How to make lighting in the kitchen by spotlights in a suspended ceiling
Lighting in the kitchen with a stretch ceiling is different from other options. In the cavity under the stretched material can be placed recessed equipment. And due to the peculiarities of the design, traditional options need to be put in a special way. Therefore, it is best to understand the issue in order to determine the optimal location of fixtures and their type for your kitchen.
General requirements and recommendations
Placement of equipment in the kitchen with a stretch ceiling has a number of features that you need to know, to begin with the requirements, as their observance is mandatory:
- To place spot and other lights in the canvas can Not closer than 15 cm from the weld if there is one.
- The minimum distance from the wall is 20 cm. If placed closer, the light flux will be distributed incorrectly.
- Stretch fabric does not tolerate high temperatures. With their constant exposure, it can change color or deform, so there is a limit on the temperature of the body at 55 degrees. Do not put halogen lamps more powerful than 35 watts and incandescent lamps more than 40 watts.
- The chandelier is installed in the middle of the sector. A special platform is sure to be mounted under it.
- Mounting rings are used when installing fixtures. The body of the lamp must have a rim to overlap the mounting point.
As for placement recommendations, the location of light fixtures on a stretch ceiling in the kitchen depends on the size of the kitchen, the arrangement of furniture and functional areas. The equipment is placed taking into account several principles:
- In the middle is most often placed chandelierIn the middle is a chandelier which provides general lighting. If the kitchen is combined with a living room or if it is big, then there can be two or even three chandeliers.
- A modern replacement for a chandelier is a light panel, which is embedded in the surface and gives an even, diffused light. There is also a special profile of great width, which can be arranged in any order or even build figures. Inside glued one or more rows of LED strip.
- Spot lights can be placed along the work area, installed in parallel along two parallel or adjacent to each other walls. Most often they provide additional lighting where necessary.
By the way! You can use spotlights as the main light, but you will need a lot more elements than usual.
Types of lighting fixtures, selection criteria
Before settling on a particular option, you need to determine which of the solutions will suit the environment best. First of all, the following criteria are used:
- Height of the ceiling. If it is small, you should not choose massive chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. It's better to choose compact versions, which are combined at the surface and do not clutter the space. If the height is big you can use big models with long legs.
- Room size. The more spacious it is, the less restrictions. If the space is large, there will not look good small chandeliers, it is better to choose voluminous options.
- Stylistics of design. Elements of lighting must fit into the environment and comply with the chosen direction. This applies to design, color and texture. It is important that the lights fit not only to the finish, but also to the kitchen set, then the kitchen will look harmonious.
- The necessary power equipment. There is a norm of illumination for different rooms. The kitchen should have a luminous flux of not less than 200 lumens per square meter. On this basis, it is not difficult calculate the number и lamp type.
- Distance from the suspended ceilings to the ceiling slab. For normal installation of built-in models, you need at least 8 cm of space. If it is less, there may be problems with installation. It is better to use overhead or semi-overhead models.
As for varieties, ceiling lighting in the kitchen is most often realized by the use of such options:
- Chandelier. A classic solution, which is quite enough for a small area. In the kitchen, more strict and practical products are used than in living rooms. Often install models, the plafonds of which go along the ceiling and take up little space. With the choice of a chandelier will help our our article will help you choose the right chandelier..
- Head lamps or lampshades on a long cord. Suitable for placing over the bar and dining area. Have small dimensions, illuminate a small area of space.
- Built-in equipment is distinguished by the fact that the body is hidden under the ceiling, and only the front part is visible from the outside. They can be both standard spotlights and rotary modifications or modules of several elements.
- Overhead are suitable where the distance from the suspended cloth to the partition is very small. Modern models look stylish and provide good light. It can be both spotlights and flat plafonds or LED panels.
- LED strip is most often used for decorative lighting. With its help, you can create a floating effect of a multilevel ceiling or highlight the contour, installing a strip under the skirting board ..
LED strip can be installed in a box with a diffuser, which provides a good additional or even main light.
From the video you will learn what lights are not suitable for a suspended ceiling.
Basic rules for the placement of light sources
You do not need to be a designer or lighting engineer to make an attractive stretch ceiling with lighting in the kitchen. To do this, it is enough to follow the tips on zoning:
- In a small room, the main light is provided by the chandelier, it should illuminate the dining table well. If the kitchen has a living area, it is desirable to place additional lights over it, to ensure the greatest comfort.
- Separate attention requires a working area, for it use built-in lamps, which are located in 30-50 cm. You can use adjustable versions.
- If the room is combined and it has a recreation area, it is best to use a wall light there. Or to install several built-in elements.
- To highlight the bar, use options with spot or directional lighting.
Location of fixtures on the ceiling can be almost anything, the main thing is to comply with electrical safety standards and install the equipment correctly. Chandelier put either in the center, or shift closer to the dining area, as over the working surface is almost always a separate light.
There are ready-made layouts of lights. You can use them when coming up with your own version. It all depends on the arrangement, modern equipment allows you to implement almost any project.
Features of the use of additional lighting
To create the ideal conditions in the kitchen and provide comfort when cooking or eating, it is necessary to properly organize additional light:
- Consider the location of all elements, paying special attention to their arrangement. It is important to provide uniform lighting of a particular area.
- Supplementary lighting should match the color temperature with the main one. The exception is the work area, where a brighter version can be used.
- Styling should be the same. Color can be different.
- Additional light must be turned on separately from the main light. It is important to think about the convenient location of switches for each type.
Recommended for viewing: The trend of this year's ceiling lighting with light lines.
Stretch ceiling in the kitchen allows you to implement almost any project. The main thing is to choose the right lights, think about their location and properly install them.