Lighting in a bathroom with a stretch ceiling
When designing a bathroom with a stretch ceiling, lighting indicators such as the location of the lamps, sufficient power (brightness) of the light and the efficiency of lamps are always important. There are different types of bathroom fixtures that are mounted in different ways and are suitable for different stretch ceiling designs. In this article, we will consider in detail what kind of lighting lamps are and what you should pay attention to when placing them.
Lamps are essential
It's not enough just to find lamps that match the bathroom lighting style and interior. For the lighting to be of high quality, it is important to correctly position the light sources, taking into account their characteristics, brightness. If possible, you should combine lamps with natural light.
Poor planning of the location of light sources and their functionality in a bathroom, especially a small area, can lead to the following inconveniences:
- 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 that can ruin the look of even the most elegant bathroom.
The bathroom requires a special approach to beautification. In it, as a rule, a minimum of furniture is used, but there are many plumbing elements. The room does not always allow you to place many items that can create comfort. But with the help of light, you can do a lot; with the right approach, it can transform a room.
Selection features
Just two simple rules simplify the complex process of choosing lamps for the bathroom. Here they are:
- bathrooms need brighter light than other rooms;
- the lamps themselves cannot be placed in the immediate vicinity of a shower stall or bath, this is due to elementary safety standards.
The second point 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 illumination of a mirror, then closed-type wall lamps are the best choice.
It is recommended to choose not particularly bright lamps for this purpose.
By assembling lighting elements, it is important to take into account the high level of humidity in the room... When choosing a luminaire, take into account the level of moisture resistance, which is indicated in the form of markings on the packaging of the 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 footprint, fewer fixtures are required.
Varieties of lamps
To understand the question of which lamps should be installed in the bathroom, you should first find out what are the general principles of lighting rooms.
It often happens that the bathtub is separated from the rest of the space by a partition. Then, in the bath area (the area of this area is usually from 4 sq. M), it is recommended to install two lamps in addition to the main light.
Among the lighting electrical devices used in combination with stretch ceilings, the following types of lamps are distinguished:
- point (built-in and overhead);
- hanging (chandeliers).
Sometimes (in large rooms, in combination with multilevel ceilings), these two types are combined.
Spotlights are very popular in bathrooms. They are great for stretch ceilings. This type of lamp allows you to evenly illuminate the entire room. Spot lighting electrical appliances are mainly used for certain areas so that the area is evenly illuminated.
Point light sources are classified according to the base brand - G5.3, GX53, G9.
Besides, there are surface-mounted and recessed spotlights... The practical difference between them is the distance between the stretch and 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.
Luminaires with G5.3 base, equipped with LED or halogen lamps, have one important disadvantage - they do not scatter light due to the deep planting of the bulb inside the base, and unlit areas may remain in the room... The GX53 base solves this problem as the lamp protrudes from it. But this design does not always suit homeowners in terms of design.
Luminaires with base / plinth brand GX53 can be equipped with energy saving lamps in addition to the regular LED lamps (note that these lamps take time to light up).
Bulbs with G9 socket are very different from the previous two types, since they are not embedded inside the stretch ceiling. This allows you to increase its height (by reducing the distance between the stretch ceiling and the main ceiling), and this design provides good light diffusion around the room.
It is very important to check that the selected recessed or surface-mounted luminaire has a good cooling radiator (usually an aluminum grille). Stretch ceilings are a thermosensitive element of the interior; they will quickly lose their appearance if they heat up too much from the lamps.
Pendant lamps of sufficient brightness can be an excellent option. They are economical and easy to use. In addition, their installation is easier than recessed or surface-mounted spotlights; therefore, chandeliers are installed quite often.
But it should be remembered that the normal operating 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 to 60 cm).
Thus, if your bathroom has a large area, then it is worth considering 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 lamps and LED strips are used. The former are used less often, since they are better suited for office premises. If you still want to install a panel lamp in a bathroom on a stretch ceiling, then the advantage of these lamps may be good light diffusion - the installation may 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 obtain a soft, diffused illumination.
Selection recommendations
Modern lamps are available on the market in completely different versions for every 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:
- ceiling-mounted luminaire;
- built-in.
Recessed is a good option for those looking to hide a lamp inside a ceiling structure for design purposes. These lamps are lightweight. Due to the fact that they themselves are invisible, their light gives the space the illusion of additional volume.
For this reason, this variety is ideal for small spaces where ceilings are not very high.
In addition, there are these types of lamps:
- for placement on the wall;
- on the ceiling;
- On the floor.
Wall 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 backlighting. Frosted lamps are most in demand. They scatter light, make it soft, and it is in perfect harmony with the splendor of the stretch ceiling.
Also, a lot depends on what is the principle of operation of this or that lighting electrical device.
Luminaires with a spiral, as well as fluorescent and gas light, are well suited for the role of main lighting and are in perfect harmony with all modern styles of stretch ceilings.
How to choose a bathroom light, see below.
