LED luminaires for stretch ceilings should successfully emphasize the appearance of the canvas and provide the required level of room lighting. Therefore, the choice of such devices is approached with particular care.
Stretch ceiling lighting requirements
In most cases, suspended ceiling structures are made of thin PVC film. So that the material does not lose its performance, it is forbidden to expose it to temperatures above 60 ° C. If you neglect this rule, the canvas will gradually deform. Over time, it will sag, acquire a yellowish tint. In case of improper lighting, PVC cloth emits vapors that are harmful to human health.
When installing the luminaire, it is necessary to provide a safe distance from the surface of the film or install bulbs that do not heat up. It is advisable to lay the power supplies in special niches, which prevents their contact with the stretch ceiling.
When choosing luminaires, take into account that they are built into a structure with a glossy surface. PVC film reflects and sharpens light. To reduce this negative effect, it is advisable to use lighting fixtures equipped with shades. It is not recommended to buy bulky luminaires or devices with a complex installation scheme.
Pros and cons of LED lighting
A stretch ceiling LED chandelier is the best solution considering its many advantages:
- With a sufficiently high power, the lighting device does not heat up, which allows the PVC sheet to last longer and retain its original appearance.
- The device is safe during operation. Does not harm the environment and its further disposal. LED lamps do not contain toxic vapors, mercury compounds and do not emit ultraviolet radiation.
- It is not difficult to embed a lamp into the ceiling.
- LED chandeliers have a long service life - at least 6 thousand hours.
- Lamps of this type provide good quality lighting, which has a positive effect on the well-being of people in the room. They are contrasting, with a heat transfer coefficient of 90.
The main disadvantage of LED lamps for stretch ceilings is their high cost. But this is offset by a decrease in electricity consumption, since such lamps are energy efficient. The disadvantage of LEDs is also called the impossibility of using them in rooms with high humidity and high air temperatures.
Preferred types of lighting fixtures
The choice of the type of lighting and its characteristics should take place at the stage of selecting a style and design solution in relation to the stretch ceiling. Limitations relate to the power, dimensions and mounting features of the luminaires.
Point devices
LED spotlights are considered a versatile solution for stretch ceilings.They are installed in a room of any area and height (even with critically low parameters). The body of the devices can protrude slightly above the surface of the canvas or be completely embedded in it. Spot lamps are used to organize additional or main lighting.
The indisputable advantages of such LED lamps in stretch ceilings:
- affordable price;
- low degree of heating of the device body;
- economical consumption of electricity;
- resistance to moisture due to design features;
- the ability to adjust the direction of light streams.
Installation of point diodes is not difficult. Built-in products are equipped with a spring fastener that is installed in a previously prepared hole in the ceiling. For surface-mounted luminaires, adjustable stands are used.
Chandeliers, panels and ribbons
Pendant lights are considered ideal for large spaces with high ceilings. Chandeliers create an evenly diffused and rather bright light. The use of such a device minimizes the possibility of damage to the tensioning structure, since its body is at a safe distance from the web. It is recommended to select chandeliers with downward-facing shades, which will exclude the appearance of glare on the glossy surface.
Panel or modular luminaires are widely used in public buildings, but are also popular in residential areas. Such a lamp produces a diffused luminous flux.
The most effective device for stretch ceilings is called an LED strip. Most often it is used to organize additional lighting. The advantages of using LED strips are called:
- compactness and light weight;
- ease of installation in hard-to-reach places;
- low power consumption;
- the ability to adjust the power using the control panel;
- great resource of work.
Luminous crystals are placed on the LED strip with a certain gap. Their number and type affect the light intensity.
When buying lamps, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of a particular room. For the kitchen, hinged appliances are preferred that can change their position and, as a result, the power of lighting. For large rooms where people are for a long time, it is recommended to choose lamps with diffused yellow light. A cold type of lighting is organized for the office.
Optimal types of bulbs
For each type of luminaire, it is necessary to select the appropriate lamps. When using it on tension structures, several nuances are additionally taken into account:
- for spotlights, traditional incandescent lamps are not used;
- when choosing halogen light sources, a transformer is additionally installed;
- the maximum allowable lamp power is 60 W;
- it is advisable to choose products from frosted glass.
Incandescent lamps are allowed to be used exclusively in pendant chandeliers where the plafond is at least 40 cm from the film surface. They will create a standard and pleasant light for humans, but are less economical. Also, such products are inexpensive.
Halogen bulbs are considered to be durable and economical. They form bright illumination, are characterized by excellent color reproduction. The disadvantage of such products is the limited color range.
LED lamps are economical and easy to use. During operation, they practically do not heat up, therefore they are perfectly combined with stretch ceilings. LED bulbs come in a wide range of color temperatures, from cool white to warm yellow. Many LED products are guaranteed for up to 10 years.
Fluorescent lamps are an excellent option for stretch ceilings. They create good diffused lighting, do not heat up during operation. Since these lamps are quite large, they are not suitable for all luminaires. The disadvantage of luminescent products is also called a low launch speed.
Recommendations for choosing a luminaire
When choosing a lamp for a stretch ceiling, the following characteristics must be taken into account:
- The form. Luminaires can be of any appearance. The shape and type of shades determines how the light will be distributed in the room.
- The size. For tension structures, it is not recommended to choose too massive lamps.
- Color. They are selected taking into account the style of the ceiling and the room itself.
For bathrooms, it is advisable to select lamps with a closed sealed case, which will prevent damage to the lighting elements. For the bedroom, they buy lamps with frosted glass. Such a device will create a pleasant diffused light.
