How to arrange spots for stretch ceilings?

From English, the word "spot" is translated as "place" or "spot". Initially, these small devices were invented to highlight individual interior items with light - paintings, dishes in glass showcases or a small section of a drawing on which the designer worked.

With the invention of suspended ceilings, designers began to actively use spot lighting to add volume to the structure itself, highlight individual zones or create diffused lighting for the entire room, if a large number of them are used. The versatility and ease of installation have made the spots popular in the case of stretch canvases.

A spotlight is a mini electrical appliance that can have: one or more deflectors, a bracket on which it is mounted, and always a swivel mechanism. By rotating on a hinge, the spot allows the beam to be directed in a specific direction.

The installation of lighting fixtures affects the height of the structure.

When installing the wiring, the stretch film should be below the ceiling of the room:

• for fluorescent or halogen lamps - 8-12 cm;
• for LED - 6 cm.

The installation of devices is facilitated by their low weight and ease of installation work: the help of a specialist is not necessary, which saves money. The savings are also manifested in the fact that the spots do an excellent job of illuminating small areas of the room, which have their own autonomous connection system. In this case, they function as a sconce or floor lamp.

Ways to turn on the light:

• from the key or button of the on / off switch;
• from a standard outlet with an electric cord and plug.

There are overhead options that run on batteries. In operation, this is not entirely convenient, since it is required to open the capsule on the stretch ceiling every time the energy source dries up and needs to be replaced.

A power regulator can be connected to the system, with the help of which the light is dimmed, creates an intimate atmosphere, or, on the contrary, adds brightness. There are models with a remote control that has the function of turning on and adjusting the brightness.

Manufacturers offer and options for spot lighting for rooms with high humidity levels. The outer part of the device can be made and decorated in a wide variety of materials.

The spots are functional in their intended purpose, comfortable, spectacular and beautiful. They are used to illuminate the entire room, its individual zones, as a decor and to enhance the perception of its individual elements.

Most often, spot lighting is installed on the matte surface of suspended ceilings, a little less often on satin. In exceptional cases, mini shades are mounted on a glossy surface.

Spotlights come in a variety of colors and shapes: from small and flat to three-dimensional designs that imitate a miniature chandelier. Each person can choose them to their liking and for a specific interior.

Round shapes are in priority, they are suitable for any area of ​​application. Square options fit perfectly into interiors designed in loft, hi-tech and minimalist styles.

For these devices there is a large assortment of different bulbs: halogen, LED, incandescent. The specific choice depends on the technical characteristics and preferences of the consumer.

LEDs are quite expensive, but in the end they turn out to be much more profitable. They last many times longer, have low energy consumption and pay back their cost in a few months. They do not heat up and do not adversely affect the condition of the film.

Halogen lamps also last much longer than conventional incandescent bulbs. But they require luminaires with two-pin sockets. Threaded halogen lamps have not yet been invented.

Incandescent bulbs are quite cheap in cost, but more often they burn out, which is why you have to keep some of them in stock. Also, these lamps have problems with the sockets, where the contact tongue often sinks. When buying, you need to pay attention to the power, so that it coincides with the characteristics of a particular lamp specified in the technical documentation.

When choosing a light source, the type of curtain of the hinged structure is taken into account.

The use of PVC film assumes the brightness of the filament elements within:

• for incandescent lamps - 40 W;
• for halogen - 20 watts.

For a satin finish, the power can be:

• for incandescent lamps - 60 W;
• for halogen - 35 W.

Recall that LEDs practically do not heat up and cannot harm any of the types of films.

There are three types of spotlights: recessed, surface-mounted and overhead.

Built-in devices are the most difficult to install due to the design, which involves hiding the main part of the product behind the plane of the ceiling covering. For installation, you have to cut a hole for them and select an insulating decorative ring by size. At the same time, they do not lose their functions, they are most in demand, since when completed, they fit into any interior and create a cozy atmosphere at home.

Surface are also quite popular, they have a wide variety of design solutions. They can be installed directly on the surface of the canvas, but they require additional reinforcement of the structure at the installation sites. Otherwise, the ceiling will sag under the weight of the appliances.

Disadvantages:

• possible deformation of the plane under the weight of the spots;
• part of the wiring remains visible;
• short service life and
• there is no mechanism for regulating the flow of lighting.

Overhead - similar to surface, only they have a limited ability to rotate due to the fact that their lamps are directly adjacent to the base.However, in terms of execution, appearance, they look much better.

There is also a variant of a series of spots that are mounted on cables stretched across the room. Such a design is rarely used in everyday life, they are mainly used in public halls: cinemas, restaurants and the like.

In the following video, you will find out which luminaires are suitable for a stretch ceiling.

What, where and how to place - must be thought out in advance, otherwise, after the frame is installed and the canvas is cut, it will be impossible to change something. A rational installation will make it possible to do with a minimum of light points to illuminate each functional area or decorative element.

In some cases, spots are placed, observing the general symmetry of the interior. In others, applying soft asymmetry. Any combination changes the atmosphere and perception of the space in the room.

When installing, it must be taken into account that:

1. The span between the wall and the light point must be more than 200 mm.

2. The distance from the plafond to the junction of the ceiling canopy is not less than 150 mm.

3. The calculation of the optimal number of lighting points is carried out in advance, based on the type and expected power of the devices.

4. In a symmetrical arrangement, the luminaires should be located at the same distance from each other and from the wall.

When planning and calculating, it is necessary to take into account: the area of ​​the room, the type of lamps, the illumination of the space from the window openings, into how many working areas the room will be divided into, the functions of this place.

When counting light sources, it is assumed that one light element illuminates a space of about two square meters. Further - at the discretion. You can slightly change the total number of fixtures depending on the required light intensity for each of the zones. Reducing is not recommended.

Common ceiling design schemes:

1. Oval - the name speaks for itself, the oval of the spots is placed in the center of the stretch ceiling.

2. Circular placement - light elements are mounted in the center in the form of a circle, it is recommended for rooms of simple shapes without protrusions and niches.

3. Corner placement - suitable for highlighting a specific place, usually combined with a chandelier.

4. Two semicircles - allows you to illuminate the entire perimeter of the room, a chandelier is also necessary.

5. Cruciform arrangement - more often used as the main source.

6. Rectangle - visually enlarges the space.

7. Arc - used for zoning.

8. Wave - suitable for rooms with complex outline lines.

9. Free drawing - executed in the form of a pattern of plafonds.

The corridor. In long, complex corridors, lighting design is more appropriate along the perimeter. For small ones - you can make the center backlight.

Kitchen. In the kitchen, it is advisable to place the spots above the dining table, and add a small auxiliary light in the working area.

Hall. This is a place where you can give free rein to fantasies. More light near the couch and reading space is desirable. And the rest - as your heart desires. All types of lighting and luminaire arrangement methods are possible.

Bedroom. There is no need for bright light, more often they use circular spot lighting or an oval. The shades are also arranged in a geometric order and in the form of an arbitrary pattern.

Children's. The children's room is divided into study, play and sleeping areas. Here it is clear that the lighting above the desk is to the maximum, and for sleep - to the minimum. The extra light depends on the child's preferences and hobbies.

Bathroom. It is important here that the spots are moisture resistant. Emphasis on the mirror and dressing table.

That's all the recommendations for the selection and placement of spotlights. Of course, everyone wants an original solution, but it is advisable to adhere to the basic rules. The fastening must be very secure and the lighting must be sufficient.

You can position the luminaires in a curved line along the edge of the plasterboard box.This solution looks very attractive and stylish. The rest of the ceiling is made in the form of a starry sky.

You can choose non-standard spots, and more stylish options. Such models are more suitable for an expensive, refined interior.

A beautiful chandelier can be placed in the center of the ceiling, and small lamps along its contours.