Light bulbs for spotlights: types, characteristics, nuances of choice + best brands

Technical features of stretch ceilings

In the assortment of well-known lighting brands, there are many different options for lighting ceiling fixtures. However, not every of the proposed models of luminaires can be attached to tension structures.

The thing is that their surface consists of PVC film, fiberglass or fabric materials that do not tolerate heating above 60 ° C.

If you purchase the first fixture and type of light bulbs in the store without paying attention to the characteristics of the devices, there is a big risk that they will burn the canvas over time. As a result, the material deforms, sags, acquires an ugly yellow tint, and begins to exude unpleasant odors when the light is on.

As a result, the material will deform, sag, acquire an ugly yellow tint, and begin to exude unpleasant odors when the light is on.

The fabric will be slightly more resistant to temperature effects, but the vinyl or glossy surface of the film can quickly crack, lose its shape and primary elasticity.

That is why the fixtures installed in the stretch ceiling should be low-power, emit a minimum amount of heat.

It is desirable that the supporting body of the devices be made of safe thermal raw materials, which prevent the spread of heat coming from the filament to the ceiling.

What are they

To start research on the compatibility of LEDs and conventional chandeliers, you should study the light sources themselves. It depends on them how well the room will be lit, and such products can be different.

First of all, they can differ in power. And here is the first hitch. The power of LED illuminators is indicated in the same way as for conventional ones - in watts, but the number is much less.

The fact is that such lighting devices operate at a lower voltage and they have less power. However, the flow of light at the same time is not inferior to conventional light bulbs.

How to determine what power device will be comparable to traditional lamps? Manufacturers assure that to obtain the equivalent power of an LED illuminator, it is necessary to multiply the indicated number by ten. That is, a 4 watt diode lamp, in their opinion, is equal in power to 40 watts of a conventional one. In reality, it is worth reducing the multiplier to 6 or to 5.

The second parameter that matters is the temperature of the LED. It sounds complicated enough, but in practice it's just a shade of glow.It can be "cold" or "warm".

The first type is better suited for office or retail space. It is mercilessly bright and not too comfortable. However, the lighting in the room is excellent. The second option gives a more pleasant light and creates a feeling of comfort. However, there are more shadows and the overall illumination of such illuminators is lower.

LED illuminators are available in several form factors. There are bulbs with "naked" diodes, and there are bulbs, which can be either transparent or matte.

Another parameter of LEDs that matters is the brightness of the glow. It is measured in lumens. In order to have an approximate bar that you can focus on when choosing, you can remember that a conventional 40-watt incandescent lamp gives a luminous flux of about 400 lumens.

As for the base, everything is standard here - you can purchase different devices with E27, E14, GU10 and MR16 socles.

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.

Rules for connecting lamps

Of fundamental importance is the type of fixtures in which it is planned to mount the lamps. According to the type of fastening structures are different.

Suspended. In everyday life they are called chandeliers. A win-win option for almost any interior.

It is possible to mount lamps of all types, because the distance to the ceiling is sufficient to avoid strong heating of materials. Installation is the simplest. Prices may vary depending on the model, manufacturer, design.

Overhead. For such structures, it is required to bring the mortgage base with electrical wiring before installing the stretch ceiling. Then they put special rings in which the lamps are fixed. For them, LED lamps are best suited - with a minimum heating temperature. The advantages include the low cost of structures.

Embedded. The difference from overhead fixtures is only in the installation method and the presence of a decorative panel, thanks to which the design of the device is almost indistinguishable from the surface of the stretch ceiling.

The advantage is the low cost of construction. Ideal for office space, minimalist interiors. Depending on the number of light sources, spot and cascade lamps are distinguished. Only one lamp is mounted in devices of the first type, and several of the second.

Point structures have to be installed in rows due to the modest lighting area. Cascades are distinguished by their extensive design potential. Thanks to them, you can create beautiful effects.

Distinguish between static and rotary lamps. The names reflect the design features: the first are fixed, and the second allow you to adjust the direction of radiation.

When installing devices, the purpose of lighting is taken into account. If it is general, then the optimal radiation angle should be 60-90 degrees. If local (zoned) - from 40 degrees

The type of material from which the panel of the ceiling itself is made also matters. If it is fabric, then the choice of lamps is almost unlimited, but it is better to install LED devices on PVC film.

No. 2. What kind of stretch ceiling fixtures are there?

All fixtures that are used together with stretch ceilings can be divided into the following types:

• chandeliers;
• spot lighting;
• LED Strip Light;
• raster lamps;
• ceiling "starry sky".

The chandelier in the center of the ceiling is a classic of the genre. It can be made in the form of a plate, be on a long suspension, or consist of several hanging shades arranged in a row. If you plan to use incandescent or halogen lamps, be aware of the safe wattage and distance. In addition, it is desirable that the design features of the chandelier are such that the shades, together with the lamps, are directed sideways or downwards, but not towards the ceiling. You can use chandelier-plates with stretch ceilings, but you will have to buy fluorescent or LED bulbs. In principle, when using lamps that do not heat up, the design of the lamp can be absolutely anything - fortunately, the choice in stores is so huge that you can get confused and confused.

The problem can arise if you want to install a luxurious crystal chandelier on a suspension. Candle lamps of such a chandelier almost rest against the ceiling.Of course, you can install conditionally cold energy-saving lamps, but crystal looks best only under the light of ordinary incandescent lamps. The only way out is to increase the length of the suspension in order to achieve a safe distance between the lamps and the ceiling of 30-40 cm, but this is only possible when the ceilings in the apartment are high enough.

If you have a glossy ceiling installed, in which, like in a mirror, everything is well reflected, then when choosing a chandelier, you should pay attention to how it looks from all sides, since in the reflection you will clearly see that part that we usually do not visible

Spotlights and stretch ceilings have already become an inseparable pair, as their combination looks really very attractive. Such lamps can be used as the main light if there are a lot of them in the room, but they are usually installed to illuminate some area in the room. Spotlights save when the ceiling height is critically low. They have a low light scattering angle (about 30 degrees), therefore, for normal illumination of a room or part of it, it is necessary to install 1 device for every 1.5-2 m2 of area. In shape and size, such lamps can be anything - the choice is exceptionally large.

Spotlights can be installed:

• above the ceiling level, provided that a light-transmitting film is used. Thanks to this arrangement, you can achieve soft illumination of the ceiling from above or a flickering effect, you can also create various lighting effects;
• at the level of the ceiling, when the lamp and the ceiling form one flat, solid surface;
• slightly below level when luminaires with a protruding bulb are used. If you choose the appropriate design, it will be possible to change the angle of incidence of light by tilting the lamp.

LED strip is used primarily for decorative purposes. It consumes a minimum of energy, gives a soft cozy glow and is usually mounted along the contour of the ceiling, between the ceiling plinth and the ceiling, or used to focus on individual elements.

Another option for decorative lighting is the so-called "starry sky". The technology allows you to perfectly simulate the glow and twinkling of stars, so an incredible atmosphere is created in the room. Such lighting is realized thanks to fiber-optic filaments-light-emitting diodes, which are connected to a light generator located above the tension structure. LEDs may not be output through the ceiling and project light on the inner surface of the ceiling: during the day the ceiling remains absolutely smooth, and at night magic comes. Another option is to bring out the ends of the threads with LEDs. The most expensive option is to embed diodes in Swarovski stones, thanks to which the light begins to refract especially beautifully, perfectly imitating radiant stars.

Separately, we highlight the raster lamps, which are easily recognizable by their characteristic cellular metal structure. Typically, such lamps are used in suspended ceilings, but sometimes they are also found in tensile structures, although they are still a rarity. This is a more office and strict option, which will only look appropriate in large rooms.

It is not necessary to stop at just one lighting option: a chandelier can be combined with a spot light or LED strip, and spotlights can be installed together with the “starry sky”.

What is spot lighting?

These types of lighting devices include any device that gives light in a certain place, as well as having a small size.

However, this is described from a theoretical side, and from a practical point of view, overhead or built-in models provide spot lighting. They can be found on the street in the garden or in the false ceiling of an office or apartment.

A standard spotlight consists of several components:

• Decor. As a decorative element, there can be a lampshade, a ceiling lamp or an overlay. This can be seen after the lamp is mounted. The pads can be interchangeable.
• Frame. Its role is a protective function and framework.
• Light source. This is a regular lamp that can be purchased separately or a built-in lighting module.
• Technical part. This is the part that is not visible to the average consumer - microcircuits, drivers and other details that ensure the full operation of lighting electrical appliances.

Types of ceiling led lamps, fixtures

Manufacturers offer various modifications of LED lamps. In stores you can buy point mortise, panel, tape LEDs.

Point mortise

They are used in suspended ceiling structures (usually in rooms with false ceilings), cut directly into the skin and are fixed in it. Occupy a minimum of space, can be swivel.

Panels

Mainly used in offices.It is popular for such premises because of its benefits - the energy consumption from one lamp is 75 W, and the light emission reaches 5500 lumens (equivalent to 500 W from an incandescent lamp). There are square, round, oval (in shape) and mortise, overhead and suspended (for installation).

Soffits

Create a directed stream of light. As part of such lamps there are 2 or 3 lamps with a power of less than 9 watts. Are established on different surfaces, except for stretch ceilings.

Tape

Tape light sources are a flexible tape on which there are a large number of small LEDs. Used for decorative ceiling lighting. The tapes are sold in reels of 5 meters, they can be cut along special lines along the entire length.

For LED strip, it is imperative to properly install.

G9 models

Unlike the previous versions, the bulb with the G9 base completely protrudes beyond the illuminated structure, so the light from it is scattered as much as possible. As for the efficiency of the glow, here the model is located between lamps with a G5.3 base and lamps with a GX53 base. In this regard, they are better than the first models, but they fall a little short of the second option.

When choosing LED lamps, you need to carefully study the design of the electrical appliance. In its lower part, it must necessarily have a metal cooling grill. This is explained by the need to remove even a small amount of heat that an LED bulb gives out. Strong heating of the device causes a reduction in the service life. It should be noted that with a cooling grill, an LED lamp can last about three years, without a cooling grill - one year.Spotlights are also popular ceiling lamps that look original.

Components of spotlights

When purchasing a spotlight, you need to know what elements come with it in order to connect it to the power circuit:

• housing with a diffuser, sometimes it is replaced with a retainer.
• mounting plate.
• block-terminal, but very often there is only a pair of terminals.
• a lamp, but it is quite rare to find it in the kit, usually you have to buy it yourself.

Types of lamps for spotlights
A lamp for spotlights can be of several types.

Types of lamps according to the principle of operation

According to the principle of operation of the lamp, there are several types:

Incandescent lamps. Due to the relatively low price and easy replacement, they are the most common. However, recently the number of their minuses exceeds these two advantages. Disadvantages: they consume a lot of electricity and, due to the rather large fasteners, require a special frame.
Halogen

They deserve attention due to their low power consumption and long service life. And this is not all their positive qualities, they are also distinguished by their brightness and shallow fastening depth.

Disadvantages of halogen lamps: excessive heat and easily contaminated with grease. Replacement is recommended to be carried out in special gloves, in order to maintain the durability of use.
Spot LED lamps. Unlike their predecessors, LED lamps have appeared recently. But in such a short time, they were able to get the love of many buyers. And all thanks to their main advantages.Low power consumption - everyone who saves likes it. Such lamps never overheat, which means they are an excellent outlet for those who preferred stretch ceilings. You should also focus on safety, they can be safely used in children's rooms. Still such lamps are equipped with a rotary mechanism. This is very convenient, because at any time you can easily change the angle of the light.
Luminescent Designed for use in industrial premises, in order to simulate natural light. They are expensive, but their durability makes up for this. But their big drawback is harmfulness and not environmental friendliness, but all because of the mercury content.

Types of plinths

The lamp base is where the lamp is connected to the socket. They also have different designs. The most common are threaded and pin.

In spotlights, E14, G5.3 and G10 are commonly used.

Thus, we can conclude that there is no ideal lamp. All of them have their pros and cons. Therefore, going to the store, you need to rely on the main factors, which include:

• light output, calculated by the ratio of the power of the light flux received from the lamp and the same output volt indicator;
• duration of operation;
• difficulties in the disposal of a failed item;
• how to replace the lamp;
• maintenance of the light flux;
• the need for additional equipment.

In order for the power consumption to be rational, it is recommended to connect a rheostat (dimmer) to the lamp. This device will help to adjust the brightness of the lighting, but not all lamps can work with them. Only incandescent and special LED.

Luminaires G5.3

The first type is luminaires for a light bulb with a G5.3 base. This view is shown in the photo below:

There are halogen and LED versions. For halogens, the main disadvantage is that the reflector of the lamp transmits part of the light into the interior of the stretch ceiling.

The result is a picture when you can see all the insides of the ceiling and communications. Namely - fastenings, wiring, mortgage.

Previously, this problem was solved in two ways:

• the back wall of the light bulb was covered with foil
• or just painted over

Now everything is much easier. It is enough to purchase an LED light bulb, in which the back surface is completely opaque and the light from it passes only down.

The disadvantage of the lamp itself is that the light bulb is planted deep enough inside.

Because of this, the light diverges at an acute angle, not covering the maximum possible area, and not scattering throughout the room. It turns out that the lamp will shine with a spot.

In addition, due to the very small diameter, the power of the LEDs is limited.

Even a more developed radiator will not allow you to install a light bulb of more than 7 watts.

And this is if it is made of aluminum. When it comes to some kind of composite cooling design, it is unlikely that such a lamp will last a long time. It will simply overheat and burn out.

In other brands, due to their larger size and better cooling conditions, you can “shove” all 15 watts.

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.