The subtleties of organizing lighting on the balcony and loggia

Many today consider the balcony not as a place to store old things, but as the territory of a cozy house. It is landscaped, often insulated, used as a relaxation corner, workplace or garden. Of course, the organization of lighting becomes an important issue. About the subtleties of the choice of devices and their connection will tell our article.

Illumination enhances the functionality of any room. Balcony or loggia is no exception. Sources of artificial light allow you to comfortably be here at any time of the day. You can sit over a cup of tea with friends and enjoy the beautiful view or work at the computer, secluded from noisy households. In any case, you can not do without electricity.

If the balcony is open, Lighting devices must be protected from the environment (humidity, rainfall, frost, dust). To do this, choose garden lights or indoor wall lights in durable glass. If you decide to make the area insulated and glaze it, the choice of lighting methods for you is expanding.

In this case, you can implement any design ideas, adjust the light to fit your needs. In this case, you can choose any devices produced by manufacturers for the design of houses and apartments.

To choose the suitable options, it is worth considering all types of appliances suitable for insulated balconies.

Often this area is designed in the same way as the rest of the premises in the house. Ceiling lights are traditional. If a suspended ceiling is installed on the balcony, spot models can be mounted in it. These are small spots; they can be either static or rotary.

In the first case, light gently scatters around. In the second, it becomes possible to highlight individual corners of the room. Typically, 4 to 8 fixtures are mounted in the ceiling.

Chandelier is another option. It can be located in the center, complemented by other light sources. Of course, you should focus on the size of the territory and choose from compact models of chandeliers. Massive crystal construction will be inappropriate here.

Sconces can perform not only a practical, but also a decorative function. They decorate the room, can illuminate the sofa or sit on a coffee table. However, as a device for organizing a workspace (working with a computer, documents) or reading, they are not suitable. The level of illumination is insufficient.

Table lamps are ideal for a mini-office on the balcony. Many modern models are equipped with a lever system. This allows you to control the luminous flux. The main thing is to think over in advance the optimal size of the table so that all important objects, including a source of artificial light, fit on it.

Floor lamp - a piece of decor that creates a truly homely atmosphere. If you like to read on the balcony, the installation of such an element of the interior will provide you with a sufficient level of illumination for a comfortable enjoyment of literature.

LED strips allow you to realize the most interesting ideas. These are flexible lighting devices that can take any form. Due to the adhesive surface, mounting the tape is very easy. You can just let it go around the perimeter, creating a spectacular decorative illumination, or create an original light composition.

Lamps use different types of lamps. Let's consider them in more detail.

This is the most affordable, but already outdated option. The fact is that the operation of such lamps is completely disadvantageous. A lot of electricity is consumed with them, and the service life of products is limited to 1000 hours.

Their power corresponds to the previous type. Moreover, they consume 2 times less electricity. Products are available in various shapes and sizes. Shades of light also vary. From a design point of view, such lamps are the most interesting of all existing.

Such products give a more powerful luminous flux. They are quite economical, have a long service life (up to 8000 hours). The disadvantage of this variety is the high cost.

Today it is the most popular option. Products are economical, durable. They are able to work as much as 50,000 hours.

When choosing artificial light sources for a balcony, several key points to consider.

• Type of appliance. As already mentioned, only lamps with protective shades are suitable for an open balcony. The switch should be located inside the apartment. For an insulated room, devices are selected based on their purpose: for reading - a floor lamp, for work - a table lamp or a movable wall spot on a leg located above the table, for decoration - a sconce.

• Style. Lighting elements must comply with the style of the territory.The minimalism style is characterized by spotlights, laconic ceiling chandeliers and wall sconces in a matte white frame or with chrome details. Loft involves the installation of devices in metal shades.

In neoclassicism and modernity, original models of transparent glass are allowed. Vintage styles perfectly emphasize products in fabric lampshades or with forged elements. The options, stylized as old street lamps, look luxurious on the balcony.

• The size. The smaller the room, the more modest sizes light sources should have. Do not install models hanging on long cords with a low ceiling. Volumetric chandeliers and floor lamps with a catchy design with a large number of things in a limited area will also be inappropriate. Overloading space with details, you risk creating a sense of clutter.

If there is no glass and insulation on the balcony, the lamps are placed in places protected from precipitation and strong gusts of wind. The best option is above the window of the apartment. If the room is landscaped, the placement of lighting devices is thought out taking into account the area and nuances of operation.

The traditional option is built-in spot spots along the entire length of the territory. A special optical technique will help to visually expand the narrow balcony - the lamps are not mounted in the center of the ceiling, but are shifted to one of the walls.

Another option is to direct the luminous flux of the rotary devices to the walls. And the finish should be light and preferably glossy. In this case, it will reflect light.

You can arrange general lighting with several large but flat ceiling lights placed on the ceiling with equal pitch. If the ceilings are high, suspended models are acceptable. You can place several identical sconces on one of the walls.

If the room is spacious, You can hang in the center of a small chandelier. It can be supplemented by backlighting in local zones. For example, a floor lamp or sconce should be placed near a table or above a sofa. If the room has shelves or cabinets, it is also advisable to highlight them. So you can quickly find the right things.

An interesting effect is achieved by placing LED strip under the windowsill. Such soft lighting will come in handy if necessary to create intimate lighting.

It is not enough to choose the design and type of fixtures. It is still necessary to decide how to conduct electrical wiring on the balcony. There are three options.

• From the shield on the landing. This method will make the balcony lighting independent. In addition, you can connect not only light, but also any powerful devices (for example, a convector, computer). However, this can only be done at the stage of overhaul.
• From the junction box of a room or kitchen adjacent to the balcony. This method is more convenient. However, work should be carried out taking into account the diameter of the wire cores. You cannot overload a group.
• From a power outlet in an adjacent room. This method is considered the simplest and most economical.

We bring to your attention several examples of the design of the balcony.

Laconic design emphasize recessed ceiling lights. The unusual shape and colors of the ceiling are in harmony with the shelf and photo frames. The placement of light sources with a lateral shift makes the room visually more spacious.

The spots do not have to be strict. Here is an example of models decorated with glass beads. The sofa has a minimalistic sconce that additionally illuminates the relaxation area.

The main lighting can be organized by hanging devices, and the illumination of the workplace - by spots made in a similar style. An ideal option that creates a stylish, but business setting.

Light bulbs can not only illuminate the space, but also act as a decor. For example, you can make an original garland out of them and place it on the railing of the balcony. The sconces are installed on the wall, merging in color with the finish. If the light is not enough, you can turn on the floor lamp.

Another option for organizing light with pendant appliances. This time these are modern models that look like glass balls. The height of the ceiling allows the lamps to decorate the interior and not interfere with free movement.

If you want to maintain a discreet design, can choose flat chandeliers, which give enough light but hardly stand out from the ceiling. Two or three of these devices will provide a sufficient level of illumination in the room. And also you can optionally install modest sconces on the wall.

On how to conduct light on the balcony with your own hands, see the next video.