rooms and bedrooms. They are round, in the form of cylinders and cones, carved, with decorative elements.
Ceiling with spots without a chandelier: is it possible or not?
Making basic lighting using only spots is difficult, but doable. They will be an excellent replacement in small rooms where a large chandelier will take up a lot of space and clutter up the space.
The corridor is a place where, as a rule, chandeliers are not used, so the spots act as the main source of light. In the corridor and hallway, spots are installed in 2 rows. This will fill the room with light. Additionally, the mirror is illuminated and the bottom lighting will be appreciated
The correct location of point sources in the kitchen will help you do without a chandelier. In the kitchen, it is important to illuminate the work areas - there should be bright lamps above them. The rest are arranged according to standard patterns depending on the interior.
In the hall, lamps can be placed unevenly, highlighting areas. This option is relevant for studio apartments. You can also make suspended multi-level ceilings in which spots are installed.
Lighting in the bedroom should be moderate, not tiring to the eyes, and helping to relax. Spots will cope with this task; additionally, sconces or floor lamps are installed if there is not enough light.
Installation in various rooms
Ceiling spots can be used to illuminate any room, regardless of its size. In small rooms, with the help of such lamps you can visually increase the area by correctly distributing the flow of light, as well as simply not drawing additional attention to the ceiling and the size of the room with a central volumetric chandelier. And in large halls, spots are relevant for soft zoning and additional lighting of corners remote from the center.
Ceiling lamps in the hallway
A good solution for small and cramped corridors, which are found in abundance in standard standard apartments. There is simply nowhere to hang a full-fledged chandelier, and the height of the ceilings does not always allow placing sconces or wall lamps. In this case, ceiling spots, especially built-in ones, are simply irreplaceable.
There is practically no need to play with light and shadow in this room, which means you can install the simplest spotlights. To connect, also use the simplest system. Even an articulated bracket will not be necessary; minimal adjustment of the light spot is sufficient.
Spots in the bathroom
“For the bathroom you need to use special, moisture-proof spots that are not afraid of high humidity, splashes and high temperatures”
Built-in spots are perfect, but you can also choose overhead spots with any type of fastening.
In spacious bathrooms designed in a modern style, a string system located around the perimeter, on both sides, or in the form of the letters L or P looks great. Thanks to the ability to direct light to the desired area, a large mirror, shower, and bathtub can be highlighted separately.
Ceiling spots in the kitchen
They are simply irreplaceable in illuminating the work area, although they can also be used as overhead light. It is the built-in spots that are often used to illuminate the tabletop under wall cabinets. And spots on a string or bracket are great for lighting an island.
The dining area and bar counter can also be illuminated using spotlights. If you don’t want to give up the central chandelier, then you can complement the kitchen with spotlights so that, if necessary, you can use only local lighting in each zone separately. Ceiling spots are also suitable for these purposes.
Ceiling spotlights on rails in the interior of a bedroom
Surface-mounted ceiling spotlights are used in conjunction with lamps on long cords
Ceiling spotlights in the interior of a spacious living room with high ceilings
Built-in spotlights in the design of a narrow long corridor
Surface-mounted ceiling spotlights in the interior of a home office
Single overhead ceiling lamps in the interior of a modern kitchen
Recessed ceiling lights illuminate the kitchen island
Spots in the living room
Ideal for use in two extremes: in a very large and very small room. In the first case, ceiling spots will allow you to divide the living room into zones, and with proper connection, comfortably illuminate each of them, without disturbing the overall balance. And in the second case, it will be possible to visually increase the volume of the room, raise the ceilings, and divert attention from the size of the room.
For a medium-sized living room, you can opt for a combined option, when the central chandelier is used together with spots, or replace the chandelier with a combined spot that is visually similar to it.
Ceiling lamps in the bedroom
Well suited for separate lighting of the entire room and specifically the sleeping area, that is, the bed. Moreover, this is where a complex connection system, with a brightness control and several switches, is appropriate. A general switch is installed at the entrance to the room. And the backup ones, which will turn on and off the central light and the lighting above the bed, as well as the light intensity regulator, are placed near the bed.
Overhead spots look good in the bedroom. Here you can use both roof rails and a platform. The assortment of modern stores will allow you to choose a lamp for any interior, designed in any style.
Spots in the nursery
Very good, especially the built-in and string models. The former win with their durability and safety. Even if a ball flies into such a lamp, nothing bad will happen. The second is based on functionality - the child himself will be able to change the lighting in the room thanks to moving lamps.
An intelligent system for connecting spots in the nursery will also come in handy. Dividing all the lighting into two switches - at the front door and at the bed - is simply convenient. And the opportunity to play with the intensity of lighting will simply delight the teenager, and will also allow him to create a more comfortable environment in his room.
INSTALLING THE SPOT
Ceiling spots are simply irreplaceable when creating a unique interior in dressing rooms, home offices, as well as libraries and collection rooms. It is with the help of single lamps with a directed beam of light that you can highlight a certain area and draw attention to a specific item, book, shelf. Hide flaws and highlight the advantages of any room.
Is it possible to repair spots?
Repair comes down to replacing lamps, sockets, and switches.
Replacement of internal wiring is less common (this happens with unqualified installation).
If you do not have the skills to repair electronic equipment, it is better to contact a service center.
The price of ceiling spots varies - there are models from 100 rubles to 6-7 thousand. The cost is determined by the manufacturer, style, number of lamps and purpose.
You can change the lamps yourself, observing safety precautions.
Ceiling spots are convenient, easy to install, multifunctional and modern lighting devices with the ability to rotate. They come in different sizes, shapes, styles, and ways to use them in the interior. Properly designed lighting will allow spots to become the main source of light in the room or highlight important areas. Will highlight her uniqueness and individuality.
