Today stretch ceilings are becoming more and more popular. To illuminate a room with this type of ceiling coating, built-in lamps are often used, however, traditional lamps can find their application in this case. But because of the specifics of the finishing material, it is important to remember the limitations: for incandescent lamps, the maximum power is 60 W, and for halogen ones – 36 W.
If you are doing the repair yourself, then use special height-adjustable posts to install the fixtures. For them, holes must be made in the ceiling covering, on which special rings must be glued. Although the installation itself is quite simple, it’s important to calculate everything, because an error can lead to either the incorrect location of the lighting fixtures or damage to the stretch ceiling.
DIY lighting fixtures
Installation of fixtures in a stretch ceiling is the most important stage of its arrangement. The color scheme of the ceiling coating plays an important role. It will affect the number of lighting fixtures: for dark tones of suspended ceilings, it is best to use a larger number of fixtures, for light there may not be many.
If the number of fixtures is not so large, then each of them should have sufficient power. When installing fixtures, try to avoid large reflections of light. And if your stretch ceiling has a varnish reflective surface, then you need to approach the installation of lighting devices with increased attention.
Today stretch ceilings are becoming more and more popular. To illuminate a room with this type of ceiling coating, built-in lamps are often used, however, traditional lamps can find their application in this case. But because of the specifics of the finishing material, it is important to remember the limitations: for incandescent lamps, the maximum power is 60 W, and for halogen ones – 36 W.If you are doing the repair yourself, then use special height-adjustable posts to install the fixtures. For them, holes must be made in the ceiling covering, on which special rings must be glued. Although the installation itself is quite simple, it’s important to calculate everything, because an error can lead to either the incorrect location of the lighting fixtures or damage to the stretch ceiling.
DIY lighting fixtures
Installation of fixtures in a stretch ceiling is the most important stage of its arrangement. The color scheme of the ceiling coating plays an important role. It will affect the number of lighting fixtures: for dark tones of suspended ceilings, it is best to use a larger number of fixtures, for light there may not be many.
If the number of fixtures is not so large, then each of them should have sufficient power. When installing fixtures, try to avoid large reflections of light. And if your stretch ceiling has a varnish reflective surface, then you need to approach the installation of lighting devices with increased attention.
If you want to enhance the color of the yellow, white or blue ceiling, then you can use fluorescent lamps that have a cool white color. Lamps of warm colors contribute to the creation of a neutral white ceiling. In addition, if the varnish ceiling is white, then the ceiling will have a shade of walls or floor..
Features of the installation of stretch ceiling lights
If you plan to use ceiling lights with a voltage of 12 V, then you need to purchase transformers that do not have induction cores with an output of 11.5 V. If you do not take care of this, then excess heat will increase the ductility of the stretch ceiling and its sagging.
If you plan to use high power lamps, remember that there are various options for their design. At the same time, the distance from the ceiling plane to the glass bulb of the lamp should be at least 1 centimeter, which will reduce heat transfer. For mounting step-down transformers, the lower floor plane or metal racks are used.
The ceiling with the effect of twinkling stars looks especially beautiful. To create it, a light generator with a fiber optic cable and a rotating filter is used. The light generator conducts light rays through the wires (a 150 W metal halide lamp may be a good option) to crystal pendants or individual lenses that are built into the holes in the suspended ceiling. The remote control will help not only turn the lights on or off, but also adjust the flicker frequency and alternate colors. Installation of fixtures in a stretch ceiling to achieve the effect «starry sky» can be produced both over the entire surface and on a separate area.
The benefits «starry sky» there are two variations of the ceiling: during the day it is ordinary, not having any coatings, and at night it can glow, the stretched ceiling is unusually beautiful and practical. There are no unnecessary holes in it, so if the need arises, the canvas can be easily dismantled and put in place.
Creation options «starry sky»
The effect of twinkling stars is achieved through the use of a variety of filters for the light source, as well as the use of the latest developments in fiber optic technology. Therefore, no electrical wiring is needed over the stretch ceiling, all that is needed is an optical fiber cable. This technology is safe, because you are not afraid of short circuits.
Imitation of stars can be achieved by various methods. In the implementation of one of them, the ends of the threads are attached to the plywood frame, which is installed between the stretch and the main ceiling. Therefore, during the day, the coating has the appearance of a normal smooth ceiling. The second way is that crystal diffusers or thread ends are led out through the ceiling openings. But the disadvantage of this method is that in the daytime the ceiling looks a bit messy.
How to set a starry sky
First, the installation of a frame ceiling made of plastic or plywood is performed. In it, holes are made for installing optical filaments. Mark the location of the constellations or clusters of stars, in which the astronomical atlas will provide indispensable help. The magnitude of the stars and their brightness depend on the number of threads that are supplied to each hole.
If you want to create multi-beam stars, use LEDs in combination with crystal diffusers «Swarovski» different types of cuts. To install each diffuser, a special stand-holder is used, which has an adjustable base. A lens is attached to the pillar through the ceiling opening. And the hole itself is reinforced with a plastic ring.
Another way to create «starry sky» is the use of LEDs instead of stars. They are connected to each other through a special loop that connects to the electronic panel. The panel sets the inclusion of light tracks and the flicker frequency of the diodes. Some panels have 9 different programs. Among the advantages of this method is the absence of noise and the need to allocate space for installing a light source (the panel has the dimensions of a remote control). However, this implementation method «starry sky» there are drawbacks: between the main and suspended ceilings you need to stretch the wiring, and the diodes will protrude slightly beyond the plane of the ceiling.
Installation of fixtures in a stretch ceiling help create an original look in any room. It is important to determine the method of arrangement of light sources and their number. You can perform installation either by your own efforts or by using the help of professionals.
