What lamps to choose for a stretch ceiling. Lighting of suspended ceilings: selection and installation of lamps. Preferred types of lighting fixtures

Today, spotlights are a very good option for ceilings. 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 in which one or more light bulbs (halogen, LED, incandescent) are built-in. Thanks to their special design, such devices are now actively used for lighting a wide variety of different 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:

creation quality lighting indoors;
decorative ceiling decoration;

Pay attention! Spotlights can have a wide variety of appearance. 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 for various types of 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 needed only 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 installation depth different types(tension, suspended and plasterboard) will depend on the number of light sources. According to 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.

Choosing the size of the fastening for the suspended ceiling

In order not to damage the tension fabric, suitable models must be selected according to the fastening. 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

Choosing lighting fixtures for suspended ceilings, in the same way as for suspended and plasterboard structures, you need to correlate the dimensions of the lighting devices (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 lamps points – 2-3 times less. You also need to take into account 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.

Requirements when choosing LED luminaires for emergency lighting

Kirill Sysoev

Calloused hands never get bored!

Content

Installing lighting fixtures will help transform a room with a suspended ceiling. With their help, you can not only place light accents on various decorative elements, but even divide the room into several zones. You need to choose lamps for suspended ceilings wisely and thoroughly, be it a spot version or a soffit light bulb. Properly selected light sources will help you design an optimal lighting system and at the same time save on energy consumption.

What lamps can be installed in a suspended ceiling?

On the modern market you can find a wide range of lighting sources for decorative lighting and more. The offered lighting devices differ from each other in design, power, type of mounting and other parameters. At the same time, if almost any type of lamp can be installed on a regular ceiling, then with a suspended analogue it is not so simple. It is necessary to take into account the heating of the canvas, because a glossy or vinyl surface made of film does not tolerate exposure to high temperatures, so there are limitations on the power of lighting devices. Types:

Spot. Such lamps for suspended ceilings will help illuminate a large, dark space or diffuse the light. They are installed in suspended ceilings, usually in several zones at once. Their advantage lies in the possibility of installation on a ceiling of any height. On the market you can find the widest selection of point lighting sources of different colors, types and shapes.
Stationary. Stretch ceilings with lamps look very impressive if you make the right choice. A ceiling chandelier can be perfect for this purpose. The distance from the ceiling to its light bulb should not be less than 25 cm to prevent overheating of the canvas. In addition, you can install several pendant lamps in a row.
Raster. Recessed luminaires for fluorescent suspended ceilings can be divided into a separate group. They are made in the form of metal cellular structures equipped with a reflective grille. In most cases, they are used in large rooms.
LED strip. This lighting element is great for creating dramatic lighting. LED strips are usually used for installation in multi-level suspended ceilings. In this case, they are placed along the perimeter of one of the tiers. Experts recommend using this tape on a matte surface with a height of at least 2.7 m.

Species

Before you buy lighting devices, familiarize yourself with their varieties. Depending on the method of fixation, ceiling and pendant chandeliers and lamps are distinguished. Point lighting sources are divided into overhead and built-in. Installation of spotlights in an overhead-type suspended ceiling is carried out by installing special adjustable racks. Built-in analogues are fixed to the main ceiling before installing the tension one. As for the types of light bulbs, the following are used for suspended ceilings:

halogen light bulbs;
fluorescent energy-saving;
incandescent light bulbs;
LED;
fiber optic threads.

Spot

If you are looking for a more or less universal option that is suitable for any room height, then you need to buy a spotlight. In most cases, they are installed at the rate of: 1 device per 1.5-2 sq.m of room area. An inexpensive option that is great for creating a personalized and original design premises is:

model name: Piano Led 071014R;
price: 286 rub.;
characteristics: material of fittings, lampshade - metal, color - chrome, lamp - LED, power - 1 W, lighting area - 0.5 sq.m, degree of dust and moisture protection - IP20, height - 10 mm, diameter - 38 mm;
pros: cheap, compact;

A more powerful LED ceiling lamp is Maturo 70264 from Lightstar (Italy). This lighting fixture is suitable for a room of almost any size:

Model name: Maturo 70264;
price: 1342 rub.;
characteristics: frame material, lampshade - metal, color - chrome, LED lamp, power - 9 W, degree of dust and moisture protection - IP20, height - 15 mm, diameter 95 mm;
pros: excellent performance, good lighting;
cons: expensive.

Panel

These lamps are often installed in public buildings: classrooms and office premises. They are very rare in residential interiors, but despite this, they are sometimes installed in suspended ceilings. Panel-type lamps are a box with a transparent plastic lid, through which light is diffused. At the same time, it is possible to choose the scattering of any pattern and color. One of the products in this category:

Model name: Cabrera C0042;
price: 1461 rub.;
characteristics: frame material, lampshade - metal, color - white, lamp - LED, power - 6 W, degree of dust and moisture protection - IP20, glow color - cold, lighting area - 3 sq.m, height - 35 mm, diameter 105 mm;
pros: good area of illuminated space;
cons: cost, size.

The next option is more compact, but also more expensive. The country of origin is Spain, the device is part of the Saona series:

model name: Saona C0190;
price: 1881 rub.;
characteristics: frame material, lampshade - metal, color - white, LED bulb, power - 6 W, degree of dust and moisture protection - IP20, cold glow, lighting area - 3 sq.m, height - 25 mm, diameter 90 mm;
advantages: illuminated area, more compact dimensions compared to analogues;
cons: expensive.

Built-in

On sale you can find a large assortment of light bulbs that can be built into suspended ceilings. When choosing a suitable option for a matte or glossy canvas, pay attention not only to the power of the lamps, but also to the brightness of the lighting. In addition, when ordering products from an online store with delivery by mail, please note that the photo does not always correspond to reality. One of the built-in options:

Model name: Lega HI ADJ MR16 011020;
price: 340 rub.;
characteristics: frame and lampshade made of metal, color – white, lamp – halogen, base – GU5.3, power – 50 W, illuminated space – 2.5 km.m, height – 5 mm, diameter – 85 mm;
pros: power, reasonable cost;
cons: none.

Recessed lighting sources in most cases are used not for decorative purposes, but to illuminate a specific area. Another good option:

model name: Difesa Piano 006881;
price: 683 rub.;
characteristics: metal frame, glass shade, color – matte chrome and matte white, halogen light bulb, base – GU5.3, power – 50 W, lighting area – 2.5 sq.m, height – 15 mm, diameter – 95 mm;
pros: good lighting, good parameters;

Invoices

Often overhead lamps are purchased for stretched fabrics. To install them, adjustable racks are mounted, which are then covered with fabric. The device body and the film do not come into contact with each other due to fixation using a special ring. If desired, you can choose fixed or rotating devices. After installation, the latter can be adjusted in the required direction. Alternatively, you may be interested in:

Model name: Elektrostandard 1070 a035973;
price: 437 rub.;
characteristics: type – overhead spot, style – modern, height – 60 mm, length – 160 mm, diameter – 135 mm, color – white, materials – plastic, metal, power – 13 W, lighting area – 0.7 sq.m ;
pros: optimal power, appearance;
cons: small lighting area.

Check out the parameters of another product from the same brand. Compared to the previous version, the device has a square lampshade:

Model name: Elektrostandard Dls020 a035325;
price: 678 rub.;
characteristics: type – Downlight, style – modern, height – 38 mm, width and length – 225 mm, color – white, material – plastic, power – 18 W, lighting area – 9 sq.m;
pros: suitable for large rooms;
Cons: more expensive than analogs, made only of plastic.

Hanging

Pendant lights on suspended ceiling are more common because their method of fixation is simpler. A strong ceiling hook made of reinforcement is fixed to the place where the lampshade is installed before the canvas is tensioned. After installing the ceiling, the chandelier is hung on this same hook. An interesting option with a good degree of dust and moisture protection 20 IP, the device is:

cost: 6144 rub.;
characteristics: style - loft, height - 920 mm, diameter - 370 mm, color - yellow, material - metal, total power - 180 W, lighting area - 9 sq.m, mounting method - mounting plate, number of light bulbs - 3 pieces;
pros: design, good lighting, durability;
cons: high cost.

A more original option is the Luce Solara 5064 lamp, which can be successfully used in both home and official interiors. The design of the device is thought out to the smallest detail and is made in best traditions Art Nouveau style:

Model name: Luce Solara 5064/9S Smoke;
price: RUB 12,928;
characteristics: style - modern, height - 1000 mm, diameter - 585 mm, shade color - gray, base - chrome, materials - glass, metal, power - 40 W, illuminates up to 18 sq.m, number of lamps - 9 pieces:
pros: great for large spaces, excellent design;
cons: very expensive.

LED

If you are planning to order the most economical and durable lamps, then pay attention to devices with LED bulbs. They are able to create natural, volumetric and panoramic lighting. Such devices do not emit heat and are great for decoration. With the right choice (photos in online stores do not always correspond to reality), LED lighting devices can visually increase the height of the ceiling. One of the inexpensive options:

model name: Ecola GX53LED;
price: 350 rub.;
characteristics: power – 8.5 W, color temperature – 4200, size – 27x75 mm, color – natural white, average service life – 30 thousand hours;
pros: reasonable cost, good durability;
cons: none.

One more excellent option for installation in a suspended ceiling is a square-shaped lamp from Albes. With its help, you can illuminate large spaces without spending a lot of electricity:

model name: UNIVERSAL LED Albes;
price: 856 rub.;
characteristics: power – 36 W, dimensions – 595x595 mm, degree of protection – 20 IP, luminous flux – 4000 Lm, total thickness – 19 mm;
pros: powerful, suitable for large rooms;
cons: more expensive than analogues.

Energy saving

Such products are characterized by good safety and low energy consumption. They can be placed in the canvas itself, as well as outside it. Compact fluorescent light bulbs do not overheat, which is very important for suspended ceilings. A relatively inexpensive, but quite suitable option for a wide variety of premises would be products from Ecola:

Model name: Ecola GX53;
price: 250 rub.;
characteristics: power – 9 W, temperature (color) – 2700, color – warm white, size – 27x75 mm, service life – about 8 thousand hours;
advantages: low cost, compactness;
cons: service life.

A luminaire with an energy-saving GX70 bulb from the same manufacturer will help reduce electricity costs by up to 80% compared to incandescent lamps. Such a device heats up slightly and does not dazzle the eyes:

model name: Ecola GX70;
price: 364 rub.;
characteristics: power – 20 W, temperature (color) – 4100, size – 42.5x111 mm, service life – about 10 thousand hours;
pros: gives even light, suitable for most rooms;
cons: costs more than analogues.

How to choose

Each type of lighting fixture has its own light bulb; for example, an incandescent lamp cannot be screwed into a fixture for LED models, because they have different sizes. In this regard, decide in advance on the type and shape of the lamp and lamps before purchasing them for the stretch fabric. When choosing, it is important to consider the nuances:

Recessed luminaires must be equipped with internal sides and not heat up more than +60 degrees.
It is best to give preference to frosted light bulbs.
To visually enlarge a ceiling of several levels, you need to install spotlights at each level.
Cast built-in devices are not suitable for installation in tension fabrics.
To install 20 or more point elements, it is best to group them in each zone with separate power supply. This approach will help reduce power consumption.

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’s quite possible to choose suitable model from the regular assortment. 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:

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;
recommended configuration of lampshades – closed models or directing light to the sides and downwards;
choose chandeliers that will provide a significant distance from the ceiling to the lighting elements to prevent heating of the coating material;
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 of the 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 flow 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

Installation of suspended ceilings is a labor-intensive process for a number of reasons. The need to use exclusively professional equipment, the need for experience and qualifications in handling film during the work, and the complexity of the associated work are just a small list of difficulties that will have to be encountered during the installation of a stretch ceiling. The question of how to choose lamps for installation on a suspended ceiling, taking into account their features, advantages and disadvantages, is also important, because in addition to the aesthetic side of the issue, proper lighting is also necessary for completely natural reasons. Poorly selected lamps may well spoil the visual perception of a stretch ceiling, but this is far from the most important thing, because the wrong choice can also very well lead to deformation or complete destruction of the canvas, excessive strain on a person’s eyes and fatigue. Properly selected lamps for a suspended ceiling, in turn, will not only emphasize the overall style in the decoration of the room, but will also provide comfort in everyday life. You need to choose the type of lamps, mounting method, power, number of lamps and much more. It can be extremely difficult for a beginner to decide on all the necessary selection criteria, and it is still necessary to take into account various nuances that influence the choice.

Is having plenty of choice good or bad?

Today the market is ready to offer the owner a huge variety of different types of lamps, some of them are specific and most effective in clearly defined conditions, others can be called universal. However, there are several main points that the owner of suspended ceilings should pay attention to before deciding to use certain lamps. First of all, it is extremely important to take into account the characteristics of the room when choosing a lamp. Even the most beautiful chandelier will look out of place if it is too large for the room. If the ceilings are low, then you should not chase too large-scale lighting structures; inconspicuous spotlights will be more ergonomic. In addition, the use of lamps for suspended ceilings should be based on the characteristics of the chosen material for the canvas. For example, contact of vinyl, a material for a stretch ceiling, with a lamp in which high-power lamps are installed will lead to deformation, the appearance of folds and, quite possibly, ruptures. Also, in the case of vinyl, lamps should be used exclusively in conjunction with a thermal insulation ring. Naturally, the installation must be appropriate.

If we touch on the topic of the main criteria for choosing lamps for a suspended ceiling, then there are only a few of them, however, it is worth treating each one with all the attention. Lamps for suspended ceilings are selected based on the characteristics of the room, the planned power, the number of lamps and lighting elements, the ability to use several lighting sources at once in the form of one interconnected structure, the cost of the element itself and its installation, guarantees, of course, style, design and external characteristics . Moreover, many owners put the last criterion as the highest priority. So, for example, spotlights are practical, simple and relatively affordable. However, many people prefer classic chandeliers precisely because of the flexibility of this element in terms of aesthetics. For owners of suspended ceilings, it is important to decide which criterion is the most priority for them and base their choice on it.

Lamps for low ceilings

Often, suspended ceilings are the only objectively available alternative for owners of old apartments. These apartments have one very unflattering feature in common - low ceilings. The main criterion for choosing a lamp in this case is the power and number of lamps, the distance from the ceiling sheet directly to the light source and the type of lighting element. First of all, you should consider a regular chandelier. In this case, the main risk of choosing the wrong lamps for suspended ceilings is the possibility of completely deforming the finish or completely burning it. Provided there is a small distance from the lamp and the suspended ceiling, this is a very real possibility, moreover, very often confirmed by practice. If the owner of suspended ceilings decides to use a chandelier, then the distance from the lighting elements for the canvas should be at least 30 centimeters. If the suspended ceilings themselves are located too low, but quite acceptable, then the chandelier will reduce the comfort of being in the room to zero. It is also desirable that the lamps be covered with opaque shades that diffuse the light. This will reduce the level of lighting in the room, but will protect the ceiling from deformation. In this case, not just any chandeliers will be suitable, however, first things first.

Chandelier and suspended ceilings, is it possible?

Chandeliers for suspended ceilings should be selected carefully. In this case, it is necessary not only to determine the lamp power, the number of lighting elements, but also the type of chandelier. Often, several simple and quite affordable variations of a chandelier with a certain lamp power are used for a suspended ceiling. First of all, these are classic flat chandeliers, in which the lamps are located behind a small, matte “plate” or an element similar to it. The light from the lamp dissipates faster, which allows you to use this type of chandelier 15-20 centimeters from the stretch ceiling. The lamp itself, even being the only light source in the room, shows good lighting performance. Chandelier sellers will help you choose lamps directly. However, it is always better to choose lamps with a slightly lower power, since there are several of them in the lighting element. The second type of chandelier is a classic ceiling lamp on a long leg with one lamp in the shade. Perhaps, this type of chandelier is one of the best, as it allows you to select the lamp power exactly according to the selected criteria, the shade will provide faster light dispersion, and the design flexibility will amaze even the most inveterate critic of this lamp.

In addition, it is necessary to consider a chandelier in the traditional sense, namely a complex structure with a large number of lamps and decorative elements. Such chandeliers are used quite rarely, and it is quite clear why. A suspended ceiling coupled with such lamps can quickly turn into a wrinkled or burnt surface, since there is simply nothing to diffuse the light in such a chandelier. In addition, a lamp of this type is extremely difficult to install directly in the context of work with a suspended ceiling. It is necessary to select the correct fasteners, insulate the contact point, etc. Traditional chandeliers, as most domestic owners are accustomed to seeing them, are distinguished by their massiveness and scale. At the same time, the actual installation of a stretch ceiling also requires a certain space. As a result, the mounted chandelier will not easily disturb the people living in the apartment, but will also reduce the lighting efficiency, since the main angle of incidence of the light will be in an area that is uncomfortable for the human eye. In addition to chandeliers, today other types of lamps are also selected for suspended ceilings, for example, spotlight analogues.

Spotlights - the best choice?

The question of how to choose spotlights for a suspended ceiling is becoming increasingly relevant today for a number of reasons. Perhaps the first and most significant advantage of such a light source is space saving. Probably everyone has seen small, built-in lamps with one lamp on a suspended or suspended ceiling structure. Such lamps are economical and affordable, which allows you to use several lighting elements at once, distributing them evenly around the perimeter of the ceiling. From the point of view of efficiency and optimal choice in terms of the light source, spotlights are truly the optimal choice, since, unlike a single central element, symmetrically located lamps cover more space with light. In everyday life, spotlights are also good because they are easy to install and replace. The lamp itself is not very powerful and is not very efficient, but if you place several of them symmetrically on the ceiling, the effect becomes quite obvious. Spotlights illuminate the entire ceiling space, which is also useful if you need to emphasize a structure or a specific element. A spotlight is also used if vinyl is chosen as the material for the canvas. The low power of the spot lighting element lamp does not heat the canvas; in addition, overheating will be eliminated by a special thermal insulation ring.

However, it was not without its drawbacks. The spotlight contains a halogen lamp, which burns out much faster than analogues available on the market. In addition to frequent replacement, the owner of a suspended ceiling should also think in advance about the number of lighting elements, since the low power of the lamp is not capable of providing full illumination in the room on its own. There are also minor drawbacks in aesthetic terms. Spotlights are located very close to the stretch ceiling, which gives the effect of glare on the canvas. This effect is not always pleasant to the human eye; glare can irritate or cause eye fatigue. This is especially true for the glossy surface of PVC film. However, there are a huge number of variations of lamps available on the market; it is quite possible to choose spotlights without glare, but they need to be selected in relation to a specific material. So, for example, if the suspended ceiling is made on a fabric basis, then a spotlight is an excellent solution in terms of the ratio of quality and price criteria. It is also worth remembering that the thermal insulation ring should be selected carefully, otherwise the lamp during operation will be in a halo of light reflected from the material of the ring. Such a halo is capable of illuminating the space behind a suspended ceiling. The question of how to choose spotlights for suspended ceilings is not as simple as it seems; there are many of these lighting elements, and a hasty choice in this case is inappropriate.

LED lighting on the ceiling: pros and cons

The decor of a room with suspended ceilings is often adjacent to the LED strip fasteners along the perimeter of the ceiling. The LED strip illuminates the ceiling from the inside, creating spectacular shimmer on the canvas. By experimenting with different decor options, you can create a unique style; fortunately, many color variations, including combined ones, will help you decorate the ceiling in the most appropriate way. Installing LED backlighting is extremely simple; just mount the box and then attach the tape to a self-adhesive base. For suspended ceilings, LED strip is good as an additional light source because PVC film allows you to create a unique play of light and shadow. In the decor of suspended ceilings, there are often design options that illusorily imitate night or day. LED backlight in this case, it is a charming element of the composition. Both LED strips with constant light and with various variations of effects are suitable for stretch ceilings. In this case, everything depends directly on the owner and his vision of the design of the room. From a technical point of view, LED backlighting is a strip with evenly spaced lighting elements and transistors. The more elements per centimeter of tape, the more powerful the backlight. To attach the strip to the ceiling, there is a self-adhesive base on the back of the strip with lighting elements.

In practice, the question of how to choose a lamp for a suspended ceiling is multifaceted, since the wealth of choice often leads the owner to prefer an unsuitable or completely inappropriate light source. Which lamps are better and which are contraindicated for suspended ceilings cannot be said with a full guarantee. It is important to choose the most suitable lamp for each specific case. Even the most beautiful suspended ceilings can be ruined by the wrong choice of lamp. However, in the case of possible damage to a person’s eyes, the aesthetic side of the issue seems like a trifle. Which lighting to choose, which spotlights are better and what type of chandeliers are suitable for low or high ceilings - here is a small list of the most common customer requests. What can you advise in this case? What ceiling was installed, namely what materials were used, what goals the owner sets for the lamps and on what criteria his choice is based - these are the main points on which the owner must give an intelligible answer, then the problem of choice will become insignificant. A stretch ceiling in itself is quite a beautiful solution, and coupled with the right lighting it can sparkle with new colors.

Most people choose stretch fabrics for ceiling decoration. They are distinguished by an impressive number of positive characteristics that add to their demand. Among the main ones are wide possibilities for design, ease of installation, accessibility self-installation, durability and compliance with environmental requirements.

Attention! The optimal lighting option is spotlights. They guarantee the right amount of light, an interesting appearance and durability.

What types of lamps are there for ceiling lights?

Every person at least once wondered how to choose lighting fixtures for suspended ceilings. Expert advice often comes down to selecting point built-in options. Such lamps are in demand, allowing you to place them comfortably, visually enlarge the space and achieve an aesthetic design.

The following types of lamps for luminaires are produced:

Halogen.
Luminescent or energy-saving.
LED.
Incandescent lamps.

Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. Halogen lamps are versatile and practical. They are compact in size, offering more options for design. However, they heat up noticeably, so it is not always possible to install them in a suspended ceiling.

If you are wondering which lamps to choose, opt for energy-saving or LED options. They guarantee maximum service life, independence from on/off cycles. The result will be high power, a sufficient level of brightness, and a variety of designs.

It is not enough to choose the right type of lamp; it is important to take into account their other characteristics. The first thing people pay attention to is the power of the devices. For every 2-3 square meters you will need one lamp with a power of 40-60 W. More powerful devices can negatively affect the quality, durability and appearance of the stretch ceiling.

If you prefer incandescent lamps, the advantages include a simple connection diagram, quick replacement and low price. Among the disadvantages are limited resources and a reduction in the height of the room by lowering the ceiling, so choosing this option is not common.

Fluorescent lamps built into suspended ceilings more often. They do not heat up, meet safety standards, guarantee long term services. An interesting feature is the ability to choose a lamp of your preferred color temperature - warm yellow or cool white. The disadvantages are limited finishing and a pause before turning on.

Halogen light bulbs are a popular type for spotlights. They are called energy-saving for their ability to save electricity. With their help, it is possible to achieve bright lighting. Halogen lamps are suitable for organizing slanting lighting on a stretch ceiling. It is in demand for zoning space. Such light bulbs turn on instantly, and wide range allows you to choose the desired appearance.

LED models are an excellent choice for creating interior lighting. They help to focus attention on any design detail or add brightness to the lighting. LED light bulbs are available in various shades and sizes, which makes it possible to choose the appropriate option for implementing your own design idea.

How to choose outdoor lamps?

If you have chosen a suitable indoor lamp, you just need to decide on the outdoor type. The quality of lighting also depends on it. The main feature of such lamps is the ability to choose the preferred location of the bulb. It is mounted directly in the suspended ceiling or extends beyond it. At the same time, the distance by which the lamp extends beyond the ceiling varies.

Attention! Remember that there are types of outdoor lamps in which the light bulbs are mounted under the suspended ceiling itself. In this case, they are separated from the canvas exclusively by a protective screen. It functions as an interesting decorative element and protects the canvas from excessive heat.

Another popular option for outdoor lighting is light that smoothly descends from the ceiling. This type of lamp will take care of localizing the lighting zone and allow you to zone the space. Distinctive feature will be a unique opportunity to achieve the required brightness. This type is chosen by those who prefer extraordinary solutions in the interior.

Advantages of outdoor lamps:

Possibility to install next to the base ceiling, eliminating the reduction in room height.
insulation from ceiling covering.
The ceiling surface remains untouched, since no unnecessary intervention is required during the installation process.
Expert advice states that caring for lamps is easy.

The main advantage of outdoor lamps is their effective combination with spotlights. The result will pleasantly surprise you, and there are many design possibilities. Bring to life even the most bold ideas, and they will definitely look interesting!

Choosing LED lamps

When choosing light bulbs, apartment owners rely on the advice of experts who claim that the best choice for lighting is LED bulbs. They operate under voltage DC, which becomes their main difference from other options. In this case, the converter is installed in two ways. In the first case, it is mounted individually for each lamp, and in the second - into a single lighting system.

LEDs also have a number of advantages:

Durability of service.
Independence of the duration of the operating cycle from switching on or off.
Minimum heat release, which allows you to maintain the quality of the ceiling covering.
Easy installation.
Convenience and accessibility of subsequent repairs, if the need arises.
High quality of the product and its compliance with norms and standards.
Optimal dimensions of the plinth.

This design does have one drawback. They get a high cost. But during the service you will see that it is completely justified.

The advantages of LED lamps are obvious compared to other options. Feel free to give preference to LEDs, combine them with other light bulbs, creating unique designs. LED lighting is one of the most popular decor options. Such lamps are placed on the ceiling, walls or pieces of furniture. They create accents on decorative items.

Choosing spots: interesting solutions for the interior

Another type of lighting devices is spots, which also use LEDs. They are movable lamps, they are also called directional lamps. With their help, the interior focuses attention on a specific object, illuminating it with a bright spot.

Spots are placed on the ceiling or wall, directing the light flux in the desired direction. They will easily fit into any interior style, replacing traditional chandeliers. The adjustment is simple; you can independently direct the device in the desired direction.

The main advantage of spots is the ability to use them in rooms with low ceilings. They do not take up extra space and do not take away the height of the ceiling. Wall-mounted units are characterized by a small diameter of the movable base. Often in the interior they replace sconces. They are used for reading books or in the kitchen work area.

Now you know more about lamps and their making the right choice for stretch ceiling. To decide on the desired option, be sure to take into account the advice of experts. If desired, spotlights can be effectively combined with chandeliers. This will add zest to the interior and guarantee excellent lighting. If you still have questions about choosing lamps, pay attention to the video.