Luminaires for stretch ceilings: types, how to choose the best + review of brands

Built-in Novotech Novel 357605 for hallway or kitchen

The electrical appliance of the Hungarian manufacturer from the Novel collection is distinguished by build quality, strength, and durability. Built-in device, diameter - 12 cm. Made of aluminum in a classic style with floral patterns.

LED lamps with a LED base with a power of 7 watts are used, which allows you to save energy as much as possible.One product is enough to illuminate one and a half "squares". Luminous flux - 420 lm, color temperature - 3000 K. Degree of protection IP20 - not suitable for wet rooms.

The model will look great in the hallway or in the kitchen with suspended, stretch ceilings.

What light bulbs are suitable for stretch ceilings

Some types of lamps get very hot during operation, so they are not recommended for use with stretch fabrics.

It is also important to consider the color temperature and power of lighting fixtures. Let's look at each option in detail.

Lamp types

By type of lighting element are:

• halogen;
• luminescent (energy saving);
• LED;
• incandescent lamps.

For stretch ceilings, fluorescent and diode ones are recommended, since they do not heat the canvas. Other reasons why these varieties are more convenient are low power consumption and long service life. Incandescent and halogen lamps can also be used, but with a power of up to 40-60 watts. It is better to mount, especially the first ones, only in overhead fixtures, and so that the flow is directed straight down. Otherwise, the canvas overheats and melts. It is better to choose incandescent lamps with a mirror coating in order to obtain a directional light flux.

Halogen lamps are different in that there is another small lamp inside the bulb. They are also capsular, or finger, and are a miniature flask with two leads. These models are installed in closed fixtures, in particular G9, G4, G5.3. It should be borne in mind that halogen lamps also heat the cartridge.

Luminescent ones are effective only with constant work.With frequent on-off, they consume a relatively large amount of energy, which is spent on heating. Another drawback is that at first they turn on at half power and only then flare up at full power.

But the diodes also heat up, which shortens their life. To remove heat, high-quality products have an aluminum radiator grill through which cooling is carried out. Recently, models have appeared where the cooling component is composite; aluminum and plastic are used for its manufacture. Manufacturers claim that it removes heat in the same way as powerful monometallic counterparts. However, you need to choose only well-known brands.

Colorful temperature

The light output is different. You can find out the nature of the radiation by the designations on the package. So, marking from 1800 to 3800 Kelvin means that the light is emitted in the warm range. It relaxes, makes the space cozy and more suitable for a residential building. 4000-5000 K - neutral, above 5000 K - cold lighting. It tones, so it is suitable for a workplace - for example, an office or an office.

Required lamp power and illumination standards

There are average indicators for an apartment per 1 m² based on an incandescent lamp:

• bedroom - 15 W;
• children's - 60 W;
• living room, bathroom, hallway - 22 W;
• kitchen - 26 W.

Correspondence table for different types of lamps (W):

incandescent	energy saving	LED
25	4	3
40	9	5
60	13	8
100	20	14
150	30	22

A formula has also been developed for determining the number of lighting fixtures (N):

N=(SxW)/P, where:

• S is the area of ​​the room;
• W is the norm of illumination;
• P is the power of one element.

When designing the placement scheme, it must be taken into account that the luminaires can be installed at a distance of at least 30 cm from each other and at least 20 cm from the wall.

Optimal types of light bulbs

Each type of lamp corresponds to a certain type of light bulb. For example, an incandescent lamp is unacceptable in LED models.

This nuance is important to consider when choosing products.

For installation on a tension web, energy-saving, LED, halogen light sources, incandescent lamps, fiber optic filaments are used.

In general, any light source is suitable for tension structures, but with a few clarifications:

• it is better to give preference to frosted light bulbs;
• do not use incandescent lamps in spotlights;
• together with halogen light sources, installation of an additional transformer is required;
• permissible power of incandescent lamps - no more than 45-60 W, halogen lamps - up to 35 W.

Incandescent lamps are placed in suspended chandeliers, fixed at a distance of at least 0.4 m from the film ceiling. They emit standard diffusing light, but are the most uneconomical option among the rest.

Halogen lamps are more economical and durable. These devices have good color reproduction, provide intense bright light in the room, but are very limited in color gamut.

The most optimal, environmentally friendly and cost-effective option is LED-light bulbs. They almost do not heat up during operation, therefore they are the best type of light source for stretch ceiling surfaces.

For many models, manufacturers give a long-term warranty for up to 10 years.

LED lamps are characterized by a wide range of color temperatures - from cold white to warm yellow. The devices do not create a flickering effect, they emit a rather soft light.

When purchasing lighting fixtures with already built-in LEDs, you need to clarify the possibility of replacing them. If it is not provided, then when the light bulb fails, you will have to change the lamp

Energy-saving fluorescent light bulbs are also durable and safe. They give high-quality diffused lighting, do not heat up, do not light up the surface. Due to the low energy consumption, the rather high price of the products quickly pays off.

Since they are characterized by relatively large dimensions, they are not suitable for every lamp model. The main disadvantage of fluorescent lamps is the low startup speed.

Another option for a light source, which is often combined with stretch fabrics, is fiber optic filaments. They are characterized by low heat transfer, a small amount of light. Usually they are used exclusively as decorative lighting.

With the help of luminous threads and special nozzles, they create fascinating effects of the starry sky, tongues of flame, northern lights in the rooms.

The cost of optical fiber is an order of magnitude more expensive than other elements, but it is justified by its durability.

Choosing good quality lamps

Based on the above information, you should have already decided which fixtures are best for a stretch ceiling in your case. Now let's go directly to their choice.

Choosing an LED strip

LED strip refers to an ergonomic type of lighting. This is a strip with electrical conductors on one side and an adhesive surface on the other.It can be used both for the main lighting of the room, and for additional background lighting.

The brightness of such lighting depends solely on the number and size of the LEDs placed on the strip:

• For ceiling decoration, it is best to use 30-60 LEDs per meter.
• The glow they should have is a warm white color. It is better not to experiment with brighter light, as it will “cut” the eyes.

Choosing spotlights for stretch ceilings

Recessed lights are also called spotlights. They consist of one lamp and are used both for additional illumination and independent.

Spotlights are divided into 2 groups.

Outdoor. These are fixtures in which the light source is below the level of the ceiling sheet. They are purely decorative. In this regard, designers give them the most extraordinary and sophisticated forms. The most important advantage of such lamps is the minimum loss of height when using them.

Also, depending on mobility, rotary and static models are divided. Their difference is that in the latter version you cannot control the flow of light. As for rotary models, thanks to their movable part, you can direct the light rays to the place where you need.

If you decide to choose spotlights for a stretch ceiling, the order of their installation will be as follows:

Before installing the ceiling, wires are laid and fasteners are installed.

• In places where spotlights will be installed, special suspensions on metal plates are attached to the main ceiling.Thanks to this, it is possible to adjust the height of the devices, since the lower plane must be at the level of the ceiling sheet.
• After the preparatory work, the ceiling is installed.
• In places where the lamps will be installed, a plastic ring is glued.
• When the glue dries, a film is cut inside with a clerical knife.
• Through the hole, pre-laid wires are taken out and they begin to be connected to the lamp.
• And at the very end, the installation of the lamp itself takes place.

Choosing a chandelier

If you choose a chandelier for stretch ceilings, this is not difficult to do if you take into account all the necessary characteristics. Key factors to consider:

Key factors to consider:

• Mounting method;
• The shape of the plafonds;
• The number of horns and their orientation;
• The type of light source that is suitable for this fixture.

You should also take into account the texture of the ceiling canvas, the type and power of the light bulb used, and most importantly, the features of the room:

• For a matte surface texture, the classical form of lamps is ideal, for a glossy one - extraordinary and intricate.
• To create a lot of bright highlights, choose chandeliers with open LED bulbs that are installed directly under the canvas. They do not heat up and will not cause any damage to the coating.
• If you decide to use halogen lamps, then the chandelier should be located exclusively at a distance of at least 30 centimeters from the ceiling.

Important when choosing a chandelier is the height of the ceiling:

• In rooms with a standard ceiling height (up to about 3 meters), it is best to use horizontal ones. Their diameter can be about 1 meter.Such chandeliers represent a multi-track design, which is located on the "branches" or has a different structure. Their peculiarity lies in the fact that the lamps are evenly distributed throughout the chandelier, which gives high-quality lighting.
• For rooms with high ceilings (over 3 meters), the best option would be to use vertical models with a diameter of 30-50 centimeters and a height of 1 meter. Thanks to this design, they illuminate the space as much as possible.

Kinds

Two-level ceilings are a modern way to make the interior unique and original. With the help of building and finishing materials, you can get more than two levels of height. And at the same time, any design, in addition to aesthetics, has additional practical characteristics. But such multi-level structures look good only in spacious apartments.

Suspended ceilings are of several types:

Stretch - perhaps the most popular finish. A fabric or PVC film with a minimum thickness is used. The surface does not require careful maintenance, it is enough to periodically wet cleaning with a soft cloth to get rid of dust and dirt.

Each of the types of suspended ceilings is typical for certain types of premises. A wide variety of materials, designs, sizes and colors allows you to choose the perfect option for an apartment or house.

Fixtures and room assignments

The parameters of the lamps - their future location, power, design, are designed for a specific room. The way the room is used will affect the choice of fixtures in the following ways:

Living room.In the living room, more than anywhere else, a sufficient level of lighting is important.

Therefore, regardless of the design of the accessory, they pay attention to the quality of lighting equipment and the technical parameters of lamps (especially power). Do not forget about the diameter and height of the chandelier: they must match the dimensions of the living room

In the recreation area

Bedroom

It is important to create an atmosphere conducive to complete relaxation. Therefore, a chandelier for a bedroom with a stretch ceiling should become a source of soft, diffused light.

To complicate the lighting design, both classic and modern chandeliers are often complemented by spot lighting, which looks very stylish.

In an elegant bedroom

Kitchen

In the kitchen, both excess and lack of light are bad, so it is important to choose a chandelier that is comparable to the size of the room. The design of the main chandelier maintains the style of the room; spotlights highlight the working area, the LED strip will create the right mood

Chandelier and track lights

About the stretch ceiling "starry sky" in the following video:

Briefly about the main

In order not to drown in the range of products existing on the market, and to choose the right chandelier for a stretch ceiling, you need to know a few rules and do not forget about the features of tension structures.

The film web does not tolerate high temperatures. Under the influence of the heat of the lamps, it begins to deform and turn yellow; appearance is irreparably damaged. To prevent this from happening, choose chandeliers with a certain set of qualities.

The luminaire, which is planned to be mounted on a suspended structure, should emit as little heat as possible. It depends on the type and number of lamps used, for which the calculation is carried out according to the total power.

Additional factors influencing the choice of a chandelier include the type of fastening of the model (consignment note or pendant), the distance from the lamps to the film, the direction of the shades. It is important to choose the optimal light source: economical, durable and safe.

Not only chandeliers are mounted on stretch ceilings, spotlights and LED strips are popular. All of them in different combinations are used in the living room, bedroom, kitchen.

Stretch ceiling lighting

Today's market offers a wide range of stretch ceilings. To choose the right lighting fixture, you need to understand the intricacies of this issue.

Stylistic design

To choose the original model of a lamp, lamp, LED strip, let's get acquainted with the styles on the market.

Fixture types:

• classic. This type of lamps conquers with grace, in them the details are arranged symmetrically. Ideally, when decorating a room in the style of classicism, the suspended ceiling covering is wooden, but with a stretched version of the ceiling, it is better to opt for a hanging-type crystal chandelier or one that resembles a plate. Interior design can also be done in Provence or Empire styles;
• country. In this situation, comfort is created with the help of wooden or carved lamps designed for stretch ceilings. In this style, lamps are used exclusively from natural materials;
• high-tech is a modern style in which materials are combined in order to recreate an extravagant design solution with the original shape of spotlights and other appliances, which gives originality to the interior.A style called high-tech is characterized by a lot of light, so it combines lamps, LED lighting and spotlights.

Distinctive features of lighting elements with rotary functions

Rotary luminaires - simplicity and functionality Lighting devices are divided depending on the availability of rotary functions. They are of the following types:

• rotary. Equipped with rotating hinges, and the entire stream of light is directed in the right direction, as the lamps turn;
• fixed. A lighting device of this type directs a stream of light into the lower zone strictly perpendicular to the floor.

The photo will help you understand what characterizes each of the types of lamps and chandeliers designed to decorate a stretch ceiling. Also, during installation, you need to figure out how to direct the flow of light for the correct distribution of lighting and even zoning of the room. The room should be comfortable, and which appliances should be chosen depends on the design idea. It can be either lamps or spotlights, LED strips or other lamps.

Illumination of this type - savings and attractiveness

Differences in dimensional parameters and modifications of fixtures

According to dimensional parameters and modifications, devices for mounting lighting in a room or other room can be:

• standard type. This option is the easiest. These are small models that do not protrude beyond the edge of the main canvas. This type of fixtures is made in the form of an oval, circle, square, rectangle and triangle. In some situations, standard type chandeliers can be created in the shape of a heart or a star;
• elongated. Such chandeliers are made in the form of a glass or a candle.They usually have a swivel type mechanism, which makes it possible to install the lamp in a variety of positions. For example, parallel to the ceiling, straight down or diagonally to the floor;
• voluminous. This type of chandelier is designed to decorate the ceiling of small sizes, and the volume is given with the help of various decorative elements, chains, curlicues;
• spherical. These are lamps that look like a hemisphere. For their manufacture, transparent or frosted glass is used. In most cases, a specialized sputtering of exclusive beads or sparkles is done in order to give more decorative effect. These lamps are shown in the photo;
• non-standard. These chandeliers and lamps are distinguished by their asymmetrical shape, different textures and original color scheme.

Which type of device is better to choose is up to the owner of the room, as it depends on the interior design of the room.

Color palette for interior design

Blue backlighting is a good option for a night light There is not a drop of doubt that everyone in their home wants to focus on a beautiful ceiling. To do this, you can choose a chandelier or a spotlight that will create the perfect luminous flux.

Tips for choosing the color of the lamp and chandelier for the room:

• to a lesser extent, eye fatigue occurs with yellow light;
• to improve performance, it is better to opt for white lamps or chandeliers;
• red light can increase pressure;
• orange light speeds up the heartbeat;
• green and blue soothe, reduce pressure;
• blue - depressing;
• the purple lighting device looks extraordinary, but in the future a person experiences irritability in such lighting.

The original model is attractive and graceful

Places where spotlights are used

The most common places where we can find spotlights:

• Small rooms. Due to their small size, spotlights conquer small closets.
• Stretch or suspended ceilings. Be sure to consult with professionals who will tell you how to install a spotlight in your ceiling.
• They perform a decorative function. Often, spotlights are used to highlight sculptures or to accentuate certain details in the interior.
• To ensure uniformity in lighting, which cannot be done by separately hanging sconces or standing floor lamps. This can be seen just by looking at the photo of the spotlights.
• Flexible lighting. Thanks to the use of spotlights, you can visually zone the room.
• As street zoning and marking.

What light bulbs are suitable for stretch ceilings

Some types of lamps get very hot during operation, so they are not recommended for use with stretch fabrics.

It is also important to consider the color temperature and power of lighting fixtures. Let's look at each option in detail.

Lamp types

By type of lighting element are:

• halogen;
• luminescent (energy saving);
• LED;
• incandescent lamps.

For stretch ceilings, fluorescent and diode ones are recommended, since they do not heat the canvas. Other reasons why these varieties are more convenient are low power consumption and long service life.Incandescent and halogen lamps can also be used, but with a power of up to 40-60 watts. It is better to mount, especially the first ones, only in overhead fixtures, and so that the flow is directed straight down. Otherwise, the canvas overheats and melts. It is better to choose incandescent lamps with a mirror coating in order to obtain a directional light flux.

Halogen lamps are different in that there is another small lamp inside the bulb. They are also capsular, or finger, and are a miniature flask with two leads. These models are installed in closed fixtures, in particular G9, G4, G5.3. It should be borne in mind that halogen lamps also heat the cartridge.

Luminescent ones are effective only with constant work. With frequent on-off, they consume a relatively large amount of energy, which is spent on heating. Another drawback is that at first they turn on at half power and only then flare up at full power.

But the diodes also heat up, which shortens their life. To remove heat, high-quality products have an aluminum radiator grill through which cooling is carried out. Recently, models have appeared where the cooling component is composite; aluminum and plastic are used for its manufacture. Manufacturers claim that it removes heat in the same way as powerful monometallic counterparts. However, you need to choose only well-known brands.

Colorful temperature

The light output is different. You can find out the nature of the radiation by the designations on the package. So, marking from 1800 to 3800 Kelvin means that the light is emitted in the warm range. It relaxes, makes the space cozy and more suitable for a residential building.4000-5000 K - neutral, above 5000 K - cold lighting. It tones, so it is suitable for a workplace - for example, an office or an office.

Required lamp power and illumination standards

There are average indicators for an apartment per 1 m² based on an incandescent lamp:

• bedroom - 15 W;
• children's - 60 W;
• living room, bathroom, hallway - 22 W;
• kitchen - 26 W.

Correspondence table for different types of lamps (W):

incandescent	energy saving	LED
25	4	3
40	9	5
60	13	8
100	20	14
150	30	22

A formula has also been developed for determining the number of lighting fixtures (N):

N=(SxW)/P, where:

• S is the area of ​​the room;
• W is the norm of illumination;
• P is the power of one element.

When designing the placement scheme, it must be taken into account that the luminaires can be installed at a distance of at least 30 cm from each other and at least 20 cm from the wall.

Read more: How many fixtures do you need per square meter of stretch ceiling

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Overview of the main types of fixtures for stretch fabrics:

Expert advice on how to choose fixtures to organize a quality lighting system in your home:

Properly selected lamps will not harm the characteristics of the stretch fabric, provide comfortable and uniform illumination of the space. It is enough to plan in advance the layout of the devices and follow the basic rules for selection and installation, guided by the recommendations.

Share with readers your experience with ceiling lights. Tell us which model you preferred, and whether you were satisfied with the purchase. Please post to the article, ask questions and participate in discussions. The contact form is located below.