Properly placed lighting can transform any room beyond recognition. Stretch ceilings themselves significantly decorate the room, and with skillfully produced lighting, they can sparkle with new facets.
Before you begin, it is important to carefully consider the layout of the lamps. There are a lot of nuances in this matter, and if you don’t know or ignore them, you can ruin the interior, the quality of lighting, and even increase energy consumption. Each room has its own preferred placement of lamps. In this article we will tell you how to place lamps on suspended ceiling To make your room beautiful, cozy and well-lit, we will provide diagrams and fine-tune the nuances.
Basic location rules
There are certain requirements for the placement of light sources. To ensure a high-quality level of illumination, it is recommended to place products according to the following rules:
- From the wall to the first row spotlights must be at least 20 cm.
- The chandelier is hung strictly in the center of the ceiling.
- When the canvas is stretched, the distance from the spotlights to the seam of the PVC film should not be less than 15 cm.
- When calculating the number of lighting units, keep in mind that one spotlight can adequately illuminate 1.5-2 sq.m. It is better to take the first indicator as an ideal, but take into account the purpose of the room, because bright light is not needed everywhere.
- If you need to arrange the lamps symmetrically, it is important to ensure that they are all installed at the same distance from each other and relative to the wall.
- As for windows, you can experiment; there are no strict rules for the location of spotlights relative to the window. The main thing is that the level of illumination is sufficient.
Knowing these recommendations, you can now correctly place light sources on any ceiling, regardless of its finish. Now let’s take a closer look at the diagrams that make it most profitable to place lamps on a suspended ceiling.
Best layouts
Currently, when designing lighting, the following placement of light sources is most often used:
The most commonly used arrangement of lamps on a suspended ceiling is:
Calculation of the number of lighting fixtures
Before you start calculating the number of light units, it is important to decide on the type of lamps that will be used. The productivity of one unit, and therefore the required number, directly depends on this. Also, to calculate the number of lamps, you will need the following information:
- room area;
- type of lamps;
- number and location of windows;
- what areas need to be emphasized;
- design and purpose of the room.
There are established standards that you should rely on when making calculations.
The easiest way to determine the number of units is to take into account a simple rule - one lamp can illuminate 1.5-2 square meters of area. So, with a room area of 20 sq. m, you will need 10 - 13 lighting fixtures, which are best placed at a distance of 25-30 cm from each other. For a symmetrical arrangement, choose an even number of spotlights, a chandelier in in this case is not taken into account, but is added if necessary.
Having decided on the minimum required quantity, you can already decide whether to increase it or decrease it, depending on the purpose of the room. It is still recommended not to reduce the quantity, but on the contrary, because this way the light can be made as soft and uniform as possible, without clear boundaries, unless you have a zoning goal.
Features of lighting in different rooms
Each method of arranging lighting fixtures is attractive in its own way, but is not universal, that is, it cannot be used in any room. That is why next we will consider the features of the location of light sources in different rooms: living room, hall, kitchen, bedroom, etc.
Corridor
In most apartments, the corridors are quite inconvenient, narrow and long, often L-shaped, so it is recommended to place the light here individually. For rectangular and elongated corridors, it is better to place spots along the perimeter of the ceiling, highlighting the center if necessary.
Kitchen
In the kitchen, it is best to place lamps on a suspended ceiling according to this principle: concentrate the light above the dining table, it is good if it is a chandelier, and in the work area it is good to install spotlights. The most suitable schemes in this case are 2, 5, 8 and 9 (see table). This arrangement is recommended to ensure that only the necessary parts of the kitchen are illuminated. By the way, this also allows you to save electricity, because you can always turn off the lights in the area that is not needed now.
Hall
There are a huge number of options for arranging lamps in the hall; suspended ceilings provide a wide field of activity here. The choice of lamp placement in this case is limited only by your imagination. You don’t have to install a chandelier, if the spots are arranged in a circle, this will give soft, subdued lighting. If you install a chandelier, make sure that there is a separate switch for it, so you can turn it off if desired and enjoy the soft diffused light from spotlights. This is very convenient when watching TV. Classic types of arrangement of light sources in the living room are illustrated in diagrams 4,6, 7,12. Also, for reading, it is good to place a sconce near the sofa.
Bedroom
The bedroom is a place of relaxation, so there is no need for bright lighting, which means it is quite possible to do without a chandelier. Nowadays, spot lighting, placed in a circle or oval, is increasingly used in bedroom interiors. You can also arrange the lamps in a checkerboard or zigzag pattern to add some flair to the room. Sconces near the bed are also relevant for reading.
Children's
Since it is often divided into 3 zones: study, play and sleep, it is recommended to apply zoning of the room and approach the lighting individually. The brightest lighting can be achieved using spotlights above desk, use a chandelier for general lighting, and place a sconce near the bed.
Bathroom
And finally - the bathroom. When placing lamps on a suspended ceiling, of course, you need to take into account the size and layout of the bathroom. Also note that only moisture-resistant lighting fixtures can be installed in this room. They can be placed around the perimeter of the room or in a checkerboard pattern. Placing a sconce in the area of the mirror and dressing table adds a lot of coziness to the bathroom.
That's all the basic rules that need to be followed when placing lighting. We hope our recommendations will be useful to you, will make your work much easier and will help you create skillful lighting in your home.
Brief essence
- Beautiful lighting- an integral part of modern interior.
- When starting to carry out lighting, it is important to take into account many nuances - the area of the room, the type of lamps and their number, the design and purpose of the room.
- There are many layouts of lamps on a suspended ceiling, depending on the area and purpose of the room.
- Each room can be emphasized with skillful lighting. In the living room it is better to combine a chandelier and spotlights, in the bedroom you can get by with only spotlights and sconces, in the nursery it is good to combine a chandelier, sconces and spotlights. In short, any room can be decorated in an original way with the help of beautiful lighting.
A stretch ceiling allows you to make the surface perfectly flat and create a design that fits perfectly into the interior of the room. Modern technologies help to produce single-level or multi-level models with different options backlights The placement of lamps on a suspended ceiling is important from the point of view of coziness, comfort and durability of the structure as a whole.
Principles and selection criteria
During a room inspection, measurers can offer several dozen options for the placement of spotlights on a suspended ceiling. Small lighting bulbs can be combined with chandeliers or LED strips. All these combinations will result in a huge number of design options, so it’s worth taking technical aspects into account.
Area and layout
First of all, you need to keep in mind the size of the room, its purpose and the coefficient of natural light in the room. It is important to remember that you can reduce the brightness using additional switches or a combination of several lamps, but it is impossible to increase the illumination. Installation specialists will help you calculate a favorable light level.
The layout is important. For example, in the bedroom it is not advisable to place a large number of LED bulbs or lamps directly above the bed. In the living room, it is worth considering the seating area and the location of the TV, so it is better to take care of switching on several light sources separately.
physical characteristics
Spot lamp models are most often built into the ceiling or installed in close proximity to it. In this case, heat release indicators are taken into account. Tension models in which PVC film was used will not withstand a load of more than 40 W. Fabric models cope with the heat emission of 60 W bulbs. Halogen lamps reduce the permissible parameter to 20 and 35 W. These values are extremely important, because they allow you to increase the service life of the ceiling.
For very spacious rooms, experts recommend installing a chandelier in combination with spotlights. The latter act as a room divider into zones and create comfort and a pleasant atmosphere. The chandelier will provide the required level of lighting when necessary.
Design Features
If the design of suspended ceilings with spotlights does not involve the installation of a full-fledged chandelier, then it is worth considering the option of installing elements with external fastening. This will solve the issue of thermal conductivity and increase the permissible power.
It is recommended to additionally equip halogen lamps with a dimmer. Special device for smooth adjustment light is not suitable for energy-saving lamps, since the models will periodically turn off completely and quickly fail.
When planning zone lighting, experts recommend considering the option with rotating mechanisms. In this case, you can achieve the necessary direction of light and ensure that there is no crowding on the ceiling surface.
A master measurer will be able to accurately calculate the required number of lamps. The basic standards look like this: one turned lighting element should have 2 m2 of ceiling space. This means that for a room of 25 m2 you need to install about 15 lamps. But the standards can be adjusted, since it all depends on the model, power, type of ceiling, room, combination with other elements and level of natural light.
Advantages and disadvantages of lighting devices
You can think about the location only after agreeing on the combination of lighting fixtures. The correct placement of light bulbs on a suspended ceiling will provide the necessary level of light and comfort. For large or very small rooms it is important to achieve the right combination different elements. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, which depend on the installation location and purpose.
Chandelier and spot models
Hanging chandelier in the center. Usually installed in large living rooms, where it is difficult to achieve the desired illumination coefficient using spotlight models. The main advantage is brightness: the distance from the ceiling does not create additional restrictions on the power of the light bulbs. Disadvantages are associated with excessive illumination of the center of the room and the creation of shadows in the corners. Another disadvantage is the design: the chandelier will not match every interior option.
Point models. In the minds of most people, a suspended ceiling should not be installed at all without such lighting elements. Popularity is ensured by the variety of shapes and designs. Samples fit well into any interior, create comfort, make it possible to delimit the room in zones. The negative point is associated with the limitation on the power of the light bulbs. Sometimes built-in models with a power of 40 W cannot provide the required level of lighting for a large room.
Incandescent and halogen lamps
Incandescent lamps. A wide range of applications (can be installed in dusty or damp rooms), low cost and ease of operation make such models popular. Among the disadvantages, it is worth highlighting the too high level of thermal conductivity, so incandescent lamps should be located at a great distance from the stretch ceiling. This is especially important for PVC construction.
Halogen lamps. With their help, designers create unique compositions and lighting. Multi-level ones look especially beautiful high ceilings with different lighting. Negative side is the rapid heating of halogen lamps. In this regard, they are not allowed long burning, because the expensive structure will suffer due to heat generation.
Unusual species
Fluorescent lamps do not heat up at all and are actively used when installing ceilings in different rooms. High level Efficiency makes them effective and popular. There are no obvious shortcomings. You can recall the impossibility of using a dimmer and rapid failure when working in conditions of high humidity. However, good hood or ventilation in the bathroom solves this problem.
The LEDs look amazing. Tapes can be installed along the entire perimeter of the ceiling, creating great design. Individual light bulbs are highly efficient and provide a good level of illumination, but the cost of such a design will be very high. Other negative aspects include the unreliability of power supplies.
When leaving, the master measurer assesses the size of the room, the height of the ceilings and listens to the client’s wishes about the design. After selecting the ceiling model, the new height of the room is calculated and the calculation of the required light level begins. Most companies offer their customers standard layouts of spotlights and their combinations with other elements.
Popular layouts
The client can always make his own adjustments to existing schemes. The master should warn you about technical nuances and help you make a choice. Common schemes are:
If the client wishes, you can combine several options or create a unique design using lighting fixtures.
Accommodation in different rooms
Ceiling height, lighting and design play an important role in the planning and placement of lighting fixtures. But don’t forget about the purpose of the room. The requirements for the living room and children's room will be different. It is important to provide correct location, equip devices with light level control sensors and other additional functions.
Bedroom
Experts recommend using a rectangular arrangement of lamps on the ceiling. Spot models will well illuminate most of the area, creating comfortable twilight in the center where the bed is usually located. An additional level of light can be attracted by installing a chandelier. In the bedroom this element is not necessary, but sometimes very bright and good lighting is necessary. Switches for all elements must be separate.
Additional tips relate to choosing the shape and size of lamps. The dimensions of the bedroom are usually small, so the elements should be compact and made in the same style. It is advisable to install a dimmer, because in the bedroom it is necessary to periodically dim the lights for a comfortable time.
Lighting in the nursery
The most practical and interesting option for lighting a children's room is light division into zones. The nursery is the place where the child spends most of his free time: plays, studies, sleeps. The play area will require a large amount of light so that the baby’s eyes do not get tired, so it is recommended to place the maximum possible number of spotlights or energy-saving light bulbs over such an area. It is better to buy for a desktop desk lamp with a bright stream of light.
The resting bed should not be brightly lit. Many children are afraid to fall asleep without the light on, this is worth considering. To ensure comfort, you can place a source of light diffused light on the ceiling. If financial possibilities allow, then with the help of mirrors and spotlights you can create a fabulous atmosphere that the child will remember for a lifetime.
Living room arrangement
In the traditional sense, this room is the largest and most spacious. Guests are received indoors, parties are held, and families gather to watch TV or play games. Such wide and varied requirements for the living room increase the criteria when choosing a light source. The size of the room usually does not allow us to limit ourselves exclusively to spotlights, although they look very harmonious with a modern design.
Most experts agree that the best option would be to place the light bulbs around the perimeter combined with a large and bright chandelier in the center. To create additional coziness, you can use an LED strip along the edge of a multi-level suspended ceiling. With the main light sources turned off, the room will look amazing, and the diffused pleasant light will not interfere with your comfortable rest.
The placement method in the kitchen, bathroom or toilet is not so important. The dimensions of these rooms are usually small, and part of the light comes from wall elements. Each person has his own ideas about a cozy and pleasant interior, so when designing it is worth expressing your opinion and consulting with a surveyor.
Proper design of the ceiling allows you to create harmonious design, but in addition to the flow itself, it is necessary to properly organize the lighting. And this is an even more difficult task - it is necessary to take into account the need for light, and also choose the location of the lamps on the ceiling so that it all looks beautiful, organic and does not strain the eyes.
A little theory
IN last years Indoor lighting in houses and apartments usually consists of two components - a chandelier, as the main source of light, and small spotlights that create a certain atmosphere or additionally illuminate certain areas in the room. In some cases, wall lamps and/or table lamps and floor lamps are also added. But the basis is usually ceiling lighting.
Traditionally, the location of the chandelier is strictly in the center of the ceiling. This rule is very rarely deviated from - then it is too difficult to create a harmonious design. The exception is the combined space in or . In this case, a chandelier (usually one) is placed in the center of one of the zones, the rest are illuminated by spotlights or other light sources. The location of the lamps on the ceiling must be selected taking into account the design and geometry of the room. And it's not that simple.
Rules for placing spotlights
The placement of spotlights on the ceiling is a matter of imagination and taste, but it should not be neglected technical nuances. Firstly, they must be placed taking into account the required illumination of various parts of the room: more light is usually needed above the table, maybe above the seating area, etc. Although, if necessary, you can “gain” the missing brightness using floor, table or wall options. Secondly, spotlights must be installed taking into account safety requirements. Especially it concerns . They are made from materials that are temperature sensitive, and since most lighting fixtures get hot, this needs to be taken into account.
The best option is LED lamps. They do not heat up and light does not enter the ceiling space
Recessed spotlights are also called spots. This name is not so widespread, but it also occurs.
Here are the standards for installing spotlights on the ceiling:
- When placed along a wall minimum distance- 20 cm. If placed closer, the light is poorly diffused, and there is also a chance of “overheating” nearby walls.
- The minimum distance between two lamps is 30 cm, but in general it depends on the design, type of installation, and the material from which the ceiling is made.
In general, these are all general restrictions. They apply to both plasterboard and ordinary - bleached or painted - ceilings. Only tension ones have their own characteristics. We'll talk about this further.
Features of using recessed lamps on suspended ceilings
The main nuances are related to the fact that the materials from which suspended ceilings are made do not tolerate strong heat. Therefore there are restrictions on maximum power lamps used:
Another type of lamp that is used to illuminate a stretch ceiling is LED. There are no restrictions on power here - they practically do not heat up. But there is another “but” - to power such lamps a special adapter is required, but it gets hot. But good news- it can feed enough larger number light bulbs Well, it’s better to place it not on the ceiling, but in an accessible place - for easier repair or replacement.
What else can be used to illuminate the ceiling?
The next type of lamps is fluorescent. They are used quite infrequently - their appearance, to put it mildly, is “not quite”, and their dimensions are respectable. They just spoil the view. They can be mounted behind a stretch ceiling on the walls. In this case, the effect is very interesting - the diffused illumination is more intense near the walls, gradually tapering off to a minimum in the center.
In addition to fluorescent ones, there are long LED lamps. They can also be used for hidden lighting. This option is even better. Firstly, because LEDs have a longer service life, secondly, they practically do not heat up, and thirdly, they provide an even stream of light without the flickering inherent in fluorescent light sources. LED lighting has two disadvantages. The first has already been announced - special power supplies are needed. Second - high price on the lamps themselves and their power supplies. But you can create very interesting compositions that are difficult to organize with other light sources.
There is also a subtype of them - economy lamps. They have a base like a regular one, with the same power consumption they provide more light, but they are large in size and do not have the ability to focus the flow of lighting.
What else can be used to illuminate the ceiling - neon tubes and LED strips. It is quite difficult to work with tubes, but you can do it yourself. Thanks to their flexibility, you can create interesting compositions.
There is one more requirement for the placement of lamps on a film ceiling - the minimum distance from the light source to the seam is 15 cm. It is impossible to get closer, since the joint may separate when heated.
How to calculate the required number of spotlights
When developing a scheme, the question always arises: how many lamps are needed. In general, it is believed that the lighting of one square meter Floor area required is 20 W. When calculating, you need to take into account how much lamp power you plan to use. If it is 30-35 W, then it turns out that one lamp can illuminate 1.5 squares (30 W / 20 W/m2 = 1.5 m2). Next, divide by 1.5, you get the number of lamps that will need to be installed for normal illumination. In this case, there will be enough light for full illumination.
When drawing up a diagram for placing lamps on the ceiling, this number can be slightly adjusted in both directions, adjusting to the type of room. For example, for a bedroom the number can be reduced - it doesn’t require too much light, but for the living room or corridor you can increase it - here it’s better to have some excess. True, in this case it is advisable for the lamps to be turned on in parts - it is advisable to vary the degree of illumination. There should be at least two options: full and partial coverage. To do this, the lamps - through one or some other circuit - are connected to two switch keys.
When using incandescent lamps in spotlights, you can install, which will allow you to smoothly change the brightness of the lighting by turning the knob. In general, there are many options. And we haven’t yet gotten to the layout of the spots on the ceiling.
Location of lamps on the ceiling
The placement of lamps for each room is developed separately. It is necessary to take into account the geometry of the room, the location of windows, needs different zones in the room. And all this should look beautiful. In general, this is a rather difficult task and can only be selected specifically according to the location.
Layout diagrams for chandeliers and spotlights around on a suspended or suspended ceiling
The main lighting placement options include a chandelier in the center. Spots are selected in the same style or neutral ones that do not attract attention.
In some interiors, chandeliers are not used (in small corridors, bathrooms, etc.). In this case, the number of necessary lamps is calculated using the above formula and can only be adjusted upward, otherwise it will be dark. Some examples are shown schematically in the photo below.
As you understand, the process is creative, but there are certain recommendations for the placement of lamps on the ceiling for each room. These are not rules and, if desired, they can be broken, but they are formulated on the basis of experience, so there is a rational grain in them.
In the bedroom
In the bedroom, the atmosphere should be conducive to relaxation and bright light is usually not necessary. It should be soft, unobtrusive, warm. Therefore, choose lamps that produce light that is slightly yellowish, but not bright white or with a blue tint.
The arrangement of lamps on the ceiling in the bedroom is often made in the form of a circle or oval. Sometimes the spots are lined up in a straight line along the wall opposite the bed - if there is a TV on it. For laconic design in a modern style, in a minimalist or hi-tech style, a classic scheme is suitable - a chandelier in the center, spotlights lined up along the long walls.
In the living room
The living room requires multiple lighting options. At some moments it should be bright, at others - muted, sometimes, in general, twilight is required. All this can be realized using built-in or surface-mounted spotlights. As already said, they are divided into groups and connected to different switch keys. In other situations, a dimmer is installed that changes the brightness of the lamps.
If there are two zones in the living room, their separation can be emphasized with different lighting. You can choose not only different shaped lamp installation schemes, but the devices themselves can be different and produce light streams of different shapes.
If we talk about which arrangement of lamps on the ceiling to choose, it is largely dictated by the general style of decoration of the premises. For romantic styles ovals, circles, winding lines are more appropriate; for more rigid ones - modern, hi-tech, minimalism - would be better suited linear arrangement, but along the walls, in the form of the letter X or something else - this depends on the situation.
Complex rounded shapes suitable for spacious rooms. In a small area they will “crush” and clutter up the interior. The center of this interior is the sofa, which is emphasized by the composition on the ceiling
Another tip: in small rooms you shouldn’t implement too much complex circuits installation of spots. They are good in big and spacious room. If it's small, it's better to choose a simpler option. Nested circles, ovals or squares will help to visually raise the ceiling a little. The effect will be enhanced if you use slightly smaller spotlights in the middle than on the outer perimeter.
Children's
A children's room is a rather difficult room to decorate, since it will require even more diverse lighting. The child will need to study and bright light is required in this area. There is also game Zone, the illumination in it should also be sufficient, but a lot of light is not always needed. And the third degree of illumination is when the child is getting ready for bed. At this time, dim soft light is required. This is a difficult task that you will have to solve when choosing the location of lamps on the ceiling for a children's room.
Most often, if the ceiling has two tiers or more, recessed lamps are placed along the edge of the “second tier”, and a chandelier is installed in the center of the first
If you plan to have a ceiling of two or more tiers, it is logical to place spotlights along the border of the two tiers. It looks quite organic. If the ceiling is flat, you will have to choose from existing schemes or come up with your own.
Kitchen
The placement of lamps on a suspended ceiling in the kitchen follows the same rules - in some areas the lighting should be brighter. In this case, an island of bright light is usually placed above the table. Here you can hang a chandelier (or even several chandeliers) on long cords directly above the table.
The second most common option is that the line for installing the spotlights on the ceiling follows the contours. Only in this case should the lamps be moved 15-20 centimeters deep into the room from the edge of the furniture. Then the light will be scattered more evenly.
Place the spots along kitchen cabinets- a logical step
In general, the choice of placement of lamps on the ceiling here depends more on the style of the room as a whole and on the tastes of the owners. If you want to add softness and intimacy to the interior, choose more rounded schemes. If you like laconicism, geometric designs are more suitable. You can also play around with the size and type of lamps. A few photos interesting options placement of spotlights for the kitchen for inspiration.
Traditionally - along the perimeter of the room A smooth curve gives the interior more softness
Bathroom
You need to carefully approach the choice of lamps for the bathroom: they must have high degree security - should not be afraid of vapors and splashes. And the choice of location depends on what other light sources you plan to use.
In small-sized ordinary bathrooms, even if they are combined, you won’t get much speed - the area is too small. Then, usually two or three lamps are installed above the bathtub or shower stall and several on the rest of the ceiling area. So that such a scheme does not seem too simple, you can choose interesting lamps or use two types that produce beams of light with different patterns.
If the spotlights in the bathroom are installed evenly over the entire area, additional lighting will be needed in the area of the mirror. Otherwise it will be too dark there. Another option is to add a couple of lighting points in the right place. This should be enough, although for “delicate” operations such as beating or “working” on the face, directional lighting on the wall is more suitable.
Oval or circle is ideal
Corridor and hallway
Only some new buildings can boast of a truly comfortable and good corridor. In most cases, the corridor is narrow, small and cramped, or long and uncomfortable. It can be straight or in the form of the letter “G”, but it differs in that it is very difficult to come up with something intelligible for its normal design. In corridors, the arrangement of lamps on the ceiling is usually linear - along the walls on one or both sides, in the form of the letter “X”. It's rare to see an S curve.
Along the perimeter or in the middle along - the two most common methods
In square hallways, spots are usually installed around the perimeter; occasionally they do this here. complex shapes. Still, simple forms look better in very small areas.
Content:Stretch ceilings are in great demand when decorating interiors. A significant advantage over suspended structures is complete independence from the height of the walls, since the distance between the main and decorative ceiling it turns out to be insignificant. However, many owners are faced with a rather serious problem: how to place lamps on a suspended ceiling so that all its advantages are clearly presented to others.
To solve this problem, designers most often use spotlights. With the help of modern lighting devices, the problem of illumination is completely solved, creating original design suspended ceilings with spotlights.
Ceiling lighting
Before talking about lighting a specific room, we should take a closer look at the basic principles of using lamps in suspended ceilings. For this there are various options, starting from classical and ending various types modern lighting fixtures that can fit seamlessly into any interior.
There are various spot lighting devices, the best way suitable for suspended ceilings. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, which should be taken into account when decorating a stretch ceiling with lamps.
Lamps with halogen lamps
Provide high-quality illumination with improved luminous flux. As a result, suspended ceilings begin to be perceived better visually. Installed in the bathroom, halogen lamps visually increase the space, and the ceilings themselves become more glossy. There are designs with the ability to adjust their location, providing the required lighting angle.
A serious drawback of such lamps is the reduction in the overall height of the ceilings by about 6-8 cm. In addition, they have a very poor color range, represented only by a warm, soft and slightly diffused yellow color.
Incandescent lamps
In suspended ceilings, lamps with conventional incandescent lamps can also be used. They are inexpensive and easy to replace if they fail. The downside is the limited number of lamps per certain areas. If this rule is violated, heating and further deformation of the ceiling covering occurs.
Spotlights
The best option is considered to be external and built-in spot lighting. The installation of such lamps is quite simple, and their operation does not affect the service life of suspended ceilings. The design with a sealed platform makes it possible to install them in bathrooms, kitchens and other places with high humidity. Pointed light streams visually make the ceiling perfectly smooth, with beautiful light patterns.
Despite the higher cost, these lamps quickly pay for themselves. They are considered very economical and have low energy consumption. Models of lighting fixtures have a variety of designs and can be used for any design solutions, especially if it is necessary to place them point-wise on the ceiling.
Spotlights use LED bulbs that can create beautiful and stylish lighting. Various schemes placements, thanks to the centralized panoramic light, are able to make even small rooms brighter and more voluminous. At the same time, the beautiful and smooth surface is emphasized, and the ceilings themselves are filled with glare, which is created due to the refraction of light.
LED lamps are capable of continuously shining for a long time. This was made possible by a transformer located inside the lamp and delivering direct current. Under normal operating conditions, luminaires with such lamps can operate continuously for several years.
Layout diagrams of spotlights on a suspended ceiling
There is simply no universal layout of lamps. Everything will depend on the purpose and area of the room. Shown in the picture standard schemes allow for placing lamps on the ceiling. In all cases, the location of the furniture, its height, as well as the various zones provided in the premises are taken into account.
Properly chosen lighting increases the level of comfort, makes the interior more harmonious, and emphasizes the visual perception of individual details.
When choosing the location of spotlights, two main directions are usually used:
- Classic luminaire layout using a large number of medium power lamps. As a rule, these are spot lighting devices, most often used for interior decoration. They can be located in a wide variety of unexpected configurations. Often such lighting devices are divided into groups, with the ability to connect to various sources nutrition. With their help, rooms are easily divided into the necessary zones.
- Combined options installation of spotlights on the ceiling involves the use of a chandelier in suspended ceilings, located in the center of the room. It is this that is the main source of lighting, and spotlights only complement it. They are located in corners or along the edges and can work independently and separately, creating a cozy and comfortable environment.
There are a number of factors that influence the placement of lamps on a suspended ceiling. The most important of them are the following:
- Natural lighting must be taken into account. For example, in rooms where there is no daylight, the ratio of 1 lamp per 1.5 m2 is used. In other cases, this parameter increases to 2 m2 and higher. In addition, the distance between spotlights on the ceiling is also taken into account.
- The location of the furniture also matters. Tall furniture should be taken into account in advance, since ceilings and lamps are installed in its absence. As a result, non-standard furniture will not block lighting fixtures in the future.
- Different zones, depending on their purpose, are provided with sufficient lighting that can create maximum comfort. They have a serious influence when choosing a specific luminaire placement scheme.
- It is imperative to take into account the power of the chandeliers and lighting lamps themselves, since the amount of warm or cold light depends on this indicator. The presented figure clearly shows the location of spotlights on the ceiling, examples of which are suitable in most cases.
- When used as additional lighting LED strip, you should think more carefully about the placement of spotlights so that they do not overlap, but complement each other.
When solving the problem of lamps on the ceiling, certain technical specifications. For calculations, a simple formula is used: N = S/1.5, in which N corresponds to the number of lighting devices, and S is the illuminated floor area. It is necessary to keep in mind the expanded capabilities of rotating models, which significantly increase the functionality of all lighting.
Location of lamps in the kitchen
Spotlights, placed in the kitchen according to all the rules, make it possible to rationally adjust the lighting, thereby emphasizing the main details of the interior. In the most good options the visual perception of the kitchen can completely change. There are various options for placing spotlights on the ceiling.
In small kitchen spaces, it is recommended to use one central lamp. Kitchens with large sizes are already divided into, lunch, etc. This is achieved through the use of various combinations of several lighting fixtures at once. The right light should not distort the appearance of the prepared food, but, on the contrary, emphasize its advantages. Of particular importance is the distance between spotlights in a suspended ceiling.
The shape of lamps can be very diverse. As a rule, they do not stand out, but emphasize and complement the overall style of the room. Traditional lighting consists of standard patterned shades or chandeliers. Modern styles, for example, high-tech, use more popular and original LED or spot lighting. This factor must be taken into account when placing lamps on the ceiling.
Spot lighting devices have a small dispersion angle. They are usually used in groups with the connection of spotlights in any quantity, in parallel or series circuits.
Lamps are divided into two main types:
- Rotary. They have a movable outer part that allows you to adjust the direction of the light flux. With their help, the problem of how to correctly position lighting fixtures is solved.
- Fixed. Installed in a classic, strictly vertical position.
The second option is much cheaper than the first, but with such devices it is quite difficult to obtain the required high-quality lighting.
All spotlights have undeniable advantages:
- Their service life lasts up to 4 years
- They are resistant to mechanical vibrations
- Consume little electricity
- They are distinguished by the purity of the color of the emitted light fluxes
Accurate calculations of the number of lighting lamps and the placement of lamps on a suspended ceiling in the kitchen can be done by specialists, or this procedure can be performed independently using the formula given above.
Location of lamps in the hall
Installing spotlights in a hall or living room has its own individual characteristics. There are quite a few options for placing lamps on a suspended ceiling, since the very design of such ceilings makes it possible to realize your wildest fantasies.
In many cases, the arrangement of lamps on the ceiling involves installing a high-power spotlight in the center, and low-power lamps around the perimeter that evenly distribute the lighting. To illuminate a small room, it is enough to install only local lamps located over the entire ceiling area.
Instead of a chandelier, spotlights are installed in a circle to create soft, subdued lighting. In this case, you will have to think about how to place 8 lamps on a suspended ceiling or a larger number of these devices. If you still decide to use a chandelier, you need to take care of a separate switch for it in advance. After turning off, only spotlights will remain with their soft diffused light, which does not interfere with watching TV. When deciding how best to place lamps on a suspended ceiling, you should also remember about the sconce, which is installed near the sofa or armchair.
Arrangement of lamps in the bedroom
The bedroom is rightfully considered a place to relax, so it does not require too much lighting. Here it is quite possible to get by with 3-4 point devices. Typically the location ceiling lamps carried out evenly over the entire area. Bedside sconces can be installed near the bed as additional lighting.
Light saturation can be adjusted using . In some cases, location options include luminaires built around the perimeter or above the eaves. The light from the lamps should not be bright white or blue in color. A slightly yellowish color works best. When choosing how to place spotlights on the ceiling, it is suggested to use a circle or an oval. Many people prefer classic designs with a chandelier in the center and spotlights along the edges of the walls.
Most often, the placement of lamps on a suspended ceiling in a bedroom involves its conditional breakdown into separate areas, consisting of a sleeping area, a wardrobe, a work desk and a dressing table. Each of them is illuminated individually, in accordance with the functions performed.
Lamps on a suspended ceiling in the hallway
Every apartment begins with an entrance hall and a corridor, so people first of all encounter these rooms. In this regard, the placement of spotlights in these areas has great importance and can be performed in various versions.
All hallways are equipped with main or general lighting. This is especially true in rooms with small areas, in the absence of sufficient daylight. These options for placing lamps in the hallway allow you to illuminate the entire area with high quality. For these purposes, chandeliers and other lamps located near the ceiling are used.
In other cases, local lighting is used. Due to it, interior details are emphasized in certain places. In addition, it is used when the main lighting is insufficient, which is ineffective in long corridors and one chandelier is clearly not enough. Modern devices allow you to solve the problem of placing spotlights on the ceiling using various combinations of general and local lighting.
An integral part of any room is the ceiling. It is considered the logical conclusion of the interior. To make an accent on the ceiling, you need to carefully consider the lighting and also choose the right light sources. Lately, spotlights have become increasingly popular. How to place spotlights on a suspended ceiling will be discussed in this article.
Basic principles and criteria
- Since spotlights are placed in close proximity to the ceiling, they should not have a high heat dissipation rate. The maximum value is 40 W for a stretch ceiling with PVC film and 60 W for fabric. If we talk about halogen lamps, then the figure will be reduced, namely 20 and 35 W, respectively.
- IN large rooms For example, in a bedroom or living room, spotlights will not be enough, so a chandelier should be installed in the center. Since it is located at a distance from ceiling surface, it can be equipped with more powerful lamps. In this case, point light sources will act as room dividers into zones or fill the space with soft diffused light.
- If necessary, organization quality lighting without a central light source, experts recommend considering installing outdoor luminaires. In this case, they will illuminate a larger area and at the same time provide effective cooling.
- Giving preference to halogen lamps, it is recommended to equip them with a dimmer - a device for continuously adjusting the brightness of the light. It is impossible to use such devices for energy-saving lamps, as they will either turn off completely or quickly fail.
- Measure distance accurately. From the chandelier to the suspended ceiling there should be at least 15 cm, from the spotlight to the PVC film - at least 20 cm.
- To plan zone lighting, select rotating lamps. Thus, the room will be divided into bright zones, and there will be no crowding on the ceiling surface.
- Do the calculations correctly required quantity ceiling lamps. To do this, follow this simple recommendation: one spotlight should have up to 2 m2 of ceiling space. So, for a room with an area of 25 m2, about 15 elements are needed.
Outdoor luminaires can be equipped with more powerful incandescent lamps up to 75 W, if permitted by the lighting fixture manufacturer.
Choosing the right location
To quickly solve this problem, several factors should be taken into account:
- purpose of the room or room: hallway, corridor, hall and kitchen;
- geometry and dimensions of the room as a whole;
- maximum illumination with natural light (the parameter in daytime days);
- the need to divide space into zones;
- using exclusively spotlights or turning on a chandelier.
Most often, zoning is required in large rooms, as well as in the kitchen. This is where it is necessary to highlight the food preparation and eating area.
One more no less important criterion is the finishing color. In the presence of light shades number of sources artificial light can be reduced, and in a dark or too saturated interior, additional spotlights will be needed.
Lighting in main rooms
Each room has its own purpose, so you need to plan the placement of light sources in them individually.
Living room
This is the main room in the entire house or apartment, so it should be as lit as possible. There should be a large and beautiful chandelier in the center of the ceiling, and low-power point light sources should be placed around the entire perimeter. If you turn off the chandelier, the lamps placed along the edges of the stretch ceiling will give a muted lighting effect.
Bathroom and toilet
There is no need to install many light sources both in the bathroom and in the bathroom. Most often, only 10 elements will be enough, which will favorably emphasize the created interior and highlight all the decorative details. Carrying out water procedures will also be comfortable. It’s better not to experiment and install the devices at the same distance from each other.
Bedroom
Soft light will be quite sufficient here, since they are usually used for reading books. wall sconces, which are installed on both sides of the bed. In a small room, it is best to hide lamps behind moldings and cornices. This will allow you to get an additional effect - to visually increase the space.
Corridor
The layout of spotlights on a suspended ceiling in the corridor will completely depend on the shape of the room. For example, in narrow room One row of 3–5 lamps will be enough, and if it is square, then two rows of 4 lamps each.
When it comes to small rooms, it is worth carefully studying the possibility of installing spotlights not only on a suspended ceiling, but also on other objects. For example, in the kitchen, to highlight work area, can be installed under wall cabinets.
As you can see, in design, as in any creative endeavor, there are no exact criteria and parameters. Everything will depend entirely on wishes and fantasies. It is enough to use the tips given in the article to achieve not just simple lighting, but a functional element that will change the interior of the room beyond recognition.
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