Location of lamps on a stretch ceiling: features, selection criteria, interesting design solutions

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 backlighting options. The location of the luminaires on the stretch ceiling is important from the point of view of coziness, comfort and durability of the structure as a whole.

Selection principles and criteria

Measurers during the examination of the room can offer several dozen options for the location of spotlights on a stretch ceiling. Small light bulbs can be combined with chandeliers or LED strips. All these combinations will add up to a huge number of design options, so it is worth considering the technical issues.

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 it is possible to reduce the brightness using additional switches or a combination of several lamps, but it is impossible to increase the illumination. The installer will help you calculate a favorable light level.

The layout is important. For example, in a bedroom, it is impractical 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 the separate inclusion of several light sources.

physical characteristics

Spot models of luminaires are most often built into the ceiling or installed in the immediate vicinity of it. In this case, heat dissipation indicators are taken into account. Stretch models that used PVC film will not withstand a load of more than 40 watts. Fabric models cope with the heat dissipation of 60W bulbs. Halogen lamps reduce the allowable parameter to 20 and 35 watts. These values ​​are extremely important as they will increase the lifespan of the ceiling.

For very spacious rooms, experts recommend installing a chandelier in combination with spot lighting elements. The latter act as a divider of the room into zones, create coziness and a pleasant atmosphere. The chandelier will provide the required level of lighting when needed.

Design features

If the design of stretch ceilings with spotlights does not imply the installation of a full-fledged chandelier, then it is worth considering the option of installing elements with external fasteners. This will solve the issue with thermal conductivity and will increase the allowable power.

Halogen lamps are recommended to be additionally equipped with a dimmer. A special device for smooth dimming 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 swivel mechanisms. In this case, you can achieve the necessary direction of light and ensure that there is no crowding on the surface of the ceiling.

The master measurer will be able to accurately calculate the required number of lamps. The basic norms look like this: one chiseled lighting element should have 2 m² ceiling space. This means that for a room of 25 m² you need to install about 15 lights. But the norms can be adjusted, since it all depends on the model, power, type of ceiling, room, combination with other elements and the level of natural light.

Advantages and disadvantages of lighting fixtures

You can think about the location only after agreeing on the combination of lighting devices. The correct arrangement of light bulbs on the stretch ceiling will provide the required level of light and comfort. For large or very small rooms, it is important to achieve the right combination of different elements. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages., which depend on the installation site and purpose.

Chandelier and spot models

Suspended chandelier in the center. It is usually installed in large living rooms, where it is difficult to achieve the desired illumination factor using spotlights. The main advantage is brightness: distance from the ceiling does not create additional restrictions on the power of light bulbs. Disadvantages are associated with excessive lighting in the center of the room, creating shadows in the corners. Another drawback is the design: the chandelier will not be combined with every interior option.

Point models. In the minds of most people, a stretch 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 coziness, make it possible to zonally delimit a room. The negative point is associated with the limitation on the power of the bulbs. Sometimes built-in models with a power of 40 W cannot provide the necessary level of illumination for a large room.

Incandescent and halogen lamps

Incandescent lamps. A wide range of applications (installation in dusty or humid rooms is possible), low cost and ease of use make such models popular. Among the shortcomings, it is worth highlighting a 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. Multilevel high ceilings with different illumination look especially beautiful. The negative side is the rapid heating of halogen lamps. In this regard, their prolonged combustion is not allowed, since an expensive design will suffer due to heat release.

Unusual views

Fluorescent lamps do not heat up at all and are actively used when installing the ceiling in different rooms. Their high level of efficiency makes them effective and popular. There are no obvious drawbacks. You can recall the impossibility of using a dimmer and quick failure when working in high humidity conditions. However, a good ventilation hood or ventilation in the bathroom solves this problem.

The LEDs look amazing. The tapes can be installed around the entire perimeter of the ceiling, creating a great design. Individual 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.

Upon departure, the master-measurer estimates the size of the room, the height of the ceilings and listens to the client's wishes about the design. After choosing a ceiling model, a new room height is calculated and the calculation of the required light level begins. Most companies offer their customers standard layouts for spotlights and their combinations with other elements.

Popular layouts

The client can always make his own adjustments to existing schemes. The master should warn about the technical nuances and help make the right choice. Common patterns are:

1. Oval. Great for spacious living rooms or bedrooms. Spotlights are placed in an oval shape around the perimeter of the entire room, leaving the space in the center empty. For the bedroom, additional light may not be required. In large rooms, it is recommended to use a chandelier, which will turn on when bright light is needed.
2. A circular arrangement is good if you need to thoroughly illuminate the central part of the room. The corners of the room will remain dark, so you can install floor lamps or hang sconces there.
3. Corner location. Using spotlights in the corner of the room, you can create a comfortable, cozy atmosphere, but the center of the room will hardly be illuminated. The option is well suited for furnishing a bedroom. To solve the problem with a lack of light in the central part, you can use a chandelier.
4. In the form of two semicircles. The circuit is designed to provide a good level of illumination in the corners of the room. It is possible to do without a chandelier in the central area only in a very small space.
5. The cruciform arrangement eliminates the need for additional light sources. With this scheme, you can illuminate the entire room, but you will need to install a large number of point options.
6. The rectangular layout visually expands the space. This makes this option indispensable for small rooms.
7. The arcuate scheme is used in spacious rooms, where the design assumes zonal division with light. The increased concentration of bulbs will allow you to direct the light to the desired area of ​​the room.
8. Wave. A complex scheme, the design of which varies depending on the size and layout of the room. Waves are suitable for spacious living rooms with non-standard layouts.

If the client wishes, you can conscience several options or create a unique drawing using lighting fixtures.

Accommodation in different rooms

Ceiling heights, lighting and design play an important role in the planning and placement of lighting fixtures. But do not forget about the purpose of the room. The requirements for the living room and children's room will differ. It is important to provide for the correct location, equip the devices with light level control sensors and other additional functions.

Bedroom

Experts recommend using a rectangular arrangement of luminaires on the ceiling. Spot models will illuminate most of the area well, creating a comfortable twilight in the center, where the bed is usually located. An extra level of light can be brought in by installing the chandelier. In the bedroom, this element is optional, but sometimes very bright and good lighting is needed. The switches for all elements must be separate.

Additional tips are related to the choice of the shape and size of the luminaires. The dimensions of the bedroom are usually small, so the elements should be compact, made in the same style. It is advisable to install a dimmer, because in the bedroom it is necessary to periodically dim the light for a comfortable pastime.

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: playing, studying, sleeping. The play area will require a lot of light so that the baby does not get tired of the eyes, therefore it is recommended place the maximum possible number of spotlights or energy-saving lights over such an area light bulbs. For a desktop, it is better to purchase table lamps with a bright stream of light.

The rest bed should not be brightly lit. Many children are afraid to fall asleep without the lights on, this should be taken into account. For comfort, you can place a light source of diffused light on the ceiling. If financial opportunities allow, then with the help of mirrors and spotlights, you can create a fabulous atmosphere that will be remembered by the child for a lifetime.

Living room arrangement

In the traditional sense, this room is the largest and most spacious. Indoors, they receive guests, organize parties, gather for family watching TV or playing 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 to be limited exclusively to spotlights, although they look very harmonious with modern design.

Most experts agree that the best option would be to arrange the bulbs around the perimeter combined with a large and bright chandelier in the center. To create extra comfort, you can use the LED strip along the edge of the 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 comfortable rest.

The way it is placed in the kitchen, bathroom or toilet is not so important. These rooms are usually small in size, and some of the light comes from wall elements. Each person has their own ideas about a cozy and pleasant interior, so when designing it is worth expressing your opinion and consulting with a measurer.