Arrangement of lamps on a suspended ceiling: features, selection criteria, interesting design solutions

Lamps for suspended ceilings

Location Features

Types of devices

Lamps used

Installation of ceiling models

Location: photos and diagrams

Lighting options

Lamps not only perform the function of lighting, but also decorate the room, giving it uniqueness and special comfort. When choosing lighting fixtures, take into account the general idea of the design, as well as the features of the surface to which they will be attached. Lighting in a kitchen with a suspended ceiling has its own nuances, which we will consider in the article.

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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.

Features of the location of lamps in a kitchen with a suspended ceiling

When choosing lighting, you need to take into account the features of stretch fabrics. They are made from PVC film or fabric. With constant heating above 60 degrees, the film may darken and melt. The fabric is more stable and can withstand temperatures up to 80 degrees. It is advised to adhere to several rules:

choose lighting fixtures that do not heat up too much;
choose incandescent lamps with a power of up to 60 W, and halogen lamps with a power of up to 30 W, while it is important to maintain a distance from the lighting fixture to the panel. It must be at least 30 cm;
If possible, use LED and energy-saving varieties, since they hardly heat up during use.

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Recommended number of light sources for different rooms

The generally accepted method of calculating the illumination of a room based on one lamp per 1.5-2 m2 is correct for rooms with average light intensity when installing incandescent lamps with a power of 40 W. This level of illumination is sufficient for a bedroom, office or bathroom. Too bright lighting in the kitchen is also not required; it is better to take care of additional lighting for the work area.

For a hall or children's room, the lamp power would have to be increased to the maximum value - 60 W, which is extremely undesirable. A denser placement of lamps at the rate of one point per 1-1.5 m2 will help to obtain the required light intensity without increasing power. But in the case of the hallway and other rooms where dim light is more appropriate, the result is achieved by reducing the power of the light sources while maintaining the standard installation density.

The light intensity of halogen lamps is 1.5 times higher than conventional ones, but heating the bulb also requires limiting the power. So when calculating the required number of points, they proceed from the above calculations. Energy-saving lamps, fluorescent and LED, have significant light output with low heating of the body. But, based on the requirements for uniform distribution of light over the area, it is more advisable to place lamps on a suspended ceiling at least once per 2 m2.

Types of lighting fixtures

Based on their design, lighting fixtures are divided into four groups.

Chandeliers

They are still in demand, despite the emergence of more modern accessories. Manufacturers offer a good selection of models: from classically shaped lampshades to designer options made from unusual materials. To prevent the stretched panel from heating up, it is better to choose designs whose shades look down or to the side. It should be taken into account that the glossy surface reflects light. Therefore, chandeliers with shades will look good here. For film material, the distance to the heating zone is critical, so it is better to choose a longer chandelier suspension.

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Spot

They are at the peak of popularity, which is not surprising: they do not heat up, have different mounting options, are durable and simply beautiful. Since the kitchen is often humid, it is better to choose models with a moisture-proof housing. To obtain bright or diffused light, you can choose transparent or frosted glass, respectively. And with the help of colored glass you can create unusual patterns on the surface. During installation, you can make electrical wiring to turn on the lights only in the areas needed at the moment. To calculate the required number of spotlights, you need to know the generally accepted lighting standard. It is 20 W per 1 sq.m of room.

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Spots

A variety of point models that are not built into the ceiling surface, but are attached to it or to the walls on a movable bracket. Due to their mobility, they create a directed beam of light. The control controller helps you adjust the intensity of the glow. These types are good for zoning a room, illuminating the desired part of it, or focusing attention on interior details. Spots can be single or complex, with several cartridges on one platform. If the spot itself is rather ascetic in appearance, then the platform can become an interior decoration.

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LED strips

The design looks like a flexible printed tape on which small LEDs, white or colored, are attached. Such ribbons run around the perimeter of the room, visually increasing its area. The reverse side of the tape is sticky, so it is easy to attach. The tape is connected to the network via a power supply. And controllers are used to control the brightness of the glow.

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Location in different rooms

Choosing lighting is the most important step in decorating any space. With the correct placement of devices, you can create optimal lighting and change the size and height of the room. The arrangement of lamps directly depends on the purpose of the room. In each room, lighting fixtures perform their role and create appropriate illumination.

Corridor and hallway

Multi-level stretch ceiling with light track

The hallway is a place where there is no natural light at all. Its dimensions may be small. You can visually increase the area with the correct placement of light bulbs.

It is optimal to use a white glossy suspended ceiling with small spotlights in the hallway. The rays will scatter, making it seem as if the walls have become wider and the ceiling higher.

A convenient placement option is around the perimeter or along the walls. In narrow corridors, sources can be placed in one line in the center of the ceiling.

Kitchen

Kitchen work area lighting

In the kitchen, it is imperative to highlight the work area and the table, if available. In the dining area, ceiling points are used for lighting.

The table can be illuminated with lamps with diode or fluorescent bulbs.

The working part is illuminated separately; the light from the ceiling lamps is not enough to create the required illumination.

In the kitchen, you can install point-type appliances depending on its dimensions. They can be staggered or placed in pairs.

Living room and hall

Uniform lighting of the hall

Traditionally, the living room and hall are rooms with a large area. Spotlights are assistants to the main chandelier. The light should be bright and uniform.

The standard placement scheme is around the perimeter or in the shape of an oval with a chandelier at the central point.

You can also place lamps along one or two walls. With the help of additional lamps you can highlight decorative elements on the wall - paintings, paintings.

On multi-level ceilings, LED strips installed around the perimeter are often used. It additionally highlights the walls and the design of the room.

Bedroom

Arrangement of spotlights in the bedroom in a semicircle

Lighting in the bedroom should be soft, comfortable and pleasant. The following areas need to be additionally illuminated:

bed – it is recommended to make a couple of spotlights above it or hang a chandelier;
wardrobe – lighting should be created as close to natural as possible;
desktop - additional local lighting is required in addition to ceiling lights.

Light sources in the bedroom can be built-in. There are no requirements for light dispersion; it is more important to create a cozy atmosphere conducive to relaxation. Lamps should be warm white to avoid causing irritation.

Children's

Multi-colored lighting in the nursery will create the illusion of a fairy tale

In a children's room, it is especially important to implement bright lighting for proper eye development. The lighting should be as close as possible to natural sunlight. The best option is to use LED lamps - they are safe, reliable and durable. In the children's room you can create the effect of a starry sky. This is done using photo printing and diodes that imitate constellations and planets.

In addition to spotlights, you can install LED backlighting. This solution will help if the child is afraid of the dark and is afraid to fall asleep.

Bathroom

Zoning with light

The bathroom has many reflective surfaces - mirrors, tiles, fixtures. They enhance the effect of installed lamps. In the bathroom it is enough to install several lighting devices with the ability to change the direction of light.

Typically, lighting in the bathroom is divided into 3 levels: upper ceiling, lighting of individual zones and floor level lighting. It is recommended to illuminate the lower level with LED strip. General and overhead lighting - using spots. The layout of lamps on a suspended ceiling is not so critical; it all depends on the preferences of the apartment owner. More attention should be paid to protecting the case from moisture and dust.

Lamps used for lighting in the kitchen with a suspended ceiling

When choosing spotlights, you need to think about what lamps will be used in them. In our case, the following types are used.

Incandescent lamps (base E27, E14) are loved by buyers despite other, more modern varieties. They provide a warm light that is pleasant to the eye, do not flicker, and are inexpensive. A serious disadvantage is their rapid and strong heating. Therefore, for pendant models, light bulbs with a power of up to 60 W are chosen. For built-in ones, it is better to choose other types.
Halogen lamps are a more modern type of incandescent lamp. They shine brighter and last longer, but they cost more. Halogen lamps emit a light spectrum close to daylight. However, they also get very hot. For PVC canvases, it is recommended to choose lamps with a power no higher than 35 W.
Luminescent ones do not heat up, therefore, they can be safely used next to film sheets. They can create both cold and warm radiation. This allows you to select a shade suitable for the interior. Energy-saving lamps are more expensive than incandescent lamps, but they consume five times less energy and last longer.
LEDs are the leaders in all respects. They do not heat up, consume little energy, are bright and durable. Their glow spectrum is similar to daylight, and their small size allows them to be used in any design. The only negative is the rather high price compared to other types.

Installation of ceiling lamps

Based on the shape of the structure and type of installation, they can be divided into three groups.

Hanging

Mounted on a hook in the ceiling. The chandelier has fasteners with which the structure is suspended. When installing, a hole is made in the canvas through which the suspension is pulled. It is recommended to choose large chandeliers for spacious rooms, while respecting the chosen interior style. Particular attention should be paid to the length of the fastening. Between the main ceiling and the stretched ceiling there is a space that will hide part of the suspension. It is important that the device is not too close to the stretched fabric.

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Built-in

They consist of a housing, a light bulb with a diffuser and a mount. The housing is completely or partially recessed (built-in) into the ceiling plane. Its shape can be round, square or rectangular. There are models that illuminate only the space underneath (they are called downlights) and those that rotate in different planes, changing the direction of the beam.

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The appearance of the device can be chosen to suit your taste: flat or with a convex shade in the form of a cone, ball, polygon or cylinder.

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Overlay rings are decorated with pendants or decorative patterns. The models are ideal for illuminating a two-level upper structure. This way you can select one level or all at once.

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Invoices

Installed using a platform on the ceiling canvas. The main selection criterion is lightness. Most often this type is represented by LED models. They are lightweight, yet they shine brightly and do not heat up. The design of their lampshades is varied. The platform can be stylized to resemble precious metals.

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Popular schemes

There are various options for the location of light sources. There is no unique scheme suitable for all rooms, since each room has its own characteristics. When developing a plan, you need to consider whether a chandelier will be used and how many spotlights will be needed. If possible, it is recommended to consult with a designer.

Schemes with a chandelier

The classic arrangement in a rectangular room - there is a chandelier in the center, and spotlights on the edges. You can install a lamp in each corner. Also, light sources can be located around the perimeter of the room, in the shape of an oval, arc, cross, or asymmetrically. It is recommended to place more lamps in the part of the room where bright light is needed. This will help to zoning the room.

There are schemes that use not one, but several central chandeliers. This arrangement is suitable for large living rooms and halls. In small rooms, bedrooms or kitchens, choose a scheme with one central chandelier.

Layout diagrams of spotlights with a chandelier

Schemes without a chandelier

There are rooms in the house where it is impossible to install a chandelier. This is a corridor, a bathroom or a small kitchen. Then the spot light on the ceiling plays the role of the main illumination.

Spots can be placed in a straight line in one row or several, depending on the width of the space. Light sources can be installed in an arc, around the perimeter, or in a circle. The asymmetrical arrangement, which can be created to suit your needs, also looks interesting.

Layout of spotlights without a chandelier