When designing a bathroom with a stretch ceiling, such lighting indicators as the location of the fixtures, the sufficient power (brightness) of the light and the efficiency of the lamps are always important. There are different types of fixtures for bathrooms, which are mounted differently and are suitable for different designs of suspended ceilings. In this article we will consider in detail what kind of lighting lamps are and what should be paid attention to when placing them.
Lamps are important
It’s not enough just to find lamps that suit the style of lighting the bathroom and its interior. In order for the lighting to be of high quality, it is important to correctly position the light sources, taking into account their characteristics, brightness. Where possible, lamps should be combined with natural light.
Poor planning of the location of the light sources and their functionality in the bathroom, especially of a small area, can lead to the following disadvantages:
- the lack of light near the mirror can make it difficult to perform certain hygiene procedures;
- poor lighting is a serious visual flaw in the interior, which can ruin the look of even the most elegant bathroom.
Bathroom requires a special approach to landscaping. It usually uses a minimum of furniture, but a lot of plumbing elements. Not always the room allows you to place many items that can create coziness. But with the help of light, much can be done, with a competent approach, it can transform the room.
Features of selection
Just two simple rules simplify the complex process of selecting lamps for the bathroom. Here they are:
- bathrooms need brighter light than other rooms;
- the lamps themselves can not be placed in close proximity to the shower or bath, this is due to basic safety standards.
The second paragraph is designed to prevent moisture from entering the lighting unit. That is why ceiling lighting is the best option. If you need, for example, additional mirror illumination, then the best choice would be closed wall lamps.
It is recommended to choose not particularly bright lamps for this purpose.
Mounting the lighting elements, it is important to consider the high level of humidity in the room. When choosing a lamp, take into account the level of moisture resistance, which is indicated in the form of a marking on the package of lamps (you can neglect this if we are talking about a well-known brand with confirmed product quality). The value of this level must be selected at least 4.
The number of fixtures is determined by the area and height of the room. If there is natural daylight and the bathroom has a small area, fewer fixtures are required.
Varieties of fixtures
To understand the question of which lamps should be placed in the bathroom, you should first find out what are the general principles of lighting rooms.
It often happens that the bath is separated from the rest of the space by a partition. Then in the bath zone (the area of this zone is usually from 4 sq. M), it is recommended to install two lamps in addition to the main light.
Among the lighting electrical appliances used in combination with suspended ceilings, the following varieties of lamps are distinguished:
- point (built-in and overhead);
- pendant (chandelier).
Sometimes (in large rooms, combined with multi-level ceilings) these two types are combined.
In bathrooms, spotlights are very popular. They are great for stretch ceilings. This type of lamp allows you to evenly illuminate the entire room. Spotlights are primarily used for specific areas so that the area is evenly lit.
Point light sources are classified by the brand of cap - G5.3, GX53, G9.
Besides, there are overhead and recessed spotlights. The practical difference between them is the distance between the suspended and the main ceilings. If you do not want to underestimate the stretch ceiling (more than 15 cm from the main one), then you need to use overhead lamps.
Lamps with a G5.3 socket, equipped with LED or halogen lamps, have one important minus - they do not scatter light due to the deep landing of the bulb inside the base, and unlit areas may remain in the room. The base of the GX53 solves this problem as the lamp protrudes from it. But such a design does not always satisfy homeowners in terms of design.
Lamps with the brand name GX53 can be equipped with energy-saving lamps, in addition to conventional LED lamps (it should be borne in mind that such lamps take time to light up).
Lamps with socket G9 very different from the previous two types, because they do not fit into the stretch ceiling. This allows you to increase its height (by reducing the distance between the stretch and the main ceiling), and this design provides good light scattering throughout the room.
It is very important to check that the selected recessed or downlight has a good cooling radiator (usually an aluminum grill). Stretch ceilings are a heat-sensitive element of the interior, they will quickly lose their appearance if they become excessively heated from lamps.
An excellent option may be pendant lights of sufficient brightness. They are economical and easy to use. In addition, their installation is simpler than recessed or overhead spotlights; therefore, chandeliers are installed quite often.
But it should be remembered that the normal working temperature of the chandelier is much higher, and this is unfavorable for a stretch ceiling.It is necessary to correctly calculate the distance from the chandelier to the ceiling (at least 15, up to 60 cm).
Thus, if your bathroom has a large area, then you should consider installing a pendant lamp. In combination with a stretch ceiling, chandeliers are also used to emphasize its design. (for example, with multilevel stretch ceilings).
In addition to the above, panel lights and LED strips are used. The former are used less frequently, as they are better suited for office space. If you still want to install the panel light in the bathroom on the stretch ceiling, then the advantage of these lamps may be good light scattering - the installation can be justified if you need to illuminate a large area.
LED strips are used for decorative lighting. As a rule, they are hidden in the ceiling structure in order to get a soft, diffused illumination.
Selection recommendations
Modern lamps are on the market in completely different versions for each type of room design. Based on the design of the ceiling and technical capabilities, you can make a choice in favor of one of the types:
- a lamp mounted on the ceiling surface;
- built in.
Built-in is a good option for those who want to hide the lamp inside the ceiling structure for design purposes. Such lamps are lightweight. Due to the fact that they themselves are invisible, their light gives space the illusion of additional volume.
For this reason, this variety is ideal for small rooms in which the ceilings are not very high.
In addition, there are such varieties of lamps:
- for placement on the wall;
- on the ceiling;
- On the floor.
Wall-mounted lamps are mounted in various functional areas of the room. They are often placed near the mirror. These light sources require special protection against moisture, as well as a high level of safety.
Ceiling mounting is a classic option. A modern bathroom is usually equipped with at least one pendant lamp. Traditionally, it solves the problem of general illumination. The most demanded matte lamps. They scatter light, make it soft, and it harmonizes perfectly with the magnificence of a stretch ceiling.
Also, much depends on what the principle of operation of a lighting electric appliance is.
Luminaires with a spiral, as well as fluorescent and gas lighting are well suited for the role of the main lighting and are in perfect harmony with all modern styles of suspended ceilings.
On how to choose the light in the bathroom, see below.
