The correct choice of lighting fixtures gives the stretch ceiling an even more aesthetic appearance. You can entrust this to the masters who specialize in the installation of tensioning fabric, but, as experience shows, there is no guarantee that people are well versed in such matters and will do everything "at the highest level."
Lighting rules in a kitchen with a stretch ceiling
To provide high-quality lighting for a small area, you need to aesthetically, functionally and safely arrange lighting devices, taking into account all the technical rules:
- An interval of at least 20 cm must be maintained between the wall and the spotlights.
- The usual placement of the main light source - chandeliers - is assumed in the center of the room or in the middle of a separate area. In the second case, such an option is considered if the stretch ceilings consist of several levels.
- When installing a point light in the kitchen on the ceiling, it is important to calculate their optimal amount based on the lighting zone with one lighting device 1.5 sq.
- Each canvas has a vulnerable spot - a seam. It is recommended to place lighting devices at a distance of at least 15 cm from it.
- If the luminaires are placed symmetrically, the same distance from the walls and from each other must be observed.
- If homeowners wish to install more than 20 luminaires, it is recommended that they be connected to different power sources to reduce power loss.
Polymer film does not withstand excessive heat exposure At temperatures above +55 degrees, the ceiling sheet begins to deform, therefore, recessed luminaires must have power limitations, for example, incandescent lamps up to 40 W, and halogen lamps up to 35 W.
- Direct light streams can also have a negative effect on the structure of a stretch ceiling. For this reason, matte varieties should be preferred.
- Luminaires for stretch ceilings must be equipped with a special side that will overlap the mounting ring installed in the canvas for connecting lighting devices.
Heating temperature of the body of the plafond, chandelier, etc. should not exceed 60 degrees. For this reason, it is better to refrain from buying metal products.
Lighting placement in the kitchen
A large number of lighting fixtures can be used in the kitchen - chandeliers, pendant lampshades, spots, ceiling pendants, LED lights, surface-mounted and built-in lamps, as well as panel and modular ones.
The global illumination of the room is a chandelier. It is usually placed in the center of the room. Spots are innovative spotlights that can be turned in any direction, for this reason they are often installed near the working area, and with their help, you can focus on any interior items.
Types of ceiling lights
Luminaires value not only attractive appearance, but also reliability, safety and efficiency. In addition to proper placement, lighting in the kitchen should include a rational choice of lamps. If this recommendation is neglected, the likelihood of damage, deformation and sagging of the ceiling increases.For installation in a stretch ceiling, several types of luminaires are used, each of which has a different operating principle.
Incandescent lamps
Visually, these lamps look like a glass bulb, the inner cavity of which is filled with a mixture of inert gases, with a tungsten filament in the middle.
This type is not competitive in comparison with more modern counterparts. It is chosen as the most affordable option, but the service life is short-lived. They heat up strongly at high power, have a low luminous flux. When operating in stretch ceilings, the power should not exceed 45 W.
Halogen lamps
Visually resemble incandescent lamps, the difference lies in the form of a bulb and a mixture of inert gases. A flask is made of high-temperature quartz glass with a matte or transparent surface. Inside, the space is filled with halogen, and there is also a tungsten filament. The glow is created by heating the thread to 2500 degrees.
Advantages of halogen lamps:
- Quick turn on.
- Acceptable cost.
- High brightness lighting in white tones. Some people like it, for others it is a significant disadvantage.
- High power, they are 20% more economical than incandescent lamps.
If we talk about the shortcomings, then they are characterized by strong heating, like incandescent lamps.
Fluorescent lamps
These devices are gas-discharge devices. The principle of operation is based on the release of ultraviolet radiation by mercury vapor. The inner layer of the porcelain layer, which covers the inner surface of the flask, is glowing.
Specifications:
- Long service life in the absence of regular and sudden voltage drops.
- After a while, the luminous composition shatters and burns out.
- In comparison with incandescent lamps, they have 3-4 times more light output.
- The startup time can be up to 30 seconds.
A special advantage when installing fluorescent lamps in stretch ceilings is the lack of heating.
LED strips
Structurally, LED strips are flexible strips that are equipped with boards with tracks, LEDs and resistors. The ribbons can emit a variety of colors. The most common length is 5 meters.
Specifications:
- Bright lighting accompanied by a wide range of colors.
- High price.
- Easy to install on self-adhesive tape, it can be extended without restriction and can be cut up to 10 mm in length.
- Long service life.
They are produced in different versions - with one color (monochrome) or universal, where the color gamut is regulated by the remote control.
LED luminaires
The most common type of luminaire used for suspended and suspended ceilings. Of all the existing analogues, they are the most expensive.
Technical features:
- Long service life.
- Resistant to vibration and shock.
- Do not heat up, low fire hazard.
If the kitchen is large, it is recommended to install several light sources on the stretch ceiling. The most common combination is a chandelier with spotlights. Illumination of the ceiling in the kitchen with LED lamps looks impressive.
Lighting above the dining table is selected taking into account the interior features, room dimensions and the location of the eating area. To prevent the beams of light from dazzling the eyes, it is recommended to install lighting fixtures with opaque lamps or translucent lampshades that gently diffuse and refract light.For work areas, it is recommended to use LED strips or recessed spot lighting.
