Ceiling lamps

Ceiling lamps are widely used to illuminate any premises today. They are able to emphasize the originality of the design and create an atmosphere of comfort, zone the room and give the opportunity to work at night.

When creating a design, it is necessary to provide uniform, not too bright, close to natural light. The location of the luminaires is influenced by:

• Room area. A larger room needs more lighting.
• The location of the window in the room and its parameters. The main light is usually placed away from the window.
• Arrangement of furniture. Room zoning affects the intensity of the light.
• Geometric features of the room.
• The color palette of the walls and the general style of the room.
• Purpose of the room.

Luminaires can be divided into four groups by design type:

• Chandelier has existed for more than a century and can have any design. For fastening, a chain or cord is usually used. Today, in addition to crystal chandeliers, you can see glass - with a colored or matte surface, plastic and steel frames.
• Plafonds versatile and practical. They are most often installed in hallways or kitchens, as well as in children's rooms, less often in living rooms. A variety of shapes and materials allows you to choose a model for any interior.

• Ceiling lighting fixtures with built-in structure specially designed for the popular suspended ceilings today. With their help, you can visually zone the space, this is especially effective on multi-level ceilings. Some built-in models have a swivel design that allows you to adjust the lighting. They are used for kitchens, bedrooms and even built-in wardrobes.
• To provide narrow beam illumination, use spotlights. Usually they are installed in piles, and due to the swivel mechanism, the soffits can be directed in different directions. Soffits are suitable for illuminating the workspace in the kitchen, and unusual models can be installed in the living room or bedroom.

Luminaires are classified according to the number of horns. Among the carob types of chandeliers there are compact and budget single-lamp and double-arm lamps. They are suitable for lighting small rooms, and for a spacious living room, you can choose a multi-track model.

A single lighting fixture is suitable for the kitchen. A double-design luminaire allows you to evenly distribute the light in a large kitchen.

Diffuse, directional and reflected luminaires are emitted depending on the concentration of the luminous flux. In models with a diffuser, the lamps are hidden under a lampshade or shade, which makes the light softer. Models on rails are installed on suspended ceilings, they are rotatable. Indirect lighting devices direct the light flux upwards, it is reflected from the ceiling and illuminates the room.

According to the method of installation, suspended, overhead and built-in models are distinguished. In addition to traditional hanging chandeliers, track lamps are considered popular for cafe and other indoor designs.

Overhead models are attached to the very surface of the ceiling. These can be decorative chandeliers or ceiling lamps. LED panels do not heat up, therefore they can even be used on a stretch fabric.

For office space, square models are more suitable. For the home, you can choose point overhead light sources. These can be corner or perimeter models with the possibility of separate inclusion. In addition to single models, you can find double variations, in which there is room for two bulbs at once.

Easy-to-install wireless models of overhead ceiling light sources are popular today. Among them, you can find models with a motion sensor - ultrasonic for outdoor lights or infrared for domestic premises.

Spotlights can be recessed and mounted directly into the ceiling. The built-in lamp can be fixed in one position or be adjustable, such models are also called gimbal.

Recessed linear LED luminaires with adjustable power illumination are ideal for suspended or suspended ceilings.

Wall and ceiling lamps are universal. They illuminate in the same way - both when mounted on the ceiling space, and as a sconce on the wall.

There are also special models. A sealed lighting fixture is suitable for the bathroom. The appearance of such devices is distinguished only by rubber seals along the edges of the plafond.

Children's chandeliers must also meet special safety requirements. They must be made of durable, safe materials and not harm your eyesight.

To maintain the temperature in the room, there are ceiling fans complete with lamps. These models are suitable for people with allergies, they are cheap and easy to install. An explosion-proof luminaire should be used in production areas with an explosion hazard.

Lovers of modern technology will like designer models with additional functions. One of these is a music LED lamp with a built-in speaker. Usually there is also a control panel.

Interior mirror models of ceiling light sources look stylish. The mirror surface doubles the amount of light in the room.

The type of luminaire is chosen depending on the characteristics of the room:

• For medical institutions you should choose sealed models with protection from moisture and dust. They have a welded body and are equipped with rubber seals. Typically these luminaires provide the brightest, coldest light. In operating theaters where general lighting is insufficient, directional lighting fixtures with metal halide lamps are also used.
• Workshop lamps and industrial premises, as well as warehouse lighting fixtures differ from others in their dimensions and power indicators. Often they are equipped with protection from external factors. Light from industrial luminaires should be uniform, and the use of reflectors will increase the illumination area.
• For garden you should choose facade models that calmly tolerate temperature and stress drops, do not allow moisture to pass through and are not subject to mechanical damage.

For different types of luminaires, there are specific features of the mounts:

• Chandeliers and other suspended heavy structures are fixed with a hook or ring.

• Track types of lighting fixtures are mounted on rails or on a bus. This construction consists of aluminum profiles with copper tracks. Thanks to the cables, the track lighting system can also be installed on a stretch ceiling.
• Movable string lights can be installed on beam ceilings.

• Ceiling surface-mounted lights can be mounted with brackets or with a cross-bar. The fixture on which the luminaire body is put on is screwed to the ceiling with self-tapping screws.
• Recessed lighting fixtures are installed in almost all ceilings using special brackets.

Before installing such devices, you need to think over their layout. There are many schemes for placing ceiling lights in a room. To ensure effective lighting, the following rules must be observed during installation:

• The chandelier should be in the middle. In the studio, you need to roughly determine the center of the functional space of the living room.
• Spotlights should be mounted at least 20 cm to the wall.
• On a stretch ceiling with seams, fixtures should be built in 15 cm from the seam.
• When calculating the number of lamps by the area of ​​the room, it should be assumed that one lamp is capable of illuminating 1.5-2 sq. m.

Lamps have different indicators of lighting intensity and energy saving:

• For offices with false ceilings, it is common to use recessed luminaires with raster lamps. And the incandescent lamp is losing ground today. It is being replaced by universal and economical LEDs, halogen and fluorescent bulbs.

• Fluorescent or fluorescent lamps are low pressure mercury gas discharge light sources. Their light does not harm eyesight, and their service life and luminous efficiency are several times higher than those of an incandescent lamp. Among the minuses - considerable cost, dangerous content of mercury, sensitivity to very low or high temperatures.
• Halogen lamps are called analogs of incandescent lamps with a quartz diffuser. The light of such lamps is brighter than that of fluorescent lamps, they are more compact, the variety of models is wider. However, their service life is relatively short.

• Energy-saving bulbs are similar in appearance to halogen bulbs, but the light output of the former is several times higher. They are compact and have a wide range of colors. But the lamp does not shine brightly immediately after switching on.
• LED lamps or light emitting diodes are extremely popular today. With all their brightness, they are not harmful to the eyes, and the service life is long - with low energy consumption. However, the cost of such light sources is high.

The shape of the luminaire depends on the design and purpose of the room:

• The round lighting fixture can be classified as a classic. It will fit into any interior, and thanks to the correct shape, the light from it is scattered evenly.

• Flat lamps with narrow hemispherical shades are also called "plates" or "tablets". Such models are chosen for the organization of general lighting, so the size of the "plates" is usually significant. Modern models of hemispheres are usually devoid of decor, and the classic version assumes its presence.
• To maintain an atmosphere of rigor, a rectangular lamp is suitable. Correct shapes look good in offices, but at home, such devices are best left for non-residential spaces.
• Cylindrical shapes of lighting fixtures, as well as a lamp resembling the shape of a cup or glasses, are suitable for placing light accents in a room.

• Ceiling light sources can have unusual shapes - as intended by the designer. For a child's room, for example, you can pick up a steering wheel, cloud, sun or other objects from space.

The choice of chandelier size is influenced by the area of ​​the room and the height of the ceiling. For spacious living rooms with high ceilings, you can choose oversized and long hanging models. The design on thin chains will also look good.

If the room has a large area, but the ceilings are not too high, then you can choose a flat type luminaire with a large diameter that does not overload the space.

For the manufacture of lamps, a large number of materials with different properties are used today:

• The most budgetary is a plastic lamp. Modern plastic is safe and resistant to high temperatures.

• Ceramic lamps are quite fragile, so this material is not used as often. Much more often you can find glass or crystal models. Glass is used in modern types of lamps, and expensive luxury chandeliers are made of crystal.

• Lighting fixtures with fabric shades will bring coziness to your home. Many prints and draperies make the models diverse, but such lamps are finicky in care.
• Metal is used everywhere in the manufacture of lighting fixtures. Both durable forged models and products made of thin metal are popular. Among the shades, bronze, silver and gold tones are popular.
• Eco-friendly and budget wooden lamps will fit into any interior. However, they are not suitable for rooms with high humidity and require special care. Wicker rattan lampshades look interesting, which now, in addition to terraces, decorate apartments.

The color range of ceiling lamps is quite extensive, which allows you to choose a single-color or multi-colored option for any interior:

• White lamps look elegant in any interior. This color is considered universal, depending on preferences, you can choose different shades - from milky to transparent.
• Black lamps fit well into glamorous interiors, as well as Baroque and Art Deco styles. In minimalistic rooms, this color will contrast with the white decor elements.

• Colored models should be reflected in the furnishings and be combined with them. Bright red and pink, yellow models look good in the children's room. For the bedroom and resting places, it is better to choose muted, calm green shades and blue.

An interesting designer lamp will help to competently complete the style of the room:

• Stained glass models of lamps from Tiffany will become works of art in the Art Nouveau or Art Deco style. They will not only demonstrate the play of light, but also indicate the good financial situation of the owner.
• The classic assumes the choice of a multi-tiered chandelier with a large number of patrons. Ornaments and transparent inserts are encouraged.

• The minimalism style is characterized by simple forms. Colors should be clean, decorative elements - a minimum.
• Provence or retro suggests a classic chandelier with dim lighting. Characteristic are fabric lampshades of pastel colors and floral designs, as well as a classic check.

Today the luminaire market is overflowing with models of domestic and foreign production - for every taste and budget. However, European brands are considered the best. The most popular today are:

• German firm Favorite, offering its customers a wide selection of models made of high quality materials. The company monitors technical innovations and implements them with success.
• Austrian company Globo appeared relatively recently, but has already managed to win the love of buyers. The company's products successfully combine high quality and affordable prices.
• Odeon light Is an Italian brand offering exclusive design products. Many models of excellent quality and affordable prices are versatile.

• Austrian firm Eglo prioritizes unusual design paired with the latest technical developments. Every year the company pleases customers with many new products.
• Arte Lamp treats build and design with Italian chic. A wide range of models does not affect the impeccable quality of products.

Based on the type of premises, designers recommend:

• For a living room or hall, it is better to install an adjustable light source. Ceiling lights with a dimmer are an excellent option, and LED lighting can be used to create an intimate atmosphere.
• For the toilet and bathroom, it is better to choose waterproof models of lighting fixtures. Usually, built-in or overhead spotlights are chosen for such rooms; chandeliers are rarely found.
• Lighting for a corridor or hallway does not have to be bright at all. Spot lighting or LED lighting along the walls is welcome here. The accent can be positioned in the area of ​​the mirror, if necessary.

• For the bedroom, it is better to choose a dim light. Restrained design and calm colors will help you relax after a hard day. A small chandelier model will be optimal.
• If safety is important for a children's room, then the appearance and functionality of lighting devices are important for a teenager's room.

When choosing a lamp, it is worth starting from the parameters of the room itself:

• On sloped attic ceilings, do not install oversized lighting fixtures. It is better to give preference to rotary overhead spotlights.
• For rooms with low ceilings, you should choose luminaires with an upward flow of light, which will increase it. Do not buy height-stealing dangling models.
• For high ceilings and spacious rooms, you can choose a dimensional chandelier with an abundance of decor, which will fill the void. In this case, lighting devices should not be suspended too high; structures with long adjustable suspensions are suitable.

• For plasterboard structures, the optimal solution would be to install spotlights according to a pre-planned plan. LED lighting is relevant when installing multi-level ceilings. A chandelier can be installed in the center.
• For stretch ceilings, luminaires should be chosen with care, as the PVC fabric can deform from excessive heat or weight. The layout of the luminaires should be outlined in advance, before stretching. For stretch ceilings, you should choose LED lamps that (unlike others) do not heat up.
• For slatted ceilings, spotlights with LED lamps and raster lamps will again be the best option. For the most effective lighting of the room, you need to draw up a diagram of the placement of devices in advance.

• Specially designed lamps for this type of lighting should be installed on grilyato ceilings. They are recessed lighting fixtures and correspond to the dimensions of the ceiling sections. The height of their installation is regulated by hangers, and the shape can be round or square.
• For cassette types of ceilings, which are usually mounted in office premises, raster lamps are used. They can be built-in or overhead, and they use fluorescent or LED lamps as light sources.

An unusual decoration of a loft-style room will be a white chandelier with a large number of swivel shades.

High-tech interior lighting - lighting around the perimeter of the room and a large-diameter built-in plafond.

An original solution to the kitchen lighting issue will be a chandelier with shades in the form of elements of a tea service.

You can find out how to install a ceiling lamp yourself from the video below.