In recent years, suspended ceilings, due to their diversity, quick and easy installation, as well as low cost, have replaced other types of ceiling coverings. The canvas can be of any color, with drawings and any lighting fixtures. There is no need to get rid of old material, level the surface, and then paint it white. The most difficult thing is the process of choosing the required shade and design of the canvas.
Ceiling decoration in the living room Source design-homes.ru
Lighting that complements the suspended ceiling allows you to zone the room, expand the space, and also fill it with an extraordinary atmosphere.
Stretch ceiling with lighting in the living room Source kazanpotolki.ru
Professionals can easily turn even the most daring design ideas into reality. To create unique samples, a variety of fabrics, shades, shapes can be used, stretch ceiling material can be combined with plasterboard parts, and lighting fixtures of various shapes and sizes can be installed to decorate the surface. LED strip allows you to make the design of the ceiling interesting and unusual.
LED strip on the ceiling Source homeli.ru
LED lighting options for ceilings
Ceiling lighting allows you to diversify the design, highlight the necessary areas and fill the room with an extraordinary atmosphere. Hidden lighting can serve as both primary and additional lighting.
LEDs on the ceiling in the living room interior Source design-homes.ru
Advantages of LED backlight:
- With its help, you can create hidden lighting, which is invisible when turned off, and in the evening creates a cozy and romantic atmosphere in the room.
- Easy to install, installation does not require special knowledge.
- Allows you to turn bold and unusual design fantasies into reality.
- Can act as the main light source.
- LEDs consume little electricity, which saves money.
- Used to divide a room into functional zones.
- Performs a decorative function, the choice of shades is huge. You can always choose the color of the LEDs to match the color scheme of the interior.
Living room with lighting on the ceiling Source potolokelite.ru
In addition to the advantages, LEDs also have disadvantages:
- high cost, but fairly cheap service;
- bright lights can be irritating.
There are several types of ceiling lighting that can be used for a variety of interiors:
- Contour scattered. In this case, the LEDs are located around the perimeter. The color and location of the LED strip allows you to create an unusual atmosphere in your living space; the appearance of the room changes completely. The light source is hidden under the suspended ceiling, making the light transition smooth and soft. The tape is attached to a special recess, from where the light is directed onto the ceiling surface and distributed evenly, forming a solid line.
- Directed. The LED strip is attached to a slope located between two levels. The light is directed along the ceiling.
- Spot. Light sources are installed separately, creating an imitation of the starry sky. For them, special holes are made in the canvas; this is a rather complex and lengthy process. Light rays are directed from the ceiling surface to the floor or walls.
- Curly. Small lampshades for LEDs are mounted in the ceiling; as a result, the light is directed in different directions, creating interesting and unusual shapes, patterns and designs.
Ceiling with spot lighting Source vippotolok.ru
LEDs operate on low voltage, so they are less fire hazardous, the likelihood of electric shock to a person is low, but you should always be careful.
The original finishing method is a floating stretch ceiling. In this case, the LED strip is placed around the perimeter, visually increasing the height of the ceilings, creating the impression that the canvas is floating in the air.
Soaring ceiling in the living room Source design-homes.ru
Pros and cons of spotlights in the living room
This option differs from traditional equipment in a number of ways, so its advantages and disadvantages are different than those of chandeliers. The advantages are:
- The body is hidden under a suspended ceiling, so the surface remains almost flat, which is important if the room height is small. In this case, the outer part can have different sizes and shapes. The rim coating also varies, which allows you to choose the optimal model for any interior.
The housing is hidden under the ceiling, which makes this option the most compact. - The sizes of spotlights are small, so you can place them in any suitable place.
- There are models with a rotating lens, so the light output can be adjusted to the desired effect.
- If a light bulb burns out in one of the lamps, the lighting will not deteriorate much, since the rest will work as usual. Changing lamps is easy, anyone can do it.
- You can select lamps of different wattages and with different color temperatures, which expands the possibilities for decorating the hall.
- The total power of luminaires is usually less than the energy consumption of one large chandelier due to more efficient light distribution.
In what interior style is ceiling lighting used?
The choice of design options for a stretch ceiling with lighting is huge, but such an unusual decor is not suitable for every stylistic direction. For example, in a classic or ethnic interior, LED lighting will be inappropriate.
A stretch ceiling with lighting will go well with modern styles, such as:
- high tech;
- minimalism;
- loft;
- futurism.
Modern stylistic trends support the idea of preserving free space; they lack unnecessary furniture and decorative elements. The interior, decorated in restrained colors without bright accents, can be complemented by original lighting on the ceiling. The lighting will favorably emphasize the simplicity of the interior and fill the room with a mysterious atmosphere. Fixtures can illuminate walls, creating a beautiful light pattern or design.
Stretch ceiling in a high-tech interior Source masterpotolok.com
In such interiors, lighting will emphasize the modernity and high-tech nature of the room. If there is a need and an irresistible desire to complement a classic interior with a stretch ceiling with lighting, you should give preference to more restrained shades and simple options for placing LEDs.
The lighting can be adapted to any style direction. It is important to take into account the characteristic features of a particular design. A white stretch ceiling with lighting around the perimeter will suit almost any interior; in this case, an LED strip is used to increase illumination.
Stretch ceiling with lighting in a Scandinavian style kitchen Source yellowhome.ru
In the interior of a predominantly white Scandinavian kitchen, a suspended ceiling with lighting looks harmonious; it does not stand out against the general background, and LEDs are a source of additional light. During daylight hours, the lighting on the ceiling is invisible, and with the onset of darkness the room takes on a more modern and stylish look.
Ceiling lighting in a black and white living room Source realty.mail.ru
The black and white interior in the minimalist style was complemented by a multi-level design with lighting. Spotlights directed at the walls create an unusual pattern, and LEDs emphasize the modernity of the stylistic direction.
Advantages and disadvantages of floating ceilings
One of the most interesting ways to decorate the upper floor is a floating ceiling, illuminated by a diode strip around the perimeter. This technology requires special profiles, which make the contours around the perimeter appear blurred.
It seems that the stretch film is not secured in any way and is floating in the air. Hence the name of this type of suspended ceilings with lighting in the bedroom or living room.
The main advantages of high ceilings:
- soft lighting - ideal for rooms where bright lighting is not required;
- design flaws and uneven joints in easily torn insoles;
- relatively quick installation that does not require lengthy preparation of the ceiling, the repair will be completed in 1-2 days;
- will fit organically into the design of any modern style;
- looks extravagant, easy to impress guests;
- single-color membrane coverings (without a printed pattern) are safe for allergy sufferers and asthmatics; they do not grow mold;
- all wiring is hidden under the membrane;
- there is the possibility of integration into multi-level structures with illuminated suspended ceilings;
- do not require additions in the form of a chandelier or light ceiling module, although combination with a chandelier of an extravagant design is quite possible (it is recommended to connect the wires to a double switch).
An attractive “floating” ceiling is suitable for a bedroom or children’s room, a teenager’s room, as well as a combined living room with a bar counter and a guest area. However, their design is incompatible with traditional style solutions: classical, historical and ethnic
If we talk about the cons, then their list is small. For installation and repair, you will have to contact a specialist, especially if the backlight is damaged - this is an expensive design.
How to choose lighting for suspended ceilings
Stretch ceiling structure can be made of fabric or film. When choosing lighting, you should take into account the characteristics of the canvas. Cracks may appear on the film, the material may change color and lose elasticity if regularly exposed to temperatures above 60 degrees. The fabric is more resistant to elevated temperatures.
When choosing lighting fixtures for suspended ceilings, you should pay attention to the following characteristics:
- The maximum power of incandescent lamps should not exceed 60 W; for halogen lamps this figure should not exceed 30 W.
- The distance from the ceiling surface should be at least 40 cm.
- Energy-saving and LED lamps heat up slightly during operation; such devices are better suited for suspended ceilings.
Lighting devices for suspended ceilings Source dizainexpert.ru
For effective preparatory work and installation of lamps, the location of the devices must be thought out in advance. The lamps are attached to the main ceiling, and holes are made for them in the fabric of the suspended ceiling structure. Special thermal insulating rings protect the fabric or film from exposure to elevated temperatures, and also allow you to create a complete and beautiful appearance of the structure.
Types of lamps for suspended ceilings:
- A chandelier in the center of the ceiling is a classic option for placing a lamp. Devices can have different shapes and sizes; when using incandescent or halogen lamps, do not forget about the maximum power and safe distance. Plafonds with lamps can be directed downwards or onto the walls, not onto the canvas of the suspended ceiling structure. It is worth choosing lamps and lamps that do not heat up too much to match the main interior design.
Stretch ceiling with a chandelier Source dizainexpert.ru
To achieve a safe distance between the lamps and the ceiling, when installing a hanging crystal chandelier, you need to increase the length of the suspension.
You should consider how the lamp will look when installing a glossy ceiling. The reflective surface reveals those parts of the chandelier that are usually not visible from below.
- One of the most common options for complementing the ceiling are spotlights. They can be used to provide basic or additional lighting, highlighting the required area. Spot lighting is ideal for rooms with low ceilings. For good illumination of the room, you should install one lamp per approximately 2 square meters. m. area. The variety of models allows you to choose a model that suits the basic interior design.
Spotlights on the ceiling Source design-homes.ru
How to choose spots for the interior of the room
Thanks to the wide variety of ceiling spotlights and their versatility, they can decorate absolutely any interior. The style of the room and its color design are two criteria that you should focus on when selecting spots for the interior.
- If you need to organize spot lighting in a room designed in a classic style, choose rounded lines and imitation of precious metals.
- In interiors made in modern styles, such as modern, high-tech, loft and others, square and rectangular spots with glass and metal elements are appropriate.
- For suspended and suspended white ceilings in rooms of any style, spots of the same color would be a universal option.
Ceiling spots have become a part of our lives. And if once upon a time their appearance in an apartment was rather a fashionable trend, today spots solve many problems. They act both as additional light sources and are used instead of classic chandeliers, play a decorative role in the room, placing accents and highlighting a certain area, and are able to visually adjust the dimensions of the space. In addition, spots are economical, convenient, durable and easy to install. A competent choice of spots will make your home not only stylish and modern, but will also eliminate the need to replace light sources for a long time.
Examples of interiors with illuminated ceilings
Since the advent of suspended ceiling structures and the growth of their popularity, new ideas and fashion trends in the design of the ceiling surface have begun to appear. When choosing a ceiling design with lighting, consider:
- functional purpose of the room;
- interior design style;
- individual preferences.
Kitchens
A stretch ceiling with lighting in the kitchen allows you to highlight the work surface and dining area.
White suspended ceiling with lighting in the kitchen Source stroypomosh.com.ua
The predominantly light design is complemented by bright details in the form of decorative elements and furniture. A turquoise LED strip is installed along the perimeter of the stretch ceiling, and hanging lamps with metal shades are installed above the dining area.
Stretch ceiling lighting Source yellowhome.ru
In the presented version, a stretch ceiling with blue lighting serves as a separation between the living room and the kitchen. Against the background of a light kitchen set, blue lighting looks interesting. Also, an LED strip was installed under the cabinets, and spotlights were placed behind the upper cabinets, which illuminate the free part of the walls.
Black and white kitchen with white ceiling Source ok.ru
A strict kitchen set, made in black and white colors, can be complemented by an original arrangement of lighting fixtures. Spotlights were installed in the center of the matte stretch ceiling; along the perimeter there is an LED strip that fills the room with diffused blue light. The kitchen apron is illuminated by spotlights located under the upper cabinets.
Track lamps in the kitchen interior Source morepotolkov.com
A fashionable trend is the installation of suspended ceilings with track lamps. Such devices allow you to direct light to the desired area of the room. These types of lighting fixtures are suitable for interiors decorated in a modern style, such as scandi or loft.
Living room
Matte and satin canvases are suitable for classic living rooms. Thanks to the variety of colors, shapes and lighting fixtures, you can choose a ceiling design to suit any interior.
Multi-level ceiling in the living room Source mykaleidoscope.ru
Installing a multi-level structure with proper lighting allows you to increase the ceiling height by about 20 cm.
Not so long ago, metal, mirror, concrete, and wooden canvases became popular. Such unusual types of ceilings will suit a living room decorated in a modern style.
Stretch ceiling in the living room Source yellowhome.ru
The reflective surface increases the height of the ceiling and creates an extraordinary atmosphere in the room.
Light ceiling with combined lighting Source dizainexpert.ru
To decorate the ceiling in a small living room, you should use light-colored fabrics; lighting fixtures can be combined. In this case, spotlights were installed around the perimeter, and a massive chandelier was installed in the center of the ceiling.
Ceiling design in the living room Source roomester.ru
Unusual ceilings with various designs or patterns look interesting. This design suits a restrained interior decorated in neutral colors.
In the interior of the living room, straight or curved light lines on the ceiling will look interesting.
Delicate ceiling in a girl’s room Source imperia-yuta.by
This addition to the stretch ceiling will suit a restrained interior in a minimalist or high-tech style.
Nuances of choosing lighting depending on the texture of the canvas
When thinking about the design of a room, it is necessary to take into account the choice of lighting depending on the texture of the canvas. There are three main types of canvas:
- Glossy ceilings reflect light very well. They visually expand the room. Many interior items are reflected on the smooth surface of the ceiling. Horn chandeliers located face up are not suitable for such ceilings. In them, like in a mirror, the inside of the ceilings will be reflected, and glare from the lamps will be noticeable.
- Matte fabrics that imitate a painted surface practically do not reflect light. In this option, LED strips and turned lamps with a downward beam look inexpensive.
- The satin structure softly reflects and diffuses light, and the color tone can vary depending on the viewing angle. On such canvases a pleasant soft illumination with a pearlescent shimmer is formed.
For each texture, you can choose track lighting (here you can direct the flow in any direction) and light lines (at the same level as the ceiling)!
Recommendations for lighting design
Modern interior solutions combine several types of lighting to create a cozy atmosphere at any time of the day. To do this, LED lighting is built in, which creates a soft light and has many applications.
Along the perimeter
Installing an LED line along the walls is called contour lighting. It visually expands the space and creates the effect of a “floating ceiling”.
Inside
They equip the entire area of the canvas with illumination “from the inside” or create figures and drawings from LED strips, which, when turned on, convey an unusual design.
Starry sky
This effect is created in 2 ways:
- In the space behind the ceiling, light guide threads (fiber optics, needle elements) powered by a light generator are placed in a chaotic manner.
- LEDs illuminate the canvas depicting the starry sky.
