Do you want to add mystery and a certain zest to the interior with the help of the play of light on the ceiling? Perfect for this Spotlights! With their help, you can also highlight different functional areas and emphasize the design of a room with a multi-level ceiling. In this article we will tell you how to determine the appropriate location of spotlights on a suspended ceiling, we will provide a photo interesting solutions in the interior and several win-win schemes.

Stretch ceiling with spotlights: how many lamps do you need?

One of the first steps when planning lighting in an apartment is to determine the number of spotlights on the suspended ceiling needed for the bedroom, kitchen, living room, bathroom or hallway. You can calculate how many light sources the room will need using special calculators or based on the size of the room. To do this, you need to know the length, width and height of the ceiling, as well as the beam angle or wattage of the lamps that will be used. On average, the lighting of an area is 1.5−2.0 sq. m. requires 1 spotlight with a power of 35 Watt.

Knowing the number of lamps, we can calculate their ideal location. The length of the room or zone must be divided by the number of lamps in the row, multiplied by 2. This will be the distance between the wall and the first (and last) lamp. Multiply it by 2 to get the distance from lamp to lamp.

Options and layouts of lamps on the ceiling

The main advantage of using spotlights is that they help make the light more even, diffused and soft. In addition, they are quite economical to operate and can be controlled using switches, which allows you to regulate power consumption. In combination with suspended and multi-level ceilings, spotlights create a unique look for the interior, giving it a special architecture and atmosphere. Instead of words, let's consider various options in photos and diagrams:

• A parallel arrangement of 2 rows or more is an excellent option for narrow and long rooms;

Also read: Which stretch ceiling design to choose in 2017?

• Rectangular arrangement - allows you to visually expand the room, but requires a central light source. Perfect to match with a chandelier.

• Arc-shaped arrangement - using this scheme, you can focus on a certain part of the room, for example, highlight a work area or emphasize the transition between levels of a stretch ceiling.

• A cross pattern is a good option for small interior when it is desirable to do without a massive chandelier or pendant lamp.

• Checkerboard arrangement of spotlights - perfect solution for a kitchen with an island and other rooms in which it is important to illuminate both the center and the corners of the room.

• Square arrangement without chandelier - practical choice for a bathroom or hallway.

• Other schemes for lighting and decorating a room with spotlights: after all, the available possibilities are limited only by the designer’s imagination!

Arrangement of spotlights on a suspended ceiling - 20 photos

We invite you to evaluate 20 more photos of interiors with original examples placement of spotlights on tension and multi-level ceiling. Save best options Note to self!

Also read: Ceiling lighting with LED strip - 30 ideas with baseboards








Also read: Edison lamp - a fashion trend in interior design

From this article you will learn:

• What are the features of choice lighting fixtures for placing spotlights on a suspended ceiling
• How to calculate the number of light elements for a beautiful arrangement of lamps on a suspended ceiling
• What should it be minimum distance between lamps on a suspended ceiling
• What are the popular layouts of lamps on a suspended ceiling in combination with a chandelier?
• What are the popular layouts of lamps on a suspended ceiling without a chandelier?
• What are the options for placing lamps on a suspended ceiling in different rooms?
• What mistakes can be made when placing spotlights on a suspended ceiling?

Repairs in Moscow need to be taken seriously. Lighting of any room plays a primary role in creating cozy interior. A well-chosen arrangement of lamps on a suspended ceiling will not only please the eye, but will also be able to perform the quite serious task of dividing the area into conditional zones, creating visual effect expanding the space of the room. So that you can see this for yourself, we will show you several typical examples of lamp layouts and share successful solutions for lighting different rooms.

Selecting spotlights for placement on a suspended ceiling

Before planning the placement of lamps on a suspended ceiling, you should carefully consider what lighting sources you need.

Several types of devices can be used on suspended ceilings:

Stretch ceilings will serve you for a long time if a number of conditions are met:

• The temperature of the lamps during operation should not exceed sixty degrees, otherwise the ceiling material will deteriorate.
• Choose a light bulb power of up to 35 W.
• Light should be reflected in mirror surfaces.
• The presence of sharp parts that could damage the ceiling material during installation is unacceptable.

The design with moving parts looks original, thanks to which you can focus the lighting on the desired object or area of ​​the room. Such a device will help zone the room.

It is better if the spot has a wide edging, it will help hide the installation structure.

When considering a chandelier as a lighting fixture for a suspended ceiling, you will have to take into account such details as the coating material, the type of lamp and the individual characteristics of the room. For example, for a matte surface, classically shaped devices are better suited, but for a glossy surface, you can experiment by choosing any original model. The reflection effect in the form of bright spots of light will be created on the ceiling by chandeliers with open LED bulbs. They can be placed directly under the canvas; they will not harm it, since they do not emit heat.

Chandelier shades should ideally hide the lamps, and if they are located too close to the ceiling, then this will be a prerequisite.

When choosing halogen light bulbs for a chandelier, place it no closer than thirty centimeters from the ceiling. For a lighting device with this type of lamp, the shades should be directed downward.

Have you decided on your lighting sources? Now let's calculate their number.

How to calculate the number of elements for the correct and beautiful arrangement of lamps on a suspended ceiling

Before drawing a diagram of the location of spotlights on a suspended ceiling, perform calculations of the number of required devices. Focus on the standards. For various types rooms they will not be the same - in utility rooms there is no need for bright lighting, but in places for work and rest - vice versa. You will see the illumination standards in the table, the unit of measurement is lux.

Illumination standards per square meter for different types premises:

We calculate the number of devices using the following algorithm:

• First you need to determine total power. To do this, the area of ​​the room should be multiplied by the lighting standard according to SNiP.
• After this, you need to find out the luminous flux of the light sources. The lamp power table below will help you with this.
• We calculate the number of light bulbs as follows: divide the total power by the power of the lamps. Everything is ready to build a layout diagram.

Let's look at an example of calculating the number of lamps on the ceiling using this algorithm. We need a lighting scheme for a 5 × 4 m kitchen. We will install 2 W LED bulbs, giving a luminous flux of 200 lumens (lm) each. We count:

• Kitchen area 20 m2 multiplied by 150 lux (see SNiP). 20 * 150 = 3000 lux. This is the minimum total luminous flux from all light fixtures.
• Next, we calculate the quantity: divide the resulting number by the luminous flux of the lamps. 3000 lx: 200 lm = 15 pcs. This means that for a kitchen with an area of ​​20 m2 you will need 15 LED lamps of this power.

Calculation according to SNiP standards provides a fairly bright light. In reality, such standard lighting is sometimes not satisfactory. For example, in the hall you may want slightly dimmed, warm light. This situation can be corrected by choosing the layout of the lamps at the top: it is better if the possibility of alternating lighting is planned.

For this purpose, light bulbs are divided into groups. At least two, in this case they can be connected to one line through one and output to two-gang switch. In this case, you can turn on the lamps through one, due to which the light will be dimmed, or both lines - then the brightness will be maximum. Depending on your desire, you can make a larger number of groups of lighting devices; to do this, you will have to output them in separate lines to the switches and use them according to the situation.

Minimum distance between lamps on a suspended ceiling

When installing lighting fixtures on the ceiling, be sure to consider not only the power of the lamps, but also their location in relation to the walls. If a row of lamps is placed closer than 20 cm from the wall, then there is a high probability of the latter overheating.

If we talk about distance, the main thing is not to violate the minimum gaps between devices and neighboring objects.

It is important not to forget that the shortest distance between built-in ceiling lights is 30 cm. Be sure to follow this norm when developing a layout of light sources on the ceiling.

Popular layouts of lamps on a suspended ceiling in combination with a chandelier

Let's consider various options for placing spotlights on a suspended ceiling. If you have chosen a chandelier as the main light source, then place it in the middle on the diagram. This will be the central point relative to which the entire drawing is built. No matter what line of light bulbs there is in the diagram, the chandelier should only be in the center. Using point devices you can build various shapes around the chandelier. For example, diagrams 3 and 6 show the arrangement of 10 lamps on a suspended ceiling with a chandelier in the center.

In small rooms you can arrange light sources according to the first two schemes. If uniform lighting is desired in the room, then choose scheme No. 1 or No. 4. They are similar to each other: in the central part there is the main light (chandelier), in the corners there are additional light bulbs that contribute to more uniform illumination. For larger rooms, there are three additional light sources in the corners (diagram 4); in a small room, one light bulb is enough (diagram 1).

The asymmetrical arrangement of devices will help visually change the size of the room. For example, narrow room can be visually expanded using scheme No. 5 by placing lighting along a short wall.

Scheme No. 2 is quite often used for lighting in the kitchen, provided that the kitchen set is placed linearly parallel to one of the walls, and the lighting is placed above it. Scheme No. 9 can also be implemented in the kitchen if the set is corner. In a similar way, you can zone part of the kitchen, thereby highlighting a place for eating, or rooms for relaxation or work.

In diagrams 5, 6, 10 you see a semicircle, circles and ovals. This type of arrangement of lamps on the ceiling can be found quite often. Rounded lines have a positive effect on the human psyche, which is why similar patterns are used for bedrooms, children's rooms, and halls.

Layout diagrams of lamps on a suspended ceiling without a chandelier

Not using a chandelier? Please! Built-in light sources on the ceiling allow even more variations of patterns. The slight difference is that, as a rule, all lamps will be divided into groups. Varying degrees of illumination will allow you to zone the room. In the diagrams, the grouping of lamps is indicated by color. Of the presented ones, the simplest layout of 12 lamps on a suspended ceiling (far left in the top row).

Please note that different switches can control the lighting of different areas. The first diagram in the 3rd row shows, for example, the location of 6 lamps on a stretch ceiling in a brighter zone and 4 lamps in a subdued zone.

A room often needs to highlight one or more zones. And this can be taken into account by using lamps of different power or placing an unequal number of lamps above each zone. For example, above a table with a workplace it is better to increase the level of illumination, and in the relaxation corner above a sofa or ottoman, on the contrary, dim it and make it softer. This means that above the place where you plan to place the table, we increase the number of lamps, and above the sofa you can reduce it or remove it altogether.

Options for placing lamps on a suspended ceiling in different rooms

Of course, standard circuits It cannot be for different rooms. When developing a placement plan for spotlights, you should take into account both the purpose of the room and the layout of the room. We will present to you options for arranging lamps on a suspended ceiling (photo below) for different rooms. In the kitchen, it is recommended to divide the entire space into separate sections, highlighting areas for cooking and a dining area. In a kitchen with a small area, it will be enough to install only spotlights.

1. If you want to visually increase the space by kitchen, then it is better to arrange the devices evenly in 3 lines along the room: the first group of lamps exactly in the center, and the other two along the edges of the ceiling. An additional bonus with this scheme will be uniform lighting without shadows. For low ceilings, it is better to use lamps with rotating mechanism. To highlight the most important areas of the room, we recommend using a zigzag pattern as a basis.




If you have a kitchen with a large area, then it would be a good idea to make a chandelier as the central lighting device. At the same time, additional light sources are located in various variations in a way that is convenient for you. For example, you can highlight the cooking area or dining area. Lamps are often placed along the entire perimeter of the ceiling or along the kitchen unit. All this does not interfere with additional lighting work surface, placing the devices on the bottom of the headset.





2. Hall– the largest room in the apartment. The whole family and guests gather here. The space of the room can be emphasized the right design. And in the first place in this matter, of course, is light. The requirements for the level of illumination in the hall are higher than in other rooms. A large chandelier with many lamps will look beautiful in the center of the ceiling. And spotlights along the walls will play the role of additional lighting or a source of romantic dim light when the main device is turned off.




Spotlights in the living room are placed not only around the perimeter. With lamps you can create a wide variety of fantasy designs using curved, rounded lines, circles, and ovals. Geometric shapes can frame the space around the chandelier or be placed in groups along the edges of the ceiling.





Not everyone likes a chandelier in their living room. Those who love a romantic setting or owners of an apartment with a low ceiling can, in principle, do without it. Spot fixtures evenly distributed across the ceiling will illuminate the entire room. If you want to divide the living room into zones, you can group them in the right places. By playing with the number of lamps of a certain power, you can create light and dark areas. In the photo you see the arrangement of lamps on the suspended ceiling in the hall.





3. Bedroom As a place for relaxation, as a rule, it does not require bright lighting. The color scheme of the interior is close to pastel. Soft, warm colors of walls and ceilings can be emphasized by light light emanating from spotlights. Lamps in the room for sleeping and resting try to choose the same shape and size and place them evenly along the ceiling or along the perimeter. An option with a small chandelier is allowed; in this case, the lamps are installed around it.




To illuminate the bedroom, it will be more convenient to use a light power controller. A dimmer will allow you to achieve the desired level of brightness; with its help, you can separately control groups of light bulbs and a chandelier.

The combination of a chandelier and spotlights around the perimeter of the sleeping room will visually expand the space.

4. In the children's room It is better to create soft light without glare. In this regard, powerful light bulbs and mirror surfaces are most likely not needed here. As a rule, a child’s room is conventionally zoned into two parts: for classes and for relaxation. The most commonly used scheme is the placement of spot lighting above the surface of the table for lessons. Targeted lighting will create optimal conditions to preserve vision when reading. You can also use a chandelier in the nursery for general light. Below are original solutions for the placement of spotlights on a suspended ceiling.




A baby needs a night light. Often it is mounted to the wall. But this is not the only option. Modern developments by designers demonstrate the wide possibilities of creating a fairy-tale atmosphere for a child, from magical flowers to a real starry sky. When the baby grows up, a carefully thought-out arrangement of lamps will not bore him and will not lose its relevance.

5. Sometimes apartments are equipped with suspended ceilings and corridor. In such a room, first of all, it is worth considering its small area and peculiarity. It doesn't have window openings with natural light. The entire load falls only on the lamps. On the other hand, the space of the corridor is narrowed by placing pieces of furniture in it for storing things.

That's why the main task light in such a specific room - a visual increase in the volume of the room. Here you should pay attention to the choice of stretch ceiling material. It is better to use monochrome glossy PVC film for such a room. Place spotlights in one or parallel lines along the edges of the ceiling, directing the light to the walls. The number of lamps for a corridor is usually small, but sometimes for a unique design project their number can be higher. One of the photos shows the location of 8 lamps on a suspended ceiling. Perfect solution – fluorescent lamps, which will create a soft light effect.




The light in the corridor can be divided into main and additional. As a first step, it’s a good idea to use a device with a matte cap. And then you can use spotlights to create additional lighting in the area of ​​the mirror and hanger.

6. The trend is to use suspended ceilings in bathroom. But limited space allows you to install a minimum of lamps. But you can play well mirror reflections. They will help with this glossy surfaces tiled walls, mirrors, chrome parts. All these elements combined with tension fabric will create the effect of free space.

Traditional scheme for a bathroom it assumes a uniform arrangement of four to eight light bulbs along the ceiling. It is preferable to use round-shaped devices.

An important condition for lamps in the bathroom is their protection from water. In this matter, the leader is halogen lamps. On the one hand, they provide bright light and at the same time they are not afraid of high humidity. The location of ceiling lights on a suspended ceiling in a bathroom can be in the form of various geometric shapes: rhombuses, squares, arbitrary curves, zigzags. It all depends on your preferences.

How to install spotlights on a suspended ceiling

Spot lighting fixtures for suspended ceilings vary in design:

• Fixed lamps are easy to design. The light beam is directed along a straight path without the possibility of adjustment.
• Rotary spots have a more complex body design. Their installation will require more effort. But the complexity of the work will pay off in that it will be possible to adjust the light. The direction of the light flux under the right angle will create focusing of rays in the required area.
• Open devices can be used in rooms with normal humidity levels.
• The design of closed devices is complicated by additional protection against moisture; they can be used in damp rooms.

It is better to start installing spotlights with proper planning. At this stage you will need:

1. mark the location of the lamps on the ceiling surface in accordance with the diagram;
2. indicate the installation location distribution box and switch;
3. Based on the layout of lighting fixtures, develop an option for laying wires and calculate the number of terminal blocks.
4. take into account the presence of existing light sources in the room.

One more problem remains to be solved - installing devices in a suspended ceiling structure.

To begin with you will have to carry out electric installation work, the essence of which is to lay the cable to the mounting location of each device. After the chain preparatory work and installation of the canvas, you should proceed to the final part - installation of devices in the suspended ceiling. First, you will have to glue thermal rings directly onto the film at the locations of the mounting brackets as a basis for mounting the lamps.

Then you will need to cut holes inside the glued round profile for the future lamp. This should be done as accurately as possible so as not to damage the integrity of the coating.

After this, using the adjusting screws, we align the mounting posts flush with the surface of the ceiling covering, remove the cable and connect the devices to the terminals. The design of the lamp includes a thermal insulation ring, which is put on the body before installation. It serves to regulate the degree of heating tension material ceiling and insulating the device from the surface of the canvas.

When installing PVC film on the ceiling surface, thread the wiring into the holes. To fix the lamps evenly on the ceiling after their installation, you will need to adjust the devices, and only after that you can screw in all the light bulbs and check the suspended ceiling for the quality of the lighting.

If the built-in lights are installed correctly, the light will be bright enough and not irritating. With a large surface area of ​​the stretch ceiling, it is better to install a transformer in order to save electricity and the possibility of using lamps designed for low current.

For suspended and suspended ceilings, devices with hidden fastenings. Wires and device housings are placed in the space between the ceiling base and the covering material. Devices without unnecessary fasteners look very aesthetically pleasing.

7 main mistakes when placing spotlights on a suspended ceiling

1. Different types of luminaires are not used (lighting levels are not created).

The myth that bright good light will, if you install many lamps in a row, does not justify itself.

If the ceiling light is the only one in the room, it most likely will not be enough to achieve maximum comfort. Additional sources lights are needed for a cozy environment, for example, next to an armchair or bed. And sometimes they are simply necessary, for example, at a desk, if, of course, you are protecting your eyesight.

Modern design possibilities expand functionality lighting. It goes from static to flexible when different types of lamps of different power are used. Turning on general (ceiling) lighting in the hall when receiving guests will be more appropriate. And when watching TV, additional lighting with the main lighting turned off will turn your living room into a cozy cinema room.

If you, for example, are an art connoisseur or collector and want to highlight the object of your pride, then use accent lighting. This technique will make familiar objects sparkle in a new way and will also visually increase the space.

2. Dimmers are not used (no light intensity control).

A very common mistake is not using dimmers. The use of power regulators provides additional options for traditional lighting. With their help, you can control the strength of the light flux, adjust its required degree depending on the time of day or simply your mood. Watching a movie in a warm family circle is unlikely to be enjoyable in a room with too much light.

3. They don't think about where the shadows fall.

If the light source is located in the wrong place, it will cause more trouble than pleasure.

For example, in a bathroom it is better to place two lamps on either side of the mirror. One fixture on the ceiling will create unpleasant shadows on your face. If the area does not allow the installation of two lamps at the edges, the solution will be to choose an elongated one horizontal plane lamp instead of a spotlight into one lamp.

Take the issue of lighting your kitchen workspace seriously. The light should fall exactly on the surface where you are preparing food. When the light source is located from the back, the shadow will constantly irritate. That is why the lighting is placed under the kitchen cabinets, and not above it, in order to illuminate the work area as much as possible.

In the same way, you need to locally highlight the “island” if you have one.

Using the same principle, the dining area is also equipped in such a way that the light source is located exactly in the center of the table at which people are dining, and not to the side, otherwise shadows can spoil the impression.

And in a study or office where there is only ceiling general lighting, you can correct the situation table lamp. Extra shadows in its coverage area will disappear, and your vision will not be threatened.

4. Choosing the wrong size lamp.

Often, when buying a chandelier, we focus only on the overall impression of it. And only when using it do we realize that the size of the lighting device does not quite correspond to the dimensions of the room. Disproportion of a small lighting fixture in big hall or, conversely, a huge chandelier in a tiny room will cause unpleasant sensations.

Therefore, before going to the store for lighting fixtures, you should estimate the approximate size of your future purchase. After all, sensations and first impressions in a huge illuminated hall of a shopping center can deceive you.

5. The placement of lamps at the wrong height.

Another mistake is the height of the lamps. You need to know that in the dining area the distance from the bottom edge of the chandelier to the floor should be about 1.6–1.8 meters. A chandelier placed too low will dazzle and irritate the eyes. A high-placed light source will not fulfill its main function of sufficiently illuminating the table area. Your comfort directly depends on the height of the light fixtures.

6. The color scheme of the premises is not taken into account.

The color scheme of the room directly affects the overall impression of the light level. Too much dark walls will create a feeling of lack of light even with a large number of lamps. Try changing the color slightly towards lighter tones and you will feel the difference. The light will sparkle in your room.

7. The fact that lamps consume energy is not taken into account.

Naturally, light devices consume energy. People have switched to energy-efficient lamps, including LEDs. Energy saving has become ubiquitous. By reducing your energy consumption, you save your money. Reducing the cost of using electricity is especially important for large institutions and enterprises. But for the average consumer within an apartment, this issue is no less important.

A few more illustrative examples of the arrangement of lamps on a suspended ceiling

Location of lamps on a suspended ceiling in the bedroom:

Location of lamps on a suspended ceiling in the kitchen:

Location of spotlights in the corridor:

Location of spotlights in the children's room:

Location of spotlights on a suspended ceiling in a bathroom:

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Spotlights can complement or even replace the central ceiling chandelier because:

• The main advantage is that they allow you to make the lighting in the kitchen uniform, diffused, soft, both separately and in combination with a chandelier or LED lighting. An ordinary ceiling lamp without additional lighting creates shadows and thereby visually narrows the space;

• Illumination using LED and halogen lamps is very economical, and the installation of spotlights with the ability to turn on in parts, that is, only where needed this moment, for example, in work area when you cook, significantly saves energy;
• Rotating spots and ceiling-wall lamps can direct light where you want, thanks to which you can benefit from the advantages and disadvantages of space - visually raise, expand, zone, etc. low ceilings. We will tell you how to do this below;
• In addition, you can use single-color or colored light bulbs to create an unusual lighting design, separating zones and placing accents.

The disadvantages of spotlights include:

• Installation is more complex compared to a chandelier;
• The need to think over the placement of light sources on the ceiling at the renovation stage, and the placement of spotlights built into the kitchen set at the assembly stage;
• Not everyone likes this one modern type ceiling lighting in the kitchen, to some it may resemble “office” lighting. But this is a big misconception; today spot lighting can be organically integrated even into traditional interior kitchens as in the photo below. The main thing is to choose the right lighting design.

• Types of spotlights for installation are divided into: mortise, surface-mounted, pendant. If mortise lamps can only be built into suspended ceilings (, etc.), then overhead (external) lamps can also be installed on ordinary concrete ceiling, since on the base of the body of such a spot there is a special mounting plate for screws;
• Built-in models are the most popular type in the category of spotlights, so they are presented in a very wide range of colors, designs and sizes;
• Recessed lamps can be completely recessed into the base and then they are practically invisible, or they can, on the contrary, decorate the ceiling, protruding above its surface with a beautiful decorative diffuser;

• Spotlights can create local, main and decorative lighting;
• Each of the installed devices is capable of illuminating no more than two square meters rooms;
• Modern devices are fireproof, and therefore can be used in combination with any finish. And their body is made of moisture-proof material, which makes it easy to withstand high humidity;
• There are designs with an internal or external location of the light bulb, which provides directional or diffused light, respectively.

Adviсe:

• The simpler the design of the spots, the easier it is to care for them - to wash off grease, dust, etc.;
• For suspended ceilings It is better to choose round or rounded corner lamps;
• For more economical and rational energy consumption, install a dimmer, which is also called a rheostat or dimmer.

Types of lamps

Lamps are available: LED, halogen or incandescent.

LED lamps are deservedly popular. They are economical and consume very little electricity, and also practically do not heat up. Therefore, LED devices can be used in combination with the most different finishes– their location even next to flammable materials will not lead to fire.

LED recessed luminaires come in rotating and non-rotating types. Rotating lamps allow you to change the direction of light.

Devices with installed incandescent lamps provide a bright, pleasant light that everyone is familiar with, but they are much larger in size, therefore they require installation with a large margin, in addition, they have a short service life.

From the point of view of durability and energy consumption, halogen lamps are advantageous, but they are also considered the most expensive. They provide bright, close to natural lighting, but have one drawback - the lamps get very hot, so choose lamps with metal frame, glass diffuser and ceramic cartridge.

Keep in mind that halogen spotlights require a transformer to convert the normal 220W to the required 12W. The power of the transformer should slightly exceed the total power of all halogen bulbs.

Installation of spotlights in a kitchen with suspended ceilings requires a limitation on the power of the installed lamps. Thus, the power of halogen devices should not exceed 35 watts, and the power of incandescent lamps should not exceed 60 watts. This is due to the properties of the material, which can melt from too high temperatures.

Placement of lamps and rules of “playing with light”

To create basic lighting in the kitchen, ceiling spotlights should be placed at a distance of at least 30-40 cm from each other. A distance of at least 20 cm is maintained from the corner of the wall. Experts advise installing one point per 1.5 square meters. m or follow the following recommendation - for every 1 sq.m of ceiling there should be a 20 W lamp. If you want to install lamps with a power of more than 20 W or plan to combine them with a chandelier, then their number can be reduced.

Using the correct placement of spotlights, you can easily change the entire perception of the space.

You can visually expand a small, narrow or elongated kitchen by installing a group of several lamps along the center and on both sides of the ceiling of a narrow or elongated kitchen. That is, the main objective– fill the space as evenly as possible with soft, diffused light without shadows.

When lighting large spaces, the main task is to arrange light sources so that they perfectly illuminate all functional areas, but at the same time create coziness, intimacy and a pleasant atmosphere. Most often, lamps are placed as in the photo below: there are spots around the perimeter of the kitchen, and hanging chandeliers in the center above the table or island.

The most versatile option for placing spotlights in the kitchen is as follows: in the center of the kitchen, above the table or bar counter, you can hang ceiling lamps or a chandelier, and install the spots only above the work area directly above the kitchen unit.

But if the kitchen has low ceilings, then it is better to choose rotating models and direct their light up to the ceiling, and also install lamps on the visor of the wall cabinets of the kitchen unit. It is better not to hang a chandelier in a low kitchen.

In addition, spotlights allow you to perfectly zone a room, highlighting each of the functional areas. As a rule, in combined spaces - in a studio apartment, kitchen-dining room, kitchen-living room, the work area, kitchen area or adjacent hallway is highlighted with spotlights, and the relaxation or dining area is illuminated by a chandelier and pendant lamps.

Spotlights are simply created for decoration and illumination two-level ceilings. In this case, embedded models are usually used. You can highlight everything or just one level, as in the next photo on the right.

How to properly install spotlights

Installation of spotlights requires the preparation of certain tools and devices:

• Connection terminals;
• Flat-head screwdriver;
• Crowns for wood or metal (the latter will be required for working with slatted ceilings);
• Assembly knife for stripping wires;
• Drill;
• Wire cutters;
• Pliers;
• Ladder.

Connecting spotlights is impossible without creating an appropriate electrical wiring. At the first stage, the lighting box is installed - it is mounted in such a way that there is free access to it at all times. This means that you should not place the box behind the trim. After this, a separate wire is laid from the box to each lamp. The wires must be placed in a corrugated pipe, which is necessary for protection.

If you plan to place in plasterboard ceiling, then the work is carried out in the following sequence:

• The location of each device on the ceiling is accurately marked, while the location of the guides must be taken into account; lamps should not be attached to them;
• A hole of the appropriate size is cut out using a drill bit, and for square devices the hole is made with a jigsaw;
• The previously routed cable is pulled out through the hole. Of course, during work the wire must be de-energized. In order to be sure to remove the cable from small hole, use a wire hook;
• The wire brought out is connected in accordance with the colors through the terminals. If you use LED lamps with screw terminals for the wire, then terminals are not required;
• Next comes the placement of the lamp in the hole, as a result of which it is secured with special spring clamps;
• A lamp is screwed into the device, and after that a decorative ring is put on;
• Conduct a system performance check.

Light and illumination are important components in human life. But according to scientific research, different types of lighting affect people differently. The light of the lamps is bright and dim, diffused and directed, creating a certain mood and causing various reactions in the body. Therefore, creating a universal home lighting system is an important task, the solution of which will have a positive impact on people’s health and emotions.

Since suspended ceilings are currently in fashion, which have their own advantages and disadvantages, let’s talk about lighting and how to arrange chandeliers, lamps and spots.

Modern technologies and fashion trends have led to the fact that spotlights have become a craze.

The lamp market is flooded with a variety of models

This is reflected in the work of designers, many projects include various combinations of light sources. In addition to the variety of shapes and colors, lamps differ in light sources:

• Traditional, with incandescent lamps.
• With halogen lamps.
• With fluorescent lamps.
• LED.

A real boom in such lighting has brought many new ideas in design. Any modern interior already includes such lamps. In this regard, everyone who wants to, as they say today, “be in trend” is recommended to replace the central lighting of the hall and outdated lamps with modern light sources, especially if the living room has suspended ceilings. Such lamps will give the room a stylish and impressive look and add functionality.

For public premises There are specific requirements for illumination and type of light sources. These standards are determined by the purpose of the room, in accordance with which the appropriate lighting is selected, example in the photo.

For residential buildings There are fewer lighting requirements. The choice of light sources, the layout of lamps and spots, as well as their power are determined by the homeowners themselves, based on their tastes and needs. You should only take into account the possibility of replacing the wiring yourself if necessary.

Features of suspended ceilings

Such structures are made from polyvinyl chloride films that have a variety of colors and certain properties. These characteristics of PVC films determine their advantages:

• Convenience. The stretched film hides all irregularities and solves problems with whitewashing or painting the ceiling.
• Durability. The service life of the ceiling is 10-15 years, and often more.
• Reliability and safety. The film ceiling can withstand a large volume of water spilled by neighbors above.
• Environmental friendliness. If the PVC film is made according to European standards (not the cheap Chinese option), then such a ceiling is completely safe and harmless to health.
• Reasonable cost. The total cost of materials and installation costs is comparable to other types of structures (plasterboard, lath).
• Moisture resistance, which is very important for bathrooms, toilets and kitchens. PVC film is not affected by dampness and does not require regular touch-up like drywall.
• Aesthetics. By selecting various shades and materials (except for film, a fabric base is used for tension structure), you can achieve a beautiful design for any room.

These are the main advantages of modern stretch ceilings. In addition, such designs allow you to easily arrange different types of light bulbs, which adds comfort and coziness to your home. All that remains is to choose the right lighting devices and rationally arrange them to create the desired lighting (see photo).

Lighting selection

When installing a stretch ceiling, you should first consider the wiring diagram and how to arrange the lamps and spots. The most common light sources are chandeliers, spotlights and LED lamps. They help to highlight the necessary zones in the room, emphasize the interior, and illuminate any object. With their help, you can create an absolutely stunning design and atmosphere in the room, for example, as in the photo.

Magic ornament, or how to arrange light bulbs

An important detail for the selection of lamps and the amount of light is the color of the canvas. Since designers often use a combination of colors, it is recommended to select lamps and spots accordingly.

An original and effective design can be achieved by proper placement of lamps, spots and chandeliers. To do this, you need to consider the following:

1. The purpose of the room, depending on whether it is a living room, an office or a children's room, the type of lamps is selected. The bedroom uses dim lighting, and the bathroom should be brightly lit.
2. Natural light, which is determined by the number of windows. Dark rooms require additional light.
3. Sizes and shapes of rooms. A long and narrow corridor is lit differently than a spacious and wide living room.
4. Zoning. If the owners wish, certain parts of the rooms can be highlighted with a lighting solution.
5. The desire to have a chandelier with many lamps, giving a lot of light, or to limit yourself to local lamps or spots.

An example can be seen in the photo: the combination of a chandelier, spotlights and spotlights makes the interior festive and elegant.

Calculation of the required number of light sources

To achieve optimal lighting in a room, sometimes it is enough to get rid of an old, dusty chandelier. But it’s better to think through your home’s lighting system based on your needs and the desires of your household. Will LED lamps be enough, or should I install halogen ones? Incandescent or fluorescent lamps - the choice is entirely up to the owners, but it is advisable to observe the illumination, focusing on sanitary standards. Based on the average power of lamps, recommendations state that one lamp or spot is sufficient for 1-2 m2 of living space. And for a room of 20-22 m2 there should be from 10 to 12 illuminators.

Thus, outdoor lamps will provide more illumination.

External spotlights

It is considered more convenient to place spotlights in the center of the room, if it is a living room or a children's room. Installation in the corner is typical for bedrooms, kitchens and offices. A chaotic distribution of spotlights in combination with LEDs can give the feeling of a starry sky, as in the photo.

The color of the ceiling and the presence of color zones also influence the illumination and the required number of lighting fixtures. At light colors stretch ceiling, you can install fewer lamps than in the case of dark-colored ceiling material.

The number of lamps given above is approximate, but for a comfortable feeling it is still better to adhere to these recommendations.

May vary. Each option is unique in its own way and is tied to the functionality of the room. The most common schemes are shown in Figure 11.

Before installing the ceiling, be sure to select one of the diagrams in order to make the correct electrical wiring and position the lighting fixtures.

An incorrectly chosen scheme can have a bad effect on the feelings of people living in the apartment, bring discomfort and worsen the interior of the room. In addition, each room has certain requirements based on functionality.

Correct location lighting fixtures will help hide the shortcomings of the room and turn them into advantages. With the help of lighting, a room can be visually expanded and more elegant.

- By by and large a matter of taste. Look at our examples and choose the option for yourself.

Competently organized lighting in an apartment or cottage, according to the overwhelming majority of owners, it should create comfort and not harm vision. Here they are only partly right, since the general health of family members depends on the light in the room: their psychological and emotional background, the performance of the immune system (the author was not mistaken - it is the immune system that bears the brunt of omissions in the organization of lighting), and the speed of recovery of the body after physical and psychological stress. Therefore, the issues of the location of lamps on a suspended ceiling must be given Special attention.

The lighting design process consists of the following stages:

• choosing the type and type of lighting fixtures for the existing interior;
• determining the number of light sources;
• developing a scheme according to which the lamps will be installed.

As can be seen from the sequence of work, the last thing you need to do is fantasize about how to place lamps on a suspended ceiling.

Work on lighting planning begins with determining the style in which the lighting system will be built, and, therefore, determining the type of lighting (central, spot, contour or combined) and the type of light sources (for the Art Nouveau style some lamps are needed, for the Baroque style - others, Provence - third, etc.).

There is high variability in decision-making: this may be a continuation of design ideas for decorating the interior of a room, which emphasizes the advantages and features of the installed furniture (richness, elegance) and wall decoration, mixing styles, or there may be options when lamps and their arrangement appear in contrast to each other.

Attention: issues of choosing lighting for a specific interior style are discussed in the work “”.

On next stage you need to identify areas in the apartment that will require an individual light flux: brighter or dimmed. This is where errors in the lighting device are most sensitive.

It may turn out that part of the room is “eaten up” by darkened areas, in bright light the sky blue color will become gray, as a result of which everything will look dull, the lack of additional light above the desk will quickly lead to fatigue, the incorrect placement of lamps near the mirror will not allow for correct application makeup, etc.

Having decided on the type of lamps, you should determine their number, and then draw up a layout diagram.

Determining the number of lighting devices

The development of a layout of lighting fixtures begins with calculating their number. According to established tradition, ceiling panel installers determine the number of devices for lighting a room using a very simple formula: the area of ​​the room in m2 is divided by 1.5-2.0 - in their opinion, 1 light bulb should be installed for every 1.5-2 m2 . However, this calculation method cannot be recommended for practical use for two reasons.

• Lamps in lighting fixtures can be of different power, but this factor is not taken into account. This, in turn, does not allow us to comply with sanitary and hygienic lighting standards for each room of the apartment.
• The work ignores the presence of a chandelier (if you plan to install it). Excessive illumination has a very negative effect on a person’s general condition - agitation, restless sleep, and others appear. Negative consequences. As a result, loss of performance the next day.

To quickly and accurately calculate the number of light sources, you can use the data from the tables below.

Illumination standards for living rooms in W/m2.

Room view	Incandescent lamps	Luminescent	LED
Living room (hall)	20-22	13-14	5,2-5,4
Bedroom	12-15	8-10	2,7-3,4
Kitchen	26	15-16	6,8
Children's	60	36	6,8
Bathroom	20-22	13-14	5,2-5,4
Hallway	10	6	2,5

Based on the above data, the number of light bulbs is calculated simply: the area of ​​the room in m2 is multiplied by the illumination indicator in Watts and divided by the lamp power, also in Watts.

If you plan to install a chandelier, then first determine how many m2 will be illuminated by it, then calculate the number of spotlights. For example, in a hall with an area of ​​20 m2 it is planned to install a chandelier with 6 incandescent lamps of 40 W each. The first step is to determine how many m2 the chandelier will illuminate in accordance with the standards (6 x 40 W / 22 W/m2 = 10.9 m2).

The next stage is the area of ​​the hall that will be illuminated by spotlights (20 - 10.9 = 9.1 m2). Finally, the quantity is calculated LED lamps power 10 W (9.1 m 2 x 5.4 W/m 2 / 10 W = 4.9). The result obtained is rounded up to an even number. Thus, in addition to the chandelier, it is necessary to install 6 lamps (according to the installers’ method, their number is much larger - 13).

You can use another table.

Correspondence of the luminous flux to the power of the lamps.

Luminous flux, Lm	Incandescent lamp, W	Luminescent, W	LED, W
50	20	4	1
100	25	6	2
200	35	7	2
300	40	8-9	4
400	50	10	5
500	60	11	6
600	65	14	7-8

Here the calculation algorithm is slightly different.

1. The SNiP table contains the illumination standard.
2. By multiplying the area of ​​the room and the lighting standard m2, the total power of the light flux is determined.
3. From the table above, the light emission power of the selected lamp is determined.
4. The total lighting power in Lm is divided by the light power of the light bulb in Lm, resulting in their number.

Rules for placing lamps

At first glance, there is nothing complicated about how to place lamps on a suspended ceiling. However, there are rules here, the implementation of which will allow you to fit into the interior design and correctly distribute the light throughout the room:

• IN large rooms(living room) it is advisable to install a chandelier, especially since almost all design styles include classic lamp. If this is not done, then in order to achieve the level of illumination, you will have to install a very large number of spotlights on the ceiling, which in many cases runs counter to the aesthetics and efficiency of lighting;
• The centuries-old history of using chandeliers has developed Golden Rule: the lamp should be located exactly in the middle of the ceiling, thus achieving optimal lighting of the room. In housing without walls separating living spaces (studio apartment), the chandelier is installed in the living room area or in the kitchen, also in the center of the ceiling space;
• To achieve a uniform distribution of light flux in spacious kitchens without a chandelier, you need to combine light sources - add overhead lamps to the built-in spotlights or use cascade lighting over one of the zones; here the final choice is determined by the imagination and taste of the apartment owner;
• At installed chandelier, accommodation additional points the lighting is compositionally aligned relative to the center of the room, regardless of whether the scheme is asymmetrical or symmetrical;
• When mounting single light sources symmetrically, they should be installed equidistant from each other, the same distance is maintained in relation to the walls;
• With an existing connecting seam (PVC film), fabric manufacturers recommend making holes for lighting fixtures at a distance of at least 15.0 cm from the welding site;
• Recessed and surface-mounted lamps should be located at a distance of 200 mm or more from the wall;
• On a film ceiling, holes can be made at a distance of 300 mm or more from each other;
• Before developing a lighting scheme, the number of lamps is calculated.

Attention: in many materials devoted to this topic, it is recommended to take into account the presence of windows, which, in our opinion, is not entirely correct. Neither the number of windows, nor the walls in which they are located, can influence the number of lighting points and the pattern of their mounting on the ceiling.

For reference: The methodology for calculating the number of light bulbs and the rules for their installation fully apply to suspended plasterboard ceilings.

Light source placement options

There are a huge number of options for placing spotlights on the ceiling in combination with a chandelier. But this does not mean at all that the layout of light sources in suitable for the bedroom for the living room. Each room has its own nuances.

Kitchen

Approaches to organizing kitchen lighting depend on its size: small or large.

Small kitchen. When lighting small kitchens, it is necessary to solve two problems: to visually expand the size of the room and to illuminate the food cutting area very brightly. Here you need to immediately abandon the idea pendant devices lighting: chandeliers or a cascade of spotlights.

They do not allow bright lighting of all areas of the room. Darkened areas appear, causing the room to become even smaller. In addition, there is a problem of shadows that will interfere with the work area, you will have to install additional lighting under wall cabinets. Add to small area You can add a few additional lamps to the ceiling, but they will look ridiculous.

A solution to problems, both at once, is the placement of spotlights on a suspended ceiling in the form of 3 lines: one in the middle (not the center of the room, but the space free from the kitchen unit), and two along the walls. This placement of light sources provides uniform, shadow-free lighting. If in such a kitchen there is also low ceiling, we recommend using built-in lamps with a rotating mechanism. Good result A zigzag pattern also gives, but this is at the discretion of the apartment owners.

Big kitchen. Completely different tasks are solved here: general lighting, allocation of areas for work and lunch. The chandelier fits well into the interior and lighting scheme. It can be installed in the classic way, in the center of the ceiling, or above dining table, highlighting the eating area.

True, there are two mutually exclusive approaches here: some argue that the dining area should be illuminated more brightly than the entire room (then a chandelier above the table is in place), others argue for dim light above the dining table. It’s hard to say who is right, but according to observations, many families have dinner by candlelight on weekend evenings. Dim lighting above the dinner participants, with general lighting turned off, fits perfectly into such family evenings.

IN very large kitchens In addition to the chandelier above the dining table, it is advisable to hang cascading lamps with a lighting power control (dimmer), which will allow you to create a romantic atmosphere with muted lighting and a festive one with bright light.

A scheme with a cascade of lamps above the dining area can also be used in medium-sized kitchens. But here the chandelier does not always fit into the interior, so you can abandon it in favor of built-in and overhead light sources.

Don't forget about the work area. Rotating lamps will help here, additionally illuminating the cutting tabletop and stove. The location of general light spotlights can be different: rectangle, zigzag, circle, oval, etc. Everything is determined by the imagination and taste of the owners.

Bedroom

The bedroom is an intimate place where romantic and relaxing moods dominate, replacing each other. In both cases, you need warm, muted, well-diffused light, which is what Western experts write about, in contrast to Soviet-era scientists who created lighting standards for different rooms in an apartment.

Create cozy atmosphere allowing you to relax and have a good rest different ways. Let's look at some of the most popular ones.

• The classic option is central lighting with a small chandelier and several built-in lamps located around it or along the perimeter of the bedroom. For young couples, you can use decorative LED backlight, creating a romantic atmosphere.
• If there is a TV hanging on the wall, then the lamps are installed in a line at the head of the bed.
• When decorating an interior in a modern style (there are quite a lot of them), two schemes are used: central when a multi-arm chandelier is mounted in the middle of the room, and recessed lamps are installed along the walls; decentralized, when spotlights are located around the perimeter of the room, forming a rectangular shape, in the center of which a darkened area is created.
• If there is a dressing table in the bedroom, sconces are attached to the edges of the mirror. Ceiling lighting could be anything. The second option is to install rotary lights with a separate switch on the ceiling, which will additionally illuminate the area where makeup is applied.

The main thing when organizing lighting in the bedroom is brevity: no a large number lamps, no bright light, there are no several types or forms of spotlights. The only yes is the trimmer.

Hallway

In the high modern apartments In the hallway and corridor, ceilings are also stretched or suspended, which makes it possible to use built-in or overhead lamps when organizing lighting. At the same time, there are few options for placing spotlights on the ceiling in a narrow and enclosed space.

• The main lighting is provided by single pendant lamps with matte shades; built-in lamps illuminate the area of ​​the mirror and hangers. This placement scheme allows you to highlight the center of the room and divert attention from the corners, as a result of which the room visually increases.
• If you do not plan to use pendant light sources, it is recommended to install spotlights in the form of a “cross”, “zigzag”, or place them in a square or rectangle.
• A good example of hallway lighting is overhead spotlights, some of which have a rotating mechanism. Additional lighting of the walls with a darkened ceiling space visually expands the hallway (corridor).
• Glossy ceilings are additionally illuminated with lamps with a G9 base.

Living room

The living room fully corresponds to the expression: “it depends on the taste and color, there is no friend” when organizing lighting. The variability of lighting layouts using different lamps is simply off the charts. Therefore, it makes sense to talk not about specific types design solutions when lighting a hall, but about how to correctly place accents when creating a lighting scheme.

Let's highlight the main tips:

• The living room should be brightly lit to achieve the effect of a spacious, open room, which can be achieved with a large number of lamps.
• Continuing the style of the room should be a priority. If it is a classic, then a chandelier is a must; if it is minimalism or “high-tech”, you can get by with linearly arranged spotlights; for romantic moods, the shape of a circle, wave, or zigzag is suitable.
• When using central lighting, where the chandelier dominates, built-in lamps must be placed along the walls, giving them auxiliary lighting functions: illumination of various zones, focus on one of the pieces of furniture, additional lighting of the chair where literature and the press are read.
• Spotlights allow you to divide the room into zones, which is very important for studios, where the living room is also an office, a bedroom, and a dining area.
• There should be separate switches with a trimmer for the chandelier and spotlights. Moreover, the more of them, the more effectively you can use the capabilities of the built-in light bulbs.
• Lamps with different light flows look impressive.
• In a hall with a square or rectangular shape, where there are no protrusions and niches, as well as rounded corners, symmetrical schemes that emphasize the geometry of the room are best suited.
• A low ceiling will be visually raised by circles of lamps installed one inside the other. To increase the effect, the size of the light sources and their power towards the center should decrease.

Bathroom

With the advent of modern finishing materials, suspended and suspended ceilings in bathrooms have become a frequent guest, which allows them to be illuminated with built-in and overhead lamps. However, the small area of ​​​​the room does not allow imagination to run wild.

A small but even number of lamps are placed throughout the ceiling, equidistant from each other and the walls. The washing area should be additionally illuminated, but not from the ceiling, but with the help of wall lamps. Round shaped lamps look beautiful.

Children's

Considering that the children's room is also a school classroom (it's worth desk for doing homework), both the games room and the bedroom, such a room needs to be illuminated using the zoning method, when each group of lighting fixtures illuminates a specific place in the room (desk, play area, bed).

Naturally, they should be turned on separately from each other. But this does not mean that there should not be general lighting in the children's room. It can be central - a chandelier or diffused - only built-in spotlights.

The children's room is the only room where lamps can be placed randomly or in a “Z” pattern. A ceiling designed in the shape of a “starry sky” also looks impressive in a nursery, but this is only if the family budget allows.

When developing a plan for placing a chandelier and recessed lamps on a suspended ceiling, as well as on a suspended ceiling, there are no dogmas - so fantasize and dare. The only thing to remember: placing light sources somewhere under other conditions (room size, wrong types of lamps) can have the opposite effect.