Choosing lamps for stretch ceilings: 3 varieties
The device of a stretch ceiling allows you to create a lighting system in many ways, while realizing any design developments. You will need to determine for yourself which chandelier to choose for a room with a low ceiling, which mounts to choose, whether the lamp in the chandelier will darken the ceiling material. The correct choice of the lamp, its location and the beautiful refraction of light can greatly change the interior..
LED panels for stretch ceilings
LED panels for suspended and stretch ceilings are identical. They are based on an ultra-thin acrylic sheet. It has pin holes with typical LED bulbs inside. Their power depends on the number of LEDs, of which there can be tens or hundreds..
On the reverse side of the sheet, there are channels in a vertical and horizontal position, with their help, light is scattered in the best way..
Buyers appreciate LED panels for a large number of qualities:
- They shine softly and evenly;
- The lamps in them do not need to be constantly replaced;
- They are easy to integrate into any kind of ceiling;
- Will last almost 6 years;
- They do not need to be disposed of in a special way;
- Turning on occurs instantly;
- No noise, no flickering light.
LED panels are very economical, they do not require a lot of space, and they are also very convenient for daily use.
Nowadays, a rectangular, square or round version of the LED panel is popular..
The light flux of such panels is five times more powerful than standard lamps. At the same time, they last longer, even halogen lamps are not a competitor to them..
When using special controllers, you can change the color of the lighting. If you install a led panel, light therapy every day will have an extremely beneficial effect on the body. On the downside, you can add the price of LED panels, it is too high. Also, due to the low voltage, they must be connected to transformers, which leads to unnecessary waste.
Luminous stretch ceiling: design options
Translucent PVC films have opened up new horizons for interior design changes. They perfectly diffuse light without creating shadows. The light from such a film will be enough for the whole room..
The light coming from the inside of the stretch ceiling makes the room visually larger. The feeling of daylight is created, which is why such a ceiling is ideal for rooms without a window. A small personal sky in the room has a beneficial effect on the human psyche and soothes.
The light source in such a ceiling is diode strips. They are the most convenient for installation and the best price..
By installing the lighting on the ceiling, the light for the stretch ceiling will be evenly distributed throughout the selected area
There are different options for ceiling designs:
- Colored light bulbs with different shades of illumination (green, blue, red), located behind the white canvases of the ceilings;
- Ceiling mounted white lighting.
The translucent ceiling assumes that the LEDs located in the space below it can be combined with other lighting, while the canvas itself will be a decorative lighting and bring a zest to the interior design.
Stretch ceiling luminaire design
A stretch ceiling is a huge field for creativity. Competent decoration with lamps can imitate the starry sky, the northern lights, and for conservatives there is an option with a classic chandelier in the center.
Overhead stretch ceiling luminaires are usually used for decorative purposes or as a backlight
You need to know the types of fixtures before purchasing and further installation:
- Mortise. Mounts to bases or posts on the main ceiling. Power supply goes to every base. Due to their low power, recessed luminaires have a more decorative function. Regardless of the lamp (for this type of lamps, halogen, LED or energy-saving ones are used), the design of the lamp itself should be such that the light goes in the direction opposite to the ceiling, otherwise darkening around the lamps and overheating of the ceiling canvas cannot be avoided.
- Overhead. The thermo-ring does not limit the surface-mounted luminaire – this is the main difference from recessed luminaires. Therefore, a plafond must be present, it will save the ceiling materials from heating as much as possible.
- Chandeliers – a classic suitable for any room. There are chandeliers that are mounted on a hook mounted in the main ceiling, while others are fixed on a ceiling rack. Any lamp is suitable here: the chandelier is removed from the ceiling, damage is practically excluded. The only point: the lamps should be directed downward or to the sides.
To keep the room light, you need one halogen or LED lamp for every 1.5 sq. m of coverage, there should be two energy-saving.
On glossy ceilings, lamps of an unusual shape will look great, on matte ceilings – classic. For the bathroom, you should choose moisture-resistant lighting in an impenetrable case..
Embedded for luminaires in a stretch ceiling – what is it
Before installing a stretch ceiling, you need to take into account all the technical points, one of which is whether the lighting fixtures have been installed. Special rings are called embedded rings, their base is heat-resistant plastic. The hole in their center must be exactly the same as the diameter of the luminaire..
Be sure to install fixtures for luminaires, as they will provide convenience and retain the original look of the stretch cover.
Before installing mortgages, you need to know in advance about a few things:
- The most suitable lighting installation scheme should be discussed and approved;
- The size and location of the eaves must be known;
- You need to decide on the place of installation of other fastening systems.
Installation of mortgages is carried out using a suspension, which is used when mounting profiles. First, a baguette is installed, a cord is wedged into it, then markings are placed on the ceiling (the future location of the lamps), where the suspension is further attached. After that, mortgages are attached to each suspension, and the excess is cut off with a grinder. If you need to tighten the suspension, this is done in order to adjust the level. Then you can install the spotlight in the mortgage.
Chandelier inserts can be made from wood slabs with your own hands. An impressive piece of plywood is suitable for the eaves of the mortgage.
Stretch ceiling luminaires power
It is forbidden to expose the stretch ceiling to high temperatures, the maximum is 60 degrees. Until this mark, there will be no harm to coverage..
Energy-saving lamps almost do not emit heat, they are profitable in terms of price. LED lights are environmentally friendly.
For optimal lighting of the room, it is customary to mount one lamp with a power of no more than 60 W per 2 square meters of stretch ceiling
Considering the power of the lamps, you need to pay attention to the fact that it differs depending on the type:
- Incandescent lamp – no more than 60 W;
- Halogen lamp – 30 W.
The distance between the luminaire and the ceiling must be at least 30 cm.
Types of spotlights for stretch ceilings
Spotlights, or spots, are a non-standard type of solution.
There are two types of them according to the location of the light bulb:
- Outdoor;
- Internal.
When the luminaire crashes into the canvas of the stretch ceiling, the integrity of the latter is violated. To prevent the ceiling from diverging further to the sides, a plastic platform is placed inside. Its diameter should be the same size as the inside of the luminaire..
Of the main advantages of spotlights for a stretch ceiling, one can single out such as ease of use, easy replacement of a light bulb and low cost.
Spotlights are divided into types according to the level of installation in the ceiling space:
- Higher than ceiling level. Thanks to such lamps, there is a feeling that the ceiling itself is emitting light. The downside is that the light rays partially fall above the ceiling level.
- Flush with the ceiling. There are more benefits from such lamps, but the lamps do not always fit 220W, so the only way out is to connect through a transformer. It hides inside the stretch ceiling, so if it breaks down, you will have to dismantle the ceiling, even if not entirely.
- Lower than ceiling level. Diffuse light best.
- Overhead. To install such lamps, you need to prepare a base on the ceiling. Absolutely any lamps are suitable for them..
- Night sky effect. Fiber optic filaments flicker continuously, which results in this effect. To enhance it, you can use special crystal diffusers..
When choosing spotlights, it is necessary to take into account how much distance between ceilings is possible in a particular case, what power the light should have, whether it will be the main one or decorative.
Linear luminaires for stretch ceilings
The body of such ice lamps is not visible to the eye: it is built into the ceiling. They are good because they can be placed close, which forms a single line of light..
Options for using such lamps:
- In apartments and houses;
- In offices;
- In hotel corridors and rooms;
- In warehouses;
- In parking lots.
Linear luminaires for stretch ceilings provide uniform and optimal illumination in the room
Such a luminaire is a great alternative to a fluorescent tube, as it saves a lot of energy. They turn on instantly and do not contain toxic substances.
Halogen luminaires for stretch ceilings
A halogen lamp must have a mirrored reflector so that the light does not fall behind the tensioning surface and does not form a glow around the lighting fixture. The minimum distance to the ceiling must be 15 cm.
The disadvantages of such lamps include:
- Need at least 7 cm of space behind the canvas;
- The temperature of the light only has a warm beige color.
Insulation of the light device with a gasket is required, such a lamp heats up the lamp very much.
Shapes of luminaires for stretch ceilings
The shape of the lamp is very important and is matched to the interior, while other design elements must be taken into account so that everything is in harmony.
Thanks to the various shapes of stretch ceiling luminaires, you can embody any idea in the lighting of the room.
There are 4 types of lamps:
- Stationary luminaire;
- Spotlight;
- Raster lamp. These are cellular structures made of metal, they have a reflective grille. They are usually installed in large rooms;
- LED strip. It often acts as a backlight, LEDs look very impressive and create a special atmosphere. Looks best on matte high ceilings.
If you use switches, you can decorate the room with several types of lamps..
Stretch ceiling luminaire wiring
Wiring is often a problem if it has not been correctly routed or simply needs additional maintenance. Since it is located under a stretch ceiling, this causes a number of inconveniences.
When installing the wiring for stretch ceiling luminaires, you should take into account the requirements that relate to fire safety and ease of maintenance of the electrical network
The most common problems:
- When installing the ceiling, sometimes they forget about the wiring. It is a mistake that the mounting profile is not installed correctly. It must not cross the junction box. Also, if you place the mounting frame incorrectly, then there will be problems;
- Lack of required equipment. Drilling the ceiling without first checking if there are hidden wires inside, you can damage the wiring;
- If the cables are routed along the ceiling and not placed in the corrugated pipes intended for this, this situation can lead to a fire..
Before laying out the electrical wiring, you need to know which type of lamp will be installed..
Luminaire holder for stretch ceiling
All spotlights have holders for a specific type of lamp. Some sockets accept lamps with different wattage.
The cartridge is an integral element of any luminaire, which not only fixes, but also transmits electric current to the light source.
By the type of cartridge and base, you can subdivide:
- Threaded models (incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps);
- Pin models (halogen, energy saving, LED).
Although the sockets are versatile, there are luminaires that fit each type of lamp..
Selection rules: lamps for stretch ceilings (video)
Stretch ceilings make it possible to play out fantasies, try different types of lamps, lamps and other light sources in action. Judging by the photos on the network, many people have already preferred stretch ceilings and have remained faithful to them for years. And every day the popularity of such ceilings only increases due to the large number of their positive qualities and the convenience of their use..