The entrance door should be equipped with additional parts to make opening easier and increase human safety. Accessories include a door peephole, decorative details (wreath), and apartment number. Recently, it has become popular to use lighting for the front door. This allows you to create the most comfortable living conditions. Let's look at the main advantages of front door lighting and analyze the installation features.
Can be carried out both outside and inside the premises. It depends on its purpose, the characteristics of the home (it is an apartment or a private house).
Why is it so important to have proper lighting at the entrance?
With appropriate selection and installation of lamps on the threshold:
- We make it easy to unlock the door in the dark and ensure that the key is always inserted straight into the lock, which avoids permanent scratches on the lock body or even the door leaf.
- It’s easier to control what’s happening at the entrance and distinguish between known and unknown visitors at the door.
- Thanks to good visibility, we can ensure safe entry and exit for both ourselves and our guests.
- We drive away potential robbers who quickly use the cover of darkness for a stealthy robbery.
- We make sure that guests, couriers and other visitors can easily find the entrance.
- We create a play of light that enriches the appearance of the front door and other entrance elements.
How to light an entrance for greater control and safety of use, of course, depends on its position, size, design and many other factors. But the basic tips that we will present to you in the following chapters apply to most entrance doors.
Choosing a location for a fictitious window and design tips
When starting to create a false window structure, you need to select the type of structure, a suitable picture, and determine the location.
Living room or hall
This is the place where people most often gather: family, visiting guests. Because of this, there may be a feeling of lack of space, especially if the room is small.
Living room
The way out of this situation will be a false construction. The main thing is to choose the right image. How to do it?
- The picture should focus on distant objects.
- It is better if the image contains light colors - it will create the illusion of lighting.
- Try to make the picture contain fewer objects, animals, people - it will give the impression of fullness of the space.
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Children's room
The best options for simulating children's room windows are:
- In the first place you can put on the facade a window into a fairy-tale kingdom, a forest.
- The depths of the sea are for dreamers.
- If a child dreams of becoming an astronaut, then install a skylight with a starry sky in the room. Children's Image should be selected according to the child's wishes.
Children's
Bedroom
A bedroom is a place to relax, which means the selection of images must be appropriate. The picture should contain calm tones. It is not recommended to use bright colors.
Pictures with sunsets and seascapes will greatly help to calm you down. You can install the window structure opposite the bed - at the feet, and look at the landscapes before going to bed.
If the false window opening is located on the ceiling, then images of the starry sky and tree branches in the evening are recommended.
Workplace
In this case, everything depends on the nature of the work performed in the room. If you are busy with office work, it is better to install a large window with a plastic frame. Using a view of a big city as a background creates the illusion of an office in a high-rise building.
If the owner is engaged in gardening: growing seedlings, replanting house plants, then it is better to place a small window with shutters on the front wall and a view of the garden.
Bathroom
An original solution would be to design an open room, devoid of walls, but with windows on all sides. These techniques are used in large villas by the sea.
Bathroom
On all sides you need to attach photo wallpaper with a view of the sea beach and frame it with a false window structure. In such a room you can immerse yourself in a bath and imagine yourself on the seashore of a southern resort.
Kitchen
It is recommended to equip the kitchen with large windows, but window structures should be located on one or two walls.
The right picture can visually increase the space.
It's not just the entrance that matters
Especially if the entrance is not directly connected to the yard, but there is a staircase or paved path leading to it, be sure to provide properly lit access to the door.
You do not have to resort to special equipment, since in most cases, more discreet lighting in the form of miniature light bulbs is sufficient, which will illuminate stairs, thresholds and other obstacles; they will be clearly visible in the dark and will guide you and your guests to the entrance.
With discreet but practical lighting, you will ensure safe movement in the yard or at the entrance, as well as safe parking. For example, lights can be installed in a concrete fence, outside a wall, or even in the floor.
As a last resort, use models that can withstand stress well and will not be damaged if stepped on or even run over.
Lanterns and lamps for a private home
In private homes, lighting the door alone will not be enough. It is necessary that the entrance be visible from afar; for this there are many options for illuminating the porch.
- Lighting the front door with wall lanterns and lamps. Usually they are placed symmetrically on both sides.
- Lanterns located around the perimeter or in the corners of the porch area will add comfort and atmosphere. With this lighting, not only the porch will be visible, but also the cozy garden near the house.
- The lamps can be mounted into the steps of the stairs. Externally it looks elegant and beautiful. From a functional point of view, you will no longer have to grope for the next step; such a staircase will become absolutely visible and safe.
- Stair railings, balconies and roofing elements are also illuminated.
- The surrounding area can be illuminated with the help of large garden lanterns placed around the perimeter. Or several lamps located at the gate and illuminating the path to the house and the door itself.
- Complex lighting, which will use different light sources, will emphasize the aesthetics of the landscape and architecture of the house.
There are three types of site lighting that complement each other. The first is lights located around the perimeter of the site. The second is lamps for recreation areas. The third is lighting paths and approaches to the house.
To ensure that such a contour light fill does not absorb too much electricity, it is recommended to install motion sensors. They react to any movement in the established territory. If there is no one within the range of the flashlight, it stops shining.
The brightness level of the lighting should be adjusted so that the brightest lights are lit near the gate and along the perimeter of the site. Thus, everything that happens near the house will remain invisible from the street.
The front door is the star of your outdoor lighting
The main role of outdoor lighting should belong to the area around your front door. By illuminating other parts of the facade (as well as using interior light coming through the windows), you can create even more interesting patterns and complement the main lighting near the door.
If you want your front door to really shine bright at night, install the largest and most powerful lights for it, too. This prevents them from being obscured by the garage lights or even the side doors.
Keyhole illumination
Keyhole illumination will allow you to quickly find the lock and open the door, even if there is complete darkness all around. The castle is illuminated using door handles.
- The handle with a built-in sensor will automatically turn on the backlight if you touch any part of it. An LED strip is built into its inner side, which glows for 10 seconds and then fades out within 5 seconds. You can choose the color of the glow yourself and change it depending on your mood.
- Another option for a backlit pen is a phosphor-based system. A special element is installed under the fittings socket, capable of accumulating light, both solar and electric. The pen charges during the day and releases energy at nightfall. Depending on the brightness of daylight and charging time, the intensity of the night glow will vary. The device can serve for a very long time without losing its original properties. Luminoform is absolutely safe for humans and animals, and is used in the production of many products from cosmetics to toys.
Make sure it's the right size
When choosing the size of the luminaires, consider in particular the following instructions:
- Remember that the light for an observer (guest) from the street or yard will not look as bright as for someone standing at the entrance.
- If you are choosing between two sizes, in most cases the larger size model will be the right choice.
- To install light on both sides of the entrance, the lights should be approximately 1/5 the height of the door (including the frame!).
- However, if you choose a light fixture on one side only, keep it about a quarter of the way up the door. The same rule applies to width.
Don't buy at random! Carefully measure the outer door frame and lighting model before making your final decision. To make sure your choice is truly perfect, cut a piece of cardboard to the shape and size of your chosen model and check how it fits into the entrance.
Types of windows
The type of imitation window opening is selected based on preferences and financial capabilities. A wide selection allows you to choose the most suitable option.
Photo wallpaper
This view allows you to select the best images: you can find yourself on an exotic beach, in a green forest, or looking outside the city from a tall building.
Photo wallpaper
To make the window more realistic, it is recommended to frame it (the frame can be made of any material). Many forms of image can be found.
Before mounting the image, you need to prepare the surface. A flat wall is the main thing during installation.
To make it even more realistic, a window frame with a window sill is glued onto the image; plexiglass is used instead of glass. Indoor flowers are placed on the windowsill and curtains are hung.
painting
Some masters use hand-drawn images. This pleasure is not cheap, but if you have the funds, this option will be good in small rooms.
painting
If you have artistic skills, you can draw a picture. There will be no problems finding an image that is similar in spirit.
Before carrying out work, you must perform the following steps:
- Level the surface with plaster mixture or putty.
- Clean the wall.
- Get rid of dust and dirt.
- Treat with primer mixture.
Acrylic paints will help make the image colorful. The frame is made of polyurethane baguettes. If you want to attach a real frame, it is recommended to wait until the paint has completely dried, after which you can begin installation.
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The mirror structure is made from a single piece of fabric, or using a tiled version. Let's consider both options:
- A one-piece mirror is framed with a wooden frame, and a decor is created from fabric curtains.
- Mirror tiles are a complex design. First, the window is assembled, then individual pieces of mirrors are mounted in it, and the structure is hung on the wall.
Ceiling option
Starry skies are a popular option. Additionally, the structure is equipped with blue lamps, which will help simulate night.
If the room has a suspended ceiling, then you can achieve the effect of a glass roof due to the double structure. Installation consists of several stages:
- Installation of a suspended structure (ceiling) with a niche.
- The inside is covered with an image of the starry sky.
- Install lamps.
- Cover the structure with a window frame.
Illuminated window
A false window using lighting is a decorative structure equipped with artificial light. A large structure can replace indoor light.
Backlit
Rooms deprived of natural light are the main places where it is recommended to use imitation windows. If you use stained glass instead of ordinary glass, then if the structure is properly assembled, you can mistake the false structure for the real one.
Install door lights at shoulder level
The light we install next to the front door typically projects illumination forward and toward the ground, allowing us to see where we step on the threshold. We usually place them slightly below the top edge of the door or at about shoulder height.
With this installation, the beam of light will not be directed directly into your eyes, but slightly below the latter, so that when you come home, you can easily take the keys out of your bag or pocket and unlock the door.
Beautiful exclusive furniture to order
When a designer is working on the interior, it is difficult to find suitable furniture in the store. Most often, individual cabinet furniture is ordered to order. For this apartment we made: cabinets for children's rooms and hallways, cabinets and shelves for TV areas, furniture for the bathroom and laundry room, wooden wall panels with lighting and much more.
Also, according to the manufacturer’s special specifications, a decorative overlay was made for the front door. All products have a chic appearance and excellent quality. You will find a detailed description of all objects in our detailed video review.
Wall light on only one or both sides of the door
When installing lights next to a door, buyers typically choose a pair of lights—one on each side of the door.
- If spatial requirements or architectural design do not allow this, a design with a single light source is also permitted.
- In this case, it should be placed on the same side as the hook so that the visitors' faces are sufficiently illuminated and not obscured.
Garlands with small lanterns
Previously, we looked at options for lamps installed in the ground or for mounting on vertical surfaces. What about lanterns that are placed in the crowns of trees or on the branches of bushes? Stylized garlands of lamps are made in the spirit of the magical lights of fairies and elves. The objective advantage of these flashlights is the light-transmitting protective layer of the glass body, which allows you to save solar energy even in cloudy and rainy weather. These fabulous decorations will create a truly magical mood!
Take advantage of the canopy
Many entrance doors are covered with a canopy, which also allows you to conveniently install a light housing, such as an outdoor chandelier.
Especially if you don't have enough space at your front door for one or two lights, overhead lights are a great choice.
Ceiling lights will provide ample illumination along the access path, but if your canopy is supported by columns, you can also use a couple of wall lights. They beautifully highlight the entrance elements with directional light.
Correct installation
Almost any person who has already carried out similar manipulations when installing lamps inside the house can install a wall-mounted street lamp on any surface. The installation principle here will be identical. The main problem here will be the need to properly connect the lamp to the electrical network.
Note! Even though installing outdoor wall sconces does not involve complex electrical work, it is still best to leave it to a professional electrician. Especially if the house has old wiring.
The device is connected according to the following algorithm:
- select the installation location;
- We turn off the power in the part of the house in which installation work will be carried out.
To do this, unscrew the plugs or turn off the toggle switch on the electrical panel; Marking and drilling
Note! Be sure to make sure that part of the house is completely de-energized.
- disassemble the lighting fixture according to the instructions;
- then, focusing on the fastening elements of the lamp, mark with a pencil the places for drilling holes;
- After this, we drill holes of the required diameter in the wall with a drill, selecting a drill of the required size;
Butterfly dowel - Insert dowels into the holes made. For light models you can use simple dowels, and for heavy ones - anchor bolts or butterfly dowels;
- Next we install the lamp body on the wall;
- then we take out the wires coming from the lamp and connect them according to the standard circuit to the electrical network of the house;
- turn on the power and check the lighting device for operation.
This completes the installation of the lamp.
How bright should the light be?
Of course, when choosing lamps, it is important that they provide enough light for safe movement to the entrance.
- If you have only one light fixture installed at the entrance, let the lamp produce a luminous flux of 200 to 500 lumens.
- However, if you are using multiple light sources, it is enough for each lamp to produce up to 200 lumens.
Be careful when choosing sensors
Motion sensor exterior lighting is very popular because it is practical (no need to look for a switch) and economical. But to make it really useful, instead of getting on your nerves, pay special attention to the sensor's detection area.
If the radius is too large, passing cars or pedestrians could unnecessarily trigger it, consuming electricity and frustrating you.
It is also important that the lamp does not light up too long after switching on, nor does it go out too quickly. It will be extremely awkward if you find yourself in the dark when you find the key and want to insert it into the lock.
Choose only properly protected products.
Outdoor lighting is susceptible to many weather conditions and contaminants, so good protection against dust and moisture particles is critical when choosing a material.
- Manufacturers of lighting equipment also mark the level of this type of protection with the IP (Ingress Protection) sign.
- This marking tells us how safe the product is from water and dust particles.
- The IP rating is usually expressed as a two-digit number, with the first number indicating protection against particulate matter (dust, dirt) and the second indicating how well the product is protected against water entering the housing.
The higher the IP value, the better the protection. Outdoor lighting experts recommend values between 65 and 67.
Assembly of a frameless solid wood door
For such doors, lumber of the required thickness is selected and preferably even in texture, without a large number of knots and defects on the surface. If possible, calibrate by thickness (discrepancy no more than 1 mm). The base is a sheet of plywood or other material. On it, a sheet of lumber sawn along the length is laid out so that it evenly covers the entire surface of the sheet.
The sheet on which the layout was made is smeared over the entire area with wood glue and selected pieces of lumber are laid out on it tightly to each other, while their end sides adjacent to each other are smeared with glue. After all the workpieces have been completely laid out, they must be tightened with clamps or a tie for floor boards (laminate) and a load placed on top, or the boards placed across the door must be tightened with short clamps.
After the glue has dried, the door is processed with a plane along the long side - excess lumber is removed to the required width, then sanded with a grinder to completely equalize any possible differences in the thickness of the lumber blanks.
This results in a door that has a base on one side, and a solid wood surface on the other side, which can be kept in its natural form or covered with some decorative material.
The right material for the right look
Of course, for long life and a flawless appearance, the key materials are those that protect the outdoor light from UV rays, corrosion and other potentially harmful external influences.
For uncompromising quality, we highly recommend 316 grade stainless steel or copper, lacquered aluminum is also great for outdoor use. Slightly lower grades of stainless steel are cheaper, but after a certain time rust spots may begin to appear on it.
Classification of interior doors with glass inserts
Choosing the right door for a room is possible if you know all types of products and their parameters. In addition, you can ask the right questions in the store and evaluate the quality of the proposed model. Doors are classified according to the following criteria:
- manufacturing method;
- production material;
- type of coating.
Interior doors with glass are classified according to manufacturing method, material and type of coating
Types of interior doors by manufacturing method
According to the production method, the following types of doors are distinguished: panel and panel. Paneled structures are made either from solid wood or from combined raw materials. By design, they consist of a frame and thin panels inserted into the frame - panels. In the case of glazed doors, glass is inserted into the internal openings of the frame instead of some panels.
Such structures are embossed, and the door itself is very strong and reliable. However, the weight of the panel door is much greater than the mass of the panel model. For the manufacture of such interior structures, natural veneer or melamine is usually used. Also, various types of varnishes can be used as a coating.
The surface of panel doors is usually smooth, but there are models with a raised upper plane, which is created by finishing with baguette. The frame is often made of valuable wood.
Panel doors are the most common type of structure due to their reliability and low production price
The inside of panel doors can have a solid or small-hollow filling with slats made of natural wood or chipboard, MDF, NDF. The most durable, but at the same time heavy doors with solid filling are called reinforced. Products with fine-hollow filling are produced manually - and the quality of such doors is not the best. Doors with honeycomb filling are considered the optimal design in terms of price and quality.
Types of doors based on material of manufacture
For the production of doors, solid wood or wood substitutes with different coatings are used. In the first case, the product consists entirely of natural wood, often valuable species. These doors are very strong and durable. They look presentable, solid and respectable. The products provide excellent sound insulation, but, accordingly, this design is not cheap.
It is more practical to buy interior doors made from wood substitutes, which are covered with veneer of expensive wood species. They are cheaper than massive ones, weigh much less, and are also less susceptible to temperature changes and humidity. Only a professional can distinguish them from massive models by appearance. For the manufacture of such structures, chipboard, MDF and other wood-like materials are used. On top they can be covered with melamine or natural veneer.
Interior doors made from wood substitutes are cheaper and lighter than structures made from natural materials
Doors with honeycomb filling are made from cellulose and then impregnated with a special solution. The design consists of cells that are placed inside the canvas. These models weigh little, they are quite reliable and durable, and most importantly, they are inexpensive. The products are practically immune to temperature changes in the room.
Interior doors with glazing: their varieties by type of coating
Doors are usually covered with veneer or melamine. Very often, structures made from inexpensive types of wood or wood substitutes are finished with a thin layer of expensive wood - veneer. In terms of external characteristics, such products are difficult to distinguish from structures made from solid wood. They weigh less and cost less, but are less durable.
Thanks to veneer, interior doors retain the inherent wood grain
Melamine is decorative paper impregnated with resins. The thickness of the material is 0.1 mm. This surface looks beautiful and is quite resistant to mechanical stress. Melamine has a number of advantages:
- low price;
- a wide choice of patterns, colors and textures (matte, glossy, semi-glossy, with relief).
Often the pattern on the surface imitates natural wood. Canvases coated with melamine do not fade in the sun, they are difficult to scratch, and they are also less susceptible to moisture in the room than veneered ones.
Unlike doors with veneer, structures coated with melamine are less susceptible to moisture.
Photo of entrance lighting
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