Chandeliers for suspended ceilings: which ones are suitable for a suspended ceiling, which one is suitable, which one and how to choose the right one, which one can be hung

Stretch ceilings are the most popular way today to give a room an aesthetic appearance in literally a matter of hours. It's no surprise that more and more people are choosing this finishing option. And now the question. At what stage is your suspended ceiling? Already implemented or just planning? Because in each case the approach to choosing a chandelier will be different. In the first case, a number of additional restrictions will arise. And in the second, your hands are practically free. But first things first.

In this article, we will tell you which chandeliers are suitable for suspended ceilings and, of course, we will show suitable models from our catalog.

Features of lighting devices for suspended ceiling structures

Stretch ceilings are fabric or PVC fabric located at some distance from the main ceiling. A feature of polyvinyl chloride fabric is its sensitivity to temperatures above 800C, this allows it to be stretched to certain sizes. Fabric sheets do not stretch, but change their original color when exposed to improper lighting or high temperature.

When deciding which chandelier can be hung on a suspended ceiling, you should focus on the following parameters:

The main fabric should not be allowed to heat up more than 60 degrees. Therefore, you need to purchase chandeliers with a light source from which the canvas will heat up to a minimum extent. In addition, it is necessary to correctly determine the distance of the lighting device from the tension structure.
It is not recommended to use halogen, LED and other lamps that are connected using power converters. Such devices require a ventilated space, which is absent when using a stretch ceiling. Power converters become unusable after a short period of time in such conditions, so they can be installed in a pre-equipped niche.
A ceiling chandelier for a suspended ceiling or a lamp for this design should be purchased in advance so that specialists installing the tension system can correctly determine their placement locations.
Glossy canvases are characterized by the ability to reflect a large amount of light, therefore, lighting devices for it should not have open light sources directed upwards, so it is recommended to purchase lighting devices with shades.
To avoid unexpected damage to the tension structure fabric, you should not purchase lighting devices with complex fastenings.

From the above, we can conclude that lighting with a suspended ceiling can be provided by traditional chandeliers and devices with an unusual design, as well as built-in, spotlights and overhead lamps. To figure out which chandeliers are best for a stretch ceiling, you need to take a closer look at the most popular options.

Design ideas

The spider chandelier has an original design. This model is a modern trend. The design is made in black colors and is equipped with wires with light bulbs at the ends. The flexible structure of the lamp allows you to easily change the location and direction of the lamps.

A ring chandelier looks truly elegant. The product can be single-tiered, multi-tiered and cascading, and can also have rings of different diameters.

The photo shows the design of a modern living room with a matte stretch ceiling decorated with a spider chandelier.

A matte stretch ceiling in a spacious room will be favorably decorated with an impressively sized pyramidal chandelier. The glossy canvas will harmoniously combine with a lamp in the form of a hemisphere.

Using a decorative rosette will help highlight the lamp on the stretch fabric. Thanks to this round relief element, the classic lamp will take on a more complete and thoughtful look.

You can also decorate the area around the chandelier on a suspended ceiling using various patterns and ornaments, photo printing or unusual painting.

The photo shows a suspended ceiling with a chandelier decorated with a rosette in the interior of a hall in a classic style.

Chandeliers and their varieties

Ordinary chandeliers are quite suitable for lighting a stretch ceiling. Moreover, one chandelier on the glossy ceiling fully illuminates an area of about 10 square meters. Installing a chandelier that has a special device in the form of a hook for fastening can be called the simplest and least expensive option, so there are situations when a company installs one chandelier for free.

In larger rooms, lighting from a single chandelier will be less effective, especially in elongated rooms. In this case, it is recommended to install two devices, placing them at the same distance from the walls, or supplement the main device with spotlights.

Black walls

Lighting fixtures on a black ceiling? What can you say about this? In general, if you decide on black walls, it will make the interior spectacular. The walls can simply be painted or covered with black wallpaper. Dark colors are especially suitable for well-lit rooms with high ceilings. It is worth emphasizing only one wall and this will give your interior a new look. Black looks very good in rooms such as the dining room or living room. On the other hand, aristocratic black color can become dominant even in your bedroom.

Possible shapes and sizes of chandeliers for suspended ceilings

Chandeliers for suspended ceiling structures can be of horizontal or vertical type. The first option is suitable for rooms with ceilings up to 3 meters. In this case, the diameter of the chandelier should not exceed 1 meter. Lighting devices of this type are made in the form of a structure consisting of many horns and located on several branches. A feature of such chandeliers is the uniform distribution of lamps and their distance from the center for more efficient lighting.

If the ceilings in the apartment are quite high, then it is recommended to install vertical chandeliers on the suspended ceiling. Their height in most cases is about 1 meter, and their diameter does not exceed 50 cm. Such “one-legged” structures also effectively illuminate the room.

Various materials can be used to make chandeliers, and the shape of the products and their design can be different. The most suitable option are chandeliers and shades with horns directed to the sides or down. In this case, the ceiling does not heat up too much. Traditional chandeliers can be used, with additional decoration in the form of silk lampshades, beads or glass pendants.

The demand for crystal chandeliers, whose faceted elements evenly diffuse light throughout the room, is not decreasing. They can be called an excellent solution to the problem of which chandelier is suitable for a stretch ceiling. The design of such lighting devices for suspended ceiling systems fully meets the requirements for lighting suspended ceiling systems. When using a crystal chandelier on a glossy canvas, an incredible effect is created with the play of crystal reflections and numerous splashes of color.

In hotels, theaters and museums, chandeliers in the shape of a fairly large pyramid are installed for lighting.

The shape and size of a chandelier for a suspended ceiling for a living space is selected by the owner depending on the desired effect:

For a matte canvas, it is better to choose the classic version of a chandelier with lamps in the form of candles. Such lighting devices are not suitable for glossy canvas, as they look inappropriate in its reflection.
Hemispherical chandeliers with a glossy ceiling turn into a full sphere, visually raising the ceiling, thereby enlarging the room.
Horizontal multi-arm chandeliers are suitable for both matte and glossy canvases.
A vertical chandelier decorated with a silk lampshade and glass elements goes perfectly with a dark-colored stretch ceiling canvas.
An excellent option is a crystal vertical chandelier installed on a stretch ceiling with a matte fabric.

When deciding which chandeliers are suitable for suspended ceilings, you should pay attention to the upper part of the chandelier. Its appearance should be equally attractive as the lower part. The main thing is that there are no protruding wires or any parts in this place. Therefore, the size of the bowl, which is attached directly to the stretched fabric, must be suitable for masking the installation site.

It is not recommended to install suspended ceilings with light bulbs and a chandelier with horns pointing upward without shades and reflectors. In this case, it is possible that dark, difficult-to-remove stains may appear on the surface, which are the result of combustion of dust deposited on incandescent lamps. If it is not possible to choose another chandelier option, then instead of conventional lamps you should use energy-saving or LED lamps, which are characterized by low heating.

When deciding how to choose the right chandelier for a suspended ceiling, it is better to give preference to models whose lampshades are equipped with reflectors. These elements are made of chrome or stainless steel. In this case, it is best to purchase lighting devices with shades in which the reflector is located on top. In this case, ceiling overheating is reduced to a minimum.

To illuminate a stretch ceiling, chandeliers with a light source in the form of conventional incandescent, halogen, energy-saving and LED lamps are used.

Criteria for choosing a chandelier

When purchasing a lighting device, you need to pay attention to the complex of its characteristics. Experts recommend evaluating the following parameters:

Power. Lamps rated at 35-50 W are suitable.
Model size and fastening type. Focus on the size of the room and the height of the ceiling.
Distance to film web. Safe placement of lamps is the most important criterion. To forget about the problem of sagging and yellowing of the film, a clearance of 15-20 cm is sufficient. This applies to all devices except incandescent lamps - for them the critical minimum is 40 cm.

In the dining area Source thespruce.com

Accessory form. It can be anything, but overhead plate chandeliers should be purchased only if you can ensure air circulation. Such structures fit tightly to the surface, and for a stretch ceiling this is critical. The solution would be to purchase fluorescent or LED lamps.
Design. When choosing an appearance, they are guided by their own taste. The only thing that needs to be taken into account is the type of canvas. If the material is glossy, it has pronounced mirror properties, and perhaps a model with fewer shades is suitable.

Chandelier and table lamps Source grupoquepasa.com

Chandeliers with conventional incandescent lamps

Incandescent lamps are considered the cheapest light source. However, they are characterized by too low efficiency: only 3% of the consumed energy is converted into light, the rest is converted into heat. The use of just such light sources imposes certain restrictions: lamps with a power of no more than 60 Watt can be installed in vertical chandeliers, horizontal chandeliers can be equipped with lamps up to 40 Watt.

The distance from the upward-facing lamp to the decorative ceiling should be at least 0.4 meters. If the horns in the chandelier look down, then the distance is reduced to 0.2 meters. The most suitable option is chandeliers for suspended ceilings with shades that separate the light source from the suspended fabric.

Location

This is an important point, because you need to think about the location of lighting fixtures when installing suspended ceilings in advance, otherwise it will be problematic to install the chandelier itself afterwards. For a square room, one central chandelier is enough, which will be the main lighting. For an elongated room, it is better to provide two identical models. This will illuminate the entire area, leaving no dark corners. In rooms with architectural features, the center of lighting may be shifted depending on the configuration of the room.

Manufacturers also offer the most unusual stretch ceilings, for example, with photo printing. A lighting device in the center of an exotic flower, as if blooming above you, will look very impressive.

Chandeliers with halogen lamps

The efficiency of halogen lamps is approximately the same as that of conventional incandescent lamps, but the first option emits light close to daylight sunlight. Considering that halogen lamps heat up more, their power in chandeliers for a suspended ceiling should not exceed 35 W.

When working with halogen lamps, precautions should be taken. These light sources should only be handled with dry cloth gloves. Otherwise, the sebum will remain on the surface of the lamp and burn when heated, which contributes to the rapid failure of the lamp.

A halogen lamp can only be used in vertical type chandeliers lowered at a sufficient distance. Installation of such light sources in chandeliers with horns pointing upward is not allowed. In any case, when using a halogen lamp, the shades and horns of a chandelier under a suspended ceiling should be directed downwards or to the side and located at a distance of 20-25 cm from the canvas.

Black contrast

Lamps on a black ceiling are not obligatory, but remember that black looks good with bright colors and creates powerful accents. If you combine black with one of the contrasting colors, the interior will not seem messy or oppressive. For example, if you have black furniture against a wall, paint the rest of the room a light shade. This will create the necessary contrast and harmony. Where to start decorating the interior in black? If you want to start using black in the interior, but have some concerns, then you need to apply it gradually. Start with decorations such as pillows, paintings, statues and so on. Try combining black with neutral colors. For example, pair a white or gray sofa with black flooring; or go for a glossy black door with brass handles. And now about what we have gathered for – the ceiling!

The use of energy-saving lamps in chandeliers for suspended ceilings

Energy-saving light sources include fluorescent lamps with built-in ballast. They are characterized by increased efficiency, so the heating of such lamps is quite weak. But such advantageous light sources have one significant drawback: the lamp bulb is filled with mercury. Consequently, if the flask is damaged, people and animals must be removed from the room, and mercury vapor must be collected in special containers. Once the service life of an energy-saving lamp has expired, it should be taken to specialized collection points and not thrown into the trash.

Energy-saving lamps of any power can be installed in chandeliers for suspended ceiling structures, including lighting devices with horns pointing upward. Their location relative to the stretched fabric can also be any. The limitation on the use of such light sources is the high humidity in the room. In such conditions, energy-saving lamps fail very quickly.

Design tips for creating a black ceiling

A black ceiling requires a bright light accent. A chandelier or panel is perfect for the latter.
A black ceiling is a masculine character; accordingly, a masculine mood will prevail in the room.
You can combine not only black and white, but also texture. A combination of glossy and matte surfaces will look great.
You can even use a black ceiling in the bedroom - the main thing is to combine it appropriately with accessories.
A black ceiling is inappropriate in children's rooms.

Black needs to be diluted – especially with the help of lamps

Chandeliers with LED lamps

An ideal option for a ceiling structure with a stretched canvas are LED lamps. These light sources are characterized by the highest efficiency, low heating levels and long service life. LED lamps can operate continuously for 4 years, which equates to 10 thousand hours, regardless of the number of times they are turned on. LEDs distribute diffused light, so such lamps do not require reflectors or reflectors. When using LED light sources, the power and distance to the tension fabric can have different values, there are no restrictions in this regard.

Installation of LED lamps is carried out simultaneously with the power supply, which should be located in a ventilated space. This could be behind a closet or in a pre-arranged niche. Wires are pulled from the power supply to the lighting device. Stretch ceilings and chandeliers for them with LED lamps have an unusual design, so their installation decorates the room and makes any interior individual.

Advantages of black ceilings:

Long life span - suspended ceilings can last for forty years or longer, the main thing is to take care of them and use them carefully
Attractive aesthetic properties - the gloss is beautiful and has a unique texture
Convenience - you can create a black ceiling of any texture and shade; in addition, a stretch ceiling will effectively hide all the blots that the builders made when creating the ceiling, such as holes and potholes
Safety – black ceilings are safe for both humans and pets
High level of customization - you can choose not only the texture and tone of the ceiling, but even its angle of inclination and other technical parameters
Practicality - suspended ceilings can cope even in the event of flooding of the apartment by neighbors or, for example, in case of changes in the structure of the building - say, in case of shrinkage of the house
Simple installation - the canvas is stretched in a maximum of twelve hours and, if desired, can hide the complex communication systems of the apartment
Resistant to impact and to condensation and rust
Easy care - to preserve the ceiling, just wipe it with a damp cloth a couple of times a year

See also: Is it possible to lay carpet on carpet?

Look at the lamps on the black ceiling - they add not only nobility, but also a characteristic mystery. The glossy texture will indicate that the owners of the apartment have a special taste. A black ceiling will be relevant not only in strict styles - classic, minimalism, art deco, but also in free ones - Provence, country and especially modern. The main thing is to carefully plan the decoration of the apartment and focus on the interior features. It should be noted that black allows you to color other flowers in the interior.

Black allows you to color other flowers in the interior

Chandelier mounting options

Depending on the method of attaching the chandelier to a glossy stretch ceiling, there are suspended and overhead structures.

The suspension-type chandelier is based on a special hook for hanging; it is firmly fixed in the concrete floor using special fasteners for installation in the voids of the slab. In addition, the hook can be fixed to a metal plate that is screwed to the ceiling. If the chandelier is screwed to a new ceiling, it is recommended to use an anchor hook that is firmly fixed in the ceiling.

The hook-type mount greatly facilitates the installation of the lighting device on a suspended ceiling. Installation involves lowering the pendant element to the desired height and making a small cut in the fabric for pulling the wires and chandelier rod through.

Mounting of overhead chandeliers for suspended ceilings is carried out using special mounting elements, which are necessarily included in the kit.

Simple type mounting strips are used for chandeliers of small weight and size. It has mounting pins or special holes with clamps and threads. The mounting strip is fixed at the same level with the tension strip, most often this distance is equal to 5-6 cm. A backing should be installed between the strip and the main ceiling; the best option is a block of wood about 1 cm thick.

Heavy massive chandeliers of round, oval, square or rectangular shape are secured with cross mounting strips. The crosspiece is fixed on a slightly larger wooden base. A hole is drilled in the middle through which the wires are pulled. The substrate is firmly fixed to the ceiling using concrete anchor bolts. The fasteners for the cross mounting strip must pass through the wood backing and into the cavity of the concrete floor slab.

I-beam mounting strips are used to install large chandeliers, which are most often included with them. Attaching such a strip to the main ceiling is done in a similar way to a cross strip.

When choosing a method for attaching a chandelier to a suspended ceiling, you should take into account that the cross strip and I-beam require a large hole in the canvas, which negatively affects the appearance of the tension structure. For this reason, most consumers choose pendant-type chandeliers or those with a conventional mounting strip.

Electrical equipment, light, lighting

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Stretch ceiling is a popular modern way of finishing the ceiling. It is easy to install and allows you to hide all the flaws and unevenness of the main ceiling. There is a misconception that by installing a suspended ceiling, you will have to abandon the traditional method of lighting, that you cannot use chandeliers and lamps. Or you can only use spotlights or LED strips mounted in a plasterboard box. In fact, everything is completely different. To illuminate a room with a suspended ceiling, you can use chandeliers, ceiling lamps and spotlights. Due to the specifics of the stretch fabric, there are certain restrictions and requirements that lamps for suspended ceilings must meet. This applies to the type of lamps, their power, installation method, lamp design and much more. A reasonable question arises: how to choose a chandelier for suspended ceilings. We'll talk about this in this article. Let's determine what types of chandeliers and lamps there are, what shapes and sizes they are, how they are attached to the base, what lamps are used in them and what restrictions are imposed.

Features of lighting fixtures for suspended ceilings
What kind of chandeliers for suspended ceilings are there?
Chandeliers for suspended ceilings with incandescent lamps
Halogen chandeliers for suspended ceilings
Energy-saving chandeliers for suspended ceilings
LED chandeliers for suspended ceilings
Method of mounting a chandelier for suspended ceilings
What types of lamps for suspended ceilings are there?
Energy-saving lamps for suspended ceilings
LED lamps for suspended ceilings
Spotlights for suspended ceilings

Features of lighting fixtures for suspended ceilings

A stretch ceiling is a PVC or polyester fabric stretched in the plane of the main ceiling at a distance of several centimeters from it. Due to the fact that PVC fabric is sensitive to temperature increases above 80 ° C, it can stretch. The polyester fabric of synthetic fabric does not stretch, but it can change color, turn yellow or blacken under the influence of temperatures or due to improperly installed lighting.

Therefore, when wondering how to choose lamps for suspended ceilings, you should consider the following requirements :

The stretch ceiling canvas should not heat up above 60 °C, so the chandeliers should be located at a certain distance/height from the canvas, and the power of the lamps for stretch ceilings should be such that the canvas heats up as little as possible. We will consider later what specific requirements are imposed on the power of certain lamps.
Some types of lamps, such as halogen and LED, can be connected via power converters. Such devices cannot be placed in the space between the suspended ceiling and the main ceiling, since there is no ventilation in it. Power converters located behind the tension fabric quickly fail due to overheating. They must be placed in a comfortable, ventilated niche, and the wires leading to them must be secured above the canvas.
Lamps and chandeliers for suspended ceilings are attached to the main ceiling in various ways. Therefore, it is necessary to purchase them before installing the ceiling, then the installers will be able to calculate in more detail where the cut for the lamp will be located, as well as better prepare the fastening embed.
The glossy surface of a stretch ceiling reflects 80% of the light, so you should not use chandeliers with open lamps pointing upward for lighting. They will be reflected in the canvas, and the light will be too bright and harsh. For calm, diffused lighting, it is necessary to use chandeliers and lamps with shades.
It is worth refusing a chandelier or lamp with a deliberately complex mounting option, since unnecessary injury to the tension fabric is undesirable.

These are just general restrictions. Since classic chandeliers, chandeliers of various intricate designs, chandeliers with a fan, built-in ceiling lights, overhead ceiling lights, spotlights and other lighting devices can be used to illuminate suspended ceilings, let’s look at some of them in more detail.

What kind of chandeliers for suspended ceilings are there?

To illuminate rooms with suspended ceilings, you can use a classic chandelier that is familiar to our eyes. For a small room with an area of 9 - 12 m2, one chandelier installed in the center of the room is sufficient. If the shape of the chandelier allows you to attach it to a hook specially designed for this purpose, then its installation will be quite inexpensive. Sometimes even some suspended ceiling installation companies install one chandelier for free.

To illuminate a large room of 20 m2 or more, one chandelier will not be enough. If the room has an elongated shape and allows you to divide it visually into two parts, then you can install two chandeliers at an equal distance from the walls. Otherwise, you can complement one chandelier with ceiling or spotlights, which will illuminate the “dead” areas where the light from the chandelier lamps does not reach.

Shape and dimensions of a chandelier for a stretch ceiling

All chandeliers can be divided into horizontal and vertical . In rooms with low ceilings from 2.3 m to 3 m in height, it is advisable to use horizontal chandeliers with a diameter of up to 1 m. They can be a multi-arm design located on “branches” or have a different design. Their main feature is that lamps with lamps are evenly distributed throughout the chandelier and are located at a sufficient distance from the center to better illuminate the room.

In rooms with high ceilings (above 3 m), it is better to use vertical chandeliers with a diameter of 30–50 cm and a height of about 1 m. A chandelier hanging on a long “leg” provides maximum illumination of the living space.

The price of chandeliers for suspended ceilings depends on their shape, design, size and materials used. The optimal choice would be chandeliers with shades or arms directed downwards or sideways and downwards, so as not to heat up the ceiling again. Also, classic chandeliers can be complemented with decorative elements - silk lampshade, beads, pendants made of faceted transparent or colored glass, which will play with reflections on the surface of the ceiling.

Crystal chandeliers for suspended ceilings are always popular , since faceted crystal elements scatter light, distributing it evenly throughout the room. All modern chandeliers of this type are designed to meet all the requirements for lighting rooms with suspended ceilings. The glossy fabric of the stretch ceiling reflects light and makes the crystal “play” with reflections and a lot of colored splashes.

In addition to those described above, there are huge chandeliers of pyramidal shapes for illuminating the halls of hotels, theaters, museums and other similar premises. The choice of a chandelier of a specific shape and size depends on the effect that the home owner wants to achieve. For example, a classic chandelier with candle lamps will look more advantageous under a matte canvas, but in a glossy one its reflection will be inappropriate and uncomfortable. A chandelier in the form of a hemisphere will perfectly complement the glossy canvas; in its reflection it will turn into a full sphere, which will visually enlarge the room and “raise higher” the ceiling. Horizontal multi-arm chandeliers look great both under matte and glossy canvases, which is clearly visible in the presented photos.

Chandeliers for suspended ceilings: photo examples

A vertical chandelier with silk lampshades and decorative glass elements is wonderfully reflected in the glossy stretch fabric of a dark shade.

And another chandelier against the backdrop of a dark stretch ceiling.

A crystal vertical chandelier goes well with a matte fabric stretch ceiling.

This is what a horizontal chandelier of modern design looks like.

And another option for modern decor.

An excellent option for a stretch ceiling is a horizontal multi-arm chandelier.

Classic vertical chandelier for high ceilings.

A horizontal chandelier of a futuristic design with closed shades is reflected favorably in the glossy stretch ceiling.

Here is an example of how lamps without shades can be reflected on a glossy ceiling.

A themed crystal chandelier requires an appropriate room. Not suitable for everyone.

It is difficult to choose a chandelier for a fabric ceiling with a rich pattern, but it is possible.

The upper part of a chandelier for a suspended ceiling should be no less aesthetic than the lower part, since it is its reflection that will be visible in the glossy canvas. There should be no unsightly protruding wires or other parts. The chandelier bowl (located at the very top and attached to the stretch ceiling) should be large enough to hide all flaws and installation locations.

You should not use chandeliers whose horns and lamps are directed upward and there is no lampshade or reflector on top . This threatens to cause black spots to appear on the surface of the ceiling, which are almost impossible to remove. By the way, this applies not only to stretch ceilings, but also to ordinary ceilings. The cause of black spots is burnt dust. The fact is that dust settles on the surface of the lamps, which burns due to heating of the surface of the lamp. When a draft appears in the room, for example, if you open the door, the burnt and still hot dust is blown off the surface of the lamp by a stream of air, rises up and settles on the ceiling, as if melting into the ceiling. If you still want to use this type of chandelier, then you need to install energy-saving or LED lamps in it; they heat up the least.

When choosing a chandelier for a stretch ceiling, you need to pay attention to those models whose lampshades have reflectors. Reflectors are a sheet of chrome or stainless steel. It is better if it is located on top - above the lamp, then the likelihood of overheating of the stretch ceiling fabric is minimal.

Next, let's look at the types of chandeliers depending on what kind of suspended ceiling lamps are used in them. Incandescent, halogen, energy-saving and LED lamps can be used as light sources.

Chandeliers for suspended ceilings with incandescent lamps

Incandescent lamps are the cheapest light source, but their efficiency is so negligible that recently their use has increasingly been abandoned in favor of other lamps. After all, only 3% of the energy spent by an incandescent lamp turns into light, the remaining 97% turns into heat. And this feature is associated with the biggest problem of using incandescent lamps with suspended ceilings.

The power of incandescent lamps in a chandelier for a suspended ceiling should not exceed 60 W if the chandelier is vertical and 40 W if it is horizontal.

If the lamps in the chandelier are directed upward, then they should be located no closer than 40 cm from the canvas. Otherwise, it is better not to use chandeliers with horns pointing upward at all, since the reflector focuses the energy and heats the canvas. If they are directed downwards, then at a distance of 20 cm. The best option would be chandeliers in which the lamps are completely hidden from the shades or at least the shades separate them from the ceiling.

Halogen chandeliers for suspended ceilings

Halogen lamps are not far removed from incandescent lamps in terms of efficiency. Their main advantage is that the spectrum they emit is closest to daytime sunlight. But such lamps heat up even more than incandescent lamps. That is why halogen lamps for suspended ceilings should not be more powerful than 35 W.

Another important nuance of working with halogen lamps is that you should never touch them with your hands, only with dry, clean cloth gloves. The fat secreted by the sebaceous glands of the skin will remain on the surface of the lamp bulb and will burn when the lamp warms up. A dark spot will appear in place of the burnt fat, as a result of which the lamp will heat up unevenly and quickly fail.

It is impossible to install halogen lamps in chandeliers whose horns are directed upward, except in cases where the chandelier is vertical and lowers a sufficiently large distance from the ceiling. This trick is only possible in rooms with high ceilings. In all other cases, it is better to install halogen lamps in shades and horns directed downward or sideways, and at a distance of 20 - 25 cm from the ceiling .

Energy-saving chandeliers for suspended ceilings

Energy-saving lamps are fluorescent lamps with built-in ballast. Their efficiency is much higher than that of incandescent lamps, and they practically do not heat up, but they have their drawbacks. There is mercury inside the bulb of an energy-saving lamp, so if the bulb is damaged or destroyed, it is necessary to take appropriate measures - vacate the room from people and animals and remove mercury gases. Also, after the expiration date of such a lamp, you cannot simply throw it in the trash, but must take it to a special collection point.

Energy-saving lamps for suspended ceilings can be of any power and located close to the canvas, for example, in horizontal chandeliers. The only limitation is rooms with high humidity. You cannot use energy-saving lamps in them - the power supply quickly breaks down. Energy-saving lamps can also be installed in horns pointing upward.

LED chandeliers for suspended ceilings

LED lamps are an ideal option for a stretch ceiling. They have the highest efficiency, they do not heat up and are very durable. The lifespan of such lamps is about 10,000 hours of continuous operation (4 years), and their durability does not depend on the number of switches on. LEDs distribute diffused light, so the lamps do not require reflectors or reflectors. There are no restrictions on power and distance to the canvas for such lamps.

LED lamps for suspended ceilings are installed with a power supply, so it makes sense to use low-voltage light bulbs with one power supply in the chandelier. By the way, it must be placed in a ventilated place - a niche, behind a cabinet or other place. You will have to run wires from the power supply to the chandelier. The design of LED chandeliers is so intricate and unusual that it can decorate and add zest to any interior.

Method of mounting a chandelier for suspended ceilings

All chandeliers can be divided into two categories according to the method of fastening - suspended and overhead.

A suspended chandelier for a suspended ceiling is hung on a special hook, which can be “tightly” fixed in the concrete ceiling (which is most likely if the apartment is old and the chandelier was already hanging in it), may have special fastenings for fixing in the voids of the ceilings, and the hook can be welded to a plate screwed to the ceiling. If you are installing a hook indoors for the first time, then it makes sense to install an anchor hook, firmly securing it in the ceiling.

Chandeliers with a hook are easiest to install on a suspended ceiling. To install them, you only need to lower the hook to the required height and make a small cut in the fabric to pull the wires and the chandelier rod through.

The so-called ceiling chandelier for a stretch ceiling is attached directly to the ceiling, therefore it is supplied together with special mounting elements - brackets.

The mounting strip most often comes complete with not too heavy chandeliers, is equipped with mounting pins or has side holes with a side clamp and thread. Since the suspended ceiling will be lowered 5–6 cm or more from the main ceiling, the mounting strip must be secured so that it is at the required level. To do this, something should be placed between it and the main ceiling. This can be a wooden block 5 - 10 mm thick less than the height of the ceiling.

The “cross” mounting strip is used for fastening heavy massive chandeliers in the shape of a circle, oval, square or rectangle. The task is the same as with the mounting strip. You need to take a piece of plywood, slightly larger than the size of the mounting cross, drill a hole in the middle through which you can stretch the electrical wires, and secure it to the ceiling with concrete anchor dowels. A “cross” mounting strip is attached through the plywood and right through to the concrete.

The I-beam mounting plate comes complete with large chandeliers. You can attach it to the base ceiling in the same way as the “cross” plank.

Please note that ceiling chandeliers with “cross” and “I-beam” mounting strips require a fairly large hole to be made in the stretch ceiling, which can negatively affect its appearance and tension. That is why pendant chandeliers and chandeliers with a conventional mounting strip are most often used.

What types of lamps for suspended ceilings are there?

In addition to chandeliers, in suspended ceilings you can install lamps, less voluminous and more compact lighting fixtures. There are such types of lamps for suspended ceilings - spotlights , which provide additional illumination of a certain corner, interior element or area of the room, as well as main ceiling lamps for suspended ceilings, which serve as general lighting instead of a chandelier. Spotlights are most often built-in, and ceiling lights are overhead, protruding beyond the canvas.

How to choose lamps for suspended ceilings so that they do not cause harm to the canvas, what lamps can be used and at what distance? Of course, incandescent lamps cannot be used in lamps. We'll look at the other types below.

Halogen lamps for suspended ceilings

As we have already written, halogen lamps heat up, so the lamps must be equipped with a reflector that directs the flow of light downwards. The body of the lamp itself, which uses halogen lamps for suspended ceilings, must be made of a material that minimally conducts heat. It is advisable that the lamp body protrudes beyond the canvas by at least 5–10 cm so that it does not heat up.

Also, the base of a lamp with a halogen lamp must be rotatable. Please note that the heating of a halogen lamp does not depend on voltage, so you can safely use 220 V lamps, discarding the idea of installing 12 V lamps and converters. You won't gain anything, and wiring and installing converters is extra hassle. Remember, the heating of the lamp depends only on the power.

Energy-saving lamps for suspended ceilings

Lamps with energy-saving lamps are most often spotlights. They can be located at any distance from the ceiling and have any power, since they practically do not heat up. In addition, the lamps always have a reflector that protects everything behind from heating.

Prices for energy-saving lamps for suspended ceilings are almost two times lower than for LED lamps, which is why they are still popular.

LED lamps for suspended ceilings

Lamps with LEDs cause the least damage to stretch ceilings; they do not heat up and dissipate heat perfectly. The category of lamps with diode lamps for suspended ceilings is the most extensive, with and without decorative elements that scatter and refract light. The body of such lamps is made of low heat-conducting materials and is specially insulated. The power and luminous capacity of LED lamps can vary depending on your needs.

LED lamps for suspended ceilings: photo example

Spotlights for suspended ceilings

Spot lights are the most extensive category of luminaires for suspended ceilings. They are quickly and easily installed, minimally disturbing the integrity of the canvas. Most often these are recessed lamps that use various spotlights for suspended ceilings - halogen, energy-saving and LED.

Installation of spotlights is carried out on special mounting strips, which are mounted before the canvas is tensioned. Halogen lamps get very hot, so the body of the lamp should not get hot, be sure to check this before purchasing. Or insulate the lamp from the canvas with a heat-resistant gasket. For 1 m2 of room area, one lamp with a halogen lamp is required. At the same time, the ceiling drops by 6 cm. If you use LED spotlights, then the tension fabric can be mounted at a distance of 4 - 5 cm from the main ceiling.

Lamps for suspended ceilings: photo example

When choosing the design of a chandelier or lamp for a stretch ceiling, be sure to take into account the color, texture and pattern of the canvas. For example, spotlights with Greek ornaments, with smalt inserts or antique bronze will look tacky on a fabric stretch ceiling with a floral print.

Types of lamps for suspended ceilings

Before choosing a chandelier for a suspended ceiling, it is important to know that compact lamps, which are smaller volume lighting devices, are also used for lighting in this case.

Such lamps are divided into two groups:

Spot lighting devices are designed for additional illumination of a certain area of the room. The design of most spotlights is recessed.
The main ceiling lights are designed for general lighting of the room. They refer to overhead lighting devices that can protrude beyond the canvas.

In order to make the right choice of a lamp for a suspended ceiling without causing harm to the main fabric, you need to know what light sources can be used in lamps.

Black color in the kitchen

A black kitchen will look chic when combined with stainless steel details. If you don't have the courage to go for a black kitchen, buy black cookware that matches almost any interior. In this case, it is important to choose the texture of the dishes: glossy or matte. The gloss is very effective, it reflects light, but imperfections and flaws are clearly visible on it, and its excess is somewhat tiring.

Matte black creates a feeling of peace, comfort, it is easier to keep clean, but sometimes it is not noticeable in the interior.

Halogen lamps in luminaires for suspended ceilings

Halogen lamps are characterized by strong heating, therefore, the lamps must have a reflector that will direct the flow of light downward. When purchasing a lamp for installation in a suspended ceiling, you need to pay attention to the material from which the product body is made. One of the characteristics of the material should be low thermal conductivity. In addition, it is important that the body of the lighting device extends beyond the canvas by about 5-10 cm.

It is recommended to use lamps with a rotating base. As for voltage, this parameter does not affect the degree of heating of the halogen lamp, so the network voltage can have standard values of 220 Volts. In the case of suspended ceilings, the use of 12 Volt lamps and converters will be quite a troublesome job, which involves laying wires and installing additional equipment. All this is fraught with unexpected damage to the stretched fabric.

Choosing material for a black ceiling

Armstrong mesh ceiling - consists of panels and modules
Tension fabric – flat and smooth base, easy installation. It is also possible to use not only matte or glossy finishes, but also fabric ones.
Combined finishing - stretch fabric and plasterboard sheets.
Acrylic latex paint - can be applied to any surface, including wood, plaster, concrete.

The lights on the black ceiling can be seen below. The main thing to remember is that black needs to be diluted - then the room will turn out strict, laconic and solemn.

Notice how lightly and unobtrusively the lighting is done on this black ceiling

Black ceilings are a special case; the demand for them is increasing day by day. It’s easy to explain this state of affairs - black stretch ceilings are not only practical, but also very aesthetic. They try to add black color to the interior decoration of the apartment in order to give the interior characteristic features - originality and richness. Real black in the interior always looks stylish and convincing. Many are convinced that it is not worth using black when decorating an apartment, but this is a big misconception. Black will be beautiful even in the bedroom - the main thing is to correctly combine the furniture and the entire decor of the room; a black ceiling, for example, will become not only stylish, but also an extremely original solution. The latter will be relevant in other rooms - in the kitchen, bar, cafe, living room and even in the hallway. A black ceiling creates a unique atmosphere due to its characteristic feature - it can reflect all the artificial and natural light that is in the room. Lamps on a black ceiling are all different - the design when adding black tones is always thought out carefully and carefully.

Black in the interior always looks stylish and convincing

Lamps with energy-saving lamps

In most cases, lighting devices with energy-saving light sources are spotlights. Due to the low degree of heating, the lamps can have different powers, and the lamp itself can be located at any distance from the stretch ceiling. In addition, lamps with energy-saving lamps are equipped with a reflector, which serves as a kind of protection from heating for everything that is behind it.

The popularity of luminaires with energy-saving lamps is ensured by their low cost compared to LED lamps.

LED lamps for stretch ceilings

The ability to perfectly dissipate heat and not heat up makes lamps with LED lamps absolutely harmless for suspended ceiling structures with any type of fabric. Such lighting devices have various decorative elements that scatter and refract light. To manufacture the body of LED lamps, materials with low thermal conductivity and special insulation are used. Light sources for such lamps can have different power; in most cases, this parameter is determined by the need for lighting.

Spot lighting devices for stretch ceilings

Spotlights belong to the most popular and fairly wide category of lighting devices that can be installed on suspended ceilings. This is due to quick and easy installation with minimal disruption to the integrity of the main fabric. In most cases, these are recessed luminaires with halogen, energy-saving and LED point light sources.

To install a spotlight, you must purchase special mounting strips.
Their installation is carried out immediately before tensioning the main web. When using halogen lamps, the lamp body should be insulated using a heat-resistant gasket. One halogen lamp effectively illuminates 1 m2 of room area. In this case, the canvas is stretched at a level of 6 cm from the main ceiling. In the case of LED lamps, the distance from the ceiling to the decorative canvas can be 4.5 cm. When deciding which chandeliers are suitable for a stretch ceiling, you should take into account the color scheme of the main canvas, as well as its texture and pattern.

Which color to choose

The choice of color depends almost entirely on the preferences of the owner of the room, but there are several rules that are also important to take into account when choosing.

If a white lamp will look expressive in almost any room, then a colored chandelier, chosen incorrectly, can disrupt the harmony of the environment. Therefore, it is important to use lighting fixtures whose color “echoes” the surrounding interior.

When searching for a chandelier for a suspended ceiling, you can rely on the following observations from designers:

The body and lampshades of white shades bring lightness to the room, the light emanating from them adds solemnity and elegance to the interior.

White chandelier for stretch ceiling

Delicate sand, beige colors and champagne shades will give a yellowish light - warm, cozy and conducive to relaxation.

Beige chandelier in a classic interior

Red color attracts attention, so it is not recommended to use it in bedrooms and living rooms. It is more suitable for rooms where energy and activity are required from a person.

Designer red chandelier in the kitchen interior

Green lampshades will be good for work areas: study, office, meeting rooms. The positive impact of this color on business activity was appreciated at the beginning of the last century - lamps with shades painted green were very popular in banks, bureaus, and agencies.

Green chandelier for stretch ceiling

Brown. Evoking associations with natural wood, this color is considered cozy. Brown lamps will look harmonious in interiors designed in country, Provence, African, Japanese or rustic styles.

Chandeliers with brown shades

Black. A black chandelier is suitable only for an original interior; against the backdrop of an ordinary setting, it will look alien.

Black chandelier in a modern interior