The right choice of lighting fixtures gives the stretch ceiling an even more aesthetic look. You can entrust this to the masters who specialize in the installation of a stretch fabric, but, as experience shows, there is no guarantee that people are well versed in such matters and will do everything "on the highest level."
Rules for lighting in a kitchen with a stretch ceiling
To ensure high-quality lighting of a small area, it is necessary to place lighting fixtures aesthetically, functionally and safely, taking into account all technical rules:
- An interval of at least 20 cm must be maintained between the wall and spotlights.
- The usual placement of the main light source - the chandelier - is assumed in the center of the room or in the middle of a separate area. In the second case, this option is considered if stretch ceilings consist of several levels.
- When setting the spotlight in the kitchen on the ceiling, it is important to calculate their optimal amount based on the lighting area with one lighting fixture of 1.5 sq.m.
- Each canvas has a weak spot - a seam. Lighting devices are recommended to be placed at a distance of at least 15 cm from it.
- If the lamps are placed symmetrically, you must observe the same interval from the walls and from each other.
- If homeowners want to install more than 20 fixtures, it is recommended to connect them to different power sources to reduce energy loss.
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The polymer film does not withstand excessive heatAt temperatures above +55 degrees, the ceiling fabric begins to deform, so recessed fixtures must have power limitations, for example, incandescent lamps up to 40 watts, and halogen ones up to 35 watts.
- Direct effects of light can also have a negative effect on the structure of a stretch ceiling. For this reason, you need to give preference to matte varieties.
- Lamps for suspended ceilings should be equipped with a special side, which will overlap the mounting ring installed in the canvas for connecting lighting fixtures.
The heating temperature of the lampshade, chandelier, etc. should not exceed 60 degrees. For this reason, it is better to refrain from buying metal products.
Placement of lighting in the kitchen
In the kitchen, a large number of lighting devices can be used - chandeliers, pendant shades, spots, ceiling suspensions, LED lights, overhead and built-in lamps, as well as panel and modular.
The global illumination of the room is a chandelier. It is usually placed in the center of the room. Spots are innovative spotlights that can be turned in any direction, for this reason they are often installed near the work area, and with their help you can focus on any interior items.
Types of Ceiling Lights
Not only attractive appearance is appreciated in lamps, but also reliability, safety and profitability. In addition to proper placement, lighting in the kitchen should include a rational choice of lamps. Neglecting this recommendation increases the likelihood of damage, deformation and sagging of the ceiling. For installation in a suspended ceiling, several varieties of lamps are used, each of which differs in the principle of operation.
Incandescent lamps
Visually, these lamps are a glass flask, the inner cavity of which is filled with a mixture of inert gases, in the middle there is a tungsten filament.
This type is not competitive in comparison with more modern counterparts. It is chosen as the most affordable option, but the service life is short-lived. Heats up strongly at high power, have a low luminous flux. When operating in suspended ceilings, the power should not exceed 45 watts.
Halogen lamps
Visually resemble incandescent lamps, the difference is in the form of a bulb and a mixture of inert gases. A flask is made of high temperature quartz glass with a matte or transparent surface. Inside the space is filled with halogen, and there is also a tungsten filament. The glow is created by heating the filament to 2500 degrees.
Advantages of halogen lamps:
- Quick turn on.
- Reasonable cost.
- High brightness in white. Some people like it, for others - a significant drawback.
- High power, they are 20% more economical than incandescent lamps.
If we talk about the shortcomings, then they are characterized by strong heating, as well as incandescent lamps.
Fluorescent lamps
These devices are gas discharge. The principle of operation is based on the emission of ultraviolet radiation by mercury vapor. The inner layer of the porcelain layer, which covers the inner surface of the bulb, glows.
Specifications:
- Long service life in the absence of regular and sharp voltage drops.
- After a while, the luminous composition is showered and burned out.
- Compared with incandescent lamps, they have a light output of 3-4 times more.
- Startup time can reach 30 seconds.
A special advantage when installing fluorescent lamps in suspended ceilings is the absence of heating.
LED strip
Structurally, LED strips are flexible strips that are equipped with boards with tracks, LEDs and resistors. Ribbons can emit different colors. The most common length is 5 meters.
Specifications:
- Bright lighting, accompanied by a wide range of colors.
- High price.
- Simple installation on a self-adhesive film, it can be expanded without restrictions, as well as cut to a length of 10 mm.
- Long service life.
They are produced in different versions - with one color (monochrome) or universal, where the color scheme is controlled by the remote control.
LED lights
The most common type of fixtures used for suspended and suspended ceilings. Of all the existing analogues, they are the most expensive.
Technical features:
- Long service life.
- Resistant to vibration and shock.
- Do not heat up, low fire hazard.
If the kitchen is large, it is recommended to install several light sources on the stretch ceiling. The most common combination method is a chandelier with spotlights. The ceiling lighting in the kitchen with LED lamps looks spectacular.
Lighting over the dining table is selected taking into account the features of the interior, the dimensions of the room and the location of the food zone. To prevent light from blinding, it is recommended to install lighting fixtures with frosted lamps or translucent lampshades that gently scatter and refract light. For work areas it is recommended to use LED strip or spot recessed lighting.
