Today, PVC film and woven materials are the most popular type of ceiling decoration. They are quite simple to install, have a perfectly flat surface, and a variety of textures and colors allow you to create real masterpieces of design art on the ceiling. However, not a single room is complete without lighting. Harmoniously located light sources complete the main composition of the interior, help divide the space into zones, place accents and create the right atmosphere.
The use of suspended ceilings imposes some restrictions on the choice of artificial light sources. The fact is that PVC film does not tolerate high temperatures well. It changes color, loses elasticity and may crack. Therefore, the use of incandescent lamps in this case is not recommended. The ideal solution for suspended ceilings - LED ceiling lights. They almost do not heat up, can give light of various colors and intensities, are easy to install and save energy. There are a large number of design solutions, so we tried to collect photos of LED lamps for suspended ceilings of the main types, to facilitate the process of choosing the right lighting for your interior.
LED Benefits
The main advantages of using LED lighting include:
- Low power consumption. LED lamps can save up to 70% of electricity compared to other types of household lamps. At the same level of lighting, a 6 W LED lamp can replace a 60 W incandescent lamp.
- Long service life. LEDs are designed for 100 thousand hours of operation, it is almost 11 years of continuous lighting.
- Resistance to voltage drops. LEDs can operate in the range from 180 to 260 volts. When the voltage drops in the network, the light intensity decreases, but the lamp continues to work.
- Lack of flicker. The flickering of lighting devices causes the eye muscles to constantly tighten, which causes fatigue and, over time, can reduce visual acuity. LED lights have no such drawback.
- Security. LEDs do not heat up, which is important for suspended ceilings. They are fireproof, when turned on immediately give the full intensity of the light, can be used at low temperatures. LED lights do not emit hazardous substances and do not require special disposal conditions.
LED disadvantages
The main disadvantage of LEDs is their relatively high cost. However, given the significant energy savings and long service life, the cost of acquiring LED lights quickly pays for itself.
The second disadvantage is the large number of fakes. They have a lower cost compared to the original, quickly fail, may flicker, which negates the main advantages of LED lamps.
Chandeliers
Chandeliers have been used for lighting for centuries, but the invention of LEDs made it possible to create models of lighting fixtures that were incredibly beautiful and original. Chandeliers are suitable for spacious rooms such as a living room and bedroom. They can be installed solo or combined with LED spotlights for suspended ceilings. Chandeliers give a soft diffused light, and dot LEDs - directional. If the stretch ceiling in the room is opaque, it is better to use a chandelier whose shades are directed down or to the sides. With a glossy ceiling, chandeliers look great, the light of which is directed upwards. Reflected scattered rays and glare create very interesting lighting effects.
To install the chandelier on the base ceiling, a special hook is mounted, and a hole is made under it in the tension. All communications are conveniently hidden between the ceilings.
Cascading
Cascading LED lights for suspended ceilings are a platform on which several light sources are fixed. Individual lighting elements in such structures are located at different distances from the ceiling, which allows you to create a soft and beautiful light. Cascading lights look very impressive next to the stairs, in two-level studio apartments, above the dining table.
Typically, such fixtures are installed on a special substrate fixed to the base ceiling. The platform-base of the lamp itself is attached through pre-cut and reinforced holes in the tension web.
LED spots
LED panels allow you to achieve the effect of "glow of the ceiling" and give a soft diffused light. The spots are usually made square, rectangular and round. The lamp consists of an aluminum frame with a large number of LEDs, "hidden" under the matte plastic. If one of the LEDs fails, the panel will continue to work without loss in lighting level. Such lamps do not flicker, do not cause eye fatigue. LED spots look organically in minimalistic and futuristic interiors.
Point
LED spotlights are perhaps the most popular type of lighting fixtures for suspended ceilings. They have small dimensions and weight, so they are actively used with stretch ceilings. Spotlights emit a narrow directional beam of light, usually no more than 30 degrees. They are well suited for highlighting individual areas, creating accents and zoning spaces. For spacious rooms, spotlights are installed in groups and rows. Interesting effects can be achieved by combining point light sources with chandeliers, panels and LED strips. A photo of LED spotlights for suspended ceilings is presented below.
Recessed
Recessed light sources are mounted in such a way as to form a single plane with the ceiling. The body of LED ceiling lights embedded in the stretch ceiling is located between the floor slab and the stretch canvas. If you plan to install lamps of this kind, you will have to purchase them in advance, before installing the stretch ceiling itself. The hidden part of the lamp varies between 5-12 cm, at such a distance you will have to lower the stretch ceiling from the base. The built-in LED lights for suspended ceilings can be mounted using small plumb bobbins to the base ceiling or mounted directly in a reinforced ring in a stretched fabric. The latter option is only suitable for light-weight luminaires with spring mounting. For aesthetic reasons, it is important that the decorative rim of the LED lamp built into the suspended ceiling completely overlaps the reinforcing ring.
Overhead
Overhead lights are installed on a special substrate fixed between the concrete floor and the stretch ceiling. Wiring must be done in advance, before installing the ceiling. Such light sources are mounted over a stretched web. The angle of illumination in overhead LED luminaires for a stretch ceiling is much larger than that of recessed ones, due to the fact that the bulb is in a decorative structure protruding above the ceiling. Such lamps allow you to create beautiful lighting effects due to the refraction of light in shades of crystals, crystal, stained glass. Groups of overhead lights can be placed above the dining or relaxation area, thereby dividing the space and focusing on the details. Such light sources look good in the hallway and corridors.
Swivel
Swivel LED lights for stretch ceilings are convenient if you need to focus on something, whether it is a piece of decor or the faces of guests at the dining table. Such lamps are equipped with a swivel joint, due to which the lampholder can move in different directions. A variation of rotary lights are retractable models. They are equipped with a mechanism for lowering the cartridge, which allows you to direct the light beam with greater accuracy. If there is no need for backlighting, the mechanism folds and the lamp looks like a regular spotlight. Rotary models are distinguished by a powerful directional beam of light, which allows highlighting the advantages and leveling the interior flaws. Such fixtures are appropriate in bathrooms and in the kitchen, where it is important to have good lighting of certain areas.
Light lines
Light lines are one of the most modern and original ways to illuminate a room. They are not only a source of light, but also act as a stylish decorative element. Using special LED lights, you can create a line of any shape on the ceiling. Light lines are used for zoning the space, visual correction of the shape of the room, focusing on the elements of decor. LED lamps of this type are mounted on the same level with a stretch ceiling, so that the whole composition looks as a whole.
LED Strip Light
LED strip - a wonderful element of decor, with which you can make the stretch ceiling a real masterpiece of design art. As a rule, the tape is mounted under a stretch ceiling. LED luminaires must be used in conjunction with a tape, since in itself it gives only subdued stray light, insufficient for proper lighting. LED strip comes in various colors, which makes it an indispensable tool for decoration. There are also ribbons with the ability to change the color of the glow. This lighting looks spectacular along the perimeter of the ceiling, individual elements of multi-level structures, as well as in the so-called soaring ceilings. Using LED strip, you can make a ceiling night lamp. In the latter case, the tape is mounted on the base ceiling. There should be at least 10 cm between the LEDs and the stretch ceiling to prevent heating and deformation of the canvas. Such a highlighting of a stretch ceiling with a starry sky print magically looks.
For a stretch ceiling, LED lamps are the best solution, since they do not heat up and do not spoil the canvas. The small size and simplicity of design allowed designers to show imagination and create a large number of various LED lighting fixtures. Such lamps are suitable for residential, office, commercial premises. They are economical and do not harm human health. A large number of designs of LED lamps allows you to create stunning decorative lighting compositions and solve a variety of tasks for lighting the space.