Attic lighting: choice of lamps and location options

Attic lighting is an important element when creating a comfortable and cozy attic. Design and organization require taking into account many factors - the shape of the room, the number and location of windows, natural lighting.

Attics with sloping ceilings complicate the task. Difficulties also arise due to sloping walls and other features of the room.

We conduct electricity into the attic

The main difficulty is that the space between the wooden elements of the roof structure is usually densely filled with thermal insulation.
Electrical wiring, in turn, has virtually no ability to dissipate heat and, therefore, can heat up, especially from high current. Adding to the difficulties is the fact that there are no clear domestic rules and standards regarding the installation of electrical equipment in under-roof spaces. Therefore, in the process of installing an electrical network in the attic, you should be guided by existing GOST standards and, of course, common sense.

When installing the electrical network in under-roof spaces, you should use:

for installation of lighting fixtures - copper wires with a cross-section of at least 1.5 sq. mm;
for installing sockets - copper wires with a cross-section of at least 2.5 sq. mm;
to protect wiring - fuses with a rated current of 10A;
to protect sockets - fuses with a rated current of at least 16A.

The network installation should be carried out avoiding the use of distribution boxes, i.e. each cable must be routed from one power source to one “point”;
The electrical network must be provided with a separate circuit breaker with a trip setting of 30 mA.

For electrical wiring installed in the attic, it is recommended to use a three-wire cable, or, in extreme cases, three single-wire cables laid in a special protective casing or tube. If necessary, wiring can also be installed using double-insulated wires or multi-core cables.

Note: Electrical wiring laid on a wooden base should never be secured with metal clamps. Such fasteners not only do not provide the recommended distance between the wire and the base, but can also damage the insulation.

Creating a Plan Before you begin installing electrical wiring, you need to accurately consider the future needs of your users. You should create a plan diagram indicating the installation locations of lighting fixtures, sockets, etc. If some “points” are intended to power devices that are too powerful (electric stoves, convector heaters, fan heaters), separate wires must be allocated for them. If you plan to install a water heating boiler in the under-roof room, power to such a unit must be supplied separately.

The number of “points” for lighting fixtures depends on the purpose of each individual room. But the number of sockets can be easily calculated in advance - each electrical appliance requires a separate socket, plus two spare ones.

After counting the required number of “points,” we can begin to determine the amount of cable we need. On average, there is one cable for every 15-20 square meters of living space. Well, there can be much more wires in the under-roof room.

Many sources clearly indicate the maximum number of “points” for one electrical network. Typically this includes 20 lighting fixtures and 10 sockets. But in the attic, lighting fixtures are located at a higher height than in other living spaces. Consequently, for high-quality attic lighting, it is necessary to use more powerful lamps. In this case, to reduce the load on electrical wiring, the following limitation for electrical networks should be accepted: 10 points for lighting fixtures and 6 for sockets.

Cables intended to power particularly powerful devices must terminate in only one connector. This primarily applies to refrigerators, freezers, etc.

Photo gallery of mounted LED lamps in the interior

For many, the question of how to place LED lamps in a room is difficult. However, this is only the first impression. You just need to show a little imagination, and your interior will sparkle with new colors. The photos presented below will suggest a specific idea to some, while others will be prompted by an idea, developing which, you can add a fresh spirit to the design of your living space. Let's start our review of examples of LED lamps with photos of living room interiors.

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Similar lighting fixtures also look interesting in bedrooms, helping to delimit space. In bedrooms, more than anywhere else, not only main LED lighting is in demand, but also auxiliary lighting. LED strips help make the environment more intimate, and changing the color scheme allows you to customize the lighting depending on your mood.

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The kitchen and bathroom need intense lighting, which LED lamps provide to the fullest. In the photo examples below you can see how lighting fixtures are arranged to achieve this goal.

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Types of lighting fixtures for the attic

The attic space can be filled with light using one or more sources. General lighting is provided by a chandelier with several bulbs. Local lighting devices are especially popular when lighting such premises. They come in several types.

Sconces, wall lamps, portable lamps.
Spots for ceilings and walls. These are directional lighting fixtures that are located on a bracket. They can be rotated in different directions and brightness adjusted.
Floor lamps. Their ideal place is near an armchair or sofa.
Point light sources: they are used both independently and as additional lighting. Indispensable for a small area of space. Installed in plasterboard and suspended ceilings.
Crystal light diffusers. They favorably emphasize decorative elements. The different sizes of the refracted elements of the lamp create the effect of crystal reflections.
LED lighting for the attic. With its help, you can organize lighting for mirrors, shelves, beds, and the perimeter of the ceiling. It is a special tape that can be single-color or multi-color.
Fiber optic threads. They consist of a stationary storage source and lighting fibers. With their help you can decorate the starry sky and other design solutions.
Fluorescent lamps. They are installed in a suspended or plasterboard ceiling and create the effect of scattering light rays along the perimeter of the ceiling. This is an option that saves electricity.

You can combine several local lighting devices with the main light source. For example, installing a chandelier in the attic in the center and spotlights along the perimeter of the ceiling will make the room evenly illuminated over the entire area.

Design of attic rooms

Designers' advice on arranging an attic often includes a set of methods. A bright and spacious room at any time of the day is achieved not only by powerful sources of illumination, but also by finishing the interior area of the room.

It is important to decorate the walls of the attic area with light shades! The use of too dark furniture, wallpaper and decor in the design visually constrains the space and makes it inharmonious.
The use of several sources of attic lighting is appropriate regardless of the volume of space, the type of skylights.
Combination of colors with type of lighting. For example, when using cool-toned wallpaper, it is better to combine elements with a warm light source.

The design of the attic floor depends on the convenience of the arrangement of furniture and the internal characteristics of the room.

Lighting devices in the attic

Depending on the principle of light supply, lamps can be local or general. The first group includes the following lighting options:

Sconces and wall lamps.
Floor lamps.
Portable sources for tables and cabinets.
Local devices.

The second group consists of those devices that can be used in any other rooms of the house, and not just in the attic. These include ceiling chandeliers with different intensities and operating power.

When choosing lighting for the attic, you need to familiarize yourself with the features of all types that are available for sale:

Local lamps. They belong to the group of local lighting devices capable of directing the flow of light to individual zones. Among them: wall sconces, table lamps and floor lamps. This type allows you to focus on interior features and emphasize the harmony of style.
Crystal diffuser. It works based on the play of light and shadow, providing an original star effect on walls or ceilings.
Point universal developments that can be used separately or combined with other elements of the system.
LED Strip Light. It is a common type of lighting system that can be used for interior decoration.
Neon elements. Suitable for use with universal devices and diode strips. Solid and rainbow types are available for sale.

Neon lighting is in particular demand, which has the following advantages:

Safety for the human body and the environment.
Invulnerable to explosions or fires.
Uniform light distribution. Neon lighting provides a soft lighting effect.
Long service life. Products can operate without failures for 10 years.
No noise during operation.
Low heat during operation.

The disadvantages include a number of difficulties in self-production, which is why the work must be carried out by a trained specialist.

About laying wires

When the devices are selected for installation in the room, all that remains is to properly organize the electrical wiring diagram. When developing it, the main points and methods of connecting cables to lighting devices should be taken into account. Before laying wires, you should indicate the location of the elements on the ceiling.

Basic diagram of connecting elements

If LED devices are designed for 12 or 24 volts, then to connect to the main network you will need to purchase a power supply. Its power is selected taking into account the load created by all devices. The parallel connection scheme for lighting elements is mainly used when there are several groups, each of which will be controlled separately using a two-key switch.

The built-in device is connected to electricity

Attic lighting options

Electrical communications are planned at the stage of creating a house project; only minor adjustments may appear when choosing the decorative design of the space. For a competent solution, there are several options for lighting the attic and depends entirely on the presence and size of windows, as well as the intended division of space into zones and design style.

Zoning of the attic space depends on the desire of the owners to use the floor for its intended purpose. Before choosing lamps, you need to decide on the purpose of the space, then choose a style solution and color preferences. During preliminary planning, it is worthwhile to outline the approximate location of artificial light sources.

Let's decide on the purpose and options for using the attic:

for work, when the space is used as an office, library or art workshop;
for relaxation, if you plan to arrange a bedroom or guest room, for example, if adult children come only for the holidays; a home theater can also be placed with maximum comfort;
as a play area, when it is planned to place play modules for children, a sports corner or, say, a tennis table on the floor;
for sleeping, since quite often the owners arrange a bedroom on the top floor;

Lighting for a nursery in the attic.
Each option has its own advantages and a narrow spectrum when choosing lighting, the devices themselves, the power of the lamps and their location in space. An individual project assumes the opportunity to show taste and the ability to create the most comfortable interior possible for the owners of the house. Careful planning will allow you to install electrical equipment thoughtfully and discreetly from prying eyes.

In general, electricity itself, and in particular in the attic, poses a threat to the fire safety of the house, therefore the selection and laying of communications, installation of a machine and other work must be carried out in compliance with safety standards and technical conditions.

But you shouldn’t get carried away with decorative techniques, since there are general rules, following which you can complete several tasks at once. Let's consider the main options and features of attic lighting today:

local lamps – designed for locally located points of directional light. These include sconces, floor lamps or table lamps, thanks to which the lighting is concentrated in the necessary areas; allows you to read, knit or highlight a zone in the general interior;
overhead lighting - can be presented in the form of one or more light sources located on the ceiling. This type includes all types of ceiling chandeliers or groups of overhead lamps; this source provides diffused general light, which is necessary, especially if your attic has no windows or has one small one;
spotlights - this type is used as an additional source of electric light. Spot light can be located on the ceiling, in corners, on walls and plays a rather decorative role;
LED strip - on the attic floor can highlight special architectural details of the space with light. Custom windows, roof configurations or mirrors stand out perfectly thanks to the LED strip.

Using LED strip for attic lighting.

Natural light in the attic

In natural light, the vertical surfaces of the gables are used to the maximum, on which the most ordinary windows can be quite simply placed. The most common roof shape in Russia is a straight gable roof, so there are usually always gables that can be filled with good lighting. There are two options here:

Use regular square frames.
Use triangular frames, house-shaped frames, or install several boxes of different shapes to further increase the lighting area.

Window frame of the usual type, the most inexpensive solution for the attic Source stroy-podskazka.ru

Full glazing of the pediment allows you to improve the view of the site and get more light in the room from the sun Source apklovers.ru
The second option is good when the attic floor has a square shape in plan, or the pediments are located on the long side of the attic. In this case, the problem with natural lighting can be almost completely solved by lighting the gables. If the house has a barracks layout, stretched along the roof, the ridge of which is long, then there will not be much difference whether the glazing on the facade side will be as large as possible in area, or whether there will be smaller square frames.

In this case, you will have to additionally install dormer windows and install additional gables along the long wall of the house, on which openings can also be placed.

Dormer windows are installed along the roof slopes, which provide additional light inside the attic. Source klub-masterov.ru

Or install special roof windows.

Choosing lamps for the attic

In order to properly organize the lighting of the attic floor in a private house, it is recommended to pay attention to the choice of lighting fixtures. The high quality of the lamp contributes to the complete creation of a working environment under the roof

To select lamps for installation in the attic floor, consider the following factors:

The area should have as much light as possible. The rules apply as much as possible to daylight hours, so you need to install upper windows. To increase the amount of light, you can install a large mirror opposite them.
For the attic it is better to choose a light design, as in the photo

For it, select light lamps - preferably with a white or light shade of light. This way you will visually expand the space. When choosing a floor lamp, it is better to choose a floor lamp with a high leg. It is recommended to install them in the corners of the room to visually enlarge the attic floor. To create a work environment, install cool lighting. For this purpose, fluorescent lamps are installed. To create a semblance of natural daylight, you can install tungsten-halogen light bulbs; they will help create a cozy atmosphere on the attic floor.

Consider the difference between local lighting for the attic floor and full lighting. The first cannot completely illuminate the space so that it can be actively used at night or in the evening, when natural light will not enter the room.

Light in an attic-type children's room

When choosing lighting fixtures for a children's room, you need to take into account the fact that much more light is required here than in other parts of the house. First of all, divide the nursery into several zones. In the place where the child will spend the most time (playing), place as many light sources as possible. The use of decorative elements (sun-shaped lamps) is permitted.

If the child is an adult, then you need to make sure that the area is brightly lit for completing school assignments. An excellent solution would be to use a classic table lamp that will not distract your child’s attention. Don't overdo the brightness of the light. Too high levels will lead to rapid eye fatigue.

Lighting for the training area should be controllable - with settings for brightness, intensity and direction of light. For these purposes, lamps with a bendable leg are well suited, with a mount that allows you to install it on various surfaces. If a shelf for books and notebooks is attached to the wall, then a spot can be installed in its lower part.

In the sleeping area of the children's room, use a softer and subdued light source. Choose between decorative lamps and night lights, made in a variety of shapes (in the form of animals, plants, objects of interest to the baby).

Note! If the children's room is designed for two children, then install lamps in the bedside areas of each of them.

Safety rules for attic lighting in a children's room

Don't forget that children constantly play, throwing toys around. Particular attention should be paid to playing ball - it will fly along the ceiling, floor and walls, so in such cases it is important to choose the right lamps.

Buy lighting fixtures made from unbreakable materials - metal or fabric. Arrange the bottles from the chandeliers so as to separate the bulbs as much as possible and hide them inside.

For infants, it is not recommended to install overly bright light sources, since the baby will show interest in them, looking at the bright lights for a long time, thereby disrupting the functioning of the visual organs.

Selection of lighting fixtures

When choosing lamps and fixtures for the attic, you need to adhere to the following rules and recommendations:

In this part of the house, only high-quality appliances should be installed, and their quantity should be large. Many designers recommend additional lighting for furniture and walls. To make the attic presentable and stylish, the light should be directed towards the wall. This solution will create a feeling of visual expansion of the space. You can make the attic floor more spacious by placing lamps around the perimeter. You should also install a mirror surface in the room. LED and halogen lamps are suitable for attic lighting. In terms of lighting efficiency, they are not inferior to each other, but give a different glow. When choosing lamps, the individual preferences of the residents of the house are taken into account. The style of the appliances is selected taking into account the decorative features

The main thing is that they combine with each other and look harmonious. When determining the optimal light output, it is important to exclude street lights, since they turn off at night.

It is inconvenient to use spotlights for the attic floor, since the light from them is scattered unevenly. It is better to combine several different devices, placing local devices around the perimeter, and a large chandelier in the central part.

To emphasize the special style and harmony of the interior, a pair of floor lamps are installed at corner points.

Layout nuances

There are two fundamental ways to plan the attic floor in a private house. The first method is studio, when the space is not divided into parts and serves as several rooms, for example, a living room and an office. But more often the attic is divided into separate rooms with different purposes. Room decoration can also be done in two ways:

If dimensions allow, cover the ceiling and walls with plasterboard. As a result, you will have to plan rooms of the correct (rectangular or square) shape, which is much more convenient.
The advantage of the “attic” floor is its characteristic appearance. Therefore, you can decorate the premises using slopes as walls. This kind of surroundings is ideal for decorating in loft, ethno or country style. But the design may well be modern; it all depends on the approach and desire to experiment.

Studio type atticSource pinimg.com

Most often there is a need to plan an attic with a gable roof. At the first planning stage, the number and type of rooms are determined. The type largely depends on the height of the walls, as well as on the area of the attic floor and the shape of the roof. The following solutions are possible, based on the height of the attic (built-on vertical) walls:

Attic walls 2 m high and higher. The room will be comfortable, not inferior in convenience to the lower floor. Spacious, with high arches, the room is quite suitable for decorating a living room.
The height exceeds 1.5 m. At a distance of half a meter from the wall, you can move without fear of hitting the inclined plane with your head. Such premises are considered complete for year-round use. If the layout of the room turns out to be small for a living room, it can be used as an office or a cozy bedroom.

Dimensions sufficient for a comfortable life Source apollo.olxcdn.com

The height of the attic walls is in the range of 0.8-1.5 m. A common option with good potential for use. Making such a space as functional as possible will require careful planning and equally careful selection of furniture.
Vertical walls below 0.8 m or absent. The room (it is called a semi-attic) does not reach the level of comfort and functionality of the previous options. If it is small in area, then you can move freely around it only in the central part.

Bedroom in a small atticSource design-homes.ru

Attic lighting for different styles

Lighting the attic will help enhance the atmosphere of the overall style of the room. The play of light using the refraction of rays can be created using mirrors, glass and other reflective surfaces. Chandelier bottles, floor lamps and lamps should be chosen in accordance with the color scheme of the room or used to create bright contrasts.

Classic attic style

If the attic is decorated in an antique or classic style, then a chandelier suspended in the center of the beam will become a bright accent. Such lighting will help enhance the effect of high cost from the presence of antiques in the interior of the room.

Modern design trends for the attic

If the attic is decorated in Art Nouveau style, then fluorescent light sources built into the suspended ceiling will be a successful addition. You can also use spotlights, which can have rotating and stationary designs.
When installing stationary lighting fixtures, you must immediately determine the optimal direction of the light rays. Spot rotators allow you to change the direction of the light if necessary.
Glass and metal elements in the design of the attic will also successfully highlight modern trends in high-tech style and create glare when lighting is directed in their direction.

Eastern attic style

The romantic setting of an attic in an oriental style should be accompanied by very delicate and subdued lighting. It can be made in the style of openwork lanterns hung on the walls, carved floor lamps, as well as massive elegant chandeliers, if the space of the room allows.
To decide on the type of chandelier in the attic and create a successful combination of light and room furnishings, check out the photos of various design solutions for the interior of the attic.
Local lighting sources visually expand the space of the room. Sconces, table lamps and floor lamps put bright accents on pieces of furniture and decor and add completeness to the interior.

Cinema lighting in the attic area

Many people set up full-fledged home cinemas in their attics. In this case, rely on dim lighting without the use of a general light source (chandeliers). It would be appropriate to use point devices that create an emphasis on the workplace (where the equipment is located). Don't forget to tone down your skylights by using curtains or fabric blinds in dark colors.

The presence of certain light sources in the attic area depends on the method of its operation. The presence of inclined surfaces significantly complicates installation, but not the choice of lamps - in any store you can easily find devices designed for installation on inclined surfaces.

Lighting for a sloping attic

Spot lamps.

The rules for selecting and placing devices in rooms with a sloping ceiling and in other rooms are similar. Regardless of the number of windows, sunlight enters the rooms only during the day.

After dusk, artificial lighting is turned on. Standard ceiling chandeliers are not suitable: they will look ugly on a sloping ceiling.

In addition, the devices take up useful space, which is a disadvantage for a room of small height. When arranging attic lighting, the following points are taken into account:

With small window sizes, the room will be dark even during the day. In this case, a larger number of lamps are installed. For a room with a sloping ceiling, choose hanging fixtures. The installation of mortise devices should be abandoned. Spot and local lamps must fit into the interior of the attic

You need to pay attention to the shape of the lamp, giving preference to curved products. The power of the devices is selected taking into account the material from which the ceiling is made. This rule applies only when choosing built-in models.

Electrical wiring in the attic area

Attic lighting includes not only the choice of light bulbs and lighting fixtures, but also the correct installation of electrical cables. Regardless of the building materials from which the house is built, the attic is often made of wood and insulated with various thermal insulation products. Even properly installed electrical wires become hot and can become a fire hazard. For this reason, when laying electrical cables in the attic area, contact specialists.

Before doing this, decide where the furniture will be, in what places the sockets and various appliances will be located. Think in advance about an option in which the furniture will be rearranged in the future.

To lay electrical transmission lines, take a three-core conductor. It is strictly forbidden to attach electrical wiring to the bare surface of wooden houses, since such fastening will lead to damage to the protective layer in the future, and also ignores the requirements for the gap between the cable and the base. Hidden wiring involves the use of a casing or a special box.

Important! In the attic, it is best to avoid installing a distribution box - route from the electrical panel of the house through universal linings.

Nuances of lighting organization

Before starting installation, it is necessary to plan the layout and power of the devices

In this case, they take into account the shape and height of the room, the angle of the roof, etc.

But they do not take into account the sun's rays, because in the dark there will be none. In addition, windows located on the walls are partially obscured by the roof.

It is advisable to provide different lighting scenarios. Typically, a chandelier is used for this as the main light source and several additional or two or three groups of lamps. The devices are connected to different switches. Using everything together or separately, you get a cheerful, work or romantic atmosphere.

The function of the attic is also taken into account. You don’t need a lot of light in the bedroom, but it’s worth highlighting brighter areas around the bed and closet.

You will need more of it in your office, especially above your desk. Here you need to screw in bright light bulbs that will protect your eyes from unnecessary fatigue.

In the nursery you will need general lighting, additional lighting near the desk, and a dim night light near the bed. Interesting ideas are often chosen, for example, sconces in the shape of the sun or moon or a “starry sky” stretch ceiling.

It is also necessary to take into account finishing materials. White and pastel colors, especially on glossy surfaces, reflect light. And the matte texture and dark shades are absorbing. To compensate for the effect, more powerful lamps will be needed.

Lighting can help improve the layout of your attic. If you arrange the devices so that the rays are directed at the ceiling, it will seem higher. And to expand the room, the walls are illuminated. This will be helped by sconces and other sources located around the perimeter.

LED strips are also used, which are placed along the walls, on the border of functional areas, on beams, etc. Not only white ones are available for sale, but also colored ones, including ones that change shade. This will diversify the environment.

Less often they take neon elements, plain or rainbow. This backlight does not heat up, does not make noise during operation and is durable. But it is not easy to install it; it is better to invite a specialist.

It is important to comply with safety requirements, especially if the attic has a wooden finish:

take a three-core cable;
do not attach wires directly to unprotected surfaces (use protective covers and boxes);
Do not place a distribution board in the attic.

It is advisable to think through the location of all electrical appliances in advance. Then, during the repair, a sufficient number of sockets are installed. And the wires are laid in such a way that it is safe and aesthetically pleasing.

Standard solutions for ceiling and lighting layouts

The problem of providing the attic with light can be solved in two ways. In the first case, the owners almost completely abandon window openings on inclined walls and, accordingly, provide most of the light needs through lamps and lighting devices. Lamps for the attic are incredibly important, but, as practice shows, this is not enough for full-fledged living.

It is necessary to add windows to the lamps on the ceiling

Therefore, most designers choose the second path. When planning attic lighting, use all available means:

Installation of windows, both on gables and on sloping walls of the room;
The use of vertical partitions in the room to improve the reflection of light in the direction of inclined walls;
Widespread use of spotlights, directional and strip lights;
Painting the walls and ceiling of the attic in light colors.

In addition, in the interior of the attic there may be no ceilings at all, which improves ventilation and the air exchange rate in the room. In this case, directional lamps have to be installed on the cross beams at ceiling level, photo.

Lanterns in the beams under the ceiling make the attic lighting more uniform

Proper use of window openings

In most cases, attic ceilings, photo, due to their specific design, do not allow the installation of a horizontal transparent hatch or window; accordingly, most of the daylight can only enter through window openings installed in inclined walls.

Windows in the attic can be on the wall and on the pediment at the same time

Ideally, with such a layout, window openings should be raised to the maximum height, usually this is the upper third of the wall adjacent to the ceiling. For a small bedroom or any similar attic room, this will be enough; you just need to add spotlights on the ceiling, and the lighting problem will be solved.

In addition to daylight, you have to add spotlights on the ceiling

Often it is simply not technically possible to free up enough space on sloping walls for two windows. In this case, the window opening is made with raster-type slopes, as in the photo.

Raster slopes of a window opening

This scheme has been known since the Middle Ages; opening the slopes provides an increase in light flux by almost 50%. For evening illumination of the attic, spotlights and pendant lamps are used on the ceiling of the room.

Sometimes windows can be installed very low, almost above the floor. This layout is dictated by the oriental style of the attic, so you have to use a full-fledged chandelier mounted on the ceiling and directional LED lights.

Chandelier on the ceiling and lanterns on the slanted walls

Most of the light enters the room through the window on the gable

This arrangement will be especially advantageous if the ceiling and sloping walls of the attic are finished with natural wood material.

A row of windows occupying the entire plane of the inclined wall completely provides the attic with light.

Location of lamps in the interior of the attic

Classic pendant or rack lighting devices are rarely used for attic floors. Most often, a chandelier or multi-arm sconce is used as a decorative element of the same ceiling.

Lamps, usually directional or strip, are used as a complement to daylight, so they are installed in two versions:

As illumination of a ceiling or ceiling area. Lanterns are mounted on horizontal beams or in the upper part of inclined walls adjacent to the ceiling;
For illuminating large or extremely dark rooms. Due to the small size of the windows, there is not enough daylight, so it would be appropriate to use LED strips.

There are also original models of lamps made in the form of transparent screens that imitate windows with a blurred, uneven surface. The result is the effect of a landscape outside the window, and thanks to the use of built-in fluorescent lamps, the lighting quality is ideal. It is clear that this style of attic interior is a strictly individual, one-piece product that is not suitable for everyone, so there is no point in blindly copying solutions.

Illumination standards or how much light a person needs

Quite often a person feels psychologically a lack of sunlight, especially in regions where the lack of sun is significant due to natural conditions. Artificial lighting is designed to fill this gap to normal. The concept of a norm in this case is vague, but it has been scientifically proven that a person must be in light, even if artificial, for approximately 9-10 hours a day.

Calculations of the norm of natural lighting are measured in lux units, for example, in sunny weather the measurements are 100,000 Lux, and indoors, even near a window it will be a little more than 100 Lux, which immediately indicates insufficiency for plants and humans.

Types of lighting and its regulation depend on the type of premises. The calculation method, its sanitary standards range from 150-200Lx for common rooms, such as the kitchen, living room, bathroom.

For corridors, hallways, bedrooms or balconies the norm will be below 100Lx. But work areas in the kitchen, at the desk, and for reading should be additionally equipped with artificial light lamps.

It is believed that non-residential premises such as offices, gyms and manufacturing workshops maintain artificial lighting at a level of 200 to 300 lux to encourage people to be active.

Artificial lighting.

Additional lighting devices

They are installed in a corner for reading, handicrafts, when light accents and highlighting of bright interior items are needed - for example, paintings, stucco moldings, decorations, etc. These are:

Wall lights. They can be built-in or overhead (sconces), in design - armature, wall-mounted (used in a narrow space, as a backlight for pictures), stationary, adjustable, with a reflected and directed beam. When the main lighting is turned off, sconces create a cozy atmosphere; they are installed near the reading chair to emphasize the interesting texture and stucco molding. Wall sconces in the work area replace a table lamp. When placing sconces, you need to make sure that they do not interfere with the passage.
Floor lamps. This is the common name for a floor lamp. Typically, such a device has a leg (straight, curved, or even adjustable in height or offset). Thanks to the lampshade and diffuser, the device produces dim, diffused light. The beam is directed up or down, in both directions. But the cap is an optional attribute; models are produced without this detail. Floor lamps can be stationary or portable, with one or more lamps.
Bottom lighting. Floor-recessed lamps are still rarely used, although they look very impressive, especially in recreation rooms. They are usually built into podiums - like ceiling “points”.
Desk lamp. They are also placed on the fireplace, bedside tables, near the sofa if they are working on it, etc.
Optical fiber. This light source is economical and, most importantly, safer than its analogues. It can be used even in damp areas. Optical fiber emits light in transverse and lateral projection. This allows you to create a variety of compositions - for example, the popular “starry sky”. The fiber is cut even when it is turned on - no current is transmitted through it. Although the material is used for the main lighting, its task is still auxiliary lighting.

Wooden attic lighting

In our country, the favorite material for interior decoration is wood. The attic will not be an exception, especially when the rustic style, Provence and any inclusion of ethnic details are in fashion. The lighting style in this case should correspond to the overall design, and the shape of the lamps should be in harmony with the wooden walls. Let's talk in more detail about the types of lamps for these styles:

Original chandelier for the attic in a rustic style.

A rustic-style attic may be the best option for arranging a cottage attic. It may just seem that this style is simple. Lamps attached to or behind ceiling beams will look original, creating the effect of dim lighting. Each wooden element can be illuminated locally to highlight the beauty and naturalness of natural wood.

The presence of an attic implies that the space of the house will be used as usefully as possible. Before choosing the shape and type of lamps, look through photos of finished interiors, draw up an approximate project in the desired style and color. If you find it difficult to choose, you can always contact specialists who will help you make a choice and install lighting wiring.

What else do you need to know

We have prepared for you some additional tips that will help you make the attic your favorite place in the house:

The attic floor should be bright; take this into account not only when installing lighting, but also when selecting finishes and furniture.
To visually increase the space, add lighting in a large floor mirror and place it opposite the window.
If you want to make electric lighting in the attic similar to natural, use halogen lamps. A fluorescent lamp will provide cooler light.
To blur the boundaries of the room, install a strip with built-in lamps, which should be directed towards the wall.
Don’t forget about the quality of the devices you buy; this is an important indicator of durability and your peace of mind.

We also recommend that you watch the video of a modern method that allows you to make attic lighting cozy:

So, we told you how to make beautiful lighting in the attic, providing photo ideas for inspiration. The attic has long ceased to be a place for storing unnecessary things and can become a full-fledged place for relaxation. Many modern families even make a children's room or bedroom on the attic floor. It doesn’t matter whether you are furnishing a room in a country house or a huge country house, the main thing is to correctly place the accents and take care of comfort.

Lighting of the office on the attic floor

The attic, equipped as a study, should have a high level of illumination. This can be achieved thanks to several levels of light, one of which will definitely be located near the desktop.

Lighting for the leisure area in the attic

Many families use the attic space to spend time together. A home theater is often installed here. To ensure that watching movies only brings pleasant sensations, the attic windows should be closed from daylight using blinds made of dark-colored fabric.
The cinema area looks good in the lighting of laconic spotlights.
A gym can be equipped on the attic floor. In this case, it is correct to install 2 light sources: central and side. Additional lighting should be placed near the mirror, then in its reflection you will clearly see your actions.

Lighting problems

It is because of the shape of the ceiling that problems arise with lighting the attic. Its height from the floor can be small near the walls, resulting in a feeling of a “pressing ceiling” when it is close to a person. This can be corrected with good lighting. They try to make the areas of the ceiling located below more illuminated.

Good lighting of the lower ceiling is achieved through additional lamps Source spb.zoon.ru

High-quality artificial lighting must necessarily include two components - central lighting, when the ceiling has a large lamp at the highest point, and side lighting, when additional side lamps are located in low areas of the ceiling. Natural lighting can be achieved using end windows on gables, dormer windows and lanterns, as well as special roof windows that are installed obliquely directly into the rafter system. In this case, be sure to combine artificial light and natural light.

Options for placing lamps in the attic room

There are a number of options and layouts for placing lamps on the attic floor. However, the most commonly practiced solutions are:

Suspended design. It is not advisable to use classic appliances with a rigid leg in the attic and hang them on a sloping surface. It is better to purchase a lamp with a flexible, adjustable suspension and fix it so that the lampshade is directed parallel to the floor. In attics with a triangle-shaped ceiling, chandeliers with elongated pendants are used, and the ceiling in the attic should be high.
Fixation to a flat part. This method is effective in cases where one section of the attic is made in a beveled shape and has a small horizontal area directed parallel to the floor. As for suspended ceilings, the chandelier is fixed in them in the same way as in other rooms. However, if the flat surface is located at a great distance from the center, then it will not be possible to obtain a uniform distribution of light. You will need to use secondary devices or use local light sources.
Beam mounting. In the area of the ceilings of many attic floors there are beams that are located in the central part of the roof and have 2 slopes. If the height of the building is large enough, then a simple chandelier can be attached to such beams.

Guided by simple rules and recommendations for lighting design, you can create a beautiful and elegant attic that will receive a sufficient amount of light, both from windows and lamps.

Lamps and chandeliers for the attic with a sloping ceiling

Attic rooms have specific dimensions and shapes; it is difficult for them to choose the finishing of walls, ceilings and furniture, and especially lighting fixtures. It is difficult to choose lamps for the attic that will look good on a sloping ceiling and provide high-quality lighting for the entire room.

And considering that most often the ceilings are decorated with stretched fabrics, which allow you to change the geometry of the space and hide unaesthetic beams, rafters and other roof elements, but limit the power of the lighting fixtures, it is not at all easy to choose a chandelier for an attic with a sloping ceiling.

Specialists from the Mos Siling company advise on the choice of lamps for attic spaces.

Features of lighting attics with sloping ceilings

When purchasing lighting devices for attics, it would be a mistake to take into account the size and number of windows. After all, natural light pours out of them only during the day; in the evening, these rooms need artificial lighting just like all the others.

Most conventional chandelier models are not suitable for sloping ceilings, as they take up too much space and/or look unsightly. To properly design comfortable lighting in attic spaces, it is necessary to take into account the following factors:

shape and purpose of the room;
the presence of windows (if there are none at all, lighting is required during the daytime, and in larger quantities);
type, number of lighting devices, their mounting features on an inclined surface and location;
tension structure material for selecting lamps of the required power.

A few rules for attic lighting:

A room with a sloping ceiling, very high in some places and very low in others, should be as light as possible. This is important to consider not only when choosing lamps, but also when deciding on the color of the material for a stretch ceiling, wallpaper or paint for walls and furniture.
The use of ceiling and wall spotlights and varnish stretch fabrics help to visually expand the walls. Using lighting around the perimeter of the tension system will make the room taller. You can expand the room with the help of large mirrors, which will additionally reflect light.
You need to select the number and location of lighting fixtures so that the entire space is illuminated evenly.
If the attic room is large, you can use halogen and incandescent lamps that produce a warm yellow light. Although they will visually make the room smaller, they will make it more comfortable. Fluorescent and LED energy-saving light bulbs are available in warm and cold shades. Daylight from LED lamps significantly enlarges the space, filling it with air and space.

Types of lamps for attics

Lighting devices are available for local and general lighting. Local luminaires:

any wall;
built-in point;
table lamps and floor lamps;
backlight.

All of them in a single quantity are capable of illuminating only a specific part of the room. However, the use of several identical or different local lamps allows you to completely illuminate the room.

For example, by placing a floor lamp on a long leg in each corner of the attic, you can visually increase the space. General, or central, lighting fills the entire room from one source, rarely two, three or more. A chandelier is usually used as general light in attics on a sloping ceiling.

Selection of lighting devices

If the ceilings in the attic are low, you should abandon central lighting so as not to cling to the chandelier with your hands or head, which also takes up a lot of space and visually reduces the space.

Tip: If you only want a chandelier, then choose oversized models. Specialists from the Mos Siling company recommend ceiling lamps with diodes, since the dimensions of these lamps are much smaller than traditional ones, and accordingly, the chandeliers are smaller in size and provide the same amount of light.

However, it is more practical, instead of one chandelier, to use several spots, sconces or spotlights, which go well with stretch ceilings. This way you can make the lighting even or brighter in certain places, and the room will become more comfortable.

Tip: you can choose both types of lamps, depending on the intended purpose of the attic. Have you set up a workshop under the roof, turned it into a nursery or living room? Then use central and local lighting. If this room is a bedroom, spot light is enough.

Lamp placement options

Many people have a question: how to hang a chandelier on a sloping ceiling?

On a suspension. A classic chandelier with a rigid leg on a beveled surface will look surreal. But if you take a chandelier with a flexible, adjustable suspension, you can mount it on an inclined surface and bend it so that the shade hangs evenly. Chandeliers with long pendants look especially good in attics with a triangular high ceiling in the center or in a large attic. An interesting option is to use several of these chandeliers with asymmetrical pendant lengths. This is not suitable for low rooms.
On level ground. In the case where in the attic only part of the ceiling is sloping and the rest is horizontal, the chandelier is mounted with a suspended ceiling, as in ordinary rooms. However, if there is very little flat part of the ceiling and it is located in one of the corners, uniform lighting will not work. It is necessary either to additionally install local lamps on the inclined surface, or to abandon central lighting altogether.
On the beam. Quite often, beams in the center of a gable roof are an element of attic flooring. A standard chandelier can be freely mounted on them in cases where the height of the room allows.

In conclusion - about the advantages of built-in lamps

Mos Siling specialists will help you in choosing and installing a chandelier for an attic with a sloping ceiling. But a better solution for inclined surfaces are built-in lamps:

They can be installed in any quantity and location.
They go well with tension structures.
They are decorative and practical - they can divide a room into zones.
There are models that provide directional light.
Easy to install.
Offered in a large assortment.
Save energy.

Species and types

To choose lamps for the attic, first pay attention to their classification. You can match your original preferences and organize a small space as in the photo

However, keep in mind that in the photo the area may be visually enlarged.

The quality of lighting depends on the type of lamps installed. For a relaxation area, for example, you need to use dim lighting, and for an active work area, vice versa.

Standardly, all lamps regarding the method of their installation and placement on the floor are:

Local. They are installed locally, without connecting to each other. These include individual floor lamps, sconces and other spotlights. They are especially often used after the construction of the house, so as not to resume deep work with electrical wiring.
Full. They apply to the entire house and are planned in advance. For the attic, chandeliers transform the floor into a full-fledged work and living attic space that is comfortable to use at any time. However, it is not always possible to attach chandeliers in the attic, which is why the first option is used.

Locals come in different types, since the way they are attached differs:

Floor-standing. A simple option that can be conveniently rearranged for zoning the attic floor.
Wall-mounted. You can attach the lights to the wall, which is more often used for a work or reading area.
Built-in. The set can be equipped with lanterns that will create a multi-level lighting system for the room.

The type is selected based on the preferences of the residents regarding the use of the attic area. To do this, you can look at photo examples of installing lighting fixtures so that they match the interior of the house and correspond to the functionality.

Artificial lighting

To achieve different results, designers often use only natural lighting, which makes it possible to use the attic only during daylight hours. This is done with a sloping ceiling when installing additional windows and standard side windows on it.

However, most often it is not rational to use only natural light, since on cloudy days or in winter there will be quite a bit of light reaching the attic floor. This will make it difficult to work there during this time.

To minimize artificial lighting, you can choose background lighting in the form of lamps built into multi-level ceilings, as in the photo.

Additionally, you can select local lamps - sconces, floor lamps, spotlights. They contribute to zoning the area and highlighting work areas.

Lamps and purpose of rooms

The parameters of the lamps - their future location, power, design - are designed for a specific room. The way the room is used will influence the choice of fixtures as follows:

Living room. In the living room, more than anywhere else, an adequate level of lighting is important.

Therefore, regardless of the design of the accessory, they pay attention to the quality of the lighting equipment and the technical parameters of the lamps (especially power). Do not forget about the diameter and height of the chandelier: they must correspond to the dimensions of the living room

In the recreation areaSource prorab.vebfabrika.ru

Bedroom

It is important to create an atmosphere conducive to complete relaxation. Therefore, a chandelier for a bedroom with a suspended ceiling should become a source of soft, diffused light

To complicate the lighting design, both classic and modern chandeliers are often complemented by spotlights, which look very stylish.

In an elegant bedroomSource hzcdn.com

Kitchen

In the kitchen, both excess and lack of light are bad, so it is important to choose a chandelier that is comparable to the size of the room. The design of the main chandelier supports the style of the room; spotlights highlight the work area, LED strip will create the right mood

Chandelier and track lightsSource i.pinimg.com

About the “starry sky” stretch ceiling in the following video:

Power consumption analysis

It has already been mentioned that lighting power is a rather serious aspect, especially in conditions where every kilowatt of energy is taken into account. The thing is that LED lamps are very often used in industry. Accordingly, there may be several hundred, or even thousands, of such lighting devices. In such conditions, even before purchasing lamps, it is necessary to make detailed calculations to understand what the electricity consumption will be.

It is obvious that LEDs are significantly more economical than many other means of lighting that are used today. On a large scale, their use is the most acceptable option, allowing you to save tens of thousands of rubles.

At home, if you replace all incandescent lamps with LEDs, you can also experience significant savings

This is especially important if we take into account the constantly rising electricity tariffs

Finally, it is worth noting that it will not be possible to determine the degree of brightness or power of the light flux, even if the power consumption is known.

Experts advise paying attention to power consumption first, since it is this characteristic that determines what concerns ordinary consumers

Types of chandeliers by type of mounting

There are two main types of chandeliers: pendant and overhead. They differ in installation features. For more massive ones, the first method is often used.

Hanging

Such chandeliers are attached to a hook fixed in the ceiling. The design features a long suspension cable and a movable decorative cap that covers the mount.

Usually apartments already have a hook in the center of the room, and electricity is connected to it. This simplifies installation. But if fastening is not provided (for example, in a private house), the hook is installed independently. It is better to choose an anchor one.

Then the ceiling is stretched. A hole is made under the hook. A thermal ring is pre-glued to the film, which prevents the edges from spreading and protects against overheating. The diameter should be sufficient to accommodate the hook and cable, but not larger than the size of the protective cap. The cutout in the fabric is made without a protector.

The chandelier is connected and the operation is checked, then hung on a hook. It is more convenient to install with two people, especially large products.

Such devices have an elongated downward shape and significant weight. They are suitable for spacious rooms with high ceilings.

Invoices

A mounting strip is provided for mounting this type of lighting fixture. In the case of suspended ceilings, chandeliers are attached through mortgages, which are installed up to the canvas.

The site is selected depending on the chandelier. For small models, ready-made plastic platforms are used. Aluminum hangers are screwed to them and the embedded parts are attached to the ceiling slab. Based on the distance from the surface, they are guided by the level of the baguettes.

Another option is a homemade mortgage made from timber or plywood, sawn to the size of the plank. The tree is screwed directly to the ceiling or through the corners. For larger format chandeliers, a cross-shaped embed is made. It can also be ready-made or homemade. Sometimes a square plywood platform is used. The methods for attaching to the ceiling are the same.

After installing the tension fabric, a hole is cut. Then the plank is screwed to the platform with self-tapping screws. The chandelier is connected and suspended.

With this method, the base will protrude above the ceiling. To recess the chandelier, cut out a large hole. You have to make a protective protector for it yourself (for example, from a PVC sheet).

Overhead chandeliers are usually flatter than pendant chandeliers. They can be shaped like a circle or a square. There are also classic ones with horns and shades. Such lamps are suitable for relatively small living rooms, bedrooms and kitchens.

Read more: What types and models of chandeliers are there?

No. 2. Types of lamps by light distribution

Depending on the design and material of the lamp, it can produce light in different directions. Based on light distribution, luminaires can be divided into the following types:

direct distribution. This is a directional luminous flux to illuminate a specific area, for example, a desk or work surface in the kitchen. This light is provided by spotlights and spots;
mostly direct. In this case, the light falls on the illuminated surface, and only a small part of it is scattered upward, allowing you to create a pleasant, uniform illumination in the rest of the room. Such light is provided by lamps with lampshades made of transparent material;
predominantly diffuse lighting is created by directing the flow of light into the ceiling and reflecting the rays from it. The design of many chandeliers ensures the creation of just such light;
diffuse lighting is obtained when light is directed onto the ceiling and walls. The rays reflected from the surfaces create a pleasant and calm lighting.

Naturally, it is impossible to say which type of light distribution is better - the choice of a specific type depends on the tasks set and the need to create lighting of a certain nature.

According to functionality, lighting can be:

basic. It is necessary to navigate in space and comfortably engage in activities that do not require strong visual concentration;
working, or zonal. Used to illuminate places where brighter lighting is needed (for reading, working, sewing, etc.);
decorative Used to illuminate paintings, niches, arches, plinths or other interior elements. Can be used to create a certain atmosphere.

One room may need different types of light, so in modern homes it is necessary to use multi-level lighting. For this purpose, ceiling lamps of various types will be useful, which will be complemented by LED strips, floor lamps, table lamps, sconces and lighting in cabinets.

Briefly about the main thing

In order not to drown in the existing range of products on the market, and to choose the right chandelier suitable for a stretch ceiling, you need to know a few rules and not forget about the features of tension structures.

The film fabric does not tolerate high temperatures. Under the influence of the heat of the lamps, it begins to deform and turn yellow; the appearance is irrevocably deteriorated. To prevent this from happening, choose chandeliers with a certain set of qualities.

The lamp, which is planned to be mounted on a suspended structure, should emit as little heat as possible. This depends on the type and number of lamps used, for which the total power is calculated.

Additional factors influencing the choice of chandelier include the type of fastener for the model (surface or pendant), the distance from the lamps to the film, and the direction of the shades. The choice of the optimal light source is important: economical, durable and safe.

Not only chandeliers are mounted on suspended ceilings; spotlights and LED strips are also popular. All of them are used in different combinations in the living room, bedroom, and kitchen.