Decorating the ceiling surface using the "starry sky" system is an original and effective solution. You can perform installation work with your own hands. Familiarize yourself with the existing installation methods, choose the most suitable one and follow our instructions. Properly organized lighting in a room can perform different functions. A bright spot light is considered suitable for a work environment. Soft and muted is usually used to create a romantic mood. Some types of lighting are basic in the room, while others are purely decorative. The second option is the "starry sky".
Methods for mounting the starry sky on a stretch ceiling
This kind of lighting looks very impressive in the dark. It is used for additional decor in a bedroom or living room.
Installation of the "starry sky" stretch ceiling is carried out in several ways:
- Optical filaments … Lighting equipment is expensive, but it does not heat up at all, and the fibers only conduct light (no current). The service life of the products is about 10 years. At the same time, optical fiber is characterized by low power consumption. In general, no other drawbacks were found for optical fibers, except for the high cost.
- LEDs … Optimal for creating color music. They can change color, almost do not heat up during operation, economical and safe. However, compared to the lifespan of the tensioning structure, LEDs are short-lived. They will last about 5-6 years.
- Luminescent paint … In this way, you can create not only the shape of the starry sky on a stretch ceiling, but also draw planets, comets, the moon and other space objects. The paint will only be visible in the dark. The advantage of this method is that it can be applied to the surface of any color and with any image. The disadvantage of this method is the impossibility of adjustment. The glow of the fluorescent paint cannot be turned off if desired.
There are other ways: phosphoric stickers, photo printing, art painting, Swarovski crystals, but we will consider the most common.
Do-it-yourself starry sky on a fiber-optic stretch ceiling
The design is a light generator with a remote IR receiver of the mode control panel and a bundle of filaments of different diameters. The projector can be selected from single color, producing white light, and color. The latter can be used to create various effects.
Installation work is carried out as follows:
- We design the arrangement of the stars. The length of each thread will depend on it. One cable fits almost 700 fibers with a diameter of 0.75 mm. The optimum density is 80-150 threads per meter2… In this case, one star can even consist of 15 filaments to provide twinkling. You can also make stars of different diameters.
- We mark the canvas around the perimeter of the room. When using optical fiber, the distance from the base ceiling must be more than five centimeters.
- We equip the place of installation of the projector for the starry sky in stretch ceilings. To do this, you can make a plasterboard structure under the ceiling or a special niche.
- We fix the baguettes for stretching the canvas.
- We fix an ordinary fishing net under the ceiling to fix the fibers so that they do not create pressure on the canvas. For the same purposes, you can use plywood sheets, which are attached to an additional frame.
- We thread the threads and connect them to the projector.
- We fix the canvas in the profiles.
- With a soldering iron with a needle at the end, we make holes in the stretch ceiling and thread the optical fibers, fixing them with glue.
- Cut off the protruding segments and carefully grind.
- If desired, the holes do not need to be punctured. In this case, the light of the stars will be more subdued.
Please note that the fibers must be handled very carefully. Do not bend or damage the threads. This will inevitably lead to loss of light or equipment damage.
Using luminescent paint for the starry sky on a stretch ceiling
This method is suitable for both a plain canvas and a multi-colored one, because the paint is invisible during the day. In addition, its use will cost much less than arranging the starry sky using a different technology.
In the process, we adhere to the following instructions:
- We draw on whatman paper or thick cardboard the shapes of objects that will be in the starry sky.
- We fix the baguettes and stretch the ceiling.
- After the canvas has hardened and the room has been ventilated with luminescent paint, we apply objects according to stencils. Painting can be done on both fabric and film coatings.
How to make a starry sky from LEDs on a stretch ceiling
Usually, LED lamps are used in conjunction with fiber optics when installing a "starry sky" stretch ceiling. LEDs are distinguished by their bright light, therefore they are optimal for creating several large stars or the moon.
Selection of LEDs for the starry sky on a stretch ceiling
The star twinkling mode is created using a special controller. It should not create sharp and intermittent blinking. It is optimal to use a model with a smooth transition.
The blinking frequency should not be 0.5 Hz (1 in 2 seconds), 2 Hz (2 in 1 second) and 7 Hz (7 in 1 second). These frequencies correspond to the alpha and theta rhythms of the human brain and can cause nervous disorders and even epileptic seizures. When choosing a projector, you need to pay attention to the noise emitted during operation, especially if the installation is planned in the bedroom.
As for the color of the stars, using the RGB controller, you can create different color effects of the starry sky in the stretch ceiling. However, you need to carefully approach the selection of colors, because each shade has its own psychedelic effect: light green and green are relaxing and soothing colors, orange and yellow are mentally neutral, turquoise and blue are soothing tones, blue is an annoying color, red is alarming and exciting. …
Before making a starry sky on a stretch ceiling, you need to think over other sources of illumination. To do this, you can use spotlights, illumination of individual decorative elements, for example, mirrors, or stationary chandeliers. In any case, the starry sky is a decorative effect, and the main lighting in the room will still be needed.
With the help of a properly selected twinkling of stars, you can even create the effect of the movement of cosmic bodies.
Instructions for installing a starry sky from LEDs on a stretch ceiling
If you decide to install a stretch ceiling with a starry sky effect, then follow these instructions:
- We are preparing a schematic drawing of the placement of individual lamps on the ceiling.
- We fix an LED projector and an eight-section controller-interrupter for the blinking effect in a special ceiling niche.
- We glue LED lamps to the base coat with construction silicone. The plus of the diode is usually long and is indicated by a key.
- We put on a cambric on each pin. This is a special insulation tube.
- We check the health of the system.
- At a distance of 15-20 cm from the lamps, we fix the baguettes for the canvas.
- We stretch the ceiling. It is advisable to choose a translucent film to create an original effect.
By creating LED flickering lighting, individual elements can be used to create the moon and other space objects.
How to make a starry sky on a stretch ceiling - watch the video:
It is not difficult to equip a "starry sky" stretch ceiling with your own hands, but quite expensive. The cost of fiber-optic filaments is almost 10 times higher than the average price of the fabric itself. However, this effect will help create a romantic atmosphere and surprise guests. Adhering to the instructions, you can perform all installation work quickly and efficiently.
