Recessed luminaires

Recently, the use of built-in lamps in the arrangement of houses, apartments and other premises is gaining popularity. Before purchasing built-in lighting devices, you should familiarize yourself with their quality characteristics and manufacturers.

A recessed luminaire is a lighting fixture, the body of which is partially hidden in the wall, ceiling or located inside the furniture body. The quality properties of the selected luminaires depend on the purpose of use. It is important to understand the function of the room in which these devices will operate.

Typically, for uniform illumination, the luminaires are staggered. In this case, the distance from the first light source to the wall should not exceed 60 cm, between lamps - up to 1.5 meters, between rows - 1 meter.

It is important to comply with the norms for the specific power of lighting, which is calculated as the number of watts per square meter. optimal power parameters for different rooms:

• In the children's room - up to 60 W / m².
• Kitchen and dining room - up to 26 W / m².
• Living room, study - up to 22 W / m².

• Bathroom and toilet - up to 20 W / m².
• Sleeping room - up to 15 W / m².
• Corridor, interior space, vestibules - up to 152 W / m².

The modern market is filled with a variety of recessed lighting fixtures. In particular, they have different shapes and decorative elements, made of different materials.

Most street lamps are manufactured using metal, plastic protective parts and rubber or rubber seals. For bathrooms, saunas, baths or swimming pools, it is better to use sealed appliances with protection against moisture.

Otherwise, the design depends on the designer's idea, since the models can be selected for any wallet: from glass, plastic, with crystals, from various metal alloys.

By the nature of the luminous flux, built-in lamps are classified into scattered and directional light devices. By functional features, fixed or rotary ones can be distinguished. The latter really liked the designers as additional lighting of individual objects or zones in the interior.

The type of lamps plays an important role among the characteristics of built-in luminaires. They can be halogen, LED, energy saving. Incandescent lamps as built-in ones are absolutely unsuitable due to the strong heating of the body. LED devices are especially popular. They are multifunctional. It is possible to use a double or triple diode in one housing. In addition, an intensity control mechanism has been developed for them - dimming.

Luminaires are divided according to their shape into point, modular and linear. A spotlight is the most common type, since it has the simplest design, simplicity in use and low cost. The design includes a housing with a built-in reflector, braid and a light bulb. The body, in addition to holding it, also performs decorative and protective functions.

Focal embedded devices are called downliners by experts.Among them, it is especially possible to highlight a double spotlight, as well as models with an even larger number of bulbs. They fit perfectly into the interior and make it more original.

If you use spotlights as the main lighting, then it is necessary to calculate their number required for a particular room. They are also used for additional lighting in conjunction with chandeliers and sconces. With the help of such lamps, you can stylistically highlight any part of the interior.

Panel lights are sometimes called raster lights. Modular light sources in the form of ceiling panels, as a rule, have standard dimensions of 60x60 cm. They most often use fluorescent lamps. Such models only emit directional light from the ceiling to the floor.

Linear luminaires are also called frameless. Basically, they consist of anodized aluminum profile and a plastic diffuser. The width of the light panel varies from 25 to 50 mm. The built-in depth is shallow, which simplifies installation and allows you to expand the field of application from decorative purposes to basic lighting.

The luminaires can be fully and partially recessed in depth. The advantages of fully built-in luminaires, into furniture, into a stretch ceiling are undeniable. They create a safe and comfortable indoor environment. However, in most cases, point options are used only as a backlight, since their number must be significant for full illumination. It is necessary for comfort and coziness. For example, in the corridor or in the vestibule, the LEDs built into the socket box will allow even family members with poor eyesight to “not miss”.

Panel models are always built-in to the full depth of the cabinet and thanks to the large surface area and directional light, they perfectly cope with the main lighting function.

Among the partially built-in luminaires, depending on the installation method, external or surface-mounted, remote (suspended) ones are distinguished. The first specialists are often used in cases where the base of the ceiling is solid, for example, concrete. The design consists of fasteners in the form of a platform, a housing with a diffuser and a lamp. Remote models differ from surface-mounted and built-in models in that the luminaire hangs on a cable connecting the base and the body.

The energy saving industry has grown rapidly in recent years. In this regard, luminaires equipped with additional functions appear on the market, for example, with a dimmer or a motion sensor.

Dimmable models have several advantages:

• Wide range of brightness changes.
• Brightness adjustment does not affect color reproduction.
• Reducing the brightness can increase the service life of the device.
• Inertia during adjustment is minimal.

Built-in lighting devices with a motion sensor are popular in the entrances of apartment buildings, office corridors, warehouses, since they can significantly save energy. The principle of operation is that the sensor scans the area and detects the presence of movement. When triggered, it transmits a signal to the built-in lamp, which lights up. In addition to the reaction to movement, such devices are equipped with sensors that monitor the level of illumination. This is necessary so that the lamp does not light up in the daytime.

Paintable gypsum lamps are just beginning to gain popularity. Their main advantage is the ability to paint in the colors of the desired shade, to give texture. In addition, modern industry allows a variety of shapes to be selected.The disadvantage, of course, is the fragility of the material itself, but this material is easy to restore.

Recessed luminaire models are divided according to their shape.

The most common ones are:

• Semicircular with a large diffuser covering fairly large areas. Used to work on terraces, halls, outdoor areas.
• Oblong. They are mainly used for narrowly targeted illumination of objects, for example, paintings.
• Cylindrical. Most often they have a swivel mount, so they are able to change the direction of light. There are wall and floor options. Designers arrange them in rooms of unusual shape.

Lighting can be installed on surfaces made of plasterboard, chipboard and MDF panels, wood, plastic.

The body of the built-in lamp can have various shapes, since it depends only on the designer's idea:

• The ring is the most common option.
• The square body is classically correct.
• Rectangular models range from the smallest single downliners to large ceiling lighting panels.
• Linear lights are usually long and thin.
• The ultra-thin housing is only possible in LED fixtures.

When choosing a built-in lighting device, it is necessary first of all to take into account the criteria for the degree of convenience during further operation, in particular, the size of the luminaire. It is most often possible to determine the diameter taking into account the functional characteristics of the room. For illumination, it is enough to use products of minimum size.

The sizes of the standard models depend on the lamps used in them:

• The largest dimensions are for halogen lamps. Their diameter is from 11 cm, but it is approximate, since the width of the base must also be taken into account.
• Devices with incandescent lamps must be at least 8 cm in diameter.
• The smallest are LED devices, available from 5 to 7 cm.

In addition to the diameter, the planting depth is an important parameter. It is determined depending on the function of the luminaire. For decorative purposes, small lamps are usually used, in which case the depth will be minimal.

The standard range, based on the type of lamps used, is as follows:

• Depths from 1 cm are only possible for LEDs.
• Halogen luminaires are recessed from a depth of 4 cm.
• The installation depth for appliances with incandescent lamps can vary from 20 to 30 cm.

Recessed luminaires use different types of lamps:

• Incandescent lamps. The most common and inexpensive option. The advantage lies in the low cost, but it does not cover the disadvantages. As these elements get very hot, they cannot be used for fully built-in appliances. In addition, the body of models with this type of lamp is usually the largest.
• Energy saving. Slightly better than the previous ones, but for recessed luminaires they are their analogue.

• Halogen. Low power options are inferior to incandescent lamps. With their help, when used in the construction of reflective surfaces, you can get a fairly bright narrow-beam light.
• Light-emitting diode (LED). The most popular option due to its versatility, minimal energy consumption and low heating rate. Luminaires with diodes can be very small, but no less bright. They allow you to get a variety of color options. When various sensors are used in the design, it becomes possible to control their characteristics.

The luminaire body is made of a wide variety of materials. Among them:

• Plastic - the most common option due to its low cost and lightness. In addition, a large color palette, a variety of textures and sizes, and practicality can be noted. The disadvantage is burnout and cracking.
• Metal - the second most popular material. Products made from it look expensive, durable, resistant to various types of dirt, easy to clean. However, the color scheme is restrained, the colors are mostly classic: gilding, silver or brass. Bronze decorative elements in the design of lamps are often found in the design of hotels and restaurants.

• Glass it is fragile, but it goes well with any interiors, withstands negative external influences, has a wide range of colors. Crystal elements are characteristic of the Provence style. However, crystal must be handled with care, so it is better not to use them in rooms with small children.
• Wood and ceramics - natural types of materials. They are appropriate for any interior, are combined with any textures and are relatively inexpensive. Ceramic have one drawback - fragility, so it must be handled carefully. Wood dries up at low humidity and swells at high humidity, so this quality should be taken into account when installing the luminaire.
• Gypsum - recently gaining popularity material for the production of lighting fixtures. Recessed plaster lighting fixtures are comfortable in their functionality. You can choose the necessary shape, paint and give texture, if necessary, it is possible to restore it on your own.

There are many criteria for choosing the color scheme of the external elements of the luminaires. For someone, invisibility is important, then the color must match the shade of the surface into which the device is built. If there is a need to highlight the lighting device as a separate element of the interior, then the color, on the contrary, should be bright.

In the case of choosing a color as a psychological perception, the following can be noted:

• White stimulates performance.
• Black has sophistication, but at the same time it can bring in an element of emptiness.
• The shades of green are soothing.

• Blue colors can be depressing to some extent.
• Red tones increase blood pressure.
• Blue contributes to its lowering.

Another important consideration when choosing lighting fixtures is color temperature. Lamps can produce white, yellow and blue light. A warm eye usually defines as yellow, natural is closer to white, and a cold one for us is seen as blue. Experts advise choosing a neutral option, one that is close to natural natural light.

When installing a lighting system in a room, it is necessary to take into account the minimum spacing between lamps and from them to the walls. When installing complex layouts of built-in devices, experts noticed that the optimal distance between spotlights is 30 cm. It is most efficient to place lighting devices at a distance of 20 cm from the wall. If there is a stretch ceiling, the gap between the luminaire and the seam of the film must be at least 15 cm.

In the case of a non-standard surface design with a large number of downliners, for example, with a "starry sky" effect, they should be arranged symmetrically at equal distances. There are many ways to install lamps, each is unique and depends on the style requirements, design ideas and the wishes of the owner.In addition, the functional characteristics of the premises play an important role.

With the ergonomic arrangement of the built-in lighting devices in the interior, you can change the appearance of the room in terms of geometry. For example, if you place spotlights along the ceiling in a narrow corridor, then the room will appear longer. The light falling on the ceiling from the cornice will increase the ceiling height in the living room. Mirror lighting can be installed in the bathroom or in the hallway, which will provide effective illumination of the face.

Downliners built into the walls emphasize design ideas, create comfort and coziness in the room. Usually, LED devices are used in this case. With their help, shelves, paintings or niches are illuminated. An original solution is the lighting fixtures for staircase steps in private houses.

The most popular manufacturers of lighting products among buyers are Osram and Philips. These are reliable companies with extensive experience and a wide range of built-in lighting devices. Specialists also highlight the products of the Feron company, since the cost of its products is slightly lower than the previous ones. This brand is characterized by high-quality lighting devices from ceiling to decorative.

Interesting models using LED lamps are produced by Gauss, ASD. Brands are somewhat inferior in terms of "promotion", but their quality characteristics are excellent. We should mention the brands Eglo, Arte Lamp, Novotech, since specialists are happy to use their products.

Among the options offered by manufacturers, it is impossible to choose leaders, since buyers purchase round in the form of a washer, and square, and in the form of icicles, triangular, spherical and other lamps.

Most often, built-in lighting devices are selected in accordance with the style of the interior. If it is high-tech, then, as a rule, a chrome-plated metal case is used, which is “hidden” in the walls and ceiling, so that a space atmosphere can be created in the living room or bathroom.

Classic downliners are characterized by options for lamps made of glass, plastic, plaster, sometimes with stucco elements. They are designed to create a sense of wealth and respectability in the interior.

Point devices in the Provence style use various floral ornaments in their design. Suitable materials are plastic, ceramics and glass in pastel colors. Metal cases made of brass, bronze, nickel are often used. Craftsmen can artificially age them. Style implies moderation and romance, therefore, sometimes crystal pendants, candles, flowers are used for decoration.

Built-in luminaires can be selected according to various parameters: functions, light color, size, shape, quantity. However, for a competent installation, an important criterion is the type of surface in which they will be mounted.

Installation of devices for a plasterboard ceiling will be the easiest of all available, since this type of material lends itself to any deformation, sawing and leveling. Various shapes can be created with it.

The main thing is to remember a few rules:

• Luminaires should not fall into the joints of panel seams.
• The size of the hole drilled in the drywall should be 4 millimeters larger than the diameter of the diner.

Concrete is the most unsuitable material for embedding lighting devices. However, this does not mean that this operation is impossible.Professionals use a puncher to make holes, but they warn that all work related to the deformation of load-bearing structures must be approved by the housing state structures. Therefore, if there is a concrete ceiling, other options should be used. For example, you can lower it by 5-6 cm using drywall, and the lighting will line up without problems. Designers also offer options for eaves placement of lamps.

It often happens that the renovation in the apartment has already been done, and the idea to change the lighting came later. If the walls are decorated with textured plaster, then built-in gypsum models are the most suitable option. They will organically fit into the interior without focusing on the device itself. During installation, the seams and holes from the fastening, as well as the luminaire body, are plastered in the style of walls or ceilings. Subsequently, the coating can be painted.

PVC film as a material for ceiling decoration will be very popular. However, not all types of lamps are suitable for her. For example, incandescent lamps are contraindicated for this type of material.

The choice of fixtures for luminaires is selected individually, depending on the design.

Professionals distinguish three basic rules for installation:

• Fixtures should be fixed to the ceiling, not to the ceiling itself, as it deforms from the weight of the lighting fixtures.
• The height is adjusted using the mounting ring.
• The dimensions of the hole into which the device will be built must be larger than the luminaire itself.

Another important quality is that you cannot choose a flat chandelier for a stretch ceiling. Often, the base of such devices is made of metal alloys, which are subject to heating, which threatens to spoil the material of the ceiling sheet. LED and fluorescent lamps are best suited for such designs.

Popular types:

• Mortise is similar to fully recessed.
• Domed - a plafond enters above their surface.

Outdoor floor lamps must have the following qualities:

• Moisture resistance of connections and housing.
• Impact protection.
• Diffused light.

In the interior, recessed luminaires are often used as additional lighting. In particular, wardrobe lighting, kitchen and corridor lighting structures are especially popular. To create coziness and comfort, they are mounted in wall panels, ceiling cornices, niches and shelves.

To enhance contrast and visual illusions in dark rooms, narrowly focused linear devices of different lengths are installed. In cottages and private houses, lamps are mounted on the wall in the house, next to which there are no windows, which allows you to increase the illuminated area.

How to install recessed lamps in the ceiling with your own hands, see this video.