Illuminated ceiling: spectacular ideas in the interior
If in the recent past the only possible lighting fixture on the ceiling was a chandelier, then progress and new technologies changed everything. Now you can equip the ceiling with different types of lighting. To choose a beautiful and comfortable lighting that meets your requirements, you need to know what types of lighting are, and what are their features.
Features and benefits
Previously, wall lamps and various floor lamps were added to the chandelier to increase the room illumination. And often, these devices served only a direct appointment. Illumination besides it carries out also decorative function.
Different ways of lighting in combination with ceiling trim can make the design of a room unique, interesting, and even change the mood of people entering it.
The main advantages of using the backlight:
- the ability to mount both visible and hidden light sources. At the same time, the main function is not lost;
- most types of lighting fixtures can be installed with your own hands, with no skills and not much understanding the electricity;
- the use of lighting as the main type of lighting;
- The choice of colors is almost unlimited. Thus, it is possible to diversify the design as much as possible and to emphasize any individual elements of the interior;
- Modern lamps are very economical, so you will not notice a rise in the cost of electricity charges;
- You can arrange lighting design of any shape and size;
- the price of many types of fixtures is democratic;
- devices are reliable and durable. For years, you can forget about changing lamps and minor repairs;
- colors and directions of certain types of lighting can be changed. It is also possible to install various versions of the light (light parts of the structure, switch on the light, etc.) using the control panel;
- decorative lights perfectly cope with the function of zoning rooms. With its help, you can select the dining area, a place to rest,desktop and other corners of the apartment;
- devices are safe to use.
The only point to pay attention to is choice of lighting color. If you want to stay on the lamps of unusual colors like red, pink, green and others, consider the possibility of changing or alternating with ordinary light. What at first seems spectacular and unusual, begins to irritate and tire the eye.
Types of coatings
Installing built-in lighting, as a rule, involves complex ceiling structures. It is not possible to equip wiring and other hidden elements in the whitewashed ceiling. Consider the different types of coatings that require built-in lighting:
- The most common type is plasterboard ceiling. Sheets are mounted on frame guides, usually made of galvanized metal for durability and reliability. The use of thin metal profiles allows you to give them any bends and shapes. The ceiling can be single-level, double, triple and more, if the height allows. Plasterboard finish requires a finish.With the help of paint they can be given any color and texture (glossy or matte gloss, play). In the wet state, gypsum plasterboard can be bent, and after drying, it will acquire the desired shape. Thus, various bends, waves and other elements are equipped.
Designers love suspended ceilings for the possibility of the implementation of almost any fantasy.
- Cassette ceiling. Such ceilings are made on the basis of the framework on which rectangular or square cassettes are installed. They are made of aluminum or galvanized metal, as well as with the use of mirror surfaces. The decor is carried out at the expense of several relief options for the design and dyeing in any color.
By cassette versions can be attributed, and mirrored ceilings. Instead of cassettes mounted mirrors, giving the room a fabulous atmosphere. Mirror surfaces are able to reflect light and visually expand the space.
Installation of cassette coatings is quite simple; it is also easy to replace damaged elements. Cloths are durable, reliable and easy care.
- Rack ceiling. Consists of individual battens made of galvanized materials, aluminum or plastic. The structural elements have a small thickness of not more than 0.5 mm and are attached to the metal base. The advantage of this type of ceiling is its durability and wear resistance. The coating is not deformed by humidity, temperature changes, frost, is fire resistant. The color scheme is very diverse.
But shades of gold, silver, imitation of chrome plating are especially popular. In the interior such decoration will look rich and spectacular.
- Wooden ceiling can be identified as a subspecies of rack. Wooden boards have their advantages over metal and plastic. The greatest advantage is the environmental friendliness of natural material, the ability to pass air, steam and moisture. Modern trend eco-style is best suited for such coatings.
- Stretch ceiling the most sought-after type of finish. Consumers are attracted by the range of possibilities for the design of such coatings. PVC film is stretched onto the beam, creating a perfectly smooth and even surface. With the help of photo printing technologies, any pattern can be applied to the canvas: flowers, sky,stars, divorces, landscapes and even 3D installations. The color can also be deep, and saturated, and bright and pastel.
The glossy option looks good, and for lovers of traditional finishes, you can choose a matte or satin light canvas.
Manufacturers guarantee a long service life of the product on average from 10 years.
- Acrylic ceilings. Plexiglas plates are used as hanging elements. They are mounted on metal rails. With the help of modern technology, you can create any patterns, textures and colors of glass panels.
Matt translucent products are especially popular for backlit installations. Transparent effect in combination and soft light give the room lightness, airiness and depth.
Varieties of lamps
There are several types of fixtures for installation on the ceiling.
Chandelier
The most long-known form of lighting. Until now, they can be found in almost every apartment. To install such a structure is quite simple, and a huge selection of models will allow you to choose a product that meets all your preferences in color and style.
Are dating chandeliers - models on chains or cords with different amounts of lampshades from a variety of materials. Often suitable for rooms with high ceilings.
The second type is ceiling chandelier. They are fixed to the ceiling on platforms, have a wide variety of choices and are suitable for low walls. Nowadays, LED products that are characterized by increased service life without dismantling become popular.
Classic models - those we are most accustomed to. On the metal case, there are from one to 6-7 ceiling lamps of various shapes, usually suspended from a hook to the ceiling.
Spot light
Carried out by a variety of lamps of small size in one or several copies. This kind of lighting can be both independent and complement another type, such as a chandelier. There are several types of fixtures:
- Overhead They are mounted directly on the ceiling surface and are used when it is impossible to make a hole in the base. Consist of a ceiling and plate.
- Recessed lights - The most common point option. Suitable for all types of ceilings, which have a free space between the base and decorative canvas (suspended, stretch, slatted, and others).
- Pendant lights they are also small, the cover itself is located at a distance from the base and is connected to it with a cord.
Quite an interesting kind of lighting, especially in large high rooms.
The convenience of point lighting lies in the fact that there are lamps with the ability to control the incidence of light. The easiest option is to install a monolithic device that will always shine in one direction. A more complex structure is a rotary lamp. The angle of incidence of light from it can be changed according to needs.
Also, spotlights can be installed inside the ceiling, the outside can penetrate the light through the semi-transparent figured inserts, various holes and other decor. This interior lighting is particularly relevant in modern styles of interior and nursery.
Track system
Not so long ago, this type of lighting began to be used in the design of housing, although for illumination of industrial buildings, retail outlets and office sites, tracks have already been used for sufficient time. The system is a metal rail on which light fixtures are installed.Appearance may vary depending on the method of connection. Different types of lighting can be attached to the system to cover all areas of the room.
Flexible backlight
Designers are available in virtually any shape and a variety of lighting colors. Devices are reliable, differ in long service life and profitability.
The first type of flexible luminaire is a ribbon consisting of a sequence of LEDs. There are two main varieties: SMD and RGB. They differ in that SMD ribbons are monochrome and are found in white, blue, red and green. And the second type is multi-colored (a combination of red, green and blue). Most often, the tape is accompanied by a control panel that regulates what color is on, the number of LEDs that are on, and the intensity of the light.
With the help of LED strips contour lighting is improved. The tape is mounted in specially prepared recesses around the perimeter or along the contour, and the light is directed towards the ceiling. The effect is stunning, especially when using bright colors. To obtain a glow along the ceiling, you can equip the directional lighting.In this case, it is located on the protruding part of the multi-level ceiling. This option looks spectacular in the bedroom above the bed.
Roralite refers to a moisture resistant variety of tape. It is hidden in a tube-shaped polymer case.
It is convenient to use it in direct contact with water (in the pool, aquarium, shower).
Neon tube - The second type of flexible lamp. The glass cavities are filled with luminous gas. It is possible to change the brightness of the glow. Systems usually require considerable power consumption. Fragile glass and uneconomical make them unpopular type of ceiling decoration.
Characteristics of lighting devices
To choose the type of lighting in the apartment, you need not only to evaluate its design effect, but also the properties that can affect financial costs and terms of use.
Chandeliers and spotlights use several types of lamps with different characteristics:
- Incandescent lamps. The most budget of all. The defining characteristics for the choice of lamps - power and service life. Incandescent bulbs are available from 15 to 500 watts. In everyday life are used up to 150 watts.Usually 40-60 W bulbs are used in lighting devices. Service life, as a rule, does not exceed 1000 hours and depends on the voltage drop, ambient temperature and mechanical effects. Such a lamp is very hot during operation, so not all types of ceilings can be equipped with it.
- Fluorescent lamps have power up to 140 W, but at the same time, the usage time increases up to 20,000 hours. A significant disadvantage is the high price. If the lamp is compact, then it can be used up to 10,000 hours. The duration of the work is reduced with each turn on the lamp.
- Halogen lamps powerful enough - up to 1500 watts. They have a very bright light, they usually serve up to 2-4 thousand hours.
- LED lights the most durable. Some models can serve up to 50,000 hours. In terms of energy consumption, they are very economical, do not heat up, power does not exceed 2000 watts.
How to choose?
To choose the type of lighting in the room, you need to carefully determine its purpose and style, as well as the type of ceiling and budget.
Now popular method of finishing: suspended ceilings with hidden curtains and hidden lighting, which is mounted in a niche along with the eaves.The original design will be appropriate in any room and will not bother the owners. In this case, as a lighting device, the easiest way to install an LED strip.
In choosing the color of the lighting also need to be careful. Suitable for any room and comfortable for the eyes warm dim light with yellowness. Such lamps can be installed in rooms for recreation. White radiation is appropriate in the bathroom, kitchen, on the balcony, in the hall.
It will sufficiently illuminate the space, but at the same time it will not relax, but, on the contrary, will encourage action.
Color lighting is not everyone's liking. Blue and red shades can cause aggression and discomfort. You can choose a blue tint for the decor of work areas - it will make you focus and bring calm. Yellow and orange shades will give comfort and warmth. Pink and purple gamma will add romance and glamor.
Indoors lighting can be contour or zoned. Contoured ribbons with soft light are suitable for living rooms and bedrooms. If you are afraid to pick up the lamps yourself, ready-made sets of LED strips are on the market. There are even options for a child's room.
In the bedroom you can make a niche on the ceiling and decorate it with a hidden lighting or vice versa. Children's rooms are a special space for fantasy. With the help of hidden spotlights, you can arrange the effect of the starry sky, choose beautiful drawings with acrylic inserts, emphasize the tensioned canvas with a cheerful pattern with the multicolored contour lighting.
AT bathroom it is better to highlight the mirror zone with additional light. These can be point devices on top or a ribbon, stretched along the outlines of a mirror surface with white or bluish light, so that it is convenient to care for yourself.
if you have wardrobe or pantry, it is also possible to arrange additional built-in lamps in order to use the room comfortably.
Kitchen - a place where an LED strip or a few spotlights are needed. The working surface of the kitchen set requires additional light.
Decorative lighting has another important function - the ability to visually change the space. If you make a frame with a recess on the suspended ceiling and decorate the vertical part with a backlight, then there will be an effect "Soaring ceiling" making space higher and airy.
Classic style interior least of all is located to the application of decorative lighting. It is better to do with chic chandeliers, sconces and floor lamps. In rooms designed under the loft, coarse and simple spotlights, perhaps even on cords, as well as track systems are appropriate.
Modern stylistics suggest any options for the use of highlights. Minimalism complement the dot devices of the correct form with minimal decor or contour lighting white and yellow.
Hi-tech can dilute bright colors and switching combinations.
Beautiful examples in the interior
The bedroom will look great in the bed area, accentuated by a niche round shape with an imitation of the starry sky. In the evening, such lighting will give a romantic mood and peace.
Another excellent option is a drywall box framing an arch-shaped bed. Several spotlights are built into it. It is both beautiful and practical. If you need to change clothes, get something, or just get up at night, it is not necessary to turn on the main light.
In the attic rooms, not everyone decides to build skylights for additional light. In this case, using a hidden backlight and translucent glass, you can equip a false window. It will provide additional lighting and bring freshness to the interior. The ceiling, located at an angle, will cease to "push."
The carved ceiling with stucco in Baroque style will emphasize the contour hidden lighting. She will highlight all the bends and patterns of rich decoration, and the golden hues in the decoration will play in a new way. Classic design loves an abundance of light.
Luminous stripes will help out those who decided to arrange the ceiling in a dark color.
In the hall and corridor, spotlights will provide measured and sufficient lighting.
How to make LED lighting stretch ceiling with your own hands, see the next video.