Lamps for suspended ceilings: types, how to choose the best + review of brands

Aesthetic, visually attractive and practical stretch fabrics are considered the optimal way to finish the ceiling.But when it comes to designing a lighting system for them, problems arise related to the characteristics of the materials used in the manufacturing process of tensile structures.

You don't know how to choose the best lamps for suspended ceilings and which ones will be safe to use?

We will help you understand this issue - in this article we will find out what you need to take into account when choosing devices, consider suitable types of lamps, and highlight reliable and trusted lighting equipment manufacturers.

Technical features of suspended ceilings

The range of well-known lighting brands offers many different options for ceiling lighting fixtures. However, not every of the proposed lamp models can be attached to tension structures.

The thing is that their surface consists of PVC film, fiberglass or fabric materials that do not tolerate heating above 60°C.

If you buy the first device and type of light bulb you come across in a store, without paying attention to the characteristics of the devices, there is a high risk that over time they will burn the canvas.

As a result, the material becomes deformed, sag, acquires an unsightly yellow tint, and begins to emit unpleasant odors when the light is on.

The fabric will be a little more resistant to temperature influences, but the vinyl or glossy surface of the film can quickly crack, lose its shape and primary elasticity

That is why lamps installed in a suspended ceiling must be low-power and emit a minimum amount of heat.

It is desirable that the supporting body of the devices be made of safe thermal raw materials that prevent the spread of heat coming from the filament to the ceiling.

Preferred types of lighting fixtures

It is necessary to discuss the most suitable types of lighting at the stage of installing the ceiling covering or developing a design project for the room.

The main restrictions relate to:

• power;
• bulkiness;
• type of equipment fastening.

These characteristics must be compared with the specific design and type of ceiling finishing.

For lighting fixtures, special holes are cut out in the tension fabric, through which they are connected to the fittings built into the surface of the main ceiling

The wiring and installation of fasteners is carried out even before the actual installation of the structure. For this reason, the layout and the required number of light sources also need to be thought out in advance. In this case, several types of lamps would be appropriate.

No. 1 - universal point devices

Spotlights with tensioned fabric are the classic and most common combination. The devices are suitable for rooms of any height, even if we are talking about critically low parameters.

The body of the product can protrude slightly beyond the plane of the ceiling or be completely embedded in the surface, merging with the canvas.

They are used both for illumination of individual zones and as general lighting of the room (provided that at least one device is installed for every 1-1.5 m²). They create interesting lighting scenarios, giving the interior design a special personality.

Point models have numerous advantages:

• affordable price;
• ease of installation;
• low heat level;
• variety of design;
• economical energy consumption;
• resistance to moisture due to a closed, hermetically sealed design;
• possibility of adjusting the direction of light flow.

The installation method for compact point devices depends on their type. Recessed luminaires are mounted using a spring mount, which is inserted into a pre-prepared hole.

In the niche, the spring straightens, pressing the structure tightly to the ceiling. From the outside, the hole is closed with a decorative overlay. For built-in equipment, it is necessary to leave at least 7 cm of clearance between the main and suspended ceiling coverings

For installation of surface-mounted lamps, adjustable stands covered with canvas are used. In the marked places, thermal rings are glued, hiding under the side of the equipment. They help fix the body and subsequently prevent heat exchange between the device and the material.

To be able to adjust the direction of the light, you can choose rotating models.

No. 2 - original suspended structures

Pendant lights are suitable for large spaces, but are not recommended for use in rooms with low ceilings.They provide diffused or directional light flow, perfectly illuminate the room, emitting powerful bright light.

In this case, there is no risk of damage to the tension structure, since the device body and the canvas are placed at a safe distance from each other.

The weight of the chandelier should not be excessively large. You also need to pay attention to the horns and lampshades. It is advisable that they look down, otherwise overheating of the membrane and the appearance of glare on glossy surfaces cannot be ruled out.

Using pendant-type lighting technology, you can radically change the atmosphere in the room: add luxury, visually reduce or expand the area, design work areas in an original way

This category includes track lights, lamps and chandeliers, which are suspended from a durable hook made of reinforcement built into the base ceiling.

The frame of the product is supported by a decorative chain, cable or rod with a length of 0.2 to 1.5 m. The fastening mechanism is hidden behind the canvas; only part of the suspension and a reinforcing ring remain outside.

The main advantages of pendant lamps:

• easy installation;
• aesthetic appeal;
• wide dispersion angle;
• compatibility with all types of lamps;
• possibility of height adjustment;
• harmonious combination with different interior styles;
• quick cooling of light bulbs;
• complete absence of risk of damage to the canvas, provided the suspension length is sufficient.

Pendant lamps impress with their variety of colors, designs, and decorative designs. The body is made of metal, plastic materials, glass, wood.

Lampshades are made in the form of balls, spheres, geometric shapes, curly stems, and interesting compositions.The design can be modular, independent, rotating, stationary.

No. 3 - bright raster lamps

Modular raster fluorescent type lamps are included in a separate category. They are cellular metal structures equipped with a special reflective grille that scatters light.

Square or rectangular-shaped devices provide bright, uniform lighting that is appropriate in large, spacious rooms. There is no design originality in their design: the models differ only in the type of mirror plate profile

This type of lamps has the following advantages:

• simplified installation and dismantling system;
• additional protection for lamps;
• mobile dimensions and design;
• strict minimalistic design.

For a home environment, this option is not always advisable. But for work rooms, offices, trading floors, showrooms, and dressing rooms, raster lighting devices will be the ideal choice.

No. 4 - LED strip for contour lighting

One of the most original and effective types of lighting is an LED strip glued to the surface of the canvas. It is mainly used as additional decorative lighting in rooms.

When combining LED strips with other more powerful lighting equipment, you can create unique light patterns, 3D paintings, contours, and complex patterns

Some manufacturers have models with 120-240 light bulbs, which are quite capable of serving as the main light source. When glowing, they do not emit heat, which makes them absolutely safe for ceilings made of PVC film and fabric.

Advantages of LED strips:

• compact dimensions, flexibility, lightness;
• easy mounting in hard-to-reach areas;
• low power consumption;
• reduced light output;
• brightness and color adjustment;
• long working life even with long-term continuous use.

The LED strip contains many luminous crystals mounted on the board. Their number and planting density determines the power of the circuit.

The tapes can have a moisture-resistant or regular coating, and be equipped with LEDs of various colors. They often contain dimming function.

Optimal types of light bulbs

Each type of lamp corresponds to a specific type of light bulb. For example, in LED models an incandescent lamp is unacceptable. This nuance is important to consider when choosing products.

For installation on the tension fabric, energy-saving, LED, halogen light sources, incandescent lamps, and fiber optic threads are used.

In general, any light sources are suitable for tensile structures, but with several clarifications:

• It is better to give preference to frosted light bulbs;
• V spotlights Do not use incandescent lamps;
• together with halogen light sources, additional installation is required transformer;
• permissible power of incandescent lamps is no more than 45-60 W, halogen lamps – up to 35 W.

Incandescent lamps placed in hanging chandeliers fixed at a distance of at least 0.4 m from the film ceiling. They emit standard diffuse light, but are the least economical option among the rest.

Halogen lamps more economical and durable.These devices have good color rendering and provide intense bright light in the room, but are very limited in color gamut.

LED bulbs - the most optimal, environmentally friendly and cost-effective option. They hardly heat up during operation, which is why they are the best type of light source for suspended ceiling surfaces.

For many models LED lamps Manufacturers provide a long warranty for up to 10 years.

LED lamps are characterized by a wide range color temperatures – from cold white to warm yellow tone. The devices do not create a flickering effect and emit a fairly soft light.

When purchasing lighting fixtures with already built-in LEDs, you need to clarify the possibility of replacing them. If it is not provided, then if the light bulb fails, you will have to change the lamp

Fluorescent light bulbs - durable and economical. They provide high-quality diffused lighting, do not heat up, and do not illuminate the surface. Thanks to the low energy consumption, the relatively high price of the products quickly pays off.

Since they are characterized by relatively large sizes, they are not suitable for every lamp model. Main disadvantage fluorescent lamps – low startup speed.

Fiber optic threads - another option for a light source, which is often combined with stretched fabrics. They are characterized by low heat transfer and a small amount of light. Usually they are used exclusively as decorative lighting.

With the help of luminous threads and special attachments, bewitching effects of the starry sky, flames, and northern lights are created indoors

The cost of optical fiber is an order of magnitude more expensive than other elements, but it is justified by its durability.

Review of the best lighting equipment manufacturers

You can find many different brands on the lighting products market. To be sure of the quality of the equipment, it is wiser to purchase models from trusted manufacturers. Let's look at the top three leaders in this area.

1st place - Ecola brand (China)

Most experts believe that the most reliable and inexpensive lamps for tension structures are offered by the company Ecola.

Almost all presented models are equipped with a special moisture protection system. Installation of this equipment is not difficult. It has minimum requirements for the installation height and the size of the niche made between the base and suspended ceiling.

Products produced by the manufacturer emit little heat, consume a minimum of electricity, and last a long time. The special design of the devices prevents unnecessary glare on translucent canvases

The manufacturer's lineup is quite diverse. Recessed luminaires received a record number of positive reviews GX53, MR16, surface-mounted devices GX70.

They best meet the criteria important for users: quality of lighting, environmental safety, stylish design.

2nd place - Philips (Netherlands)

Brand products Philips Lighting (new name - Signify) are famous for their versatility and reliability. The brand's collection includes many lighting devices compatible with suspended ceiling structures.

All of them are united by a modern design, in which elegant, laconic forms are visible, allowing you to give the interior a special charm.

Philips lighting devices are easily mounted on a surface, provide natural color rendition, and emit bright and comfortable light, distributing it evenly throughout the room. Only safe raw materials are used in their manufacturing process.

Among the available models, it is worth highlighting the ultra-thin built-in devices of the “Downlight” type, ceiling lamps of the ECOMODS, point devices Probos.

3rd place - Citilux brand (Denmark)

The Danish manufacturer has something to offer as convenient, effective and beautiful lighting solutions for suspended ceilings Citilux.

The materials used in the design of its lamps are resistant to moisture, temperature changes, and vibrations. Most modifications are sold at relatively affordable prices.

The brand's products are made in a traditional, simple style with classic elements. If installed correctly, using different devices, you can model the space in a special way, highlight the desired areas, and create interesting silhouettes

Owners of such lighting equipment note its ease of maintenance, practicality, high quality, and long service life.

The best models of the brand include ceiling chandeliers with a remote control from the Parker series, recessed spotlights from the Alpha and Beta lines, and Luna surface-mounted devices.

In addition to the brands described, it is also worth mentioning lighting equipment Osram, Massive, Globo, Markslojd, Feron.

Recommendations for the buyer on choosing a lamp

When going to the store to buy a lamp, you need to clearly understand what you need.Your choice should be correlated with the technical requirements of the stretch fabric, the specifics of the room, and the interior design in which the room is decorated.

Extreme care must be taken when installing lighting equipment. Stretch ceilings require delicate handling. Before installation, it is advisable to ensure the integrity of the lamp structure: chipped and broken corners can snag and damage the canvas

First of all, we determine the external qualities of suitable products:

1. Form. The lamps have different body and shade shapes: standard, asymmetrical, geometric. Their choice determines how and at what angle the light will be distributed throughout the room. Some models add mirror reflective plates, colored plastic or glass, which help create a unique romantic atmosphere due to scattering glare.
2. Size. All lamp options differ in size and weight. Based on these parameters, the future lighting system is calculated. You should not take lamps that are too heavy: for them it is necessary to increase the mounting height of the surface so that the ceiling does not sag.
3. Color. The housing of lighting fixtures can be designed in all colors and shades. The palette is so wide that choosing a device to match the color of the ceiling covering is not difficult. If you want to diversify the interior, you can take several lamps in different colors.

It is important to take into account the features of the room in which the devices will be installed. For bathrooms where the level of humidity is always high, you should select equipment with high degree of protection. Such devices have a sealed housing that prevents the penetration of water.

Detailed information on the selection and placement of lamps in the bathroom is presented in this article.

The kitchen is usually much warmer than other rooms. The ideal option in this case is low-power lamps up to 45 W

For the bedroom, appliances with frosted diffuse glass are considered the best choice. In hallways and corridors of an elongated shape, it is recommended to install point-type lighting devices along the entire perimeter.

It is not necessary to settle on one type of lighting equipment for the room. It’s worth trying to combine different solutions.

For example, install a classic chandelier and complement it with spotlights. This will allow you to create original lighting compositions, highlight individual details in the interior, divide the room into zones, and avoid shadowed corners.

The photo gallery presents spectacular lighting design options in rooms with suspended ceilings:

It is also worth paying attention to a few general recommendations:

• built-in devices must have internal sides, their heating temperature cannot exceed 60°C;
• the optimal distance from the wall to the equipment is 15-20 cm;
• large lamps or chandeliers are mounted in the center of the room or in the work area;
• Only fluorescent or LED light bulbs are installed in dish lamps;
• in rooms of non-standard sizes it is advisable to use a wave distribution scheme of point devices;
• When purchasing, you should clarify the possibility of replacing burnt out light bulbs;
• Cast built-in equipment, chandeliers with structural elements protruding upward, heavy appliances, and lamps with incandescent lamps located close to the canvas are not suitable for installation in a tension fabric.

It is difficult to say unequivocally which model of the device will be better - this is a matter of aesthetic taste of the apartment owner or designer.

But most experts recommend abandoning massive and voluminous chandeliers in favor of compact point devices.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Overview of the main types of luminaires for stretched fabrics:

Expert recommendations on how to choose devices to organize a high-quality lighting system in the house:

Properly selected lamps will not harm the characteristics of the stretch fabric and will provide comfortable and uniform illumination of the space. It is enough to plan the placement of devices in advance and follow the basic rules for selection and installation, following the recommendations.

Share with readers your experience of using ceiling lamps. Tell us which model you preferred and whether you were satisfied with the purchase.Please leave comments on the article, ask questions and participate in discussions. The contact form is located below.