Stretch ceiling is a fabric or film sheet fixed to the walls using a special baguette. This solution, although exceptionally decorative, is not particularly durable. Lamps cannot be attached directly to film or fabric.
However, a chandelier for a hall with a suspended ceiling is not some kind of special device. The secret lies in the correct method of fastening.
Selection rules
Features of a stretch ceiling lie in the materials used in its manufacture. An unsuccessful choice of light source can deform and ruin the canvas. Therefore, first of all, you should pay attention to the following requirements:
- It is not recommended to choose a chandelier with a luminous flux directed upward, as this will cause the coating to begin to burn through. It would be best to install a closed model or structure with light falling down or in different directions.
- It is advisable to give preference to pendant lamps that are located at a significant distance from the ceiling plane, which avoids heating the canvas. If you intend to use a plate chandelier, the product should not have a metal base.
- For a glossy stretch ceiling, it is advisable to select devices that have hidden internal wiring, since exposed electrical wires will be reflected in the mirror surface.
- The lamps in the lamp must have a power not exceeding 60 watts. The most acceptable option would be LED lamps, which are not subject to heating, have an increased level of brightness and do not strain the eyes. In addition, LEDs, unlike halogen and incandescent lamps, have a longer service life and save energy.
- For a low stretch ceiling, you should select chandeliers that have a more laconic design and compact size.
The photo shows a chandelier on a two-level stretch ceiling in the living room interior.
Shape and size
All lamps, both for suspended ceilings and for ordinary ones, are divided into two categories: vertical and horizontal.
- Vertical. Installed on ceilings higher than 3m. Their diameter can be from 20 to 50 cm, and the height of such a chandelier is close to 1 m.
- Horizontal. Installed in rooms with low ceilings (up to 3 m). The diameter of such a product should not exceed 1 m. It can have completely different shapes, such as the classic multi-arm shape with the lampshades placed on “branches,” or more interesting design solutions.
The advantage of such a lamp is that it perfectly illuminates the entire room due to the uniform distance of the lamps from the center.
Individual choice
The cost of a lighting fixture depends entirely on its design, size and materials for manufacturing. It is better to choose lampshades directed to the sides or downwards. Otherwise, it will have a bad effect on the canvas.
You should not limit yourself to modest and simple lamps; they can be decorated with elegant lampshades, glass pendants, and various beads.
The most common and interesting lighting option for a stretch ceiling is one that meets all the requirements for lighting fixtures. The crystal product beautifully diffuses light with its faceted elements.
In addition, crystal elements reflect light and “play” with glare, reflected on the canvas.
Pyramid chandeliers
It is worth special mentioning pyramid-shaped chandeliers, which are suitable for installation in the corridor, and are often used in museums, hotels and theaters. In general, the choice depends on what the owners of the house want to see.
Don’t forget to consider the compatibility of the ceiling and chandelier. For example, a lighting fixture with “candles” with a glossy canvas looks ugly, the light reflected in the PVC canvas will look strange and uninteresting.
Such a chandelier will look great against the background of matte stretch ceilings.
If you choose lighting for the glossy surface of the canvas, it is better to give preference to lighting fixtures in the shape of a hemisphere, as it is beautifully reflected in the glossy canvas and makes the room visually wider. A universal option for both matte and glossy ceilings is horizontal multi-horn products.
We pay attention to everything
The upper part of the chandelier and lampshades should also be “beautiful”. This is important, because this part will be reflected in the glossy surface of the canvas for suspended ceilings. No wires or other parts that spoil the visual characteristics of the product.
In addition, all fastenings and possible damage made during installation must be covered with a lampshade.
If you decide to buy a lighting device with lampshades pointing upward, it is worth installing special reflectors. Even if you place the device at the correct distance, stains may still appear on the canvas over time.
This applies to both suspended ceilings and ordinary ones.
Many people experience black spots on the ceiling that look like soot if a chandelier with upward-facing shades is located close to the ceiling. These are traces of burnt dust on the surface of the lamp.
If you still bought a product with lampshades pointing upward, you need to purchase a suitable lamp. Energy-saving and LED lamps heat up the least. The reflector is a chrome or stainless steel located above the lamp. It reflects light and prevents the canvas from overheating.
When buying a chandelier, you need to pay attention to models with reflectors.
Which chandeliers are suitable?
There are several types of chandeliers that are suitable for suspended ceilings.
- A fairly well-known option are suspended light sources. To secure the lamp to the suspension, the base ceiling is equipped with a special hook on which the product is placed.
- A more inexpensive solution is overhead models. They are installed directly on the suspended ceiling. These devices have sufficient power and do not heat the canvas.
- Built-in lamps have a similar installation method. The main advantage of such products is the spring fastening, which allows the chandelier to be pressed as tightly as possible against the stretch ceiling. Due to the decorative overlay, the structure visually merges with the ceiling plane.
The photo shows a stretch ceiling with a flat round chandelier.
There are the following forms of chandeliers:
- The most optimal is considered to be square. With its simple, refined and elegant lines, the square design is a practical option for any modern design.
- A round lamp will add some mystery and unusualness to the atmosphere. The spherical design looks laconic and at the same time is a sophisticated complement to various styles.
- For a small room with a low suspended ceiling, a flat chandelier is ideal, which, due to its compactness, will not overload or clutter the space.
In order for the lamp to fit well into the overall interior composition, special attention is paid to the size of the product.
- A large structure can not only act as the main lighting element of a room, but also become the main original decorative object of the entire surrounding space.
- A small model with a diameter of 30-60 cm is considered a standard solution for most rooms.
- Mini-chandeliers include designs with a diameter of no more than 30 cm.
Depending on the shape and size of the luminaires, a mounting method in the form of a hook and mounting strip, cross-shaped or I-beam type is used.
For a lighting fixture with a base with a large diameter, it is recommended to use a recessed installation. Thus, the chandelier looks beautiful and elegant, and also creates the effect of being mounted in the ceiling plane.
Features of choosing the color of the ceiling for the type of lighting
The right shade is akin to a successful poem written in a fit of inspiration. In the art of design, as in poetry: sometimes even combinations that are unfriendly to each other can give a stunning effect. However, they do not cancel the general rules known to everyone. After all, exceptions exist only to confirm them, right?
We have selected some useful tips for you that may well be useful if you do not know how best to reveal the advantages of a particular color in combination with the lighting of the lamps in the hall.
- intense lighting has the ability to greatly lighten the ceiling - therefore, avoid overly subtle and weakly expressed shades to avoid the unnecessary effect of a bleached surface;
- in low rooms, do not use a combination of a central chandelier with symmetrically located spotlights - this will cause an overloaded effect; it is best to choose a beautiful light color for the ceiling and make do with either one chandelier or spots located around the perimeter;
- LED strip successfully interacts with the shade of any temperature: remember this when you need to lighten or, conversely, darken the space a little;
- if the hall is located in the shady side of the house, choose warm shades as the main color of the ceiling and emphasize their influence using spotlights.
Photos in the interior of the rooms
For each room, it is assumed that lighting will be installed, including certain types of devices.
Chandelier in the hall under a suspended ceiling
The priority is to use bright and warm light, which improves mood and encourages pleasant communication. For a living room with a high stretch ceiling, you can choose a more massive chandelier. This product will add luxury and solemnity to the decor of the room. An expensive crystal design will favorably complement an interior designed in a classical style.
The photo shows a room with a suspended ceiling, complemented by a wrought-iron chandelier.
For a small living room, it is better to choose a neat and elegant lamp without unnecessary decor. In an elongated and narrow room, the symmetrical placement of two small light sources would be appropriate.
Chandeliers in the bedroom for a suspended ceiling
A relaxation room with a calm and cozy atmosphere involves installing a chandelier that will harmoniously fit into the design and merge with the design of the stretch ceiling, but at the same time will not get lost against its background. An excellent solution would be designs made of crystal or frosted glass, as well as products with shades made of light-colored fabric. Lamps in delicate sand or beige colors emit a yellowish glow that induces relaxation.
Lamps that have several lighting modes and a remote control are convenient for the bedroom. Such models will allow you to achieve a special atmosphere in the room.
The photo shows a single-level stretch ceiling with a hanging chandelier with frosted glass shades.
A multi-level stretch ceiling can be equipped with built-in lamps or lighting around the perimeter. This design will create a fascinating atmosphere in the bedroom. A popular option for a rest room is the use of zone lighting. For example, a place with a dressing table requires brighter light, and sources with a muted light flux are installed above the bed.
Chandeliers in the kitchen interior
In a small space, spotlights or one chandelier will look great on a stretched canvas. For a spacious room, several sources or a lamp with a spotlight are suitable.
You can add lightness to the kitchen interior, fill the atmosphere with solemnity and elegance through lamps with a white body and lampshades. Models in a brown shade look natural and cozy and fit perfectly into a rustic and rustic style.
The photo shows a kitchen design with a black glossy stretch ceiling decorated with a white chandelier.
In a kitchen with a light suspended ceiling, it is appropriate to hang a contrasting lamp made of bronze, copper or other dark metal. Black or chocolate canvas will harmonize favorably with white or steel lighting fixtures.
Bathroom ideas for suspended ceilings
The best solution is to install built-in lamps that will not protrude beyond the ceiling surface. Devices can be located perimeterically or in a checkerboard pattern.
The photo shows a chandelier for a suspended ceiling in a bathroom interior.
In a fairly spacious bathroom with a high ceiling, it is possible to place a not too bulky chandelier. When choosing a product, you need to consider that the lamp is moisture-proof.
Examples for the hallway and corridor
It is recommended to install sources with diffused light. For example, a chandelier with frosted glass shades or a model with an upward luminous flux would be perfect. However, the latter option can ruin the stretch ceiling because the fabric cannot withstand high temperatures. In this case, the problem can be solved with the help of reflectors or light bulbs with low power.
A stretch ceiling in a narrow and long corridor will perfectly complement a rectangular and elongated lamp. To correct the proportions of the hallway, it would be appropriate to highlight individual zones with spots.
The photo shows a suspended ceiling structure with a white chandelier and spotlights in the hallway.
Chandelier in the interior of a nursery
The room is equipped with warm, dim and diffused lighting. It is not recommended to purchase glass lamps for children's rooms. It is better to give preference to products made from materials such as wood or plastic. The chandelier should have a matte surface, as gloss can create glare and irritate a child’s eyes. Models with conventional textile or paper shades will be the best option.
In a nursery, it is not appropriate to install bulky structures with large quantities of decorative parts. A compact but bright lamp or device of an unusual shape will fit well into the room.
The photo shows a children's room with a spherical chandelier on a white stretch ceiling.
Materials
The quality and materials for the manufacture of lighting fixtures for suspended ceilings are very important. In the process of making chandeliers the following is used :
- Metal. Advantages: strength and durability. Disadvantages: high price and significant weight.
- Glass. Advantages: beautiful appearance, light weight, insensitive to light and temperatures. Disadvantages: fragility due to fragility, requires delicate handling.
- Tree. Advantages: natural materials give the interior a special charm; it goes well with wooden furniture in the room. Disadvantages: vulnerability to moisture, threat of fungus formation on the surface.
- Crystal. Advantages: it will be a worthy decoration for any interior. Disadvantages: high cost, requires careful handling.
- Plastic. Advantages: ease of operation, low weight, wide selection of models. Disadvantages: color loss over time when exposed to light.
- Textile. Advantages: original appearance, versatility. Disadvantages: fragility, fire hazard.
Design ideas
The spider chandelier has an original design. This model is a modern trend. The design is made in black colors and is equipped with wires with light bulbs at the ends. The flexible structure of the lamp allows you to easily change the location and direction of the lamps.
A ring chandelier looks truly elegant. The product can be single-tiered, multi-tiered and cascading, and can also have rings of different diameters.
The photo shows the design of a modern living room with a matte stretch ceiling decorated with a spider chandelier.
A matte stretch ceiling in a spacious room will be favorably decorated with an impressively sized pyramidal chandelier. The glossy canvas will harmoniously combine with a lamp in the form of a hemisphere.
Using a decorative rosette will help highlight the lamp on the stretch fabric. Thanks to this round relief element, the classic lamp will take on a more complete and thoughtful look.
You can also decorate the area around the chandelier on a suspended ceiling using various patterns and ornaments, photo printing or unusual painting.
The photo shows a suspended ceiling with a chandelier decorated with a rosette in the interior of a hall in a classic style.