Installation of various lighting devices in stretch ceilings allows you to transform a room, divide it into zones and place light accents on decorative elements. A properly selected luminaire will not only harmoniously fit into the design, but will also be safe to use. LED strip is used to illuminate stretch ceilings, in which the innovative material "Transparent" is used as a canvas. In this case, the entire ceiling is evenly illuminated from the inside - the entire ceiling area is a kind of lamp. LED strips are located inside the structure, they are divided into groups, and you can turn them on all at once or separately. So you can zone the room, turning on the light where you need it. The advantage of this lighting method is the absence of shadows, uniform illumination, and energy savings.
If desired, several types of lighting devices can be combined in one room by equipping with different switches.
Methods for fixing luminaires in stretch ceilings
A stationary chandelier and lamps in stretch ceilings can be attached in several ways.
As for the chandeliers, they are fixed in two ways:
- Ceiling … It involves the installation of a reinforcing strip at the place of future fastening even before the installation of the canvas. Subsequently, the lamp is attached to this base with ordinary self-tapping screws.
- Suspension … This method is simpler and therefore more common. Before pulling the material, a hook made of durable reinforcement is fixed at the location of the shade. After mounting the ceiling, a chandelier is hung on the hook.
Spotlights differ in the type of attachment and are:
- Overhead … For their installation, special adjustable racks are installed, which are then covered with canvas. The film and the luminaire body are not in contact due to the fixation of a special thermal ring. If desired, you can choose non-swivel and swivel models. The latter are subsequently adjusted in the desired direction, changing the angle from 35 to 40 degrees.
- Embedded … These lighting elements are fixed to the main ceiling even before the stretch ceiling is installed. Built-in lamps in a stretch ceiling must be selected and installed responsibly in order to prevent overheating of the material. In this case, the canvas itself must be made of light-scattering PVC film. Among the models offered on the market, it is better to give preference to stamped products (cast is undesirable to use). Also, for safety reasons, it is recommended to install double thermal rings and maintain the distance from the main ceiling to the stretch canvas - from 6 cm.
You need to decide on the place and type of fixing the lighting device even before installing the stretch ceiling.
Types of lamps for stretch ceiling luminaires
When designing a lighting system, you need to take care not only of aesthetic appeal, but also of safety.
For installation on a stretch ceiling, you can use the following types of lamps:
- Energy saving fluorescent … Such products do not overheat, are characterized by low energy consumption and safety. They can be placed inside, outside and in the canvas itself.
- Halogen … Very powerful and bright. Provides directional intense lighting. Among the shortcomings, a limited color gamut of radiation is distinguished. Placed with the calculation of 1 lamp (35 W) - 1 m2… Designers often use these lamps with a forward heat reflector to create original effects. It is safer to place such lamps in suspended structures. Their installation requires the equipment of an additional (electronic or induction) transformer.
- Incandescent lamps … Provide diffuse lighting. Can be used in pendant lights, keeping a distance of 40 cm from the ceiling. Their power must be below 45 watts. When installed in a spotlight, preference should be given to models with a mirror coating.
- LED … They are considered the most economical and durable. Creates natural, volumetric and panoramic lighting. They are great for decoration and do not emit heat. With their help, you can visually increase the height of the ceiling. LED stretch ceiling luminaires are commonly used as supplemental lighting as they are less powerful than other types.
- Fiber optic filaments … Safe and low heat dissipation. With their help, you can create the effect of a "starry sky" on the canvas. Fiber optic is much more expensive than other lighting elements, but it will also last much longer. And the use of various attachments and inserts will create flickering on the ceiling or flames.
The use of different types of lamps and fixtures allows you to visually zone the room and place light accents. Models with adjustable light intensity can be used. With this kind of lighting, you can easily create a romantic or work environment.
Rules for the selection of luminaires for stretch ceilings
Each type of lighting fixture has its own lamp. For example, an incandescent light bulb cannot be screwed into a product for LED models, since they are of different sizes. For this reason, you need to think about the type, shape of the fixtures and lamps before purchasing.
It is important to consider the following nuances:
- Recessed luminaires must be equipped with internal bumpers and not heat up more than + 60 degrees.
- Better to give preference to opaque lamps.
- Cast recessed luminaires cannot be mounted in a stretch fabric.
- You can visually increase the multi-level ceiling by embedding point lighting elements at each level.
- By directing the beam of light from the ceiling to the wall, you can reduce its height.
- Transverse lighting in a narrow room will visually expand it.
- When installing 20 or more spotlights, it is recommended to group them in each zone with a separate power supply. This will save and reduce energy consumption.
How to choose luminaires for a stretch ceiling - watch the video:
These are not all the tricks that allow you to completely transform a room with the help of light. Knowing the answer to the question of which luminaires are better for a stretch ceiling, you can recreate a safe and effective lighting system. Modern technologies and an abundance of offers on the market will allow you to embody even the most extraordinary stylistic solutions on a stretch ceiling. And our recommendations will help you choose not only a beautiful, but also a safe lamp.
