The issue of installing standard round lamps in suspended ceilings is quite widely covered and no longer causes any insoluble problems for many.
The same applies to small square ceiling lights.
But what if you have a non-standard lamp, for example a large rectangular LED panel? In addition, there is no corresponding mortgage for her yet.
How to correctly install in this case and not tear the suspended ceiling? Let's figure it out.
Types of lighting fixtures
Lighting fixtures for indoor and outdoor lighting have different wattages, sizes and frames.
Ceiling lamps can have lamps:
- LED
- luminescent
- halogen
By installation method:
- hanging
- invoices
- built-in
LED lamps
As one of the options, ceiling LED lamps or LED lamps. They appeared on the market relatively recently, but have gained great popularity.
Their choice makes it possible to place light accents in the right places, since they have a directional flow of light.
With their help it is easy to divide the room into several light zones. These lamps can be installed along the entire perimeter of the ceiling, which will make your room brighter, or in one place, making an accent in the central part of the room; they are often used in studio apartments.
They are suitable for installation on walls, for example in the hallway or bathroom, as well as in the kitchen.
In addition, they can be used in various institutions and offices. LED lamps are considered the most environmentally friendly, since they do not use gases, they do not break and do not require special disposal.
Their service life is long, while they are low in energy consumption. They do not heat up at all, so LED square lamps in suspended ceilings are the best option for their use.
Both one lamp and several small spotlights look great on a stretch ceiling. They can be used as the main source of room lighting or as an additional one. In this case, you can choose neutral, warm or cold light from the lamps.
They are more expensive in price than fluorescent or halogen lamps.
Fluorescent lamps
Fluorescent lamps are also quite popular and have a fairly long service life. Their light is close to natural. They are not afraid of power surges.
Square overhead lamps perfectly distribute lighting throughout the space.
They are optimal in large areas - halls, living rooms, hallways. But even in rooms with a small area they will fit well into the interior.
In the store you can choose lamps in any frame. There are metal, wooden, ceramic, plastic, crystal with and without patterns, with pendants, carvings, etc. They can have different colors and vary in size.
This kind of chandeliers offers an optimal combination of price and quality.
Halogen lamps
And chandeliers with halogen lamps will be slightly more expensive. They have a longer service life, they are brighter, it is possible to control their luminous flux, but during operation they get very hot and react poorly to changes in electricity.
These lamps must be replaced with gloves.
Recessed square luminaires
Recessed square lamps are also widely used in interior design. According to the method of fastening, they are similar to overhead ones, but due to the spring present in the design, lamps of this type are pressed tightly against the ceiling, almost merging with it.
They are used more often in rooms with suspended ceilings. These models can use fluorescent, halogen and LED lamps.
Hanging chandeliers with square-shaped lampshades are interesting and unusual in their design. They can have different colors and sizes, lampshades can be made of a variety of materials - colored plastic, frosted or transparent glass, wood materials, or can be combined in various combinations.
Your choice will depend on the ceiling height, size and style of the room.
Raster
A raster luminaire refers to a combination of a light source and a reflective system. In devices of this type, fluorescent lamps in the form of tubes of different lengths are usually used as an emitter. LED models are also available.
The use of mirror reflectors makes it possible to enhance the emitted light, scattering it around the room.
Thanks to this, it is possible to significantly reduce electrical energy costs. Raster lamps equipped with LED lamps are expensive. However, their use allows you to save money on paying for electricity: as a result, once invested, the money gradually pays off.
The price and performance characteristics of raster models directly depend on the design of the reflective grid.
It happens:
- Linear. A budget option with a mirror screening grille. Most often, linear devices are placed in factory buildings, characterized by a short stay of people in them.
- Parabolic and biparabolic. More expensive reflectors with improved reflective characteristics. They are used to organize lighting in offices, business establishments, supermarkets, and residential premises.
Halogen lamps
Halogen square ceiling lamps are bulbs with an incandescent filament, filled with a specialized buffer gas. This makes it possible to significantly increase the service life of the device without replacing the lamp. The spectrum of light emitted by halogen recessed luminaires is close to natural solar radiation.
At the same time, part of the consumed electricity is spent on heat generation, which reduces the overall efficiency of the devices. In addition, due to heating, they should not be used on tension structures. Most often, devices of this type provide local lighting using floor lamps, wall and floor lamps.
Location
The location of the lamp is affected by:
- total area;
- power of devices;
- the presence of other light sources and the distance to them.
So, the chandelier is located strictly in the center and determines the entire further composition. The latter can be based on the principle of symmetry or, conversely, asymmetry, built in the form of a pattern or according to a clear geometric scheme.
Built-in lamps can perform an additional function of zoning the room.
For example, separating the kitchen area from the dining room or living room. Their installation scheme must be developed in advance and all holes are cut only in accordance with it.
In the recreation area, you can use less lighting, while in the office, dining room or kitchen, increase the number of spots.
We must not forget about the minimum distances between point devices. It should be 30-40 cm.
Installation features
Installing a square lamp in a suspended ceiling, be it a chandelier or a spot, has a number of its own characteristics. Thus, massive and volumetric structures are not built in, but “superimposed” on the canvas.
In order to withstand such a large weight, a base is mounted from a waterproof platform or timber.
After which a bar or cross for the square base of the lighting fixture is attached to it. Small devices can be installed on a small beam.
Spots, despite their low weight, are also mounted on mortgages. Since the number of spots in one room can vary from 4 to 20, this is too much load on the stretch ceiling fabric. Mortgages made of metal profiles are reliable, lightweight, and most importantly, adjustable.
The thermal ring is necessary to make a safe hole, and the “antennae” is necessary to securely fix the point device in the groove.
Square LED lamps are optimal for suspended ceilings, as they are not only economical, but also do not heat up, and therefore do not damage the canvas.
LED
An LED is a semiconductor equipped with an electron-hole junction. The electric current moving through it begins to emit light rays. Square LED lamps for suspended ceilings are environmentally friendly and economical in terms of electricity consumption.
They are characterized by a long service life (declared resource - 50,000 working hours). During operation, these LEDs practically do not heat up, which makes it possible to use them in tension systems with virtually no restrictions. The stopping factor on the way to the mass use of LED models is their fairly high cost (when compared with analogues of other types).
The design of lamps of this type can be recessed, spot, etc. The good energy-saving characteristics of the devices explain their high popularity when organizing lighting in suspended PVC ceilings and on PVC panels. The absence of an incandescent filament and a glass bulb in the structure of LEDs makes them impossible to break. However, during operation, kinks should be avoided in every possible way (especially in relation to LED strips).
How to choose square and rectangular light sources for the interior
The choice of lamp directly depends on its purpose, budget limits and room design.
The square base and “glare” material are ideal for futur or hi-tech style.
A spectacular chandelier with crystal pendants can fit even into a classic interior, and the minimalism of design and laconic lines will allow the device to be used within the framework of modernism.
Important! When choosing spots and calculating their required quantity, you need to remember the basic color scheme of the room. So, with a dark palette, you will need more light sources, and in rooms with better natural light, fewer.
Results
The performance characteristics of square and round lamps are not much different. This applies to parameters such as operating principle, light output power, electrical energy consumption, etc. The differences relate exclusively to shape and design. It is these factors that people pay attention to when choosing a suitable option: the main thing is that the device fits perfectly into the interior of the room. As for the choice between point, built-in or wall-mounted models, this is influenced by the financial capabilities and functional purpose of the room.
Additional lighting options
The placement of additional lighting serves as a decorative element; it does not take over the main flow of light. Such solutions will help give the room a special atmosphere; the overall picture can look much more interesting.
Most often, additional lighting is used as an alternative to nightlights or table lamps.
LED strips are used to create additional lighting. They can be placed in different ways:
- along the perimeter;
- creating patterns and drawings.
Such tapes can be placed in the inter-ceiling space. In this case, you will need a special type of stretch ceiling with a high light transmittance.
A striking example of additional light would be the starry sky.
This option is a special system that includes a set of components:
- special canvas;
- lighting elements.
Many people think that the starry sky can be used in bedrooms or children's rooms, but its use in the living room is also relevant. By evening, the room can be transformed, and guests will be pleasantly surprised.
You should decide on such an experiment carefully, because this requires a special canvas. It should be suitable for creating a starry sky and be combined with the overall design of the room.
Luminescent
We are talking about gas-discharge lighting devices, where mercury vapor and electrical discharges are used to emit ultraviolet spectrum. After this, a phosphor (the so-called mixture of phosphorus and other substances) comes into play, which converts the radiation into light visible to the human eye. The operating life of devices of this type is 10 times longer than incandescent lamps.
The disadvantages of luminescent models include the need for a uniform supply of electricity. Frequent switching on and off of appliances should be avoided. The popularity of products of this type is explained by the high quality of lighting and low energy consumption. Fluorescent lamps are mainly used in large rooms where round-the-clock lighting is required. We are talking about retail space, parking lots, gas stations.
Forms
Often, owners of tension-type ceiling structures use the standard shape of spotlights - round. It meets all the necessary requirements, allows for normal lighting and looks harmonious in any interior.
However, there are other forms of lighting elements. Square lamps are especially popular.
They look unusual and allow you to add some charm to your design. It is worth noting that when choosing a particular form of lighting device, you should carefully consider its relevance in the overall interior of the room. There is no need to focus on finding a non-standard solution to make the ceiling of your home attractive in the future.
Today on the market you can find products not only of round and square shapes, but also of other geometric shapes. Also not least on the list are more subtle forms, such as a flower.
Built-in models in suspended ceilings
Square spotlights for suspended ceilings differ from chandeliers in their smaller sizes.
Based on the type of lamps used, devices of this type are divided into the following groups:
- Halogen.
- Luminescent.
- LED.
The difference may also relate to such characteristics as power, cost and level of electricity consumption. These lighting devices are convenient because their design completely lacks shades and shades. This allows you to create the illusion of a light stream falling directly from the ceiling surface.
Square recessed luminaires for suspended ceilings can be used as main or additional lighting. They serve as decor and zoning elements in the interior of the room. Recessed spotlights consist of several separate groups according to the type of intensity of light flux distribution in different areas of the room.
Drawings
The next original addition to the interior are the patterns on the spotlights. In this case, you can give free rein to your imagination.
You can choose different colors and patterns for lighting elements.
With this innovation the room will become mysterious and unique. Elegantly painted lamps will not leave anyone indifferent. In addition, a wide variety of patterns will find their application in any style: from classic to modern.
Dimensions
For spotlights, a standard diameter is assumed. Its indicator varies from 60 to 85 millimeters. It is thanks to these dimensions that this type of lighting is suitable for arranging stretch fabrics.
Large sizes are not convenient enough for installation. They require extra space and seem bulky.
The size of the point elements should be selected depending on the parameters of the room itself. For example, in small rooms it is better to install lamps with a smaller diameter in order to save space.
Materials and colors
In addition to its main purpose, light also performs a decorative function. Therefore, it is important to consider the material and color of the lighting elements.
To make the right choice regarding this criterion, devices can be divided into certain categories:
- Certain rooms, such as the bathroom, do not require a special design approach. For lighting in such a room, conventional lamps with an outer ring are most often used. Also, special delights will be superfluous in interiors designed in the style of minimalism.
In this case, you can experiment only with color.
- If you want to liven up the interior, you can use lamps that are decorated with decorative shades. The variety of their shapes allows you to find the most suitable option. In addition, they are appropriate in many styles.
- If you want to get a certain play of light and shadows, then it is recommended to turn your gaze towards lampshades with crystal. They are also offered in different variations.
It is worth noting that quite often lighting elements of different design are used in the same room. However, you need to remember that they must be made in the same style.
As practice shows, it is the choice of the appearance of lamps that is one of the most difficult, because it is quite difficult to decide with such a variety.
Glass or crystal spotlights should be designated separately. With their help, manufacturers were able to combine all the advantages of compact lamps and the beauty of luxurious chandeliers.
By choosing such models, you will receive high-quality lighting with an elegant design.
For an interesting presentation of light, lamps with white matte or black coating are also recommended. With this design, the lighting becomes soft and subdued, not irritating the eyes.
The next variation is spotlights that have a glossy finish.
They are distinguished by their versatility, as they fit into almost any type of room design.
For lovers of luxury, lamps with a bronze surface are provided. Bronze adds luxury and can highlight the ceiling, for example, in a classic design style.
As for the color scheme, in this matter everything depends on the personal preferences of the owner, as well as the design idea. Modern manufacturers are ready to offer their customers a wide palette of color solutions.
With their help, you can make the lighting in your home original and unusual.
How to choose ceiling lighting for different rooms?
When it's time to install lighting elements on a tensile structure, you should learn some tips regarding choosing the optimal lighting for each specific room.
First, you should understand the nuances of installing lamps depending on the number of levels in the tension fabric. So, a single-level ceiling has a lot of advantages. That is why it is quite popular when choosing tension structures. It is easy to install and at the same time very successfully emphasizes the design of the room.
Any type of lamp can be installed on a single-level ceiling, taking into account the shape of the room and its height.
The two-level ceiling is characterized by the complexity of its shapes. With its help you can easily divide a room into separate zones. The same can be done with lighting. In addition, installing lamps on ceilings of this type provides scope for your imagination. In this case, you can bring to life the most original idea for decorating the ceiling surface.
If the room requires lighting with a chandelier, then it is more advisable to choose a method of placing point elements in which the central part of the surface remains free.
In this case, both the main and additional light sources must be combined with each other in shape and size.
The next criterion is the shape of the room. So, for a rectangular room it is more advisable to use the appropriate type of arrangement of devices. For small and narrow spaces, an oval light distribution is perfect.
This way it will be possible to visually expand it and make it lighter and more spacious.
Perhaps the most important parameter that needs to be studied in detail is the purpose of the room. Different rooms require a certain level of light, as well as the number of lighting fixtures.
Lighting in the bedroom should be soft and dim. Therefore, it is often possible to do without the main light source - a chandelier. Spotlights are quite capable of coping with this task. With their help, you can highlight any zone in the room.
In addition, they can be placed in any way. There is no need to adhere to a certain sequence and symmetry.
The hallway is a kind of calling card for the owners of the house. After all, the first thing guests see when entering the apartment is this room. Beautiful, and most importantly, comfortable lighting will make an impression and form an opinion about the owner’s taste. The light here does not need to be too bright, but it should cover the entire space.
In such a room, given its small size, angular placement of lighting elements is recommended.
In the corridor you should also not overuse a large number of light sources. Since this is a kind of continuation of the hallway, the design should continue the plot taken from it.
As for the bathroom and toilet, many light sources are also not appropriate here.
A few lamps are enough that will blend harmoniously with the interior and not irritate the eyes with excessive brightness.
In the most important room - the living room, the lighting should be as correct as possible. After all, this is where a person spends most of the day. In addition, in modern houses it is quite common to combine a living room and a dining room.
Using spot lighting, you can easily divide a room into several comfortable zones.
It is also very important to pay sufficient attention to the choice of a chandelier, which plays the role of the main light source. As for point-type elements, their location is selected taking into account the type of tension structure, as well as the dimensions of the room.
When choosing lighting for a nursery, it is important to take into account the fact that quite often you will have to use it in the middle of the night. In order not to irritate your baby with brightness, but at the same time easily see everything you need, you can allocate a certain number of devices to illuminate a specific area, which will have a separate power supply.
Thus, you can make some kind of night light. Otherwise, the distribution of light also depends on the parameters of the room itself.
In addition, you can choose original shapes and types of elements that will decorate it and complement the design of the room.
Another area that requires proper attention in terms of light is the terrace. When deciding on the placement of lighting fixtures for it, you should consider its appropriateness. Of course, in this situation they can do without the main light source.
Spotlights completely cope with this task. It is enough just to think through the variation of the optimal location of each element.
To do this, you need to calculate the correct number of devices, as well as draw up a diagram of their distribution. It is better to choose medium power indicators, thus achieving an unobtrusive, but at the same time quite bright light.
Beautiful interior design ideas
Having familiarized yourself with the types of point elements, as well as the various options for their location on a suspended ceiling surface, you can begin decorating your home. You can always design a beautiful interior yourself. If you are not completely confident in your creative abilities, then you can turn to specialists for help.
Professional designers are always ready to work on a new project and will take into account any of your wishes.
It’s also worth checking out some successful design ideas. This will allow you to see with your own eyes that lighting with spotlights is not only a beautiful, but also a practical solution.
In this case, the design of the light is made in a minimalist style. However, it is quite enough to illuminate a comfortable seating area. The light is unobtrusive and is complemented by floor lamps.
An excellent example of how space can be used rationally with the help of point elements. Despite the predominance of dark tones in the interior, the lighting turned out to be soft and harmonious.
In addition, spotlights made it possible to divide the room into separate comfortable zones.
This type of design refers to non-standard solutions. Using point light sources, designers brought the so-called starry sky effect into reality. Such lighting will leave few people indifferent and will add special originality to the interior.
Here is one of the ways to distribute light on a multi-level stretch ceiling. Although there are many lamps, the overall picture does not create a feeling of overcrowding. On the contrary, this arrangement perfectly emphasizes the overall design of the ceiling surface and looks elegant.
Another example of how, with a minimum number of lighting elements, you can achieve comfort and a certain sophistication in a room without much effort. This distribution of light creates a cozy atmosphere and promotes good rest.
Main conclusions
- Square lamps are distinguished by their effectiveness and productivity.
- Most often, the square shape is used when designing chandeliers and spotlights.
- Installing these devices on a suspended ceiling is not difficult, but has its own nuances.
- The devices can be used either separately or in combination with each other.
- Before installation, a diagram of the location of lighting devices must be drawn up.
- Given the non-standard shape, such lamps should be selected taking into account the interior design. They add uniqueness while simultaneously performing all the functions assigned to them.
Recommendations for selection
When choosing square lamps for a suspended ceiling, you need to take into account the following factors:
- Color design of furniture items.
- Shades of ceiling and wall decoration.
- Functional purpose of the room.
If the room is decorated in dark colors, to illuminate it you will have to use an order of magnitude more lamps than for light rooms. The intensity of natural light is also of great importance. If the windows of a room face the sunny side, an order of magnitude fewer lighting fixtures are usually installed in it.
