Well-designed installation diagram lighting fixtures allows you to solve several issues. First, highlight the interior features of the room. Secondly, to create the most effective illumination of both all segments of the room and its individual sections. Thirdly, optimize electricity costs. Let's figure out how to position it correctly suspended ceiling spotlights and a chandelier.
Features of lighting fixtures
Before figuring out what scheme and how to arrange them, you should understand which lamps are best to install. There are many recommendations, wonderful photos that give a clear idea of what you can ultimately get.
But if you understand all the nuances in detail and “calculate” the rationality of such decisions, then some of them cause a certain skepticism. The companies that install various types of ceilings and install lamps leave our home upon completion of the work, and we are left alone with all our problems. Therefore, when it comes to stretched fabrics, there are not so many acceptable options for lighting a room.
Chandelier
It is present in almost all dimensional living rooms. It makes no sense to list the advantages, since each of us has our own attitude towards this device, and there are quite a lot of its modifications. The differences are in size, shape, and type of light bulbs used. But there are also disadvantages that need to be taken into account.
Disadvantages of chandeliers:
- If the central part of the room is illuminated intensely, then there are many dark spots on the walls, and especially in the corners.
- A visual effect that emphasizes the charms of any piece of furniture cannot be achieved.
- Since mirrors and paintings are located on the walls of rooms, their illumination may be insufficient.
Spotlights
Despite the fact that their installation is much more complicated, this option when installing a stretch ceiling is considered optimal.
- Large selection of lamp types.
- Possibility of their installation according to any scheme.
- Spotlights can be turned on in different orders - all at once, in rows, in separate groups, in the form of “running lights” and so on. It all depends on how it is composed electrical diagram lighting of the room, what devices are involved in it.
But these are all the general advantages of such lamps. They are very convenient when installing a multi-level ceiling (made of multi-layer plywood or gypsum board) or a suspended ceiling. But we are talking about the tension version. Therefore, it is worth noting the disadvantages.
- There are two types of canvases - PVC or fabric. The former are afraid of heating, the latter, with a constant increase in temperature in the area of thermal exposure, turn yellow.
- is associated with a number of difficulties. Firstly, it’s unlikely that anyone will want to make holes in the canvas. And not because a professional is required here. It’s not a fact that after a while you won’t like something and the idea will come to transform the interior, change the lighting. Dismantling the lamps is not difficult, but what about the “holes” on the ceiling? Therefore, there is only one way - in the space between the ceiling and the canvas. Secondly, to prevent overheating of the PVC, the gap will have to be increased, and this will reduce the height of the room. For typical high-rise buildings, where it is already small - not The best decision lighting problems. Thirdly, you will need to drill into the ceiling in many places to secure the lamp shades. Naturally, there are few people willing to do this.
- Maintainability. In the event of a malfunction, it is impossible to replace the lamps installed in the gap above the canvas - you will have to dismantle the suspended ceiling. The only option is to place spot LED devices. They are durable, and their failure (if LED lamp from a well-known manufacturer) is a rare case, usually associated with defects in the power supply line.
For a stretch ceiling, the optimal solution is a rational combination of a chandelier installed in the center of the ceiling with LED lamps located either around the perimeter of the room or in separate areas. This depends on the purpose of the particular room and its size. But in any case, all the indicated disadvantages of point devices are automatically leveled out.
There are opinions that it is advisable to fix it on the “base” ceiling, and according to any scheme. As an option - a good and original one, but then you can forget about their maintainability until you replace the canvas. And its service life (if handled carefully) can be calculated in years.
- Strictly in the center.
- In order to be able to regulate the illumination of the room within a wide range, it is advisable to purchase a model with two or three switching modes. Since LED devices are additionally used, it is advisable to choose a chandelier based on them. This guarantees uniform illumination of the room, without glare, halftones, etc.
LED strips
Along the perimeter. If you choose the right scheme for switching them on (all at once, by sector), you can ensure uniform illumination of the entire space and zoning.
It is better to place LED strips under moldings, although they are often laid not only around the perimeter, behind the canvas. The disadvantage of such a solution has already been mentioned.
LED lamps
This is a little more complicated, since in most cases it is hardly advisable to build them into the wall. For example, if the house is made of reinforced concrete or brick, then drilling “holes” for lamps is a futile task. The only option for a rational location is in the moldings themselves, along the perimeter.
You just need to take into account that one LED device effectively illuminates no more than 1.5 m². Based on this, a scheme for their installation is drawn up. If the house is made of cellular concrete (for example, foam blocks), then an option is added in the wall, under a suspended ceiling.
Actually, there are no other suitable ways of arranging lamps, if we are guided by practicality.
The most feasible schemes
The article discusses the most common schemes (methods) for arranging lamps when arranging a stretch ceiling. Which one to choose is up to you, dear reader. Therefore, any detailed recommendations for each room are hardly appropriate. The main advisor is your own imagination and your own vision of the updated interior.
IN last years The lighting of apartments and private houses has undergone significant changes - it has become more complex in design, but more convenient and functional. Modern room lighting rarely consists of only one chandelier hanging in the center. It may be there, but there are also a number of additional light sources, most of them located on the ceiling. This is what we will discuss next about which arrangement of lamps on the ceiling to choose.
To choose the location of lamps on the ceiling, let's get acquainted with the types of lighting that are used in houses and apartments. There are lamps of different designs on the ceiling:
In addition, there are also wall and table lamps, as well as floor lamps. By combining and combining different types of lamps, lighting fixtures, they create modern indoor lighting.
What lamps can be used in built-in lamps
Built-in lamps on the ceiling are available with different bases. There are different lamps for any base. When choosing them, you need to focus on the required illumination and the type of ceiling into which the lamps are built.
Stretch flows have limitations: the fabrics and films used for them do not withstand heat well. Therefore, halogen and fluorescent lamps(with a base) whose power does not exceed 20 W. You can also screw in incandescent lamps - no more than 40 W. More powerful ones can be installed on fabric stretch ceilings: 35 W and 60 W, respectively.
Using this table you can compare the efficiency of using lamps different types. But don’t forget that the data here is for “ ideal conditions exploitation." In fact, everything is not so rosy, although not bad
There are also, but there are no restrictions on them, since they heat up much less. Therefore, the choice here is only based on shape (standard flask type, corn, unusual shapes), color temperature and brightness.
Light sources for illumination
When choosing the location of lamps on the ceiling, you need to take into account all light sources. And the backlight too. At least she plays, mostly. decorative role, but also makes its contribution to the illumination.
For illumination, linear lamps are often used. They come in luminescent and neon colors. LED linear lamps are also used. The best option in this case is LEDs in any design. They have several advantages. The first is that they are more economical (they consume 3-4 times less electricity than “housekeepers”), the second is that they are more durable (albeit, subject to temperature regime), the third - they heat up much less than the others. They also have disadvantages: they require a reduced voltage (24 V or 12 V) for power supply, and therefore require converters. They also cost money, they need to be placed somewhere, and so that they are accessible for routine maintenance and repair. And another minus is the high price. But if you consider that their working life amounts to thousands of hours, then it turns out inexpensive.
If for some reason LEDs do not suit you, you will have to choose between fluorescent and neon lamps. Usually they choose fluorescent ones, since installation and connection are simple and can be done with your own hands without the involvement of a specialist. Disadvantages: flickering light and “cold” glow.
Neon lamps look good when illuminated, but installing them is a hassle and not so easy to figure out. That’s why they either invite specialists or choose some other light sources.
Minimum distances
When placing lamps on the ceiling, it is necessary to take into account not only the power of the lamps, but also their distance to the walls. They also heat up, and therefore, if there is a row of lamps along the wall, then at least 20 cm. Otherwise, there is a danger of the walls heating up too much.
It is also important to remember that the minimum the distance between recessed ceiling lights is 30 cm. This is a key point that must be taken into account when developing a layout of lamps on the ceiling.
How to calculate the number of lamps
Before choosing the location of the lamps on the ceiling, you need to correctly calculate their number. Usually, calculations are based on standards. For different rooms they are different - in utility rooms (pantry, dressing room, etc.) less bright light is required, in living rooms - brighter. The current lighting standards are in the table; they are indicated in Lux.
The procedure for calculating the number of lamps on the ceiling is as follows:
- Multiply the area of the room by the illumination standard. We get the total power of the required lighting.
- Then you need to decide on the power of the light sources and their type, find out what luminous flux they produce. To help, see the table below.
- We divide the total power by the power of the lamps to obtain their number. Then it’s just a matter of choosing the scheme for their location on the ceiling.
To make it clearer, we present example of calculating the number of lamps on the ceiling. We are developing a lighting scheme for a living room with an area of 16 square meters. We will use LED bulbs power 2 W. This is 200 Lk. Here's the calculation itself:
- We calculate the required luminous flux according to the norm: multiply 16 squares by 150 Lux. 16 *150 = 2400 Lx. That is, the total luminous flux from all light sources should be no less (more is possible).
- Now we determine the quantity: divide the resulting figure by the luminous flux of the lamps. 2400 Lux: 200 Lux = 12 pcs. That is, 12 LED lamps of this power are enough for this entire room.
At this rate, the lighting is quite bright, but sometimes you want muted, soft light. This must be taken into account when choosing the location of lamps on the ceiling: it is advisable to make it so that you can vary the lighting. To do this, lamps are divided into several groups. If there are two, then they are connected to one line through one and connected to a two-key switch. In this case, you can turn on the lamps through one and there will be a dim light, or all of them - then everything will be flooded with light. If desired, you can divide the lamps into a larger number of groups, connect them separately to switches and turn them on as desired or as needed.
General rules and trends
The location of the lamps on the ceiling is, first of all, chosen based on the shape of the room and the presence/absence of other light sources and some other factors.
With chandelier
If there is a chandelier in the room, it is usually located in the center. The further composition is built relative to this point. It can be symmetrical or asymmetrical, but the chandelier is always its starting point.
The first two schemes are suitable for small spaces. The first and fourth “evens out” the illumination, since with the only light source centrally located, it is a bit dark in the corners. The only difference is the size of the room: No. 1 for small ones, No. 4 for larger ones.
Scheme No. 5 will help correct the visual perception of a long and narrow kitchen. If you place the backlight along the short side, it will visually become a little wider.
The second scheme is more often used in kitchens - with a linear arrangement kitchen set— along one wall. This is where additional light sources are placed along the headset. Scheme No. 9 can also be used in the kitchen and also above the set, but only if it is a corner one. Also, with the help of such placement of lamps, you can highlight a relaxation area in the living room. Or, if the kitchen unit has its own lighting, this way you can “illuminate” the dining area.
Schemes 5, 6, 10 use arcs, circles and ovals. This is also a fairly common type of arrangement of lamps on the ceiling. It fits well into bedrooms, living rooms, and children's rooms, if they have a decorative style with a touch of romance.
Without chandelier
If the lighting is based only on built-in lighting fixtures, there are no less options. Perhaps even more. In this case, light sources are almost always divided into groups - for different degrees of illumination. In the diagrams they are indicated by lamps different colors(in the diagrams above, by the way, there are also a couple of diagrams divided into two groups).
As you can see, separate switches can turn on the lighting of different zones. Also a very interesting option.
It is worth considering the presence of different zones in the room. Often the zoning of a room is emphasized by lighting. For example, in an office the level of illumination is high. But this does not mean that the arrangement of lamps on the ceiling should be uniform. The office usually has a seating area with an armchair, maybe a sofa. In this area, the light may be more subdued and soft, therefore, there may be fewer lamps here. Above the table, on the contrary, it makes sense to concentrate them in greater numbers.
Ceiling spots in the interior: photos in different rooms
If you have not seen the arrangement of the lamps on the ceiling, it is quite difficult to imagine the result from the diagram. Even the most simple circuits- in the corners, in a semicircle near one of the walls, along opposite or adjacent walls - it’s quite problematic to imagine. Little of, appearance varies significantly depending on the shape, size of the lamp, and the type of lamp selected for it. After all, they are available with different scattering angles - from narrowly directed (about 30-40°) to shining in different directions (120-180°). That’s why in this section we have collected photos of schemes, and grouped them by type of room, because the appearance also changes depending on the design.
Living room
A chandelier is most often used in the living room, and most often it is quite large. If the room is square or close to square, it makes sense to choose symmetrical schemes. They emphasize the correct geometry.
This is only true for those cases where there is no need to emphasize zoning. In this case, asymmetry is more suitable and you can use spots that differ in appearance.
In living rooms, a large number of light sources are most often used, which are divided into several groups. This makes it possible to vary the lighting intensity over a wide range.
It doesn’t matter whether with or without a chandelier, but the diagrams contain more than a dozen spots, and more often - several dozen. So in this case, to save energy, it makes sense to install LED lamps. Yes, they are much more expensive, but in terms of efficiency they have no equal. At least for now.
Bedroom
The location of the lamps on the ceiling should be selected taking into account the fact that the atmosphere should be cozy and relaxing. Therefore, when choosing lamps, you need to choose them with a warm glow temperature, that is, those that give a slightly yellowish light. You should not place lamps with a blue or bright white tint in the bedroom - it will be difficult to relax.
Bedroom lighting schemes are usually not very complex. A circuit of small lamps around the perimeter of the room, maybe a slightly larger number above the bed. That's all the delights. The simpler the better. The task is to create a cozy atmosphere and everything is subordinate to it.
If there are other areas in the bedroom - dressing table or even workplace, you can “get” the illumination with the help of wall lamps. The second way out is to install in this area large quantity lighting fixtures, put them on a separate switch and turn them on as needed.
So when choosing a layout for built-in lamps in the bedroom, one of the main rules is brevity.
Kitchen
Most often, a kitchen, even a small one, is divided into two parts. In one they prepare food, in the other they eat it. When developing a lighting scheme, these zones are often emphasized. In this case, spots are usually placed along the kitchen unit, and a rectangle, oval, or arbitrary figure is built above the table.
If the kitchen is very small, you won’t be able to set up complex circuits. In such cases, spots are distributed around the perimeter or along two walls - opposite or adjacent. This needs to be looked at depending on the situation, but both options are good.
An oval or square also looks good. Just don’t install large lamps with complex shades in a small room. They, of course, look beautiful, but they are more suitable for the living room; in small quantities they are good in the bedroom. Even in the corridor and hallway they are appropriate. But not in the kitchen. Firstly, they are very difficult to wash, and secondly, in small room they don't look good. Laconic forms are more suitable here. But a circle or a square - the choice is yours.
You can use different types of lamps. For example, as in the photo - on long legs. By the way, this is one of the trends. Lampshades can be of any shape, but the most common are cylindrical or round.
Proper lighting in the room is the key to not only comfort, but also eye health. In poor light, there is a high risk that vision will quickly deteriorate, and the owner of an apartment or house considers an ophthalmologist to be a regular patient. During renovations, people often don’t think about this, and the number of light elements is not always enough for normal lighting. It is also worth remembering that advantageously located lamps will always emphasize stylish elements decor, hide the shortcomings of the repair or visually increase the size of the room. What is the best way to place spotlights on the ceiling, which have become one of the best options for room lighting today and are very popular?
What is important to consider when planning lighting
When you are planning the design of the room in which you are going to renovate, and deciding how many and what kind of lamps you will need, do not forget to take into account these important points:
- the size of the room and its purpose;
- number of windows and level of natural light during the day;
- furniture arrangement;
- number of sconces or chandeliers;
- Interior Design.
Always consider what kind of lamps you are going to install. Spotlights can be halogen, LED, or incandescent. Each type has its own pros and cons. For example, LED lights consume little electricity and are quite durable, with a soft and pleasant light.
Energy-saving light bulbs illuminate the room well, but their main disadvantage is their large size, which requires greater depth to install the lamp itself.
The disadvantage of halogen lamps is that they get too hot, although they produce very bright light. This is not the best option for suspended ceilings.
Depending on their shape, spotlights can be surface-mounted, built-in, or pendant. Overlays can be a good addition to interior design, but they must be combined with other lighting fixtures, as well as with the overall design of the room. Such devices illuminate the room much better than built-in ones. Built-in ones, in turn, can be selected only by the color of the rim - it must be in harmony with the ceiling or the entire room as a whole. And hanging ones, as well as overhead ones, will help create an unusual style in the interior.
When planning the illumination of a room, it is also important to consider how much light the lamps will provide in total. Remember that it is better to over-light a room a little than to under-light it.
Table. Lighting standards for rooms with ceilings no higher than 3 meters.
Don’t forget to consider the direction of the light - maybe you need to illuminate the entire room, or you want to create a secluded, cozy and slightly shaded corner for relaxation.
By the way, rotating spotlights will also help direct the light rays in the desired direction. This is easily done by changing the position of the light bulb. A fixed lamp cannot be used this way.
Arrangement of lamps in the living room
So, what should be the lighting in the living room? First of all, think about how the room should be lit - be very light or darker.
- If the windows face north and the room is constantly in darkness, then the best option there will be arranging a chandelier and large quantity spotlights around it in semicircles. Thus, during the day you can turn on only the lamps themselves, and in the evening add a chandelier. The simplest option is to place spotlights along the walls, around the perimeter of the room.
- If you absolutely do not want to buy a chandelier, external spotlights may be the ideal solution for you. You can create very unusual compositions from them, and the illumination of the room will not suffer at all when using them.
- If you are a fan of watching movies on a home theater, then you can arrange the spotlights so that they are located on the opposite side of the screen.
- Lamps placed in the corners of the room do an excellent job of illuminating every corner of the room, but do not focus on any specific area.
Thanks to spotlights, the room can be divided into several zones. This could become good decision For small apartments, where there are no separate rooms for a study, or for studio apartments, where in one room there can be a living room, a dining area, and a kitchen.
Usually, when planning lighting, they take as a basis some geometric shapes, according to which the lamps are placed. The devices can be installed so that they form an ellipse, semicircle, circle or square. Brave and original solution There will be a chaotic arrangement of lamps - they, like stars in the sky, will be scattered throughout the ceiling. This is one of the best options for rooms in modern styles.
If you like to read while sitting comfortably in a chair, then here too you can adapt spotlights for your convenience. Usually, sconces are purchased for such corners dear to the heart and soul, but ceiling “fireflies” can be installed instead. In the corner where your favorite chair will be, install a spotlight. Then, by turning off the lights in the rest of the room, you can create a cozy corner exactly where you need it.
It is good to place spotlights in order to emphasize some decorative element, for example, paintings or panels. In this case, lamps with dim light are placed on the ceiling above the paintings along the walls.
In order to be able to regulate the illumination of the room, use several switches, which at the right time will allow you to dim the light or make the room, on the contrary, very bright.
For non-standard shaped rooms great option The arrangement of the lamps is a “wave” in the middle of the room from one corner of the ceiling to the other. This method of placing lamps is very suitable for long rooms, including bathrooms, corridors, and kitchens.
An alternative to central lighting can be lamps located in the shape of a cross in the middle of the ceiling. This way, all areas of the room will be illuminated. To concentrate lighting in the corners of the room, several lamps are placed in the corner areas of the ceiling. By the way, the main options for the arrangement of lamps are presented below in the figure.
Lamps on the ceiling in the bedroom
The bedroom is a cozy and intimate place where there should not be too much bright colors and strong lighting. There is no need for such a large number of spotlights here as in the living room. The light should be gentle, soft, diffused, so as not to distract a person from the main task that he came here to perform - from strong and healthy sleep. Worry about installing a dimmer - this device will help you regulate the level of light in the room, dimming the power of the lamps at the right time.
In the bedroom, the best option for organizing lighting is a central lighting fixture, a chandelier, and several lamps located around it or along the perimeter of the room. In small bedrooms you can do without central lighting at all - a few spot “fireflies” will be enough.
Zones in the bedroom can also be demarcated through the use of spotlights. For example, in addition to the lamps located around the perimeter of the room, you can arrange one light bulb above the dressing table to make it more convenient for a woman to apply makeup.
If there is a lack of light in the bedroom during the day due to the lack of sun, then you can arrange the lamps in a semicircle, directed as if from the window. Then during the day when the light is turned on, the lighting will be uniform.
Note! When choosing lamps for each specific room, do not select lamps that are different in style and color. There should be only identical lamps in one room. If there are more than one type, then they should be in harmony with each other.
For the bedroom perfect option installations of lamps are light bulbs invisible behind the eaves, the light from which will be reflected from the ceiling. This will make it soft, muffled, the light will not irritate the eyes and will help you get ready for sleep. And the room will visually increase due to this solution.
Children's room
A children's room is an ordinary room for you, but for a child it is a whole world. This is a bedroom, a playroom, and a work area all at once. Therefore, it is most logical to delimit specific zones with spotlights. The work area, where the child will do homework, read, draw or write, as well as the play area should be very well lit - this is where as many spotlights as possible should be concentrated. They can be placed, for example, at an angle. This option is also suitable for the living room, where the emphasis is, for example, on the recreation area. But in the place in the baby’s room where the bed is, there may be fewer light bulbs.
A fun solution for a children's room would be to arrange the lamps in the shape of the letter “Z” or randomly. If there is some kind of pattern on the ceiling, then it is also worth playing with it using lamps. If the image is in the center of the room, then the lamps are placed around the perimeter of the room, and a chandelier is hung in the middle of the ceiling.
Lighting the kitchen
The kitchen is usually one of the brightest rooms in the house. Of course, the cooking process also takes place here, in which lighting is a very important aspect. After all, it is inconvenient to cut vegetables in the dark and it is easy to miss the spoiled product.
Usually, thanks to the correct use of furniture, a kitchen is delimited into certain zones - a dining area, a food preparation area, and so on. The location of the lamps should directly depend on the interior, layout and natural light. However, in any case O Most of the light bulbs will be concentrated in the work area. Place several spotlights directly above the sink, stove, or work table so that the lack of light does not interfere with cooking.
But in the area dining area There may be fewer lamps. It’s a good idea to combine spotlights with a chandelier that easily descends to the table itself.
In a small square kitchen It is convenient to place the lamps in a circle on the ceiling or in a semicircle in the work area; one additional one can be placed above the dining area. In small spaces it is also better to use indoor lamps rather than pendant lamps.
Video - Spotlights in interior design
Spotlights in the hallway
The hallway does not need strong lighting, so there is no need to install a chandelier here - a few lamps in the corners of the room will be enough. In large corridors, lamps are usually placed around the perimeter.
In a long hallway, you can install lamps not only along the walls, but also in the middle of the ceiling in one row. Then there will be enough light to illuminate the entire corridor.
By the way, lamps placed along the walls are an excellent option that helps to visually enlarge the space, which is very important for narrow or very small hallways.
A lot depends on the interior. There should be more light where mirror surfaces are located.
An interesting option for lighting the hallway can be, just like in the bedroom, hidden lamps. There will be enough light from them, but visually this method of arrangement will add a little space to the narrow corridor.
In the bathroom, the best option is small but bright lamps that will not be conspicuous, but will illuminate the room well. If you need bright lighting for the entire bathroom, then the lamps should be located at the same distance from each other and, preferably, along the perimeter of the walls. However, the most light is needed in the area where the mirror is placed.
A good option for a spacious bathroom is spotlights mounted in a zigzag pattern. They are suitable for rooms with a modern and unusual style.
Unfortunately, interesting design solutions The use of lamps is only suitable for large bathrooms. In small ones, the lamps are usually located simply at an equal distance from each other - it’s difficult to come up with something unusual here.
How to calculate the number of light bulbs
To determine how many light bulbs you need to purchase for each specific room, you will have to make simple calculations.
- Remember that one spotlight illuminates an area of approximately 1.5 square meters.
- In order to find out how many lamps are needed for a room with an area of 20 square meters, the area should be divided by 1.5.
- Dividing 20 by 1.5, we get the number 13 - which means that this is exactly how many lamps we need to purchase for this room.
Also remember that the distance from light bulb to light bulb should not be large or small: the optimal is 30 cm. Therefore, in order to understand how many lamps you need to buy, for example, for a hall, you should know its area and, based on this, calculate the number of lighting fixtures . Do not forget to take into account whether a chandelier will be used in the room - in this case, spotlights often act simply as a design element and addition to the interior.
When calculating the number of light bulbs, it is also a good idea to consider the type of lighting fixtures you plan to use.
If you do not have the experience to independently develop the interior design and placement of spotlights, then it is best to turn to professionals. All the materials used in the design of a stretch ceiling are far from expensive, and it will be a shame to waste money if nothing works out for you.
As a rule, companies that install suspended ceilings and install lighting have their own designers. They will easily select the most suitable options according to your wishes, capabilities and dimensions of your apartment. best options placement of spotlights. It is quite possible that by paying for their services, you will still win.
Video - Installation of spotlights in a suspended ceiling