Proper room lighting creates comfort and helps maintain a person’s physical and psychological health.. Light affects the perception of objects, the mood and activity of people, so the nuances of lighting design are thought through before installing the ceiling structure. Options for lighting a stretch ceiling make it possible to develop and implement unusual design solutions without neglecting comfort.
General information about suspended ceilings with lighting
Installing the canvas allows you to completely redesign the lighting in the room. Instead of the usual chandelier, there may be built-in lamps or a multi-level design with lighting. The choice is limited only by imagination and budget.
Before installation, determine the texture of the material, which comes in 3 types:
- Glyantsevoy. Mirror surface that reflects light.
- Matte. The canvas is similar to a classic ceiling: there is no glare from light sources.
- Satinova. Smooth texture providing soft reflection with a slight pearlescent effect.
Taking into account the characteristics of a particular ceiling material, lighting devices are selected.
Advantages
Stretch ceilings, compared to plasterboard ceilings, have the following advantages:
- Easy care. There is no need to putty or tint, and dirt can be removed with a dry or damp cloth.
- Eco-friendly materials. They do not allow dust and moisture to pass through, and are not afraid of corrosion and condensation.
- Easy installation and dismantling. The structure is installed in a few hours, and if the ceiling needs to be removed, its performance properties will be preserved.
- Variety of colors and shapes. You can make a green ceiling, a multi-level black one, or combine different shades and shapes.
Care and operation
A high-quality suspended ceiling with perimeter lighting or spot diodes is a guarantee of many years of flawless operation.
Each type has its own advantages and specifics of operation. It is best to order spectacular film ceilings from a specialized company in order to be entitled to post-warranty service.
It is worth recalling the recommendations of care specialists:
- you cannot mechanically impact or rub ceilings with a mirror coating with a rag - it’s easy to ruin the amalgam; mount it where there is minimal likelihood of staining them with something;
- When caring for a suspended ceiling with LED lighting, you should not use a vacuum cleaner, hard brush, abrasive cleaners or chemicals;
- if dust is noticeable, carefully sweep it away with a dry sponge;
- in the room where food is prepared, a powerful exhaust hood is needed - fumes quickly accumulate on suspended ceilings with lighting in the hall combined with a dining room or kitchen block;
- the membrane can be damaged mechanically, especially with low ceilings and high cabinet furniture - even cats can damage them, deprive pets of access to the elastic surface;
- if you want to renew the surface of an extravagant ceiling, disguise patches or defects, use aerosol cans;
- if the membrane is slightly sagging, it can be returned to its place using a heat gun, the backlight will not be affected.
Variable design – great opportunities for interior modernization. Spot and contour lighting of a stretch ceiling will look great in a retail space, in a minibar or cafe, recreation for visitors to an office center and a small hotel.
Basic rules for lighting on suspended ceilings
When designing lighting design, you need to follow simple recommendations:
- Keep in mind that lighting must perform its main function. With any design, the main thing is a sufficient amount of light. Technical character cannot be neglected in favor of aesthetics.
- Maintain a uniform color temperature. This indicator is measured in degrees Kelvin and varies from 1,000 to 10,000 K. In everyday life, the concepts of “warm” and “cold” light are used.
- Avoid direct contact of the light source with your eyes. Lamps should not dazzle or interfere.
Lighting calculation
Recommended illumination indicators are specified in the set of rules 52.13330.2016, applied for the construction and operation of buildings (see table). Using accepted standards, calculations are made showing how much light is enough for the room.
| Room type | Illumination standard, Lux |
| Kitchen, living room | 150 |
| Children's | 200 |
| Bathroom, toilet, corridor | 50 |
| Wardrobe | 75 |
| Cabinet | 300 |
| Ladder | 20 |
| Sauna, swimming pool | 100 |
Illumination is measured in lux (Lx), and luminous flux is measured in lumens (Lm). 1 lux is equal to 1 lumen per 1 square meter, i.e. 1 Lx = 1 Lm/sq.m. To calculate, you need to multiply the area of the room by the norm from the table. For example, for a kitchen of 14 sq.m. you will need 2100 Lux: 14*150=2100 Lux. Based on the luminous flux characteristics given below, the required number of lamps is determined.
What material options are there?
White matte stretch fabric can be made of either polyvinyl chloride film or heat-shrinkable fabric.
PVC ceilings are more popular due to their affordable price, ease of installation, subsequent maintenance, ideal surface smoothness and lack of reflection. In addition, in the case of flooding, such material is designed to withstand pressure of a whole hundredweight per 1 m2.
Fabric ceilings, despite their high price, are preferred when it comes to decorating large areas.
Because such canvases are produced up to 5 m wide. Their advantages also include the ability to withstand low temperatures, which is why they are recommended for installation in unheated rooms, dachas, and country houses.
Lighting selection criteria
Tensile structures are made of fabric and PVC film.
Each material has distinctive characteristics:
- Fabric sheets have an artificial base, are breathable, and are resistant to temperatures of -40...+80°C. Such ceilings are installed even in rooms without heating. Disadvantages include high cost and lack of waterproof properties.
- Film sheets are waterproof, inexpensive, and can withstand repeated installation and dismantling. PVC ceilings cannot be installed in houses without heating, and at temperatures above +60°C they are deformed (when cooled, they are restored).
PVC products use lighting elements no more powerful than 35 W. There are no power limitations for tissue.
Lighting devices have different technical and aesthetic characteristics that must be taken into account when creating the design and functionality of the lighting.
Recessed, semi-recessed or surface-mounted lamps
Depending on the type of installation, luminaires are:
- Mortise. The device body and lamp are located in the interceiling space.
- Semi-mortise. The light source protrudes relative to the ceiling line.
- Invoices. They look like mini chandeliers and have hanging design elements.
Point: fixed or rotating
Based on the direction of the light flux, built-in lamps and spots are divided into:
- Fixed. The direction of the light does not change, the beam falls straight.
- Rotary. You can change the angle of the lamp or rotate it in different directions.
Focused or diffuse light
Depending on what kind of atmosphere needs to be created, the intensity and nature of the glow are selected.
Focused light, which is formed by a directed flow from a line of spotlights, LED strip or track spots, helps to highlight any area. With this approach, unlit objects will fade into the background, focusing attention on the main thing in the interior.
Advantages
Any types of construction and finishing materials have their advantages and disadvantages. This design is no exception.
White matte stretch ceilings have many advantages, namely:
- resistant to moisture, which makes it possible to install even in the bathroom;
- elastic and resistant to large amounts of water. If you are flooded by your upstairs neighbors, the canvas will simply fill with water, thereby protecting your furniture and flooring from damage;
- easy to install, since the entire structure is installed within 4–6 hours;
- fireproof, because the material is protected from ignition;
- environmentally friendly, since no harmful or hazardous materials are used in the production of the canvas. This canvas can be used for any room, including a children's room;
- are presented in a wide range of shades, which allows you to turn any designer’s fantasies into reality.
Types of luminous elements
When planning lighting design, methods of mounting lighting fixtures and their aesthetic properties are of particular importance. The colors, modifications, prices and quality available on the market allow you to choose the optimal solutions for each room.
Spotlights
These are lighting elements common for tensile structures, which are distinguished by their small diameter and directional beam of light.
Due to their compactness, such lamps can be used in almost any, even limited space: in a closet, pantry, under the stairs.
Invoices
Fixed lighting fixtures that protrude along the ceiling line but do not hang down are classified as overhead lighting fixtures. Their distinctive properties: ease of installation, variety of modifications and colors, low price.
Recessed lighting
Many manufacturers of suspended ceilings offer light boxes integrated into the design. They are frames with LED strip built into the canvas. This type of lighting is used in modern interiors.
Hanging chandeliers
Familiar ceiling chandeliers come in a variety of shapes and sizes and harmoniously complement both classic and new-fangled renovations.
A place is allocated for the chandelier in advance, because after installing the ceiling, it will no longer be possible to change its location.
When installing, take into account that the distance from the lamp to the tension structure is at least 30–60 cm.
LED types of lamps
Lighting fixtures with LEDs, due to their low heat transfer, are optimally suited for fabric and film materials. Lamps can be built-in or overhead, rotary or fixed. The only difference between them is the “filling”, consisting of several connected LEDs.
What is important to know before starting work
It is better to study the lighting options for a room with a suspended ceiling before starting repairs. A planned project will help you correctly lay the power cable and prepare the mounting locations for future lamps. You need to take into account all the details and nuances in advance, so you will protect yourself from subsequent problems.
Stretch ceilings add a special chic to the room, and lighting makes an accent.
The technology for installing a stretch ceiling uses the tension of a membrane on a special profile, which completely blocks access to the real ceiling of the building and after installation there will be no possibility of additional installation, unless of course you decide to immediately change it.
Stretch ceiling fastening technology.
Popular lamp manufacturers
There are dozens of items on the packages of light bulbs. Products of certain brands differ in the technologies used in production and in cost.
According to the rating compiled at the beginning of 2022, the top 5 best brands included Philips, Osram, Gauss, Feron, Camelion. Lamps from these manufacturers are reliable, have a long warranty period, and a high price. There are many models.
The top 10 is completed by ASD, Navigator, Jazzway, Era and Kosmos. Their light bulbs are distinguished by low prices, long service life, and availability. However, marriage is more common among them than among the leaders of the rating.
How to install suspended ceiling lamps
Before installation, they decide how many lighting fixtures there will be and how they will be located. Then electrical wires are laid in the interceiling space and platforms are attached on which the lamps will be held.
There are several installation features that should be taken into account when developing a project:
- the distance of the devices from the wall should be about 60 cm;
- the light fluxes of adjacent lamps should not intersect;
- Be sure to use thermal rings to protect the film around the product from overheating.
Recommendations for lighting design
Modern interior solutions combine several types of lighting to create a cozy atmosphere at any time of the day. To do this, LED lighting is built in, which creates a soft light and has many applications.
Along the perimeter
Installing an LED line along the walls is called contour lighting. It visually expands the space and creates the effect of a “floating ceiling”.
Inside
They equip the entire area of the canvas with illumination “from the inside” or create figures and drawings from LED strips, which, when turned on, convey an unusual design.
Starry sky
This effect is created in 2 ways:
- In the space behind the ceiling, light guide threads (fiber optics, needle elements) powered by a light generator are placed in a chaotic manner.
- LEDs illuminate the canvas depicting the starry sky.
Types of suspended ceilings with unusual lighting: ideas and options for different rooms
Unusual lighting emphasizes the interior of the room and creates a unified design style.
Children's
In rooms for small children, colorful ceilings with drawings or imitation of the sky look appropriate. For teenagers, motifs from their favorite films or books are suitable.
Living room
The hall is most often the largest room in a house or apartment. Therefore, experiments with levels or canvases with illuminated drawings look good. An interesting find is curtain lighting.
Bedroom
In a room intended for sleeping, lamps with adjustable light, as well as a canvas with a starry sky effect, look harmonious.
Bathroom
The bathroom and shower do not require a lot of light, so you can diversify the color of the lighting and focus on the mirror.
Corridor
A small corridor space is enlarged with the help of lighting along the contour of the ceiling.
Kitchen
The dining area, highlighted by light directed from hanging chandeliers or spots, and the cooking area highlighted by small lamps look unusual.
Design tips
The main recommendation when designing lighting is to provide a sufficient number of luminaires, but not exceeding reasonable limits. Excessive saturation of the room with light sources irritates and causes discomfort. Lighting used for suspended ceilings must correspond to their type and be in harmony with the canvas, without disturbing its expressiveness and integrity.
A common mistake is choosing the type of ceiling separately from planning the lighting, which leads to a loss of a lot of possibilities. It must be taken into account that both of these elements are equivalent parts of a single system that requires harmony and compliance of all details.
In conclusion, we must once again remind you of observing the correct sequence of actions. The first thing you need to do is select and purchase lamps that will be installed on the tension fabric. By the time the ceiling is installed, they must be purchased; an installation site must be prepared for the installation of each element and power wires must be installed. If this step is not completed, after installing the canvas there will be no opportunity to catch up.
You cannot rush and make ill-considered decisions. Omissions that will not be noticeable to outsiders will become a constant and insoluble problem for the home owner. You need to approach the creation of a project without haste, relying on ready-made design solutions. The higher the requirements, the more thoroughly the preliminary actions must be carried out so that the result brings maximum decorative and functional effect.
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