Types of fixtures for stretch ceilings - how to choose the right one

There are a few important things to keep in mind when choosing luminaires for stretch ceilings. The quality of lighting, the appearance of the ceiling, as well as energy consumption depend on the selection. You should also determine the appropriate type of equipment and its quantity.

Stylish spotlights in the stretch ceiling.

The choice of fixtures for stretch ceilings

Sometimes it is necessary to change outdated equipment, and it also becomes possible to install additional fixtures that cannot be placed in concrete or wooden floors. You should always remember the rule - you should not buy the cheapest models. The quality of the equipment is low, and the characteristics are often lower than stated.

If there are separate zones in the room that need to be illuminated additionally, it is better to think over this moment in advance.And to determine not only the power of the equipment, but also its type. For example, in some situations, adjustable rotary options are better suited to shift the direction of the light flux if necessary.

Overhead options are located outside.

What are the criteria for doing this?

To make it easier to understand, it is worth considering several criteria. All of them are important, if you miss at least one factor, you will have to redo the system or install more powerful equipment. Remember the following:

1. The case should not heat up to a temperature of 60 degrees and above. From this, the canvas turns yellow and eventually deforms or becomes brittle. It is difficult to determine the temperature, manufacturers do not indicate this aspect in the information, so you should not take models that use very hot bulbs.
2. The size design is very important, especially there is a recessed lamp. It is worth considering the distance from the canvas to the ceiling partition. Choose models so that they fit in the allotted space, and the body does not rest against the surface. It is best to check with the installers in advance what distance will be under the stretch ceiling.
3. The number of fixtures also matters. They should be placed no closer than 20 cm from the walls and seams on the canvas, if any. Also, do not place point or other options closer than 30 cm from each other. It is best to draw a general scheme in advance in order to select equipment according to it.

Wiring is laid in advance, If you do not think over the location and number of fixtures, then it will be difficult to add them later.

The number of fixtures is determined in advance.

Types of appliances used for false ceilings

It is impossible to say which lamps for stretch ceilings better, it all depends on the purpose of use and the characteristics of the room. But if you understand the main varieties and types of light bulbs used, then it is not difficult to choose.

What are the type of luminous element

Currently, there are several main types of lamps used in lamps and chandeliers. Each of them has its pros and cons, which should be considered when choosing:

1. Incandescent lamps. Every year they are used less and less due to the high consumption of electricity, strong heating during operation and poor quality of light. When used in recessed fixtures, bulbs with a power of more than 40 W should not be placed so that the canvas does not overheat. When installing in chandeliers, there are no restrictions.
2. Halogen options heat up an order of magnitude less, but they can also overheat the canvas if you install a lamp more powerful than 35 W in the built-in lamp. At the same time, the quality of light is an order of magnitude higher, you can choose different types of brightness and color temperature. The service life is also much longer.
3. Fluorescent bulbs heat up slightly during operation, therefore they are safe for the canvas. They burn brightly, consume much less electricity than previous options. But they do not tolerate frequent switching on and off, during this period energy consumption increases dramatically, and the risk of lamp failure is very high.
4. LED equipment is the most preferred for today. Lamps and tapes consume a minimum of electricity, while the quality of light is better than almost all analogues. You can select both brightness and color temperature to create comfortable lighting. Another advantage is that the bulbs almost do not heat up during operation.
   LED options are the most economical.

It is better to use lamps of the same type in all fixtures.

By design

For a stretch ceiling, you can use all options. But to determine which is better to choose, you need to understand the features of each of the solutions:

1. Embedded models. The case is hidden behind a stretch ceiling, which is convenient and practical. The main thing is that there is enough space above the canvas for installation. Spotlights can be used as additional and main lighting. They grab a small part of the room, so you need to place them after 40-80 cm.
2. Overhead lights are suitable if there is not enough space above the stretch ceiling. They are similar to built-in, but the case is outside and has an attractive design. According to the characteristics, the option does not differ from the first, but it is more convenient to adjust it if the mechanism is rotary.
3. Chandeliers used in large rooms - living rooms, bedrooms. Often they are placed in kitchens and square corridors. This is a traditional solution, which most often has several lamps, which provides the desired brightness. The space in the middle is best illuminated, so the kit is often supplemented with spotlights along the edges.
4. LED strips. Most often they are used around the perimeter or laid in a niche of a multi-level ceiling to create spectacular lighting. This is a decorative lighting element that is used as decoration or to create a cozy atmosphere.

The track version looks stylish.

The choice of lamp depending on the canvas

For stretch ceilings three main options are used - glossy, matte and satin canvases. Depending on the type, the choice of fixtures differs, since the surfaces have a different texture.Here you need to remember the following:

1. Glossy surfaces reflect light best and act like a mirror. Therefore, you need to be careful when using chandeliers with light directed upwards - they can give glare and blind a person. It is better to choose options that diffuse the light flux, due to reflection in the room it will be an order of magnitude lighter than usual.
2. Frosted ceilings do not reflect light. At the same time, light surfaces contribute to brighter illumination, while dark surfaces absorb light flux. You can use chandeliers with horns pointing upwards, as there will be no glare. For such surfaces, spotlights with a directional flow are suitable.
3. Satin fabrics gently reflect and diffuse light, allowing you to create a comfortable environment in the room. You can use any type of lamps on them, the surface shimmers beautifully, so models with shades directed to the sides or up are often used.

You can combine different solutions to emphasize the features of the interior. Manufacturers make models of any type and style.

The satin ceiling gently diffuses the light.

Modern spotlights for ceilings

This option is used in stretch ceilings most often. The main features of this type of lamps are:

1. They can be both built-in and overhead or suspended. Separate option - track lightswhen a current-carrying bus is attached along the wall, and the ceiling is placed anywhere and adjusted by 180 degrees.
2. Due to the small size, it is much easier to set up. But even before stretching the canvas, you need to put the bases on the ceiling, since then this will not work.
3. The style is different - from classic to high-tech. Can pick up point stretch ceiling lamps for any premises.There are exclusive models designed by designers or decorated with Swarovski crystals.
4. You can connect different groups of lamps to different switch buttons. Or adjust the brightness with a dimmer.

It is best to use options with LED bulbs. There are models in which the LEDs are soldered. They are durable, but if they fail, then you need to change the entire lamp.

LED strip is a spectacular addition.

Read also

How to connect spotlights correctly

 

Which is better, optimal models

When choosing a lamp, it is worth considering the features of the room. There are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Kitchen. If the area is small, you can evenly distribute the fixtures over the surface. The dining area is often isolated separately using pendant spotlights or overhead options with the ability to adjust.
2. Corridor or hallway. When the width is small, you can place lamps along the walls, this will visually expand the space and give a lot of light.
3. Toilet and bathroom. It is enough to put a few elements here to provide high-quality light.
4. Living room, hall. By combining different types of lighting, you can visually highlight individual areas or zone the space. Most often, point options and a chandelier are combined.
5. Bedroom. In this case, you can use the lamps as general lighting or use them to highlight individual zones.

Ultra-modern chandelier in the living room.

It is not difficult to choose a lamp for stretch ceilings, if you take into account the recommendations and think over in advance layout plan equipment. It is worth remembering that the fixtures for the lamps are installed in advance, then this will not work.

This video offers a simple classification and a basis for selection.