Ceiling lighting miraculously transforms any room. Properly selected lamps and skillfully mounted ceiling lighting in the apartment create comfort and help save the family budget. In the modern wealth of chandeliers, consumers can not always navigate on their own. This article will help you choose the most successful ceiling lamps.
Installation of lighting in an apartment begins with drawings and calculations, with determining the location of lighting points, lamps and switches. After the plan of the ceiling with lighting is drawn up, you should proceed with the installation of wires for the lamps.
The typical cross-section of the cable is 1.5 millimeters square, constituting a maximum load of 4 kilowatts. Of course, it is unlikely that the lighting in the house will reach this parameter, because in such a situation it is necessary to use 40 100 W bulbs at the same time. However, you should never promise, perhaps Jupiters will be installed for professional video filming at home.
When you don’t want to give extra money for the wire, you can calculate what section the cable will need in each case. If the lighting zone consists of three lamps with 60 W bulbs, then the total power of the lamps will reach 180 W. It needs to be divided by 220. Now let's look at what the result can tell us.
If the number turned out to be less than 10, then a cable with a cross section of 0.75 millimeters square can be installed to the lamps from the box. If less than 15, the cross section should have a size of 1 millimeter square, and more than 17 - up to 2.5 millimeters square. In our case, it turned out 0.8 - which means less than one. To use a single-core or multi-core cable is a personal matter for each person.
Standard block diagram
It is better to put separate boxes on ceiling lights so that there is less confusion and looks neater. In the apartment, the wires are entered under the floor, and in the house it appears next to the door. The cable runs from it to the shield. Near the shield there will be the first box, the task of which is to transmit current to other boxes and distribute the node for lighting the hallway and kitchen.
Structural lighting diagram: entry and wiring usually runs under the ceiling
The second box is located above the entrance to a large room in the corridor, from which a chandelier works in the hall and transmits voltage to the bathrooms. The third box is needed to maintain the bathroom, storage room and a small corridor, as well as to transmit voltage to the remaining rooms. There is a fourth box in the nursery, serving the switch and supplying power to the bedroom. The box in the bedroom is only needed to service the light switch and the chandelier. The remaining toilet and bathroom are fed from the sixth box.
Rules for installing switches
Switches of any type are always placed on the phase wire. Only one cable is connected to the switch, which opens and closes inside the switch. From the outside it may seem that there are two wires. However, the phase conductor forms a loop that rises or falls towards the switch. The loop is cut at the top, and the ends are connected to the contacts of a dimmer or switch.
If you install a dimmer as a switch, then you should look at its power. If the designation 300 W is made on the device, then it is designed for a chandelier, which consists of five light bulbs, each 60 W. There are 1000 watt dimmers for home use. With the help of such a dimmer, the level of lighting can be changed in several rooms at once. The dimmer is installed in the same way as a simple switch, only on the contacts of the dimmer there is an inscription which wire to connect to which contact.
Choice of lighting fixtures
Each luminaire consists of a light bulb of an electrical nature and fittings, which is necessary for the conclusion of the light bulb, its connection and lighting. What kind of lighting to do for stretch ceilings - a photo selection of fixtures will help you figure it out!
Luminaires, the fittings of which are fixed directly to the ceiling itself, are called ceiling luminaires. Such devices are used to create a general ceiling lighting design in a room. Ceiling light sources are suspended, surface and built-in.
Ceiling multi-lamp chandelier is traditionally located in the center of the room, evenly distributes the flow of light throughout the room
Pendant lights are placed at a certain distance from the ceiling. They are best suited for high rooms. These include suspensions, multi-lamp chandeliers, lampshades and other devices.
Surface light sources are directly fixed to the ceiling. These include various kinds of ceiling lamps, which are distinguished by their compact size. They are especially good for small spaces like a hallway or a bathroom.
A surface ceiling lamp is most often installed in small rooms that do not require bright lighting.
Lighting of suspended ceilings and stretch fabrics is traditionally performed using built-in lights. They can be installed anywhere in the room to create the most spectacular lighting in your home.
The popularity of spots is also growing - metal structures with halogen lamps that can turn to the sides. The spot is easy to mount and the ability to direct the light flux at will.
The spotlight with halogen lamps attracts with its stylish design and the ability to easily change the direction of the light flux
Spotlights are gaining popularity, which can be installed in cornices, stretch ceilings and inside furniture. For the most part, spot lighting of ceilings is used to focus on local surface lighting. In our time, to single out one type of lamp that would be considered more popular than the rest, because they all have their own advantages that make them attractive to citizens.
Installation of fixtures: technology
After the installation of the false ceiling lighting is done, and the switches and dimmers are installed, you can attach the fixtures to the surface. To fasten spotlights, you need to cut a round hole in drywall using a crown with a changing web diameter, after which the light bulb is simply inserted inside. In this case, the spring legs must be held with your fingers, pressing them to the body.
Installation of a spotlight in the ceiling is carried out after laying the entire spectrum of electrics
When the light bulb enters a sufficient depth into the canvas, the paws will press the lamp into place. First you need to connect the cable to the contacts. The most commonly used spotlights in everyday life are marked R80, R63, R50 and R39. The numbers indicate the size of the bulbs corresponding to the diameter of the hole in millimeters.
You can change your home beyond recognition by shifting accents in space. An effective solution is the lighting of a plasterboard ceiling with LED backlighting, which is distinguished by a “dimming” effect to set the brightness depending on the mood of the residents and the time of day. If the LED strip needs to be cut, then it is worth remembering that the cut is performed in specially designated places. If done incorrectly, it will be quite difficult to solder the tape back. To achieve uniform ceiling lighting, you need to fix the LED strip well to the ceiling.
Installation of the LED strip can be easily performed by an absolutely inexperienced performer.
An ordinary chandelier is fixed in two ways: hung on a hook or screwed with screws or dowel-nails. On the plate, which is located inside the decorative bowl, which closes the junction, there are holes. If the chandelier is placed on a hook, then special dowels should be used that have a hook instead of a regular screw. When you need to install a massive chandelier, they use a metal anchor that has a diameter of close to 8–10 millimeters and can withstand a load of up to 80 kilograms.
Rules for arranging lighting
Lighting of the apartment is local, general and combined. By combining different types of luminaires, you can create zones with soft or intense uniform lighting. To verify this, enter "stretch ceilings lighting" into the search engine and analyze the proposed options.
Most often, room lighting is a combination of several options.
In nurseries and bedrooms, it is recommended to install lamps with a stream of light directed upwards to create soft lighting throughout the room. With general lighting, you need to evenly illuminate the entire room with the help of the most powerful and energy-intensive lamps suspended in the center of the ceiling. In ceiling lamps of general light, you can use one lamp with a high power - up to 200 W or several, which have a total power of up to 300 W. As a rule, multi-lamp fixtures have two categories of lamps that are switched on autonomously.
Ceiling lighting in the kitchen requires the creation of several groups, depending on how the ceiling design is executed. Usually this is the area above the table, above the work surface and lighting the central part of the kitchen. Lighting devices are also customarily built into cabinet furniture.
Multifunctional lighting in the kitchen provides a supply of light and separates the work area from the dining area
The hallway or corridor usually has a small area, so the lighting here should not hurt the eyes and be excessively bright, but you should not create twilight either. It is best to use LED ceiling lighting and wall-mounted fixtures. If a decision is made to use a lamp in one copy, then it must emit light well.
In the living room, local and general lighting is created to make changes to the interior using the light mode. For the reception area, general lighting is used with the help of chandeliers, ceiling lamps and pendant lamps. Since the living room is known as a multifunctional room, its functional areas require local light with spotlights.
Thus, not so long ago it was believed that ceiling lighting could only be provided with a chandelier and a wall lamp. However, thanks to new technologies, other solutions have emerged. In the future, it will be possible that diffused light will almost completely replace sconces and ceiling lights.
Ceiling lighting will create a special coziness and atmosphere in the room. Unique interior design elements are presented in many variations, which not only add extra volume to the room, but also visually lighten plasterboard and stretch ceiling structures.
In the article we will look at popular types and give tips on how to make ceiling lighting with your own hands.
In addition to aesthetic functions, a similar technique:
- Visually increases the height of the room.
- Gives a soft diffused light that will not distract you from watching TV in the evening or while getting ready for bed.
Before you decide to include lighting in the interior, you need to understand that such a system can take the height of the room by about 10-15 cm. When developing the future design of the room, consider these points. Use the suggestions below. They will help you make the right choice.
- Installation of the backlight should be provided at the stage of installing the ceiling frame, so that it is possible to hide electrical wires, platforms for lamps, etc. in advance.
- Plasterboard, rack, stretch ceilings can be made in several tiers, and using complex geometry, give them originality. In this case, your imagination is not limited by anything. Which of the ways to design the ceiling surface to choose is up to you.
- On multi-level plasterboard structures, you can combine different types of lighting. For example, a starry sky in the middle and halogen lighting at the edges.
- For stretch ceilings, due to their originality, it is worth limiting yourself only to LED strip around the perimeter of the room. Please note that different textures give completely opposite effects.
- The main disadvantage of stretch ceilings is that not all light bulbs are allowed to be mounted on it, but only a certain power.
- To visually increase the space, you can hide the backlight in the recesses on the ceiling and niches.
- Evening illumination of the ceiling will help to dilute the meager interior in colors.
- If financial possibilities do not allow you to make an original ceiling, purchase a ceiling plinth and lay LEDs under it.
Ceiling lighting options
The variety of lighting fixtures offered by manufacturers will help illuminate the room and radically change its appearance. Common ceiling lighting options include:
- LED strips installed along the edges of the room. For multi-level structures, this technique can emphasize individual tiers or highlight geometric shapes.
- are represented by randomly or evenly spaced light bulbs mounted in a ceiling system.
- neon tubes better than others change the appearance of space. Differ in long service life.
In addition, depending on the purpose, the backlight is divided into:
- target. Used to visually divide the area into zones. For example, or a dining table in the kitchen.
- General. Represents the main lighting. In this case, spotlights are usually installed.
- Designer. This option will not give much artificial light, but it will make the room cozy and comfortable. This includes luminous patterns or perimeter lighting.
To choose the right option, decide on the location of the backlight, the brightness you want to get, and of course, consider the overall style of the room.
Ceiling lighting with LED strip
Criterias of choice
When choosing an LED strip, be guided by the following criteria:
- How dense are the diodes.
- How much power does the product consume?
- Is moisture protection provided?
LED strips are offered for sale in various color variations. By shades they are divided into:
- Monochrome - one color.
- Universal or RGB ribbons give several different variations - red, green, blue. RGBW strips additionally emit white.
At the price of the products are almost the same, so it is better to choose RGBW. For such diodes, the set is equipped with a special controller, which makes it possible to adjust the shades and the degree of intensity of the glow.
LED backlights also differ in the density of the arrangement of diode bulbs: from 30 to 120 pieces per meter of tape. If you intend to illuminate a large-sized ceiling, purchase products with a frequent arrangement of diodes; for a directional light source, you should use lower indicators.
How brightly the diode bulbs will glow depends on the power consumption. The SMD 5050 and SMD 3528 models are recognized as popular. The first gives 4.8 W / m at a density of 60 pieces of diodes per meter of tape, the second at the same density - 14.4 W / m.
Often included in the design of bathroom ceilings. Then it is better to use strips with additional protection against moisture. The price for them depends on the degree of security.
LED Lighting Options
LED lighting can be mounted in different places of the suspension system. We give the most common examples:
- In niches. This arrangement seems to raise the ceiling into the air, creating a floating effect. Usually, niches are purposefully included in ceiling structures for decoration with LED lighting. The upward facing LEDs emit a soft diffused light. Side lighting with a tape will make the light directional, sliding along the “floating” ceiling surface.
- Inside false ceiling. The tapes are mounted in the space between the draft ceiling and the translucent film web. This design makes the glow soft and diffused, and the ceiling seems to glow from the inside.
- Behind the eaves. This method is the easiest and most affordable. In this case, you do not have to mount a tension or suspension system. The cornice is attached to the wall, and an LED strip is laid along the edge of the plinth.
Do-it-yourself ceiling lighting with LED strips has already been considered by us in articles, both for drywall and tension structures. Therefore, we will dwell in more detail on the nuances of installation associated with neon lighting and spotlights.
Peculiarities
The classic version of neon lighting is represented by glass tubes filled with an inert gas - neon. A special powder is applied to the inner surface of the "cones" - a phosphor, which emits a glow under voltage.
Due to the fact that neon ceiling lighting requires high voltage, a special current converter will have to be installed together with it. One device is placed at seven meters. The locations of the converting devices are determined at the stage of ceiling installation. Usually, niches are made in the concrete floor, where the converters are placed.
Neon lighting has the following features:
- Such variations are used only as a decorative design, since they give a small brightness with a significant consumption of electricity. A wide range of shades will become an organic addition to the overall style of the room.
- A quality product will last from 10 to 15 years.
- The standard sizes for this type of fixtures are 1.5 length and 1.5 cm diameter. The temperature of the heated bulbs does not exceed 40 degrees, and the design works almost silently.
- The junctions of the elements do not form dark spots, so the glow is uniform and continuous.
- Instead of standard products, you can decorate the ceiling with a neon cord. Its flexibility greatly simplifies installation, and the device emits the same glow as lamps. The only downside is the expensive price.
Usually, neon lighting of a hidden type is most often used for rooms, placing products in hidden niches. Moreover, the narrower the opening for the exit of artificial lighting, the brighter the luminous strip.
You can select with the help of neon individual elements of decor or interior items. This will complement the overall design of the room, make the room harmonious and beautiful.
How to make neon lights
Having decided on the option you like, you can proceed with the installation.
Before you can make neon ceiling lights, you will have to replace the wiring from the switch to the fixture. The first step is to cut the wall for laying a new cable. Subsequently, the cracks can be sealed with putty flush with the surface.
Therefore, it is necessary to determine the placement of lighting devices, as well as to bring the wires before installing the ceiling and repairing the room as a whole.
Neon lighting on the ceiling is laid in a special plasterboard box or for ceiling plinths. The first method is chosen by carrying out artistic decoration at the repair stage, before the final decoration of the walls and ceiling with finishing materials.
Backlighting is laid in the plinth during the final finishing of the ceiling surface at the final stage of the repair. For a clearer design of neon lighting, you need to attach a small ledge to the plane of the eaves. To get diffused light, the board on the cornice does not need to be installed.
It is better to choose a larger skirting board for such work, because it is very difficult to mount transformers in narrow elements. If you still want to minimize the finish, just "drown" the transformer in the wall niche.
Usually neon lamps come in a kit, which, in addition to the lighting element, includes cords, fasteners, circuits, so there should not be any particular difficulties when connecting.
How to arrange appliances
In addition to the requirements for, it is necessary to take into account their correct location on the ceiling surface:
- Uniform used in simple structures consisting of one level. In this case, the fixtures are placed around the perimeter of the room on the entire plane of the ceiling.
- group designed to illuminate individual areas. For example, when zoning space. Most often, such variations are combined with the main source of artificial light - a chandelier.
On a note! Group lighting is often used to highlight figures on stretch or plasterboard ceilings.
Before you buy appliances, carefully plan and consider possible variations in their location. Be guided by the following parameters:
- Type of light source, its power and technical characteristics.
- View of the ceiling surface.
- Placement method.
Installation of spot lighting involves the following procedure:
- Lay the wires and bring them to the installation sites of the devices at the stage of assembling the frame.
Important! The permissible distance between the lamps and the metal base of the suspended structure should be at least 25-30 cm.
- Lay the wires in special corrugations to protect them from moisture, and fasten them to metal profiles with plastic clamps.
- In the ceiling finish, make the required number of holes corresponding to the size of the fixtures.
- Install drywall on the ceiling and install appliances.
For stretch ceilings, fixing of fixtures is carried out after fixing the canvas, but all preparatory work (supplying electricity, installing platforms, etc.) is carried out at the frame assembly stage.
When arranging lighting in your apartment, remember that for the most part it performs a decorative function. Before starting work, check out the possible design options for lighting on the ceiling on the Internet, since illiterately selected methods can make the design heavier. This is especially true for multi-level suspension systems.
LED ceiling lighting - ready-made kits (video)
Ceiling lighting not only helps illuminate a room, but is also responsible for maintaining or reframing its proportions. If you choose the wrong light, you can completely spoil the whole picture. Due to the specifics of the ceiling covering, there are several ways of lighting, which we will now try to figure out.
Peculiarities
Ceiling lighting is selected individually for each room, depending on its features. For example, to get lighting right for low or beamed ceilings, you need to use two very different approaches. In the first case, it is preferable to install recessed lighting, as it will visually add height, and in the second, emphasize the two-level ceiling with a rustic or loft-style chandelier, depending on the style of the room.
Now it is fashionable to highlight the ceiling around the perimeter of the room, but this is not always appropriate. Sometimes it is much better to replace the hidden strip lighting with LED spotlights, especially if the room is large. So you can achieve a uniform level of illumination in every corner.
To take into account all the possible nuances, you definitely need to plan the location of the ceiling lights in advance. This is especially important, since few ceiling structures can immediately "adjust" to the momentary desires of the owners. For example, in the case of stretch ceilings, if you do not lay the wiring in advance, the entire canvas will have to be pulled. The specificity is such that for the location of the fixtures, the ceiling must be strengthened and glued in the right places, and all these procedures are carried out even before it is fixed.
How to arrange?
The correct placement of ceiling lights is the key to the success of a beautiful organization of space. To do everything right, you will need to draw up a drawing plan for arranging furniture at the initial stage of repair. So you will know exactly where you need to enhance the light, and where, on the contrary, darken the space a little.
Usually, when placing a ceiling light, they are guided by the following rule: it is necessary to highlight all the important details with the backlight. It can be a composition of photographs on the wall, a reading chair, a dining table where the whole family gathers - anything. If you know in advance where you plan to put a sofa or hang a mirror, planning will become much easier.
If you are planning to install more than just a single ceiling chandelier, you can not leave thinking about the location of the backlight for later. This is fraught with damage to the entire room due to incorrectly placed light accents.
Options for stretch fabrics
For stretch ceilings, three types of ceiling lamps are used: pendant lamp, recessed lighting or perimeter lighting. The latter option is especially common for plasterboard ceilings, as it allows you to emphasize an interesting multi-level composition.
A pendant lamp can be located even in the middle of the room, at least in several places. It is not forbidden to use several different types of chandeliers. This is done in order to divide the space into zones, especially when it comes to large studio apartments. When choosing bulbs for a chandelier, it should be noted that their power should not exceed 40 W if the lamp is close to the ceiling, otherwise the ceiling sheet may be deformed.
Recessed spot lighting is good for emphasizing any details, as well as for creating the illusion of "light directly from the ceiling." Please note that spotlights must certainly be hidden behind decorative strips or recessed into the ceiling, otherwise attention will be focused on them, and not on the object of illumination.
The lighting around the perimeter can work both from the switch and burn on a permanent basis. Two models of light sources are presented that can create the desired effect: LED strip or duralight. The LED strip is soft and can be mounted anywhere, it gives a fairly bright light. Duralight is less bright and is made in the form of a flexible cord, however, if you lay it in 2-3 rows, it will not be much inferior to LED strips in terms of brightness.
For two-level ceilings
In modern design, it is customary to focus on two-level ceilings, so it is imperative to use spotlights or LED strips. It is important to emphasize the different levels and their differences. For example, one of the classic ways is to mount an LED strip in a niche between drywall levels.
The lower level is usually emphasized on the sides with spotlights. It can be directed from the center of the room or to the center, depending on how the levels are built. Many designers resort to the following trick to expand the space: they make the central part of the ceiling higher and glossy, and lower it a little into the matte side ones. Thus, the illumination towards the center, reflected as much as possible by the glossy coating, makes the room incredibly light and high. Properly selected light temperature can make such a design even more comfortable.
The pendant chandelier is usually one, located in the center. Its size, shape and design are selected depending on the style of the room. For example, for classic interiors, it can be a large “boucher” chandelier decorated with crystal pendants, and for high-tech, it can be a simple geometric hanging ceiling.
Solutions on a sloping surface
Not necessarily the attic ceiling should be decorated with only one small source of light. Depending on the height of the ceiling, you can also afford large chandeliers. However, this rule applies to high attics, and only the high part of the bevel can be framed in this way.
With the low part, things are not so rosy. Often, it is impossible to somehow arrange it at all, since the height is extremely small. The best choice in this case would be LED lamps. They do not have to be powerful, but the illumination must be sufficient.
Make sure that every corner of the attic is bright. When planning, be sure to write down how you will decorate the darkened part, because the light of one central lamp is often not enough. If you correctly arrange the sloping ceiling, it will be possible to visually “raise” it, which will make the room seem larger and more comfortable.
Luminous ceiling as the main source of light
Many people believe that to create high-quality light in a room, it is necessary to highlight it at all levels: the ceiling, walls, and even the floor. Let's not argue, this is often the case, but for most rooms, ceiling lighting alone is enough. This is due to the fact that typically in Russian apartments there are no large ceilings and huge areas, and the ceiling light freely reaches the floor without getting lost somewhere in the middle.
However, if you are a happy owner of three-meter ceilings, there is a way out here. Recently, height-adjustable ceiling chandeliers have returned to fashion. At will, they can be lowered, brightly illuminating any detail, and raised, if necessary, to return soft diffused lighting.
Now such chandeliers are made as safe as possible, using LED lamps in them. They do not heat up themselves and do not heat the body of the chandelier, so there is no chance of severe burns during manipulations with the height adjustment. Such models can be used even in the nursery.
To make the ceiling the only source of light, you should choose the right brightness of the lamps. Consult with a specialist about buying a particular model of light bulb, ask questions about power, brightness, color temperature. As a rule, you can get a free consultation right at the time of buying a lamp.
Types of fixtures
In addition to the typical options listed, alternative lighting sources are used in different styles of interiors.
- Tires. Hanging rail cornices are back in fashion with a modern loft style. They are structures to which various lamps are attached, and later everything is suspended together from the ceiling. In fact, the tire is an ordinary rectangular chandelier on rods.
- Searchlights for indoor use. A bold option that does not fit into every room. Floodlights give a bright narrow beam of light. They can be fixed or movable. Movable options are much more convenient, since the light can be redirected depending on your needs. The big disadvantage is that the spotlights give predominantly cold light, which is practically not used in residential areas.
- Spots. Spotlights are movable structures with linear lighting, somewhat similar to spotlights, but their beam strength clearly cannot compete with their counterparts. Spots are also used to highlight the most interesting details.
Despite the fact that the listed types of lighting devices are quite common, they are still practically not used alone. They are combined with typical representatives - ordinary hanging chandeliers.
Cornices
To make hidden lighting, drywall is most often used. Niches made of this material are ideal for this due to its excellent decorative properties. You can simulate any edge for highlighting: oval, straight, wavy.
Ordinary plastic cornices are hidden in such niches, which can be easily equipped with lighting. Such an illusion of curtains falling out of nowhere, and even illuminated from above, looks appropriate in almost any interior.
In addition to bus structures, baguette cornices can also be equipped with lighting. Some models even have special cavities so that there is somewhere to hide the wires. In any case, there will be no problems with hiding the wires: they can easily be hidden behind a decorative strip.
The illuminated cornice in the ceiling lighting plays a rather significant role, especially when it comes to lighting around the perimeter of the room. Such a selection of lighting allows you to make the room larger, expand it, while emphasizing the design of the window.
Styles
Particular attention is paid to ceiling lighting by the modern trend in styles. Loft, minimalism, hi-tech, modern require the widespread use of various types of ceiling lights. All of these styles share certain rules:
- Not necessary choose the same ceiling lamps, their functional component is the most important. For minimalism, it is advisable to choose lamps of the simplest design with good light output, industrial-style chandeliers are suitable for a loft, and fantasy metal structures for high-tech and modern.
Ceiling lighting in a living room contributes to the creation of comfort. The design decision on interior design can be ambiguous, the main thing is that the apartment should be light. In this article, you will learn what kind of ceiling lighting is, how to place lighting fixtures, and also about the elementary rules for their construction.
Advantages and disadvantages of a luminous ceiling
Having started repairs in the apartment, do not ignore the ceiling. After all, this is the space for your imagination to fly. The ceiling structure can be decorated by installing a lighting system in it in an original way, thereby transforming the interior of the room as a whole.
Ceiling space lighting covers the following benefits:
- used spotlights are economical;
- design solution is diverse;
- no need to pre-treat the surface before installation;
- the device of lighting fixtures is allowed on any form;
- creating an optical increase in the space of the room;
- the ability to reconfigure devices, depending on the degree of luminescence;
- stretch ceiling with built-in lamps is operated for a long time;
- easy cleaning and comfort.
Ceiling lighting can be very original
The disadvantages include:
- light sources should be at least 10 cm below the ceiling level, therefore, in an apartment with a small wall height, their device is not recommended;
- ceiling lighting does not change after ceiling installation;
- with self-installation of lighting fixtures, difficulties may arise;
- during work, technology must be observed so that there are no defects.
It is always better to entrust the installation of lighting fixtures to specialists. Types of ceiling lighting
Lighting is not only the creation of warmth and comfort in the room, but also a design decision. Ceiling lighting can be performed using various types of devices. Before choosing one or another type of fixtures, you need to determine which of them are best suited for your ceiling.
Suspension
Suspended ceiling is a structure, the installation of which is carried out at a considerable distance from the concrete base. Therefore, this type of ceiling is only suitable for large rooms with a high ceiling level. However, there are advantages here. So, in suspended ceilings it is possible to install a variety of lighting fixtures, there is plenty to choose from.
To illuminate the false ceiling, it is advisable to use the following lighting fixtures:
- Spotlights;
- LED strips and panels;
- flat chandeliers;
- suspended built-in lamps;
- fiber optic light sources.
Designers note that the lighting in the false ceiling will be original when using several lamps of different types.
Stretch
If a large number of different lamps can be used for a suspended ceiling, then things are much more complicated with a stretch fabric. The fact is that the PVC film, which is stretched under the base, does not have super strength and heat resistance. From this we can conclude that it is simply impossible to hang a heavy chandelier directly on this canvas - the film will immediately tear. Also, it is impossible to install fixtures with conventional incandescent lamps, otherwise there is a risk of melting the film area next to the device.
To equip the tension web, it is allowed to use such electric lighting devices as:
- LED spotlights (recessed);
- suspended and specially designed for this type of ceiling chandeliers;
- LED strips and fluorescent fixtures.
Spotlights are most often used in stretch ceilings. Concrete or wooden
Lighting a wooden or concrete ceiling can be done using different types of fixtures. There are no restrictions here. In such bases, devices are mounted on a hook, anchor or dowel, which are securely fixed in the ceiling. You can hang even the heaviest chandelier and not worry.
The lighting system for a concrete base can be equipped using chandeliers with conventional incandescent bulbs. Both pendant and ceiling-mounted lamps are suitable. The LED strip around the perimeter of the ceiling will also look good.
Both chandeliers and built-in devices, such as spotlights, are suitable for wooden bases. However, they are impractical to use, since the process of installation work becomes more complicated.
Luminous stretch ceiling as the main solution
Often, professional designers equip general lighting in a stretch ceiling. It looks very impressive, it seems as if the ceiling is weightless. With the help of a stretch fabric and competent lighting, you can create the effect of the night sky, and if a pure white pvc film is used, then there will be a bright glow of the entire ceiling space.
Simple and unusual at the same time There are some nuances in the stretch ceiling and its lighting:
- Using a PVC sheet with 50% transparency, which is practically no different from a transparent film.
- To make a luminous ceiling, install an LED strip or spotlights in the space between the concrete base and the stretch fabric itself.
- There are several varieties of tape: it is available both in white and in other colors.
The amazing glow of the starry sky right above your head On the video: LED ceiling lighting.
Types of fixtures for lighting the ceiling
Modern lighting today is diverse and the consumer market offers a lot of lighting options. These are not only ordinary chandeliers and spotlights, but also lighting made by track systems, flexible designs. When choosing lighting, you should pay attention to the characterizing parameters of the room, for example, the height and area indicators, as well as its purpose.
Chandeliers
Chandeliers are the most commonly used type of fixture for lighting a room. They are divided into:
- Suspended. Direct the light beam straight down. Usually such a suspension is made on a cord, chain or other material.
- Ceiling. These devices shine upwards, evenly distributing the light flux. They come in different shapes (round, square, rectangular), and are attached directly to the ceiling with a plank.
- Classic. The device of these devices is the most common, many lamps are used, and the main structural elements are made of metal, glass, fabric or crystal. Hanging on a hook in the ceiling.
Ceiling lighting includes the use of spotlights. The number of this type of lamp is set by calculation, based on the power indicator of the devices. Spot lighting can act as both primary and secondary.
The division of spotlights is made according to:
- installation method - built-in, suspended or overhead;
- type of lamps - halogen, LED, fluorescent, incandescent lamps;
- execution - can be both rotary and non-rotary.
Track systems
These are original lamps fixed on rails - the so-called busbar. The design can have several locations, depending on the design. Fixing on the ceiling is carried out on special cables and is adjustable to different heights.
It is worth noting that the voltage indicator of light sources can be either 12V or 220 V. The latter are distinguished by simple installation and safe operation.
Flexible luminaires
This is another type of lighting that is most often used as an additional one. Such lamps can be used in any part of the interior, due to their flexibility they can be installed in the ceiling structure of any shape, and also have a soft glow.
Glowing effect is created:
- duralight cords;
- LED strips;
- neon tubes.
It is easy to fix them on a stretch ceiling, use them to decorate a plasterboard ceiling. With a competent approach, the fixed tape serves for quite a long time and the structure does not need to be specially maintained. It is still worth making the main lighting, even when using this version of lighting devices.
Ceiling Lighting Ideas for Different Rooms
To date, there are many ways to decorate the ceiling with the help of light. When choosing, you should take into account the purpose of the room, and what characteristics the lighting fixtures have.
Corridor
- With a low ceiling, the placement of lamps is recommended with a given light direction on the walls and upwards in order to increase the volume of the room.
- If the ceiling level is below average, then the effects of the original lighting are achieved using halogen fixtures.
- To expand the space, you should build in and mount the lamps so that the light hits the walls.
- If the ceiling level is high, then you can install several hanging lighting fixtures, so the light will fall on the floor.
Kitchen
The main or general lighting necessary for this room is used, additional - local in the form of spotlights, wall sconces. The first type is usually used to illuminate the entire area, and the second at the place of preparation or meal.
Bedroom
Before installing lighting fixtures, you need to make sure where the bed will be located, the laying of the wire depends on it. The main lighting is recommended to be done in the center of the room, you can use an ordinary chandelier, and hang a night lamp with a halogen lamp on the wall by the bed.
Living room
The main lighting element can be a chandelier located in the center of the room, but it is important to take into account the parameters of the area and the height of the ceiling. If the room is large, then the overall chandelier will look original. If the living room is small, then the ceiling can be decorated with built-in lights to visually expand the space.
Bathroom
The ideal solution would be matte or transparent shades. If the ceiling level is very high, then you can hang a chandelier, and if it is low, then it is enough to fix the lamps to the walls. It is worth noting that the selected colored glass materials will not be the best option, as the light flow will be distorted.
Balcony
There is not enough space on this site, so you can use:
- small table lamp;
- ceiling light source;
- wall sconce location.
Usually, for lighting on a balcony or loggia, the choice is given in favor of devices intended for the street.
Learn more about spot lighting
Spot lighting built into a suspended or suspended ceiling has become popular today. The types of lamps used are practical and are used for a long time. Point light is scattered evenly over the entire area, which provides normal illumination.
Key Features
On a suspended or stretch ceiling, placed spotlights illuminate a small area. The scattering angle does not exceed 30 0 . Therefore, these devices should be placed close to each other. The streams of light are in the shape of a cone, which means that they must intersect at the same level, which is above all objects and furniture.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages of spotlights:
- can be used to highlight certain places;
- have low power consumption;
- can be installed anywhere;
- are small in size;
- emit a fairly bright light;
- possibility of execution in different colors.
There are also disadvantages:
- design complexity;
- use of additional power supplies;
- should not be used for low ceilings;
- overheating may leave defects on the false ceiling.
Fixture placement
Spotlights can be placed in different ways, it all depends on the functionality of the room and the design idea. But most often choose the following options for placing lamps:
- parallel to each other;
- along the perimeter of the ceiling;
- in the form of an arc;
- circle or square;
- cross;
- in a checkerboard pattern.
How to calculate the number of fixtures
To calculate the number of spotlights, it is necessary to measure the area of \u200b\u200bthe ceiling. So, with a lamp power of 35 W, 1.5 m 2 can be illuminated (20 W illuminates 1 m 2). With the additional creation of lighting, for example, a chandelier, the number of spotlights decreases.
Lighting standards are presented in Lux per 1m² It is worth noting that there are types of spotlights equipped with a rotary mechanism or with a lamp inside, this allows you to increase the angle of dispersion. Based on this, you can purchase a smaller number of fixtures.
Minimum distance
When choosing spotlights, consider the following:
- from the walls to the fixtures, a distance of at least 20 cm must be maintained;
- between the devices themselves must be left at least 30 cm;
- the distance from the seam of the PVC film should also be more than 20 cm;
- one lamp will illuminate a plot of 1.5 m 2.
These requirements must be met so that overheating does not occur, and, accordingly, the integrity of the material is not violated (in the case of a stretch ceiling, PVC films).
Spot lighting in different rooms
Spot lighting is used perfectly in any room, not only in the living room, bedroom, but also in the hallway, bathroom, bathroom and corridor. This is the best solution if the area of \u200b\u200bthe apartment is small. But here it is worth considering that spotlights should be installed in a stretch or suspended ceiling structure, and it is not suitable for any room.
Before installing such lamps, it is necessary to make markings on a film or sheet of drywall, taking into account:
- ceiling area;
- purpose of the room;
- overall design;
- the number of available chandeliers and sconces.
Hallway
The light should be saturated with bright tones, but not to such an extent that the light hurts the eye. The best option is to create diffused light. Spotlights can be arranged in numerous beams, and a chandelier can be placed in the center.
Kitchen
For any owner, light in the kitchen is a must. It is necessary to maintain the distance between the lighting devices, as well as calculate their power. When choosing an additional light source, the number of main fixtures must be reduced.
Living room
One of the solutions in the design of the living room is the use of combined lighting. Spotlights are evenly spaced relative to the main light source or around the perimeter, here you need to take into account the possibility of power control.
Bedroom
So that the light is not conspicuous, it is recommended to place spotlights on the steps of the ceiling or along its perimeter. It is better to install the number of lamps less than it turned out in the calculations. It is recommended to use a dimmer to control the lighting.
Children's
Lighting is created by point light sources over the workplace of children, for example, where they draw or do other creative work. In addition, using spotlights of different powers and light, you can create an imitation of a fairy tale for children.
Bathroom
To illuminate this room, no more than two spotlights are sufficient, since the area usually does not exceed 5 m 2. Everything is determined by calculation. Under any circumstances, it should be borne in mind that the hermetic design of lighting devices is important and the use of halogen lamps would be an ideal solution.
Options for stretch ceilings
This type of ceiling is equipped with lamps of several varieties. A distinctive feature is only the depth of installation of current-carrying parts. The use of mortise lighting fixtures is most relevant, and a ring is fixed around the lamps to prevent tearing of the film.
Above ceiling level
Light fixtures installed above the ceiling level create a glow effect from within. It looks great, but there are a number of disadvantages:
- the area is not fully illuminated;
- possible strong heating of the lamps;
- the need for LED lamps.
At ceiling level
Recessed spotlights are installed directly into the ceiling structure itself. Illumination of space is carried out, depending on the idea. But the light scattering coefficient is quite high. It is impossible to install lamps with a power of more than 35 W, and a transformer must be installed.
Below level and overhead
The main distinguishing characteristics of such lighting is a large percentage of light scattering. This category includes spotlights, which are also built into a suspended or suspended structure, but the lighting element extends beyond the ceiling. They can have glass shades, hanging decorative elements.
For the installation of overhead fixtures, a special base is used, which allows the use of lamps of different power ratings.
Other options
With the help of fiber optic spotlights, you can create an imitation of the starry sky. Two-level stretch ceilings with additional lighting are quite original in their solution. It is worth considering that when choosing lamps of the minion type, one element is installed based on 2 m 2.
Unusual ideas for placing fixtures
To create a new lighting project, you can be guided by creative ideas.
Ceiling lighting with LED strip is an original design solution that allows you to make the ceiling area unique. In order for this ceiling design technique to be stylish and appropriate, it is necessary to study the intricacies of its placement and the most beneficial design techniques.
Peculiarities
The LED strip is a functional lighting device with a mass of diode lamps. The design consists of a base with an adhesive surface and a protective film. Some varieties are attached to the ceiling with plastic brackets. At the very base are auxiliary components, a contact pad and LEDs. In order for the illumination to be uniform, the light sources are placed at the same distance from each other.
This material is quite flexible, the tape is sold in reels that exclude the formation of creases, and has cut lines. It is an auxiliary backlight, although the power of this lighting device often allows you to replace the central lighting. The power consumption of 1 m of tape is from 4.8 to 25 watts.
At the same time, the number of LEDs per 1 m can be from 30 to 240 pieces. Its uniqueness lies in its economy: a 10-meter length cut is less than a conventional incandescent lamp in terms of energy consumption.
Resistors eliminate the possibility of a voltage surge, they limit the flow of current. The width of the tape can reach 5 cm. The size of the LEDs is also different, so some varieties shine brighter than others. If it is necessary to increase the intensity of the ceiling illumination, sometimes an additional row of diodes is soldered to the tape.
By tightness, LED strips are divided into three types:
- not having tightness (for ordinary rooms);
- with an average degree of protection against moisture (for rooms with high humidity);
- in silicone, resistant to water (for the bathroom).
On the modern market, such products are presented in the form of classic white ribbons, RGB varieties and plain backlighting.
Advantages
LED lighting in the form of a tape is convenient and of high quality.
It is a sought-after ceiling design tool for several reasons:
- is an impeccable method of updating the interior composition of the interior of any room;
- sets a unique atmosphere for any room;
- differs in an even and soft directional glow without flicker and noise;
- attached directly to the ceiling;
- significantly saves energy consumption;
- has an attractive design;
- durable - has a service life of about 10 years;
- it is distinguished by the possibility of choosing a color shade for the interior composition;
- due to flexibility allows to take any form;
- harmless, does not emit toxic substances into the air during operation;
- fireproof;
- does not affect TV and communication signals (does not cause interference).
Such a ribbon can be a decoration for any room in the home.
You can decorate the ceiling with it:
- living room;
- children's;
- hallway;
- corridor;
- bathroom;
- bay area;
- kitchens;
- working office;
- home library;
- glazed loggia;
- balcony;
- storerooms.
Tape LED backlighting is affordable. It is easy to install, you can install it yourself, without involving specialists from outside.
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Criterias of choice
Tape lighting on LEDs has a lot of varieties. Before buying, determine the type of lighting.
If this tape will perform the function of general lighting, all lighting fixtures are removed from the ceiling. Then, several tapes of greater power are fixed on the ceiling, placing them around the perimeter, as well as behind the stretch ceiling film (a costly method). To accentuate the contours, this self-adhesive backlight is fixed along the perimeter of the niches, creating diffused light and a visual effect of increasing space.
If you need to select a curly ledge, you can partially repeat its shape, which is especially important for suspended structures. At the same time, the flexibility of the tape does not limit the curvature of the line.
If it is planned to repeat the illumination of the ceiling, for example, by highlighting the shape of a mirror or facing a kitchen apron, varieties acquire the same glow. In order to choose the right LED strip and not get lost in the wide range of the presented assortment, you need to decide on the type of fastening, the shade of the glow, the power of the light sources and their number. The design idea, on which the final effect of light transmission depends, also matters.
Therefore, when buying, you should pay attention even to the substrate: it is undesirable that it catches the eye. It is purchased to match the color of the main background of the ceiling. It can be more than just white. On the market for such products, you can find options with a brown, gray and even transparent base.
Glow hue
Ribbons are not just divided into plain and colored. In the first case, these are light bulbs that burn exclusively in one shade (for example, white, blue, yellow, orange, green). In addition, these varieties can emit infrared and ultraviolet light. The second ones are a ribbon with built-in bulbs that can glow in different colors alternately or simultaneously. Different possibilities of tapes affect the price: options with a light switching mode are more expensive.
Power and placement density
If the main backlight requirement is the brightness of the light flux, it is necessary to purchase a product with a smaller gap between the diodes. At the same time, electricity consumption will be greater than that of varieties with sparse light bulbs. If the lighting in the design of the ceiling will only have a decorative function, it is enough to buy an LED for the design of the ceiling zone - a system with the number of LEDs per 1 m of about 30-60 pieces. For the main illumination, a ribbon with a number of bulbs of 120-240 pieces per 1 m of length is suitable.
At the same time, the nuance is important: the more spacious the room, the greater should be the width of the tape. A narrow version on a high ceiling of a large area will be lost. It is better to decorate the ceiling area with a wide variety with 2 rows of LEDs.
We study the fee
In fact, everything is simple here: the abbreviation SMD indicated on the tape stands for "surface mount device." Next to the letters are 4 numbers: this is the length and width of one LED. Of the options presented, the most relevant choice is the parameters 3020 (3 x 2 mm), 3528 (3.5 x 2.8 mm), 5050 (5 x 5 mm). The larger the diodes and the density of their placement, the brighter they shine. Each type of tape has a different capacity. For example, SMD 3528 with 60 diodes per 1 m consumes 4.8 W, if there are 120 light sources, the power is 9.6 W. If there are 240, the consumption is 19.6 watts.
Footage
The footage of the tape depends on the perimeter of the pasted ceiling plane. Since LEDs differ in the intensity of their glow, they are not bought at random: if the space is small, an excess of light will hit the eyes. Simply put, a total of 11W will replace a 100W incandescent light bulb.
To select the level of light, measure the required footage of the illuminated area using a tape measure. After that, the resulting figure is multiplied by the power of 1 m of tape. This value will allow you to decide on the purchase of a power supply or controller, if you plan to purchase a ribbon with multi-colored light bulbs to decorate the ceiling.
As a rule, the footage of the tape for lighting the ceiling is 5 meters, although today such a product can be bought in a shorter length.
Protection class
Each type of tape with LEDs is designed to decorate the ceiling of different types of rooms.
Returning to the topic of notation, it is worth considering the marks:
- IP 20 - a label indicating the possibility of using LED strip in dry-type rooms (living rooms, children's rooms, offices, corridors).
- IP 65 - an indicator indicating that the board can withstand contact with moisture, it can be used in "wet" areas (places where leaks are possible from neighbors above).
- IP 68 - category with insulation.
When buying, it is worth considering that varieties with a silicone layer are not suitable for decorating the ceiling, as they hide the intensity of the light flux, force the substrate to heat up, which provokes heating of the surface of the ceiling finish.
Mounting
Installing LED lighting with your own hands is easy. However, before installation, it is worth considering the fact that the tapes dissipate part of the energy in the form of heat. Therefore, before fixing and connecting the backlight, in some rooms it is necessary to consider insulation. For higher power diodes, this may be an aluminum substrate. If the backlight power is low, the lamp is needed as decorative lighting, it is not necessary to make insulation.
In plinth
This method is convenient in that the backlight can be mounted on the ceiling after the installation of the ceiling covering. The main task is to buy an attractive skirting board, while it is important to consider that it is not thin. This can cause the backlight to lose its expressiveness. At the beginning of work, a plinth is attached to the ceiling using reliable glue (for example, liquid nails), leaving a channel about 8-10 cm from the ceiling. To make the eaves even, you can mark up using a level.
After setting and drying of the glue, proceed to the installation of the tape. To do this, the surface of the plinth is cleaned, the adhesive layer is removed from the back of the backlight, it is mounted on the ceiling or the back of the plinth in the gap left. If the installation of self-adhesive tape seems unreliable, you can stick it in several places with silicone glue or double-sided tape. It remains to connect the power supply, and for the multi-colored RGB varieties, the box, taking into account the polarity. After checking the voltage in the system, you can connect the tape to a 220V power supply.
In plasterboard cornice
You can hide the backlight in a drywall box during the installation of the ceiling. At the time of the construction of the system, an open or closed niche is performed for laying the built-in strip lighting. The design of the box is made according to the markup, connecting load-bearing profiles with CD-elements to the walls, forming a niche. In this case, whatever the system is (single-level, two-level or multi-level), it is necessary to mount it with a gap of 10 cm in order to ensure the passage of light from the LEDs.
Drywall sheets are placed on the frame, leaving a niche for tape lighting. The perimeter of the box is closed with a side (cornice), which will later hide the fastening of the tape. The seams are masked, primed and painted, then self-adhesive backlighting is mounted directly on the drywall. The fixation is carried out in such a way that the light of the LEDs is directed from the bottom up. After observing the polarity, the system must be connected to current conductors.
Design
Decorating the ceiling with LED strip is varied. It depends on creativity, design features of the ceiling, the presence of protrusions, patterns and type of fixtures. The light tape can be located along the perimeter of the ceiling, be an element of decoration of multi-level structures. There are many options for its location, in each case it creates an individual effect.
Particularly interesting is the illumination of the ceiling with LED strip, participating in the accentuation of the protrusions of the structures. For example, second level lighting with a combination of tape and a central lamp will be beautiful. At the same time, they try to choose the backlight in such a way that its shade coincides in temperature with the central light.
The tape, hidden in the niche of the suspended structure, will emphasize the desired area of the ceiling, due to which it is possible to zone the room. For example, in this way it is possible to allocate a dining area in a living room combined with a dining room. The same technique can advantageously accentuate the guest area, creating a special atmosphere in it due to the color shade.
The illumination of curly lines of a certain part of the ceiling composition looks beautiful. It can be a monochromatic coating or a stretch ceiling design with photo printing. The use of a diode tape along the perimeter of the picture gives the image volume and a special effect. Lighting small prints changes their perception, it is a tool to add the right mood to the interior. Such lighting makes the ceiling visually wider and lighter, even if the structure consists of several levels.
The texture of the ceiling is also important. For example, LED strip lighting is reflected in the glossy canvas, visually adding light to the space, which is especially important for rooms with north-facing windows and spaces with small window openings. The direction of the diodes upwards creates a soft light, fastening to the side of the niche provides a directional flow and the effect of a "floating ceiling".
Installing the tape between the coating material and the base creates the illusion of a glow from the inside. A difficult technique is to create designer lighting using a tape inside a stretch ceiling. Often, for such systems, additional threads are used with a glow source at the ends of the fibers.
To make the backlight as correct as possible, the cuts must be fixed with a connector or a soldering iron. In this case, it is impossible to influence the material for more than 10 seconds. In single-color varieties, it is necessary to connect the contacts "+" and "-".
In RGB-type boards, the contacts are combined based on color and marking, where:
- R stands for red;
- G - green;
- B - blue;
- 4 pin = 12 or 24 V.
