How to choose lamps for suspended ceilings. Practical lamps for suspended ceilings: how to choose. What are the benefits of pendant fixtures

Spotlights are used as a practical and elegant way to illuminate a space or as a decorative accent. The deflector finish, material and texture are selected based on individual preferences, and the choice of type and functional features The lamp is of a technical nature.

Types of spotlights

Spotlights are usually divided into types according to the following set of characteristics: installation method, adjustment and functionality.

Installation method

Invoices

External or overhead spotlights are more often used on frameless bases:

• concrete ceiling;
• brick walls.

They are indispensable in cases where it is necessary to improve the interior without interfering with the dimensions of the room.

The design of the surface-mounted lamp consists of a mounting platform and a housing with a diffuser. Its features involve installing a mounting plate above a hole of smaller diameter than the housing itself. Otherwise, it will not be covered by the lampshade. It is important to connect the ground wire to the strip. The housing is fixed to the mounting platform using side screws after connecting the wires.

Built-in

Built-in or mortise models - the type installed on frame bases:

• plasterboard structures of all types;
• panel or slatted ceilings and walls;
• stretch ceilings;
• furniture partitions;
• wall niches.

Alternative options for using built-in points are in the floor, on stairs, in swimming pools, and bar counters.

The configuration of the luminaire is a body with built-in clamps for lamps and fastening elements. No additional reinforcement is required - the legs open behind the plane when installing the lampshade. The design involves mounting the housing inside a pre-prepared hole with wires connected to the exit point.

Hanging

The body of pendant spotlights is mounted at a distance from the mounting surface. The lamp is hung on a decorative power cable attached to the ceiling. No parts that can strengthen the structure are required. But it is recommended to supplement massive versions of lamps with mounting strips during installation - improvised ones made of timber or metal are also suitable.

Pendant lamps are suitable for installation on all types of bases and are often installed as an independent decorative element.

Adjustment type

Further division is based on the type of design, angle and intensity luminous flux.

• Rotating lamps. Used to create directional lighting with smooth adjustment corner. It is worth considering strengthening the fastening points during installation, since mobility implies accelerated wear of the material.
• Fixed models illuminate part of the room without adjusting the direction of the light flow.
• Swivel-and-slide appliances suitable for changing accents and lighting zones at the owner’s discretion.
• Cardan LEDs are notable for their advanced adjustment of flow strength and direction. The housing houses several diode lamps simultaneously.
• Spots– lamps with a rotating mechanism that provide directional light. They are flexible and manually adjustable. Interesting solutions with different numbers of lampshades on a common fastener - six or more. They are arranged in the form of geometric shapes or chandeliers. Spots are available in built-in and surface-mounted versions.
• Downlight used for spot lighting and emphasizing specific interior elements.

Functionality

The functional division of spotlights into types is determined by the basic configuration:

• possibility of remote control;
• extended lighting angle;
• adjustment in different planes;
• depth of installation (depending on the type of fastener);
• moisture and dust protection;
• dimming to adjust lighting.

The presented basic types of points are selected taking into account the characteristics of a particular room and interior elements.

Operating principle and design

The spotlight consists of three elements:

• a base that is attached to the surface;
• housings with clamps;
• connecting cable.

The vast majority of devices have a solid type housing.

Spotlights for incandescent lamps are structurally divided into two types:

• The open type is characterized by a U-shaped design.
• The closed type involves the use of a casing to protect the lamp from condensation; it is optimal for use in damp rooms.

Additional protection of the housing from high operating temperatures is not required. It is provided by the features of lamps built into the points. Their flasks are coated on the outside with mirror amalgam, which serves to protect the structure from overheating. The back surface of the bulb is matte, which promotes uniform distribution of light.

For correct operation of points with halogen lamps, a transformer is required. The principle is simple: the more lamps, the more powerful the transformer is needed. An induction or electronic option is suitable. During installation, the distance from the lamps to the device is taken into account - if it exceeds two meters, up to 100 W of power is lost due to resistance.

Characteristics

Spotlights have a number of features:

• Small angle of light dispersion (average 30 degrees). It must be taken into account that one point will not be able to provide the room with a sufficient amount of light, even in cases when we are talking about bathrooms.
• Cone-shaped stream of light. For uniform distribution, it is necessary to intersect habitats above chest level.

What's with the spotlights included?

The luminaire is supplied with a set of elements and accessories sufficient to connect to an active power circuit:

• Frame. Additionally, it comes with a lamp holder or diffuser.
• Mounting strip or mounting spacers.
• The terminal block is often solid, but sometimes the manufacturer includes only a couple of terminals in the kit.

The basic composition does not always include a lamp; more often it is purchased separately.

Lamps for spotlights

Spotlights are available in 3″, 4″, 5″ and 6″ fitting diameter variations. The values ​​are in inches - according to the international standard. Can be used with different types of lamps:

• incandescent;
• compact fluorescent;
• halogen;
• LED.

The installation of lamps of different types is usually provided in the same housing. When purchasing, check whether the design is compatible with the selected type of lamp.

Incandescent lamps

They are most common in spotlights due to their low price and ease of replacement.

A number of disadvantages inherent in this type of lamps are slowly pushing them out of the market:

• “gluttony” in terms of electricity consumption;
• the fastener size is at least 7 cm, requiring a frame of appropriate depth.

Replacing incandescent lamps at points is the usual screwing into the lampshade.

Halogen

Interesting choice of power combination and long service life. A tungsten halogen device produces more light per watt than a standard incandescent bulb. Available in two voltage variations: linear at 220 or 110 W and low at 12 volts.

Halogen variations outperform incandescent lamps in these indicators:

• reduced energy consumption;
• durability;
• higher brightness;
• shallow fastening depth – 2–4 cm.

Disadvantages of halogen lamps:

• high heat;
• sensitivity to grease contamination;
• formation of high temperature zones.

Installation is carried out with gloves or use the cloth supplied.

Replacement:

1. It is necessary to remove the decorative lampshade, if provided in the design.
2. This will provide access to the locking ring - it can be removed by gently squeezing the two protruding tabs.
3. After this, the light bulb itself is unscrewed.

LED spotlights

LED lighting technologies are known as a practical and durable alternative to incandescent lamps.

Their indicators contribute to this:

• record low energy consumption;
• no overheating, meaning full compatibility with all types of suspended ceilings;
• safety - suitable for use in children's rooms and bedrooms.

Luminescent

Optimal for simulating natural light. Their high price is offset by durability. The main disadvantage is that they are environmentally unsafe due to the presence of mercury. They are used with caution in residential areas.

Each type of lighting has a specific set of advantages and disadvantages. The most important factors when choosing a lamp:

• Light output is the ratio of the luminous flux power from the lamp to the same Watt indicator at the input.
• Preferred service life, difficulties in replacement and disposal.
• Maintaining luminous flux - this factor is important in order to have a certain minimum level of illumination.
• Need for auxiliary equipment.

For rational consumption electricity, in addition to the lamps, a dimmer (rheostat) is installed. This is a power switch that smoothly adjusts the brightness of the lighting.

Advantages

Technical advantages are based on the following points:

• Possibility of partial or directional lighting to emphasize individual areas.
• Uniform illumination without shadowed corners.
• The service life is significantly longer than that of conventional chandeliers.
• Safe and economical supply of light, especially in variations with a voltage of 12 volts.
• Can be mounted into point devices different types light bulbs
• Beauty and compactness. Thanks to their small size, they will look stylish and elegant in any room.
• Reduced energy consumption compared to conventional lighting devices, with high efficiency.
• Reliability. Resistance to vibrations and mechanical damage.
• High utilization of luminous flux.
• There is no glare, noise or flickering during operation.

Flaws

Spot lighting has a number of disadvantages.

• Difficulty in organizing and designing a lighting system.
• The need to install or replace transformers significantly complicates installation and calculations. The requirement to maintain a distance from the device usually means partial reassembly of the frame and embroidering of the finished (sometimes covered with decor) plane. When replacing, the requirements are similar.
• The need to use more devices to create general lighting.
• Most types of spotlights require modifications to the ceiling or wall design. For built-in models, installing a frame is indispensable.
• If the spotlight overheats, it can damage the PVC stretch ceiling.
• Difficulty in maintaining a large number of lampshades.

How to choose spotlights

Standard spotlights have a regulated protection indicator. In the instructions or on the packaging it is designated by the abbreviation IP.

Abbreviation numeric values

Two numbers are placed next to the mark:

• The first number is protection against solid particles entering the structure. The range of values ​​is from 0 to 5. Zero implies no protection. Values ​​from 1 to 4 correspond to particle fraction sizes in descending order, ranging from 50 to 1 mm. Number 5 – protection against dust.
• The second number is the degree of moisture protection, standard values ​​are from 0 to 8. The indicators correspond to the intensity of the water flow. Zero means no moisture protection, and 8 means that the device is protected from prolonged immersion in water.

Additional factors

• Choose equipment in the same style from one manufacturer.
• Check that the reflective and cooling element is complete.
• Low-power 12 W devices require the installation of a step-down transformer.
• The cable cross-section is selected according to special tables, based on the total power and number of lamps.
• Built-in ceiling models should be selected in advance in order to correctly calculate the height of the frame, taking into account the fastenings and overall dimensions of the transformer.

Posting rules lighting fixtures determine their quantity and configuration when choosing.

Which ones are better

The simpler the design of the lamp, the easier it is to maintain. More often this applies to kitchen lighting fixtures, on which, in addition to dust, grease deposits accumulate over time.

• Rounded models are better suited for suspended ceilings - during their installation and subsequent maintenance, damage to the material by sharp corners is unlikely.
• Devices with incandescent lamps project bright, familiar light, but their mounting is not very compact. Ceiling and wall frames are mounted taking into account the size of the fasteners, as a result, precious centimeters of height or space of the room are “eaten up”.
• Lamps for halogen lamps can be built into the frame at a close distance from the surface - only 4 cm is lost. Additional advantages are reduced energy consumption, brightness and durability. Lamps with a ceramic socket and glass diffuser do not create problems with overheating.

The use of spotlights in conjunction with suspended ceilings implies a limitation on the power of the installed lamps. For halogen options, the threshold values ​​are 35–40 W. For incandescent lamps this figure should not exceed 60 W.

How to use

The attractiveness of lamps in the interior and their service life depend on proper operation.

1. The lamps are mounted at a distance of 30–40 cm from each other and at least 20 cm from the corners of the room for uniform distribution of illumination.
2. For suspended ceilings, energy-saving or LED options backlights that heat up less.
3. Dots along the perimeter of the walls will visually expand the space of the room. In this case, no ceiling lighting is required.

Care

• Once a year, you will need to clean the devices and check the integrity of the electrical wiring.
• Dry cleaning should be done using cotton cloths.
• Do not use solvents or abrasives for cleaning.

When replacing lamps, check the maximum permissible power, this will protect the backlight from overheating and fires.

Precautions

• Do not expose the lamp to open flame.
• Do not immerse the device in water.
• Use as directed and only indoors.
• Do not connect to power sources that are not listed in the instructions for the lighting device.

Malfunctions and repairs

Common malfunctions in most cases come down to incorrect operation of installed accessories.

Some time after switching on the device stops working

A possible reason is overheating of the transformer and subsequent tripping of the protective shutdown. In this case, it will be necessary to replace the transformer with a more powerful version or move it to an open space to improve heat dissipation. Alternatively, replace the current transformer with several units of lower power.

Lamps flickering when lights are off

This drawback is inherent in LED or energy-saving lamps and manifests itself when incompatible with an illuminated switch. Solving the problem will require replacing the fittings or the type of lamps used.

Frequent burnout

There are a number of reasons why this can happen: from frequent power surges to imported lamps designed to operate on a 220 V network. To solve the problem, install protection devices or replace the lamps with energy-saving or low-voltage ones.

Doesn't turn on or goes out immediately

A common reason for this phenomenon is a simple overload of the transformer when too many devices are connected at the same time. It will be necessary to replace the device or increase the number of transformers.

The lamp melted and cracked

It is possible that the power of the installed lamp exceeds the permissible limit. You can check the indicators on the boxes if they have been preserved. You will need to install lamps of the correct power.

Manufacturers of spotlights

The selection includes representatives of different price categories:

• Ambrella. It has been producing its own line since 2012. Ambrella light products are distinguished by their original design, and the bonus is a level of service comparable to the European one. Budget models.
• ARTE LAMP. The Italian company ARTE LAMP has been supplying interior lighting products since 2001 and is represented in more than 20 countries around the world. Average price level.
• Donolux. A Russian company with 15 years of experience, producing economical lamp models. Materials are supplied by global manufacturers. The product quality is at a decent level. The pricing policy is not designed for the middle class.
• EGLO. An Austrian company specializing in the creation of lighting systems, an assortment of 3,000 items to suit every taste and budget. Budget models and mid-price options are available.
• Elektrostandard. Another representative of Russia, on the market since 1998. Products are traditionally of high quality. Price level is in the standard range.
• Lightstar. A European company offering interesting design solutions in lighting. Present in Russia since 2001. The pricing policy is moderate.
• LUSSOLE. Lussol is an inexpensive Italian product presented in an elegant and extraordinary format.
• Massive. Belgian appliances with a laconic design. The company offers series for each room at average prices. Noteworthy are the options adapted to children's interiors.
• Novotech. A reliable Hungarian company, present on the market for 20 years. Offers special lighting series for bathrooms. Budget pricing policy.

After you decide on the functionality and model, you will need to calculate the number of lamps and make a diagram of their location in the room. Common installation options: along the perimeter, at a distance from corners and walls of 20 cm, in a checkerboard pattern or in the shape of geometric shapes.

Stretch ceilings look luxurious, all that remains is to select lighting sources and determine which chandeliers are suitable for stretch ceilings? The peculiarities of this ceiling decoration lie in the materials from which it is made - they can be damaged and deformed if the configuration of the lighting device is unsuccessful.

The right chandelier will not only preserve the finish, but will also add to the splendor of the design.

Features of suspended ceilings

The selection of specialized chandeliers for suspended ceilings is small. But knowing the nuances, it is quite possible to choose a suitable model from the usual range. There are recommendations for the fastening mechanism and structure of the chandelier body. The fact is that the structure of its body must have good thermal insulation to prevent overheating of the ceiling covering. In addition, the material of suspended ceilings requires a certain structure and location of the lampshades.

Characteristics of the right chandelier

Expensive ceiling coverings are located close to light sources - lamps. It is a PVC film that should not be heated to more than 60 degrees. A slight excess of temperature norms and the film may begin to undergo unsightly deformations, or even burn out. Based on this, it is obvious that not every chandelier can be used to illuminate a room with suspended ceilings.

Please note the required characteristics:

1. The lamp must be designed so that the flow of light is not directed towards the ceiling. Otherwise, expensive material may begin to burn out;
2. recommended configuration of lampshades – closed models or directing light to the sides and downwards;
3. choose chandeliers that will provide a significant distance from the ceiling to the lighting elements to prevent heating of the coating material;
4. a suspended ceiling in an ordinary small room “eats” centimeters in height, so massive and overly complex chandeliers will make the room visually lower. This advice does not apply to room heights below 3 m.

When estimating the length of the suspension, keep in mind that the lamp is attached to the rough ceiling surface, so a certain length of the suspension is hidden under the tension covering.

Mount selection

It is important to consider the type of fastening of the chandelier to the ceiling, since this is the most critical moment.

Suitable and unsuitable chandelier mounting:

• “Yes” - Suspended, which are mounted on a special hook.
• “No” - Overheads placed using an overhead panel, which in turn is attached to the ceiling with self-tapping screws.

For suspended ceilings, a suspended option is suitable, since the overlay panel cannot be placed on a stretched film. As already noted, it is also important to choose the size of the suspension, making allowances for the distance between the rough and suspended ceiling.

You can make sure that the hook for fastening is placed below the level stretch ceiling. In this case, it is necessary to take care of the fastening in advance before stretching the ceiling.

Which lamp to choose?

With the current variety of light sources, it is sometimes difficult to understand the choice of lamps. Which lamps to choose - heating, halogen or LED, and what nuances will have to be taken into account?

You may have decided to choose a lampshade that has upward-facing horns. This is undesirable, then you must clearly check the distance from the lamps to the ceiling, and it can be different for each type of lamp.

• Incandescent lamps. Incandescent lamps are the most inexpensive, however, they heat the air, wasting precious electricity, and this also heats up the surface of the ceiling. For this reason, such lamps are the worst choice to use in conjunction with such a finish. The distance from the PVC film and a conventional incandescent lamp with the horns facing upward should be at least 40 cm, in other cases - 25 cm. The lamp power should not be more than 60 W . If the distance is smaller, then the chandelier should have reflectors that will prevent the ceiling from fading.
• Energy saving. Perfect fit energy saving lamps, which practically do not heat up and can be used at a short distance from suspended ceilings. Apart from the power converter, the lamp has no elements that can heat up. However, keep in mind that there is mercury vapor inside the lamp, so if you break it, you need to take immediate action.
• LEDs. LED lamps are simply created for suspended ceilings - they have high efficiency and low heating. Such lamps last a long time, but their main advantage is a directed light flux without reflectors, emitting a stream of light into only one hemisphere. LED low-voltage lamps are considered the most practical, but they require the installation of a power supply. Its placement should not be in an empty area above a suspended ceiling, since there is no ventilation there and overheating may occur.
• Halogen lamps. Halogen lamps with a power of 35-40 W, directed upward, must be removed from the surface of the coating by at least 30 cm, 20 W - by 20 cm, and for 10 W, respectively, 10 cm.

Design secrets

You should not choose overly chic chandelier options only if you are sure that suspended ceilings will not fade into the background. For example, huge cascading crystal chandeliers can both neutralize the beauty of the coating and emphasize it.

A few design secrets:

• the canvas of stretch ceilings in light colors should be enhanced with a chandelier of a contrasting color;
• black stretch ceilings will create excellent harmony with a white or metal chandelier;
• A glossy ceiling surface can be combined with a fancy-shaped chandelier if you want to create a unique reflection effect.

Plafonds-plates, pendants or chandeliers with horns

All these lamps are very popular and have their own characteristics. Variants with multiple horns are perhaps the most common. The main thing is that they are not directed straight up, especially if you are going to use incandescent or halogen lamps. Please also take into account the fact that the light directed at the ceiling will create circles on the ceiling - you may not like this effect. But if the horns are directed downwards and to the sides, you don’t have to worry about circles on the ceiling or damage to the film.

Dish chandeliers may seem very impressive in design, but without a reflector above each bulb, this type of chandelier cannot be used for a suspended ceiling. But such elements are not so often found on sale.

If you choose those models where the lampshade covers the lamps from below, choose long pendants, then the surface of the ceiling film will be safely away from the light. Such a lamp can be safely placed on a suspended ceiling.

In addition to technical parameters, the chandelier should complement the beauty of the stretch ceiling without creating a stylistic imbalance. As a rule, the coating film is glossy and perfectly reflects light. For this reason, you need to take into account that the light of the chandelier does not create unwanted glare, especially in the bedroom, where the lighting is designed to bring coziness.

How to choose a suitable chandelier:

• If the ceiling is glossy, then it will be beautiful if the chandelier softly diffuses the light across the canvas.
• For the living room, you can choose a lamp with many low-power lamps, which, when reflected, will create the effect of depth and double the number of light sources.
• Stretch ceilings themselves have a luxurious appearance and reflective gloss of the film, so you should not choose lampshades with prisms and reflectors.
• To illuminate a small room of about 10-12 m2, a chandelier with 3-4 shades is enough, and for rooms from 12 m2 - with 6 shades.
• For spacious rooms, chandeliers are combined with spotlights and other light sources to provide spectacular illumination.

Considering the mirror ability of the ceiling, you need to know in advance about the possibility of reflecting the ugly “filling” of lampshades and other elements in it.

It would be great if the store provides you with a special catalog of chandeliers for suspended ceilings, where you can see its appearance in the finished interior.

Experts have their own secrets in choosing chandeliers for suspended ceilings, accumulated with experience. Without taking their advice into account, you can choose expensive lamps with many options and details that are not useful and can ruin an expensive surface. Using the advice in this article, you can avoid unpleasant mistakes associated with damage to the beautiful glossy surface of the ceiling and choose the ideal light source.

Video gallery

In one work it is almost impossible to consider all the issues related to lighting an apartment with suspended ceilings. A series of articles will be devoted to this problem on the website, which will separately examine:

• types of lamps;
• location of lighting fixtures on the ceiling (article “”);
• technology of installation and replacement of lamps.

In order not to be repeated in each work, general questions are included in this separate material, which will be discussed below. This includes the selection of lighting fixtures for the overall style of the interior, the choice of the color of the luminous flux, the level of illumination of various rooms and the influence of the lamp base on the organization of lighting, as well as basic concepts about light sources.

Lighting in interiors of various styles

When choosing the type of lamps, you need to remember that it is not just a light source, but also an element of interior design. Therefore, it is important to know not only which lamps are suitable for suspended ceilings, but also how well they fit into the chosen interior style.

Classic. The style presupposes restraint in design - nothing superfluous, going beyond strictly defined boundaries. Requires expensive, exquisite pieces of furniture. The same applies to lighting. Only the central one, only an expensive chandelier made of crystal, glass or metal.

No additional spotlights. It is allowed to place sconces made of metal and glass on the wall. Recently, designers are increasingly using LED strips placed on a multi-tiered ceiling around the perimeter of the room. This approach, on the one hand, violates the classical canons, and on the other, emphasizes the rigor and richness of the room’s decoration.

Modern. The style was formed under the influence of classical interior design techniques. A characteristic feature is the smoothness and naturalness of the lines, giving way to unexpected asymmetry of forms. The presence of a chandelier made of frosted glass and metal is mandatory, but additional light sources are allowed: overhead (glass or crystal lamps) and recessed, as well as LED strips.

Often there are design solutions for organizing light when all of the listed types of lighting are used simultaneously. Art Nouveau style in lighting is well suited for a children's room, bedroom, kitchen.

Characterized by a rustic (provincial) interior design style. Central lighting with a multi-arm chandelier of airy shapes is ideal for it. Lampshades can be made of textiles with a discreet pattern in pastel shades or natural materials. Additional spotlights located along the walls also fit well into the interior.

Hi-tech. A design in this style should have a clear and simple geometry, no decorative embellishments, and a large amount of metal. This is one of the few interior styles where classic lighting, a chandelier, looks pretentious. Overhead lamps are also not used, although each rule has its exceptions. Built-in lights go well with LED strip.

The above recommendations are not an axiom. Here we just give you hints in which directions to move if there is a great desire to adhere to a single style. In practice, imagination and a subtle sense of beauty mix styles and get excellent results. Sometimes this is done consciously, in contrasting style directions, often spontaneously. Therefore, our advice: do not be afraid and experiment.

The role of the color of light flux in the design of an apartment

When buying lamps, almost no one thinks about what color of light it will emit (many people do not even know that lighting can have different colors), how this affects the psycho-emotional state of a person and how the environment is perceived by the human eye.

To explain the presence of color in light, it is necessary to recall the school physics course, which states that light is electromagnetic radiation emitted by a heated substance. A striking example of a change in the color of emitted light is welding work when the metal begins to cool. At this point, you can notice that as the light cools, it turns from blue to white and then to a yellow tint. The same effect applies to lamps, only here the color name is slightly different:

• white warm;
• neutral or natural white;
• cool white.

Important: we are not talking about the temperature inside the lamp, which is measured in degrees Celsius and which causes burns on the body, but about the temperature of the radiation, measured in Kelvin.

The question immediately arises: how to choose a lamp for a stretch ceiling with a certain color of light? The answer is very simple - light bulb manufacturers write on the packaging the temperature at which the luminous flux is emitted (measured in Kelvin, denoted by the letter K in the SI system). Using the scale shown in the photo above, you can easily determine the color of the light flux.

The second question involuntarily creeps in: what does this have to do with the owners of the apartment? There are two points here.

1. The color of light affects a person's psychological state.
2. In different color streams, the human eye perceives the color design of an apartment differently, which, on the one hand, significantly changes the design of the room, and on the other, has a different effect on the emotional state.

Warm (yellow) color. A pleasant glow for the eyes that relieves fatigue after working with a computer or watching TV. It can be obtained from both conventional incandescent and halogen light bulbs. If desired, you can find LED and fluorescent light bulbs with these characteristics. The color you need most is yellow:

• in the living room (hall) - creates a warm, relaxed, cozy atmosphere;
• bedroom - evokes a feeling of calm. In such an environment, the eyes take a break from the stress of the day;
• in the kitchen - dishes look more appetizing in warm light;
• bathroom - soft, warm light flux relaxes, relieves fatigue.

Warm light also has its disadvantages. Due to the absence of blue and green colors in the light spectrum (rays of this length are not emitted), many paints take on a completely different color:

• blue turns greenish;
• blue fades, turning into dirty blue;
• dark blue becomes black;
• purple glows red.

Neutral white light. Such lighting can be obtained from halogen light bulbs and some types of fluorescent light bulbs. White light is practically no different from daylight, and therefore there is no distortion of color perception. It is advisable to install lamps with this color of light:

• in the nursery;
• hallway and corridor;
• above the work table in the kitchen;
• near the mirror - the skin color is not distorted when applying makeup;
• above the desks where homework is done or newspapers, magazines, and books are read.

Cold (blue) color. Cold (blue) color. Only incandescent lamps are not capable of operating in the cold spectrum of light emission - all other types of lamps produce it. Cool shades of light invigorate and increase concentration. Therefore, using cold light:

• in the office above the desk - increases productivity;
• in the washing area in the bathroom - it will help you quickly recover from sleep and invigorate you;
• in residential areas, the blue spectrum suits modern room design styles, where there is a lot of space and metal (“high-tech”).

The human eye's perception of some colors changes in the same way as in the case of warm light:

• red becomes purple;
• orange is perceived as brown;
• yellow turns to greenish yellow;
• blue and green look bright and rich.

Residential lighting level

When organizing lighting in the apartment as a whole and in each room separately, one should not forget about one more important feature - the level of lighting. As in the previous case, the owners of residential premises think little about what power the lamps should be in each room.

Here, unfortunately, another rule basically works: if there is money, there is more light everywhere, budgetary family finances should be illuminated so that “just not to stumble.” According to health doctors, both approaches are harmful to health - they negatively affect the organs of vision, general condition and concentration and, consequently, ability to work.

Many people do not associate too bright light in the evening in an apartment with drowsiness and low performance the next day, but, according to doctors, this is precisely the reason. Much the same thing happens with dim light.

Back in Soviet times, they were developed sanitary standards lighting of various rooms in the apartment (located in SanPiN, transferred to SNiP - see table), which is what builders are guided by.

Standards for illumination of premises in residential buildings.

Type of room	Illumination standard according to SNiP, Lux/m2
Bathroom	50
Bathroom	50
Hallway	50
Cabinet	300
Children's	200
Kitchen	150
Living room (hall)	150
Bedroom	100

Based on the given indicators, using special formulas you can calculate the number of light bulbs and their power for each room. The calculation method can be viewed in one of the works on our website (material “”).

At the same time, we note that Western experts have a slightly different approach to illumination standards, as well as other indicators of their measurement (rather demonstrations) - they immediately give the number of W per 1 m2.

Room type	Incandescent lamps	Luminescent	Energy saving
	W/m2	W/m2	W/m2
Living room (hall)	20-22	13-14	5,2-5,4
Bedroom	12-15	8-10	2,7-3,4
Kitchen	26	15-16	6,8
Children's	60	36	15,6
Bathroom	20-22	15-16	5,2-5,4
Hallway	10	6	2,5

Using this table, it is easy to make all the calculations for the lighting arrangement in the apartment - the area of ​​the room is multiplied by the illumination indicator in W/m2 and divided by the power of the light bulb, in W.

The basic principles of lighting organization outlined above in the first case, when it comes to continuing the style of interior design, can be used as recommendations for action, but in the second and third cases they must be observed if the health of everyone living in this apartment is important.

Modern technologies make it possible to organize light in accordance with the requirements of sanitary doctors at a minimum cost. Both the lamps are energy-saving, and the service life of some lamps is increased several times compared to cheap incandescent lamps - all this ultimately allows you to have bright light at the same cost.

Types of lamps

The lighting arrangement in an apartment with suspended ceilings is also influenced by the choice of type and type of lamps. They are attached to the ceiling in different ways, have different shapes, sizes, bases (for LED lamps the base acts as a lampshade, which is why the light is scattered differently around the room), etc. To know exactly which lamps can be used for suspended ceilings, let’s consider the basic concepts associated with light sources.

By type of fastening

For mounting light sources the following are used:

• suspension systems;
• built-in;
• invoices.

Hanging. Already from the name itself it is clear that the lamps are attached to the ceiling using special devices: a hook or a special platform (attached to the ceiling with special hangers, used only for chandeliers). In the first case we have a classic suspended mounting option, in the second we have a variation of it, which experts call a ceiling mount (see photo).

This mounting option involves installing a reinforcing platform to the ceiling before starting work on installing a stretch ceiling. The chandelier is attached to the reinforcing strip with self-tapping screws on top of the canvas. There are two disadvantages here:

• unpredictable reaction of a stretched ceiling to a breakthrough with hardware;
• proximity of the light source to the PVC film, which can cause it to overheat.

Therefore, such installation of a chandelier in apartments is not very popular, but in public places (cafes, restaurants, museums, etc.) it allows you to move the chandelier to a place where the lighting is currently insufficient (in this case, the platform is of considerable size).

A hook for mounting a chandelier is used much more often. Here, first, a hook is attached using an anchor bolt, then the ceiling is tensioned. Under the mount, a hole is cut in the canvas through which the wires and suspension (chain, cable) will pass. The edges of the hole are reinforced with special rings that prevent the film or fabric from spreading.

Built-in. An embedded base with connected electrical wires is pre-attached to the main ceiling. A hole is made in the stretched fabric. A lamp with special springs is inserted into it, which, when straightened, hold it in the platform (see photo). In this case, the light source is almost completely hidden in the space between the stretched canvas and the ceiling.

On the outside, a decorative overlay is attached to the canvas, which at the same time keeps the film from further destruction (instead of a special ring), and serves decorative element. Visually, the light source merges with the ceiling, creating the impression of the integrity of the ceiling covering. Such lighting fixtures can be installed throughout the apartment, in any room.

Invoices. The principle of fastening is the same as for hidden lamps: a special embedded base is attached to the ceiling, over which a film or fabric is stretched. A hole is made in the ceiling for electrical wiring, which is secured with clamping rings. The lamp itself is installed directly on the stretched ceiling - literally superimposed on it. Hence the name.

Overhead lamps are made rotating (the direction of the light flux is adjusted) and non-rotating (after installation they shine in one place).

The pros and cons of each type of fastening, their features, methods of installation, repair and replacement of lamps can be viewed in the works on our website.

By number of light sources

There are a huge number of different lamps on sale: chandeliers with a large number of light bulbs, single built-in light sources, LED strips, etc. In this variety, it is quite difficult to determine which lamps are better for a stretch ceiling based on the number of light sources collected on one platform. To have some idea about lighting systems with different numbers of light bulbs, let's classify them.

Depending on the number of light sources mounted on one base, the following can be used to illuminate suspended ceilings:

• spotlights;
• multi-lamp;
• cascade;
• raster;
• LED strip;
• light lines;
• "starry sky"

Spot. Spotlights have become an integral attribute of suspended ceilings - indeed, their combination is stylish and beautiful. They are used for main lighting, but in some interior design options, single lighting sources are assigned an auxiliary role - to emphasize the elegance of the chandelier or to highlight a certain part of the room. The use of only spotlights is mandatory for low ceilings - people will cling to the chandelier with their heads.

In terms of shape, size, power, methods of obtaining light flux and its color, such lamps can be anything - there is a huge selection on sale, numbering more than one thousand options. The main thing here is to choose the right lamp for a specific room.

Some experts classify spotlights as a separate group - directional light fixtures - they provide a narrowly directed luminous flux and have a rotating device. It is not important to classify spotlights as a separate classification category - these are, after all, spotlights.

Chandelier. Well known, classic lamp. In many cases, it is an indispensable attribute of the interior (classic, modern, Provence, etc.). Installed in almost any room of the apartment. It can be made from different materials, have a different number of light sources, be decorated in different ways and perform different functions in lighting a room: creating comfort or a romantic mood, an area of ​​increased concentration (performance) or relaxation.

Modern technologies have made changes to such a conservative light source as a chandelier. LED chandeliers are now on sale.

You can install the chandelier yourself. However, it should be remembered that the presence of several light bulbs can lead to overheating of the ceiling canvas - it will begin to turn yellow and subsequently sag. Therefore, this lamp should be hung at a distance of 20-60 cm from the film (fabric) to avoid heating the ceiling to more than 60 degrees Celsius. In addition, it is necessary to stop using incandescent lamps - we need energy-saving or LED lamps that operate in lower temperature conditions.

Attention should also be paid to the location of the lampshades. If they look up, the chandelier must be lowered further, to the maximum distance. If the ceiling height does not allow you to hang the chandelier at a distance of 60 cm from the stretched fabric, it should be replaced - otherwise the stretch ceiling will have to be changed.

Cascade. The cascade design for placing lamps (not to be confused with cascading lamps) for suspended ceilings does not have a very long history - 10-20 years (for other types of ceilings it has been used for a long time). It is a platform attached to the ceiling with a hook, which has several overhead lamps or single lamps with a lampshade on a pendant. This lighting design sharply demarcates the room into zones and creates an atmosphere of sophistication and elegance. It is especially often used when lighting a bar counter and a dining table.

Raster. Lamps in the form of a raster are used mainly in non-residential premises. They can also be found in large living rooms (halls) of cottages. In small rooms, its light is too bright and clean, in which a small room becomes uncomfortable, moreover, excessive lighting disrupts the psycho-emotional state of family members. The disadvantages include the lack of sophistication in such lamps - a metal cellular structure, equipped with reflective mirror plates, covered with a grille.

It is one of the varieties of LED lamps, made in the form of a transparent plastic strip with small spot LEDs on one side and a layer of glue on the other. Sold in 5 m reels. Small thickness (only 3 mm) and small width (10 mm) allow it to be mounted in multi-tiered ceilings for decorative purposes (although there are exceptions and such a tape serves as the main element of the lighting system) along the contour of one of the tiers directly behind the baseboard. Among the advantages:

• low power consumption;
• long service life, up to 50.0 thousand hours;
• wide choice color range(they also sell multi-colored ones that change color in accordance with the programmed);
• compactness - they take up little space in the package and do not require special technological solutions for installation.

Light lines. Just recently, Russian consumers were just getting acquainted with built-in lamps, and they are being replaced by light lines. Lighting is provided by LED strip 10 mm wide. Depending on the number of built-in LEDs in 1 linear meter, the power of the strip can range from 14.4 W (60 crystals) to 24 W (240 LEDs). In the first case, such lighting performs auxiliary functions, in the second it is the main one. The LED strip is mounted on a special profile (see photo). Light diffusion is achieved by a decorative insert.

This type of lamps has many advantages:

• original ceiling design that radically changes the interior of the room;
• a clearer division of the room into zones, emphasizing individual pieces of furniture if necessary;
• electricity consumption is reduced;
• the need to replace lamps disappears for a long time (manufacturers guarantee 50.0 thousand hours of continuous operation);
• can be installed along the seam, which turns the ceiling into a single whole;
• quick installation.

Light lines can be of various shapes, figures and sizes, which gives free rein to your imagination for their installation.

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"Starry Sky". Lighting in the “starry sky” version is the most expensive and spectacular design of a stretch ceiling. Here, the innovative ideas of using fiberglass as a conductor of light from LED sources and the ability to embed LEDs into PVC film without damaging it are successfully combined.

There is also a technology where the LED fibers are not brought out, but are hidden behind the film of the fabric. During the day, such a ceiling is sterilely clean, in the evening and at night a surprisingly fantastic atmosphere sets in: the stars not only glow, but also twinkle, thanks to the light generator. The most expensive, yet fantastic nice option— mounting of optical fiber in Swarovski rhinestones. Refracted in stones, the light perfectly imitates the twinkling of stars with different color renditions.

Attention: you can create the “starry sky” effect in various ways: using lighting (which is what we are talking about) and using backlighting - there are more than 5 methods (technological solutions).

It is difficult to carry out such lighting on your own. There are many nuances there. Therefore, it is better to entrust the work to professionals.

By type of light used

According to the type of origin of the luminous flux, all types of lamps can be divided into 3 large groups:

• incandescent lamps;
• gas discharge;
• LED

Incandescent lamps. The entire history of electricity is closely connected with incandescent lamps. The tungsten filament converts into them thermal energy(formed by the passage of current) into light - rays of the visible and infrared spectrum are emitted. The thread is placed in a flask from which air is pumped out - we have vacuum light sources or gas is pumped in: krypton and halogen lamps.

In such light bulbs, only 7-12% of thermal energy is converted into light, in which they are significantly inferior to gas-discharge and LED lamps. Their only advantage is ease of installation and operation in any conditions, including temperature environment. On sale you can find light bulbs with a power of 15-1,500 W.

Gas discharge lamps. The basis of discharge lamps is the ability of gases under the influence of an electric discharge to emit ultraviolet rays. A phosphor, a special substance, helps transform this spectrum of light into the visible part. Such a lamp is an ordinary glass tube made of quartz sand, filled with vapors of various substances: mercury, argon, xenon, neon with tungsten electrodes on each side. The inner surface is coated with a phosphor that glows in the visible light spectrum under the influence of UV rays (a secondary glow effect is observed).

Such lamps are economical (high luminous efficiency) and emit natural white light, close to daylight. However, they have a big disadvantage - flickering (stroboscopic effect). Using alternating current, the discharge lamp lights up and goes out 100 times per second - at a frequency of 50 Hz per second, the current passes through zero 100 times. Flicker is not visible visually, but it is very harmful to the eyes. You can avoid the flickering effect if you use two lamps with a phase shift - when one is turned off, the second begins to shine.

The light source in an LED lamp is the Light-Emitting Diode, abbr. LED (light emitting diode). These are economical light sources with a luminous flux power 10 times higher than that of incandescent lamps, and with a long service life. The advantages include the absence of components harmful to health, such as mercury vapor, in the light bulb.

The design of each type of LED lamp is unique - it consists of a base, a metal case (each type of base has its own type of case, which incandescent and discharge lamps do not have), a board with a semiconductor element - an LED, a power converter and a translucent plastic bulb that covers the board.

This lamp has many advantages:

• long service life (about 6 years versus 1 year for fluorescent lamps);
• different colors of light, which allows you to choose a lamp for any room in the apartment;
• operation at low heating temperatures of the light emitter: the LED chip heats up to 75 degrees Celsius, the tungsten filament up to several hundred degrees;
• different type of base, providing for the replacement of all previous lamps: incandescent and fluorescent lamps.

Three disadvantages:

• overheating by just 2 degrees (over 75) leads to gradual degradation of semiconductor crystals: tarnishing, and then complete destruction, which requires constant heat removal;
• high price;
• it is impossible to replace lamps with G5.3 and GX53 sockets - they form a single unit with the lamp.

By shapes and sizes

Retail chains today are overflowing with various modifications of lamps for stretch ceilings - your eyes run wide from the wide choice. In these conditions, it is important to know how to choose a spotlight for suspended ceilings depending on its size and shape.

The shapes of lamps can be very different. It all depends on design ideas on interior design. You can use classic and asymmetrical shapes, while the body of the lamp and the lamp can be modified (there are several types of light bulbs in one body and vice versa), have a round or oval shape, be made of metal, ceramics, glass or plastic. For admirers of strict geometric lines, there are square and rectangular lamps on store shelves. In this case, the rectangular body can have spherical, candle-shaped and spiral-shaped bulbs.

If we summarize what has been said, the conclusion suggests itself: on the market, lamps can be found ready-made or combined with a lamp of any shape to suit the taste of the homeowners. The main thing is that their installation is proportionate to the area of ​​the ceiling and looks harmonious with the surrounding interior.

All types of lighting fixtures have standard sizes the base, and in relation to LED lamps, and the housing. This is done to unify the installation units and the sizes of holes in the ceiling for recessed point light sources. When choosing the size of an overhead lamp, you need to take into account its weight - the larger it is, the lower the ceiling should be lowered in relation to the ceiling (up to 6-7 cm, instead of 5 cm).

For reference: dimensions of LED spotlights: length - 2-3 cm, diameter - 8-10 cm.

By type of base

Lamps have a wide variety of bases, however, to organize a lighting system thought out from all sides, you need to have an idea of ​​only 3 types of base:

• G5.3;
• GX53;

Base G5.3 Can be for halogen and LED lamps. Its peculiarity is that the light bulb is located inside the housing. This results in several disadvantages:

• the light is not scattered throughout the room, but is emitted in the form of an expanding beam (like a spotlight), resulting in illumination produced in spots, one from each bulb;
• placing the lamp entirely in the lamp body leads to its overheating, which requires intensive heat removal. Lack of ventilation complicates the process of cooling the light source. Aluminum radiators help. Replacing metal with composite materials leads to rapid failure of LED lamps and destruction of the ceiling fabric;
• such lamps cannot be more powerful than 7 W - they simply cannot accommodate additional semiconductor crystals.

In modification of the base GX53 the light bulb protrudes from the housing by 4-5 mm. This arrangement of the lamp allowed:

• increase the light dispersion angle to 180 degrees;
• achieve heat removal directly from the surface of the lampshade, which reduced the load on heat removal from the lamp body;
• to produce, along with static light sources, also rotating ones, which significantly diversifies the design possibilities for apartment lighting;
• increase the lamp power;
• receive all three colors of light (warm, neutral, cool).

The GX53 socket is installed in LED and fluorescent energy-saving lamps.

Base G9 differs from the considered options in that its light bulb protrudes completely from the lamp body (from the ceiling as well). The luminous flux in such a light source is maximally diffused, but is inferior in lighting efficiency to models with a GX53 base (part of the light is directed upward and is absorbed by the matte ceiling, while the glossy one is scattered again along the walls).

This small drawback is offset by significant advantages:

• there is no problem of heat removal;
• no power restrictions;
• simple operation - replacing a burnt-out lamp is carried out by simple steps: removing the old one and installing a new one;
• there are adapters for lamps with a different base;
• a large selection of light bulbs with different types of light production;
• reasonable price, including for LED lamps.

Which lamps to choose depending on the canvas

The material discussed above does not answer which lamps to choose for suspended ceilings, depending on the stretched fabric. And here there are some nuances:

• At temperatures above 60 degrees Celsius, the ceiling sheet made of PVC film begins to turn yellow and then collapse. Polyester (fabric fabric) can withstand temperatures slightly higher, up to 70 degrees, after which it loses elasticity and crumbles (destroys);
• in a film ceiling you cannot make holes larger than 150 mm in diameter, in a fabric ceiling 150-200 mm - the canvas spreads in all directions. Stabilizing rings don't help either;
• mirrored film ceilings ideally show the part of the chandelier hidden below, which requires a special approach to its selection.

Therefore, when installing lighting, the following rules must be observed.

• It is strictly forbidden to use incandescent lamps in built-in and surface-mounted lamps.
• Incandescent lamps must be on pendants 30-60 cm long, while their maximum power is allowed for PVC film 40 W, polyester (fabric) - 60 W.
• Halogen lamps have permitted wattages: 20 W for film and 35 W for fabric.
• The power of LED lamps is limited to 40 W.
• The horns of chandeliers should not point upward - even low-power light bulbs can overheat the ceiling sheet during prolonged operation.
• Built-in lamps should be compact, no more than 8-10 cm in diameter. If design solution requires large-diameter lamps, you need to place an additional platform above the canvas and attach light sources to it.
• When installed on glossy ceiling chandeliers, their reverse side should look aesthetically pleasing.

Popular manufacturers and prices

The price for any product is formed in the same way: profit is added to its cost (depending on the type of materials from which it is made), and then a markup on the brand (the more promoted, the higher the markup) and on the design solution (author’s copies produced in limited quantities, are very expensive). These provisions fully apply to ceiling lamps.

Pendant lamps(with one lamp) for suspended ceilings you can buy from 2,000 to 20,000 rubles. For example, a Danish lamp from Citilux with a power of 100 W costs from 2,300 rubles.

Chandeliers are much more expensive due to the larger number of lamps and intricate design - the Cascade T522-PT40x100-G lamp (Maytoni), made in Germany, costs more than 62,000 rubles. For such a price, it has 12 lamps and a huge number of crystal beads that luxuriously refract the light.

Surface-mounted lamps cost from 800 to 5,000 rubles. There are so many affordable and well-designed light sources out there. For example, a Turkish LED lamp “Overlay Circle” with an aluminum body from Horoz can be purchased for only 1050-1200 rubles.

Most commonly installed on suspended ceilings lamps with LEDs. They are produced in Russia, Europe, and China. At huge selection you need to know whether LED lamps for suspended ceilings are better to buy, European expensive ones or Chinese ones with an average price.

Let us immediately note one feature of European manufacturers: they mostly produce lamps with an E26 base, which is not used in Russia (here they use an E27 base). Therefore, it is necessary to be very careful when choosing products from European manufacturers.

Among Russian manufacturers it should be noted:

• "Feron" is a long-liver of the electrical goods market. Produces wide range LED strips and lamps for affordable prices. For example, a Feron LB-70 3W lamp costs from 110 rubles;
• "Camelion" is a famous European brand. On the territory of the Russian Federation, using its technology, lamps are produced by JSC Energy Systems and Technologies (JSC EST). The product is distinguished by its original design, which allows for a larger light dispersion angle;
• "Navigator" - the main production is located in Klin (Russia). The price corresponds to the quality - a 10 W lamp costs from 300 rubles.

Attention: on Russian market LED lamps "Camelion" made in China are sold. They have high quality, long service life and a higher price compared to similar Russian-made light bulbs.

World brands are represented by the following companies:

• "Philips" is the most recognizable name of the manufacturer of electrical goods. Lamps can be purchased at any electrical goods department. Prices correspond to the brand - very high;
• "Lightstar" (Lightstar) is an Italian manufacturer. It is striving to become a leader in this market segment thanks to its original design, high-quality materials and affordable prices. Having the same technical characteristics with Philips lamps, including service life, it keeps the price an order of magnitude lower;
• "Osram" (Germany). The German origin of the product does not require additional comment;
• FKK (Japan), Nichia (Japan) - both Japanese manufacturers have been on the Russian market for a long time. Products in terms of reliability and design are among the 10 best global brands. Prices are in the segment between medium and high.

China is represented in Russia by both unknown manufacturers with low prices and companies with recognizable names:

• “Selecta” sells good quality products mainly through online trading platforms;
• "Estares" - trademark world famous manufacturer MaySun. The manufactured luminaires fully comply with technical regulations (norms and regulations).

The commercially available selection of luminaires can satisfy all design and price needs.

You should approach the issue of choosing lighting for a stretch ceiling very responsibly. Too powerful lamps can damage the canvas, which, under the influence of strong heat, will lose its elasticity and appearance. To decide which lamps are best for a stretch ceiling, you need to note the main features of the room: the dimensions and height from the main slab to the canvas. And also take into account personal preferences and the style of the room.

There is a misconception that a suspended ceiling involves the installation of only small light sources. In fact, the usual volumetric chandeliers can also be used to illuminate a room.

However, you should not choose too large structures, as well as lamps in the shape of plates. In the latter case, there is a high risk of damage to the tension surface due to high temperature and low air circulation, which arise due to the tight fit of the body to the canvas.

Lamps suitable for suspended ceilings differ in the mounting method:

• Invoices. This option involves mounting light sources on special overhead rings, which are installed on the canvas after connecting the power supply.
• Built-in. Small lamps that do not attract attention and practically merge with the ceiling. They are installed using a spring fastening, which allows you to tightly press the light source to the canvas.
• Hanging. All types of chandeliers that are hung using special fasteners on a hook built into the main ceiling slab. This is the simplest method; for massive models, a more complex structure will be required.

Surface-mounted lamps are the cheapest and easiest to install. They use light bulbs with low power, because... Due to the design features, the distance between the ceiling slab and the canvas is too small. Therefore, overhead lamps are installed as additional lighting, because... Installing a light source that is too bright will damage the material. Recessed lamps require a larger distance between the canvas and the ceiling, which means powerful light bulbs can be used. Therefore, they often act as main lighting.

Which lamps are best to use for a suspended ceiling?

Traditional incandescent lamps are practically not used in suspended ceilings due to their tendency to overheat and the large depth of installation.

The most commonly used lighting sources are the following, which have power limitations:

• LED (40 W);
• Energy saving (45 W);
• Halogen (35 W).

The ideal lamp for a stretch ceiling would be an LED one, which practically does not heat up and will not damage the canvas.

LED light bulbs are installed in low rooms, because... the required height between the main and suspended ceilings is 5 cm. They are distinguished by natural light that is pleasant to the eye. The cost of this type of light bulbs is slightly higher, but this is compensated by low energy consumption and a long service life. In addition, LEDs have several base options. This allows you to choose a lamp without fear that the lamp will be unsuitable for it.

LED lamps for suspended ceilings: which ones are better to choose

LED lamps are able to provide an uninterrupted flow of light of various colors, which does not tire the eyes or impair vision. You should choose them based on personal wishes and purposes of use.

All LEDs can be divided into 2 groups:

• With internal arrangement of lamps;
• With light bulbs located outside the housing.

Lamps with external lamps are the best basic lighting for a suspended ceiling. Economical and safe, they help to obtain a diffused flow of light that is pleasant to the human eye.

Lamps with built-in bulbs emit a directional stream of light. Therefore, this type of LEDs is used to illuminate a specific area in the room, as well as for zoning the room.

Lamps for suspended ceilings: how to choose an LED strip

LED strip is an ergonomic type of lighting, which is a strip with electrical conductors on one side and an adhesive surface on the other. Both the main and additional light sources can be used.

LED strip is ideal for lighting a room with a high matte ceiling.

The brightness of the lighting depends on the number and size of LEDs located on the strip. For the ceiling area, it is better to use 30 - 60 LEDs per meter with a warm white glow. Brighter light will hurt your eyes. In addition, you will need a high-power power supply, which is not so easy to disguise.

What is better in a suspended ceiling: a chandelier or spotlights

The choice of lamp type will depend on personal preferences and the characteristics of the room being designed. Chandeliers are great for providing key lighting in a large room, such as a living room or bedroom. Spotlights are needed in small rooms (kitchen or bathroom).

To get sufficient lighting, it is important to correctly calculate the number of lamps. Using halogen or LED bulbs, it is better to install one for every 1.5 square meters. meters of ceiling; energy-saving - one for every 2 square meters. meters.

Spotlights can be used to illuminate small areas, for example, shelves in a dressing room. And also installed together with a chandelier as additional lighting.

Spotlights for suspended ceilings: how to choose a suitable light source

Spotlights are very popular due to their low cost and ease of installation. A huge variety of shapes, colors and sizes allows you to choose the ideal option for a room of any style and purpose.

In order for the ceilings to last a long time, the selected spotlight must meet a number of requirements:

• Operating temperature that is not capable of damaging the canvas (up to 60 ⁰С);
• The light bulb power should not be more than 35 W;
• The presence of a mirror part to reflect light;
• No sharp ends that could damage the ceiling during installation.

An interesting solution would be a design with a movable element, thanks to which you can adjust the direction of the light. Such a lamp will allow you to change the lighting, highlighting the necessary parts of the room.

It is desirable that the point light source also have a wide border that will hide the installation structure.

Which lamps are suitable for suspended ceilings: choosing the ideal chandelier

When choosing a chandelier for a stretch ceiling, you need to take into account the texture of the fabric, the type of light bulb used and the features of the room. Classically shaped lamps are ideal for a matte surface; unusual and intricate ones are ideal for a glossy surface. A lot of bright highlights will be provided on the ceiling by chandeliers with open LED bulbs, which can be installed directly under the canvas. Such lamps do not heat up and will not harm the coating.

When using halogen lamps, the chandelier should be located at a distance of at least 30 cm from the ceiling. The choice should be made in favor of the lamp whose shades will be directed downwards.

Choosing which lamps are best for a stretch ceiling (video)

The best lighting option for a tensile structure, suitable for all the features of the room, are LED lamps, which do not heat up and do not pose a danger to the ceiling. Both the main and additional light sources can also be used, changing depending on the wishes of the apartment owner and placing accents in the interior.

Today is very good option for ceilings there are spotlights. They have small dimensions, thanks to which they can be installed on any ceiling surface and at the same time efficiently illuminate the entire space of the room. To do this, such lamps are placed in a certain way throughout the ceiling.

Spotlights in the house

The most important point The choice of spotlights is their size, which is selected depending on the type of device, as well as the type of ceiling (plasterboard, suspended or suspended). This article will be devoted to the dimensions of spotlights and their selection for a specific type of ceiling.

What are they?

A spotlight is a small-sized lighting device into which one or more light bulbs (halogen, LED, incandescent) are built-in. Thanks to their special design, such devices are now actively used to illuminate a wide variety of rooms. But they gained the greatest popularity in home lighting.
These are small devices that have a slight angle of light dispersion. In this regard, they should be used not individually, but in groups. At the same time, they can be placed either at the same distance from each other or combined into groups.

Spotlights in the interior of the house

Such lighting fixtures are used in the home for:

• creating high-quality indoor lighting;
• decorative ceiling decoration;

Pay attention! Spotlights can have a wide variety of appearances. Therefore, they will fit perfectly into any interior.

• visual change in space. For example, using such lamps you can visually expand the space of a room, as well as zone it into certain areas.

This kind of lighting installations can be used under various types ceilings: suspended, suspended and plasterboard. Moreover, what type of lamp to choose in each individual case depends both on the characteristics of the ceiling and on the type of the device itself. Therefore, in order to correctly choose not only spotlights, but also their sizes, you need to understand their types.

Product range

Today, spotlights for ceilings (stretch, suspended and plasterboard) are divided into two types:

• built-in This is the most common type of spot lighting installations. The built-in device will become almost invisible. It will stand out only for its decorative part, and its entire structure, including the light source, will be placed inside the ceiling. The depth in this case will depend on the size of the built-in light bulb, as well as the type of structure used. Installation here is complicated by the fact that you need a correctly calculated depth, as well as a diameter for embedding into the ceiling surface;

Pay attention! The built-in type of spotlight is often used when creating suspended and suspended ceilings (especially from plasterboard).

Built-in model

• overhead. It has a simple installation, as it is attached to the ceiling surface. In this case, the holes here are only needed to mask the wires. In this regard, they are more attractive than the built-in type of lamp. But they have a clear disadvantage - they protrude noticeably above the surface. They are used in situations where installing a built-in type of device would be very difficult or impossible.

Overlay dot model

When choosing a built-in type of lamp, you also need to know the design features of the various models. This determines what the final embedding depth will be.
According to the design features, this type of lighting installations is of the following types:

• rotary. Such lamps can rotate and create a luminous flux at different angles;

Rotary model

• stationary (non-rotating). They provide light that comes exclusively downwards.

In addition, the dimensions of the device, as well as the depth of installation of different types (tension, suspended and plasterboard) will depend on the number of light sources. Based on this criterion, two groups of spot lighting installations are distinguished:

• gimbals. The installation contains several sockets for screwing light bulbs into them (LED, halogen, etc.). Their sizes will be many times larger than those of single ones;

Cardan modification

• single. This is a standard version with only one light bulb. In this regard, the dimensions here will be minimal.

Single model

You need to know about all types of spotlights when, for their installation in the ceiling, the dimensions of the lamp are important, as well as the depth of its installation (if a built-in type is used).

Additional Selection Considerations

When choosing spot lighting products for various types of ceilings (plasterboard, suspended or tensioned), you must, first of all, rely on the type of socket design the device has. The type of socket will determine the size of the light bulb that needs to be screwed into the socket. And the depth at which the device will be placed directly depends on this (if a built-in type is used).

Light bulb socket

Such devices have cartridges:

• E27 – designed for a standard light bulb, so it’s quite large;
• E14 - “minion”. Quite small;
• G4, G5, G9 – these bulbs have pins, which allows them to reduce overall dimensions.

As you can see, the standard sizes of cartridges have a direct impact on the dimensions of point models.
We've sorted out the range of product choices. Now let's look at what devices need to be used in each individual case.

Lighting installations and their dimensions for suspended ceilings

Stretch ceilings are very popular today.

Pay attention! Tensile ceilings look great in combination with spotlights.

Stretch ceiling with spotlights

When choosing such lighting installations, you need to know that stretch fabrics have specific requirements for such concepts as depth and dimensions. They are due to the fact that high temperatures and heating of the surface from a working light bulb pose a particular danger to stretched fabrics. Moreover, the same requirements are relevant for plastic floors.
Here you need to take into account the following requirements:

• the planting depth should provide heating from a working light bulb no higher than 80 degrees;
• the light source must be low-power (no more than 60 W for fabric, and no more than 40 W for film). Therefore, here preference should be given to models that have small dimensions of both the body and the socket with the light bulb. The light bulbs themselves must have a mirror or black coating;

Pay attention! For stretched fabrics, small LED spotlights are the ideal solution.

• the light from the light source must come exclusively into them. Therefore, only non-rotating models can be used here.

Preparing the ceiling for installing lamps

It is important to create the correct holes in the tension fabric. To create holes here, at the stage of preparing the canvas, fasteners should be placed in the right places, into which the lamp housings will then be placed. At the same time, it is important to decide what depth of their embedding is required in a given situation. After this, the canvas is stretched. Decorative rings are installed on it, at the fastening points, and holes are cut. When forming holes, the ring will prevent the fabric from tearing more than is necessary to accommodate the recessed type of lamp.

Selecting the mounting size for a suspended ceiling

To avoid damaging the tension fabric, suitable models need to be selected based on mounting. For lighting installations installed in a suspended ceiling, there are several standard internal diameters: 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85 mm. The selection of fasteners here is carried out in such a way that they correspond to the size of the internal diameter of the ceiling part of the device. This must also be taken into account when creating holes in the ceiling.
In addition, you need to pay attention to the depth of placement of the light bulb. The built-in type of device can have two options for placing the light source:

• outer. Here the light bulb is placed below the level of the tension fabric. It is separated from it by a lampshade. Such models have smaller dimensions. Also, the depth of their placement will be less;

External light bulb placement option

• interior. The light source is recessed inside the housing. Because of this, the depth and the area occupied by lighting products increase.

Internal light bulb placement option

When choosing lighting fixtures for suspended ceilings, just like for suspended and plasterboard structures, you need to correlate the dimensions of the lighting fixtures (width, length, depth and diameter) with the dimensions of the room itself. This will allow you to maintain the ratios and give the room greater harmony.

Dimensions of lighting fixtures for suspended ceiling structures

For suspended structures, built-in varieties are most often used. Here, both drywall and plastic can be used as finishing.

Suspended ceiling in the house

At the same time, there are no such strict restrictions in the selection of lighting installations as in the case of stretched canvases. The depth of installation of the device, as well as its size in a given situation, will depend on the type of light source. When using incandescent lamps, the dimensions of the lamp will be approximately 10 cm, and for halogen and LED light bulbs– 2-3 times less. You also need to consider the cartridge itself. Experts do not recommend using E27 and E14 cartridges in this situation.

Pay attention! Behind the suspended structure, the distance to the starting surface can be from 2 to 10 cm.

This range in depth allows the use of any model of installation here, from the smallest to the largest.
Holes in suspended ceilings are cut using a drill and a special attachment. Remember that the dimensions of the holes must match the dimensions of the case. Otherwise, everything may fall out due to weak fixation in the hole.

Plasterboard ceiling structure and matching lamps

Plasterboard ceilings are a type of suspended structures. Therefore, there are exactly the same conditions for choice here. Typically, for such structures, experts recommend using devices 3-5 cm in height. At the same time, here it is worth giving preference to LED light sources, which will allow you to most effectively illuminate any plasterboard structure.

Spotlights on a plasterboard ceiling

In terms of placement of lighting fixtures, the following rules exist:

• the maximum distance between devices should not be more than 120 cm;
• between the point of attachment of the device to the drywall and the wall, the distance is no more than 55-60 cm.

On a plasterboard floor, both built-in and overhead models, with or without rotating mechanisms, will look equally good. But preference is still given to built-in models, since all the conditions for this are created here.

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