Fixtures for suspended ceilings

The practicality and appearance of modern stretch ceilings provides them with increasing popularity. For such a ceiling, there is no need to level the surface, and special reflective effects of the material can, with the right choice, expand the space. Such a ceiling for a long time to keep clean and attractive appearance, however, in order for the ceiling to please as long as possible it is necessary to choose the right type of luminaires.

Stretch ceiling is a canvas, fixed along the perimeter of the ceiling on a special baguette. The material from which the fabric is made, can be any.The most commonly used fabric or special PVC film. These materials are sensitive to high temperatures, therefore, to illuminate a room with suspended ceilings, it is necessary to carefully study the characteristics of the luminaire, as well as choose the right design.

If you choose the wrong type and power of the lamp, you can spoil the ceiling. The use of incandescent bulbs will lead to a rapid yellowing of the web, cracks may spread over it, or the elasticity of the stretch will disappear. On this basis, it is more expedient to use LED light sources for recessed ceilings for recessed luminaires, but in the case of suspended versions one can pay attention to halogen or luminescent energy-saving elements. For the same reason, intolerance to high temperatures when choosing lighting elements imposed restrictions on their power. So, it is best to choose light bulbs with a power not exceeding 40 watts. In addition, if the choice fell not on recessed lighting elements, then the distance from the ceiling to the bulb should be at least 15 centimeters, respectively, the greater the power, the greater the distance should be laid during installation.

All the fixtures used in conjunction with suspended ceilings can be divided into types according to several features. In the first place, of course, you can divide all the lamps into groups according to the type of their attachment to the ceiling. So, allocate:

• Suspended. Well-known and familiar standard chandeliers. They are fastened by mounting a special hook into the room's own ceiling, after which a chandelier is suspended from it, and the place of attachment is tightened under the tension structure. Most often, this type of lamp performs decorative functions in the room.
• Overhead. This type of fixtures is installed directly on the canvas, to which the reinforcing base is pre-attached, on which the lighting elements are installed. When installing this option, you should carefully consider the choice of light bulbs, as they will be in close proximity to the ceiling material. It is best to stop the choice on the LEDs, they are able to provide minimal heat.
• Recessed ceiling lights. Such options are embedded in the ceiling at the time of its installation.Such lamps are usually installed flush with the surface of the ceiling, they do not imply a rich surround decoration and in most cases are used only for their intended purpose, as elements of lighting space. These lamps are perfect for any type of stretch ceiling, be it glossy or matte.

It is possible to divide lamps into groups according to the number of light elements on a specific model:

• Point. This type is designed exclusively for one light bulb, while the distribution of the light beam in it is not more than 30 degrees, therefore, for sufficient illumination it is necessary to use several such light elements. This type includes a huge number of designs and variations. So, here we can mention the ultra-thin models, which are almost flat light element or special models with backlight.
• Cascading. These are structures with several light elements attached to them. So, this includes linear and dual fixtures. They can have both built-in light elements and suspended swivel models.

The most common types of lamps used in ceiling luminaires are LED lamps, halogen and energy-saving fluorescent bulbs:

• LED lamps or LED. The basis of this type of light bulb is a semiconductor - LED. This type of luminaire has a significant advantage for embedding in a suspended ceiling. They practically do not heat up and have the longest possible service life. In addition, LEDs have low power consumption. The light emitted from the LED can be warm and cold, so it will not be difficult to choose the right one for another room. The only disadvantage of this type of lighting is its high cost.

• Halogen bulbs. As close as possible to the standard incandescent lamp option. However, the service life of a halogen lamp is twice the life of an incandescent lamp.The glow will be provided by burning inside the glass flask of the special gas with which this flask will be filled. It is also worth noting that the halogen lamp will have the most accurate color rendition of the illuminated object, as well as the maximum brightness, which will be an indispensable advantage in rooms where there is little access to daylight from the street. Disposal of used light bulbs. Incorrect disposal can result in the evaporation of a hazardous gas, which is filled with a flask. It should also be remembered that most models of halogen lamps have a G-type base, which does not fit all existing fixtures, so when buying, you must always pay attention to this characteristic.

• Fluorescent or energy-saving lamps. In this case, the glow is formed in the process of ultraviolet radiation, which is formed by the movement of an electric discharge in mercury vapor. In this case, the glow becomes visible when reflected from the internal phosphoric coating of the lamp.Such light elements have a high percentage of light output, with sufficiently careful power consumption. In addition, fluorescent lamps have an extensive range of colors, there are both different warm colors and cold ones of various intensities on sale. The disadvantages of such elements include their relatively high cost, the presence of hazardous material such as mercury inside, which requires special disposal measures, as well as flickering in low-quality models.

There are various options for placement of recessed lights on the ceiling.

The following are the most common design schemes that are applicable in rooms with a ceiling of standard height:

• Oval scheme. According to this scheme, the arrangement is made around the perimeter of the ceiling in the form of an oval, while the center remains in the shade or is equipped with an independent light element such as a chandelier.
• If it is necessary to make a light accent in the center of the room, darkening the corners, the circular type will be the ideal option for proper placement in this case.
• Accordingly, when you need to focus on the corners,recommended angular placement of lighting elements, they can be located in all corners of the room, and in one.
• Lamps located on the projection of two semicircles, located opposite each other, will achieve maximum illumination of the corners. If the room is large enough, it is worth adding it with a central light element in the form of a chandelier.

• It is possible to center the lighting when placing the fixtures in the cross.
• If you need to expand the space, the best option for the placement of light elements is rectangular placement.
• The “arc” scheme would be ideal for a room where space zoning is necessary. Accents need to be placed in places that need to be allocated.
• Rooms of non-standard shapes and sizes accept interesting non-standard placement options for lamps, for example, in the form of a wave.
• In addition, you can create from a spotlight a certain pattern that will act as a separate decorative element of illumination and help to give an unusual and exclusive interior.

The whole range of modern lamps can be divided into several types according to their shape. For example, the most common form is considered standard. Standard lights are a conventional recessed light element that is flush with the ceiling material. The form itself in this case can be completely diverse: a round, square, oval, rectangular version and a triangle. In addition, there are unusual forms such as stars or hearts, however, such options can not be found at all points of sale, most often these models are delivered on the order of the buyer.

Location on the ceiling of such light elements will depend on the size and purpose of the room.

The most popular placement options are the placement of a circle, a semicircle and a rectangle around the perimeter of the ceiling:

• Elongated shape. In this category, the most common forms are candles and lamps with cupboards in the shape of glasses. Such models can be both static and turning, these options allow you to adjust the direction of the light beam and get concentrated lighting of a particular interior element.
• Voluminous. As a rule, this form is a small recessed lamps or chandeliers.In addition to the main form, which will be one level below the ceiling covering, these forms of lamps can be additionally supplied with decorative elements that will decorate the lamp, which will allow using it as a decorative accent of the interior as a whole.

• Spherical. This option is a glass hemisphere. This type also includes the form of the tablet that is popular today. The material from which this type of luminaire is made can be both opaque and transparent, due to which the intensity and scattering of the light beam will change. In addition, decorative spraying of spangles, drops, or drawing can be applied to the glass.
• Sometimes manufacturers allocate a special group of forms: non-standard. These include various curly lamps, which, one way or another, have signs of several varieties of forms of lamps or completely contradict them. Such lamps usually have an asymmetrical shape, and their color is very creative and diverse.

Plastic and glass, metal and even wood - the materials used today for the production of lamps for suspended ceilings, a great many.

All of them have different resistance to high temperatures and various features of external perception:

• So, today the most common material for the manufacture of built-in lamps is, of course, metal. It has high wear resistance, has an attractive appearance, long service life. In addition, it is not affected by high temperatures, which means it is such a material that should be used in tandem with incandescent lamps or halogen light elements. Stopping the choice on metal lamps, you can expect options with engravings and dusting of various pigments or metals, which gives the models a special chic. It is worth noting that metal lamps are quite high cost.
• A cheaper option that can serve as an analogue of metal is high-quality plastic with a metallic coating. Such material, although it is afraid of high temperatures, quite harmoniously gets on with LED-lamps and has a fairly presentable appearance.

• Color options for recessed luminaires also usually have a plastic frame. They also come with an LED element.The cost of such models is low, and when using high-quality color spraying, this option can serve its owner for a long time.
• Glass and crystal models, although they are the most fragile options, still have a significant advantage in terms of decor. In the switched on state, they are able to project interesting sparkling highlights on the ceiling, which will be maximally revealed on the glossy surface of the tensioning element.

The size will directly depend on the type of lighting device chosen:

• Thus, the central hanging chandelier can be quite large. It may consist of several branched horns with shades attached to them. A fairly common option is the eight-arm model of the chandelier. Usually the average length of the horn lies in the range from 30 to 50 cm, respectively, in diameter such a chandelier will reach 1 m.
• But for a recessed spotlight there is a limit in size. Thus, the maximum diameter should not exceed 15 cm, otherwise it will be necessary to make too large holes in the canvas, which will affect the tension, service life and quality of the coating.Most often on the market you can find recessed fixtures, the diameter of which lies in the range from 5 to 10 cm. They will be standard, so it is in this size range that the maximum number of design types and forms will be presented.
• The number of installed elements in the room will depend on the diameter of this type of fixtures directly. So, the larger the diameter of the luminaire will be chosen, the smaller the number you can do. Quite the same small LED lamps, the diameter of which does not exceed 3 cm, can be used in large quantities to create an imitation of the starry sky in the bedroom or nursery.

Modern manufacturers can offer lighting fixtures of completely different colors and shades. Today, you can choose absolutely any color, for example, one that will perfectly match the color of the ceiling, because more and more often, the design uses a stretch ceiling of non-standard colors. Standard light ceilings are no longer so popular, so manufacturers are forced to expand the color range of lamps.

A few years ago the most popular options were white, black and metal imitating colors, today you can find blue, red, green models. Separately isolated and options in which several colors are connected or having a gradient color. In addition to the body color, you can choose the color of the light flux. So, you can choose the standard options with warm or cold daylight, and you can add a zest to the space and stop the choice on the color LEDs. The choice of color blotches will help to create a certain atmosphere in the room. For example, the addition of pink or blue will soften the space, add softness and tranquility, but red or orange, on the contrary, will add dynamics, the space will have a touch of festivity and club atmosphere.

Today we can say that the market for lighting devices is oversaturated with manufacturers offering their products. However, not all products offered on the market deserve attention. Not all products are truly quality. There are several proven brands that have managed to establish themselves as companies producing high-quality and reliable product:

• For example, you can highlight the Italian brand Lighstar. Design is made by Italian designers, after which the sketches are sent to the production. This company has two geographical points in which factories are located. One of them is China, the second Czech Republic. From there, Italian lamps go all over the world. It should be noted that this manufacturer is noted not only the quality of its goods, but also an extensive range. Here you can find both classic models and the most suitable options for the modernist style or loft, special lamps with moisture protection for installation in the bathroom. A separate advantage of the organization is that when choosing a lamp,You can easily choose for him a variety of accessories and other components.

• Stunning designer models of lamps are presented on the market by the company. Totci. The main difference from Totci's competitors is that they directly interact with such giants in the region as Swarowsky and Asfour and use their goods in the production of their lamps. High-quality crystals of various cuts allow the company to provide its customers with exclusive models designed by personal order. Individual authoring product, of course, is quite expensive, this is what will be the main drawback of this brand.
• Another company, which occupies a leading position in the industry, can be called a Russian company Ecola. This company represents many different models in different price segments. The main advantage of the models of this company is that they have a special size. Their height is 4 centimeters, which makes it possible not to lay an indent from the base ceiling and to facilitate the installation of both its and the light element.

Since the stretch ceiling is based on a rather specific material, there is a special number of requirements for the luminaires used with it:

• The power of the light elements must be such that it will not provoke the heating of the light element, and hence the ceiling covering. If you need higher power, you should pay attention to the chandeliers, bulbs, which are at a sufficiently large distance from the ceiling surface.
• The installation of light elements must occur simultaneously with the installation of the ceiling, and it must be carried out by an expert, otherwise there is a risk of spoiling the canvas. And if you want to install additional light-emitting elements in the future, you will have to remove the canvas, and after installing the lamps fix it again.
• If a glossy ceiling is installed in the room, you should not choose models of lamps whose light will be directed upwards to the ceiling, otherwise, reflecting from the glossy mirror ceiling, the light may turn into a blinding light beam.

The choice of the lamp will depend directly on the purpose of the room in which it will be located.For example, in the bathroom you need to choose models with moisture protection, in the bedroom special options that can provide a soft, slightly dimmed light will be very popular, but in the hall and the living room, on the contrary, as much light as possible is needed, which means that the brighter will be the better. The number and size of luminaires may also depend on the purpose and size of the room. So, choosing lighting in the hallway, it is worth considering that it usually has a small size, and although it requires quite clear lighting, it is enough to install 2-3 standard-sized recessed luminaires on the ceiling, but for a long corridor you may need 7 and 10, and more point light elements.

The quantity will also depend on the type of ceiling. So, for installation of single-level ceilings only installation of a central lighting device can be sufficient, but multi-level options look much more impressive with additional built-in spots. The height of the ceiling also plays an important role when choosing a chandelier. For example, if the ceiling is low enough, it is better to choose models of lamps that do not protrude strongly beyond the surface of the ceiling leaf.

Recessed luminaires and patch tablet models are ideal for low ceiling spaces. But if the ceiling is high enough, you can place a three-dimensional model of a hanging chandelier, which will go down a certain distance, have a fairly large decor and the most bold colors. The choice of design of the lamp will also depend on the purpose of the room and its style decision. For example, the usual built-in lamps without special decor are well suited for a classic children's room. For the living room in the modern style will suit rich lamps with gold trim, crystal splashes and interesting, unusual decor.

• The beauty of a modern interior primarily depends on its functionality, and only after that - on various technological gadgets,designer furnishings and other unusual items, so more and more people are turning to styles such as loft and minimalism. With a minimum of things such interior solutions are as convenient and practical as possible.
• When you want to add a touch of softness and tenderness to the interior, you should look at the antique style or Provence style. There will be a variety of prints, soft muted colors and a lot of natural materials.
• Do not forget about the popular styles of rustic and ethnic today. The choice of such interior solutions will help to create an unusual, memorable interior.

How many luminaires need to be installed so that there is enough light in the room, see the next video.