Lighting is the most important detail in the design of any room. It is able to visually increase the size of the room, make the ceilings higher, and divide the space into zones. Each room is individual, but there are basic schemes for placing lighting devices on a stretch ceiling with and without a chandelier. With the right choice and installation of devices, you can achieve the maximum lighting effect.
Fundamental rules
The choice of installation location for lighting devices on the ceiling is individual. It depends on the area and shape of the room, its purpose, the location of furniture, the presence of windows and other factors. There are a number of nuances that need to be considered when drawing up a layout diagram:
- The luminaire must give a certain level of brightness in a certain part of the room. The work area should be well lit in the kitchen; it is recommended to make the light dim in the resting place.
- The minimum distance between light sources must be respected. If the bulbs are installed around the perimeter, the distance should be at least 20 cm. The distance between the nearest devices should be at least 30 cm. These standards may be revised upward depending on the size of the device and the material of the stretch ceiling.
- Light bulbs should not get hot. High temperatures lead to deformation of the ceiling, therefore it is important to comply with the power limitation requirements.
Further, the features of each room are taken into account. It is easier to choose the location of the fixtures in a rectangular room than in a complex-shaped room.
Luminaire selection
The canvas from which the suspended ceilings are made requires limiting the power of the lighting fixtures. If the power is exceeded and the light bulb heats up, the ceiling may be damaged. For PVC films, the power should be no higher than 40 W for an incandescent lamp and no more than 20 W for a halogen light source. If the ceiling is made of satin fabric, the maximum power of the incandescent light bulb is 60 W, and the halogen light is 35 W.
It is recommended to use LED lamps and strips on stretch ceilings. These devices almost do not heat up, have a high efficiency and work for a long time. When installing, it is important to take into account that to power the tape, you will need to install the driver in an accessible place. In the light bulb, it is built into the structure.
Popular schemes
There are various options for the location of light sources. There is no unique layout suitable for all rooms, as each room has its own characteristics. When developing a plan, you need to consider whether a chandelier will be used, how many spotlights will be required. If possible, it is recommended to consult with a designer.
Chandelier schemes
The classic arrangement in a rectangular room - there is a chandelier in the center, and spotlights around the edges. Can be installed with a lamp in each corner. Also, light sources can be located around the perimeter of the room, in the form of an oval, an arc, crosswise, asymmetrically. It is recommended to put more fixtures in the part of the room where bright light is needed. This will help to make the zoning of the room.
There are schemes in which not one, but several central chandeliers are used. This arrangement is suitable for large living rooms and halls.In small rooms, bedrooms or kitchens, a scheme with one central chandelier is chosen.
Schemes without a chandelier
There are rooms in the house where it is impossible to install a chandelier. This is a corridor, bathroom or small kitchen. Then the spot light on the ceiling plays the role of the main illumination.
The spots can be placed in a straight line in one row or several, depending on the width of the space. You can install light sources in an arc, along the perimeter, in a circle. The asymmetrical arrangement, which can be created according to your needs, also looks interesting.
Calculation of the number of fixtures
To correctly determine the minimum required number of lighting fixtures and choose the best scheme, you need to take into account the following parameters:
- what lamps will be used (type, power);
- room size;
- multi-level or single-level ceiling in the room;
- the presence of windows;
- the purpose of the room;
- the need for zoning;
- interior;
- stretch ceiling type - glossy, matte;
- arrangement of furniture in the room.
Each room has its own lighting standards. For the bathroom and toilet, this value is 2 W / sq., For the living room - 3 W / sq., In the hallway - 1 W / sq., Bedroom - 2 W / sq., Children's - 8 W / sq.m.
Taking these parameters into account, the number of light sources is selected. First, you need to multiply the area of the room (sq. M.) By the lighting rate (W / sq. M.) And get the power. The found value should be divided by the power of one light bulb. As a result, you get the number of LED sources that will create the optimal backlight.
Location in different rooms
The choice of lighting is the most important step in decorating any space. With the correct placement of devices, you can create optimal lighting, 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 fulfill their role and create the appropriate illumination.
Corridor and hallway
The entrance hall is a place where natural light is completely absent. Its dimensions may be small. You can visually increase the area by using the correct placement of the bulbs.
It is optimal to use a white glossy suspended ceiling with small spotlights in the hallway. The rays will scatter, making the walls appear wider and the ceiling taller.
Convenient placement option - along the perimeter or along the walls. In narrow corridors, sources can be placed in one line in the center of the ceiling.
Kitchen
In the kitchen, it is imperative to highlight the work area and the table, if any. In the dining area, ceiling points are used for lighting.
The table can be illuminated with diode or fluorescent lamps.
The working part is illuminated separately, the light from the ceiling lamps is not enough to create the required illumination.
Spot appliances can be installed in the kitchen, depending on its dimensions. They can be staggered or placed in pairs.
Living room and hall
Traditionally, the living room and the hall are rooms with a large area. Spotlights are the main chandelier's helpers. The light should be bright and uniform.
The standard layout is around the perimeter or in the form 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, an LED strip installed around the perimeter is often used. It additionally illuminates the walls and room design.
Bedroom
Bedroom lighting should be soft, comfortable and pleasant. It is necessary to additionally highlight the following areas:
- bed - it is recommended to make a pair of spotlights above it or hang a chandelier;
- wardrobe - you should create lighting that is 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 type. There are no requirements for light diffusion, it is more important to create a cozy atmosphere conducive to relaxation. Lamps should be warm white to avoid irritation.
Children
In a children's room, it is especially important to implement bright lighting for the correct development of the eyes. The backlight should be as close to natural sunlight as possible. The best option is to use LED lamps - they are safe, reliable and durable. In the children's room, you can make the effect of a starry sky. This is done using photo prints and diodes that simulate constellations and planets.
In addition to the spot devices, you can supply LED backlighting. This solution will help if the child is afraid of the dark and is afraid to fall asleep.
Bathroom
The bathroom has many reflective surfaces - mirrors, tiles, plumbing. They enhance the effect of the installed luminaires. In the bathroom, it is enough to put several lighting devices with the ability to change the direction of the light.
Typically, bathroom lighting is divided into 3 levels: upper ceiling, highlighting individual zones and lighting at the floor level. It is recommended to illuminate the lower level with an LED strip. General and overhead lighting - using spots. The scheme of lamps on a stretch ceiling is not so critical, it all depends on the preferences of the owner of the apartment. More attention should be paid to the protection of the case from moisture and dust.
