Recessed lights

Properly selected lighting creates a cozy atmosphere and comfort in the room, makes it visually more spacious, surround, and, if necessary, divides into zones. Intricate designer chandeliers are not always capable of solving these problems, so recently built-in lamps have become popular.

Recessed, spotlights or spotlights are the names that unite in one group lighting fixtures, the body of which is mounted in any surface, becoming almost imperceptible.

Despite its modest size and minimalistic appearance, the spots are notable for such characteristics in the design of the room that are inaccessible even to the most sophisticated designer chandelier. Their features:

• Recessed luminaires are suitable for use on vertical, horizontal, inclined, rounded surfaces.In any position, their body will be securely fixed;
• Spots are universal for interiors of different styles, since the “body” of the lamp is almost imperceptible, and only a small source of light remains on the surface;
• Easy to install with a small set of tools and minimal basic knowledge about installing light fixtures;
• Differ in a variety of forms and materials;
• It is possible to adjust the brightness of the lighting in the room by grouping a different number of devices and different power of the lamps;

• They help to solve design and architectural problems due to the fact that with the help of directional light, some areas in the room are illuminated, while others are shaded;
• Combined with any kind of lamps: traditional, halogen, LED, energy-saving;
• Recessed luminaires are autonomous units, and not a complete lighting system, so if a luminaire breaks in the design of one luminaire, it is enough to replace only it, and the rest will function properly;
• They are used both for decorative purposes for illumination, and as functional devices that give full lighting of the space;
• Available in the entire light spectrum, and the LEDs can also be colored.

Significant deficiencies in this type of lighting is not revealed, but there are several nuances that are worth paying attention to. First of all, it is the irrationality of the use of spots, especially with incandescent lamps, with a small ceiling height. As a rule, they are mounted in stretch ceilings, and this requires the installation of tension panels 6–16 centimeters below the level of the existing ceiling. With a height of 3 meters, this distance will be insignificant, but at 2.5-2.7 m there is a risk of getting a sense of overhanging, too low-lying ceiling.

Second moment - the total cost of the whole structure. By itself, the spot is quite cheap, but by multiplying the cost by the number of lamps required to illuminate the whole room, you can get an impressive amount to pay.

Classify recessed lights can be in many ways. By type of construction:

• Modular they are a flat luminaire without edging, which is equal in size to a standard rectangular or square ceiling tile.They immediately illuminate the entire space of the room, so additional light sources are no longer required. Modular lamps give the interior a somewhat industrial or technogenic look, so they are best suited for minimalist modern interiors, design using the latest technology, clear forms and straight lines. Successfully will look in the home version of the high-tech style and workroom.
• Dotted fixtures (downlights) perform the function of illuminating individual sections. Necessary for the placement of light accents in the interior, zoning and creating volume.

By the nature of the lighting:

• scattered - create soft lighting of the whole room;
• directional light - focused on a specific object or zone, illuminating only a small part of the space.

By depth of location:

• completely form a single surface with a floor, wall or ceiling;
• partially embedded - mounted on 2/3, so that part of the body stands out a little on the surface of the plane. Such lamps usually have a beautiful body, which plays the role of additional decor and enhances lighting due to reflective abilities.

By type of installation:

• mortise;
• mounted;
• invoices.

Overhead, or external, have small dimensions and from the side look like partially recessed fixtures, but they are installed on solid surfaces. Such light sources are convenient in the case when the small dimensions of the room do not allow mounting false surfaces, which take away precious centimeters from the area of ​​the room. Another option is a design idea for which external light sources are more suitable.

By mobility:

• fixed (static);
• rotary (rotating).

By design features:

• single lamp (with one lamp);
• double;
• triple.

Several combined lamps give better lighting and a different effect. To destination:

• ceiling;
• wall (wall);
• floor standing;
• furniture.

Luminaires for installation in the ceiling and in the wall differ little from each other in their characteristics and appearance. The main requirement for them - the minimum degree of heating, because the stretch ceiling does not tolerate high temperatures, and other materials are capricious in this regard. But the devices that are installed to illuminate the floor should create a perfectly smooth surface with it and be made of extremely durable, non-scratch materials. To the same category can be attributed to the lamps for the stairs, which provide lighting steps.

By type of lighting used:

• Incandescent lamps. The most uncompetitive option among modern light elements. They heat up too much and quickly burn out, their fragile body is only suitable for use at a height where light bulbs will not be available for mechanical damage.The base of incandescent lamps requires the longest distance between the ceiling surface and the tensioning sheet - 12 cm. They are also not adapted to temperature and high humidity, but there are light bulbs with a special housing that protects them from moisture. The advantages include only low cost and pleasant warm light;

• Halogen. According to the characteristics, they do not differ much from the first type, but they serve an order of magnitude longer due to some modifications in the construction that prolongs the life of the tungsten filament;

• Luminescent, or energy saving. With a low heating temperature, long service life, low energy consumption and high power could be the best of the existing options, but they cannot be called environmentally friendly due to the use of mercury vapor in the design of lamps;

• LED. The best option for ceiling lights. LED-lamps practically do not heat up, do not blink, are resistant to mechanical damage, consume little energy, are environmentally safe, have a long service life - up to 100,000 hours. It is possible to use both in the form of natural lighting, and color options.Also, LEDs are distinguished by the presence of additional features: lamps with a motion or heat sensor, dimmable (with adjustable brightness). In comparison with other types of fixtures, they are much more expensive.

The shape of the lamp and its appearance are very important because they participate in interior design. Common types of recessed luminaires: round, square, oval, triangular, rectangular, and even hexagons. Separately worth noting spherical lamps. Round lamps have the following characteristics:

• They are universal. You can easily choose a model for any diameter mounting hole. Suitable for installation on different surfaces. Do not "argue" with the interior;
• Multi-size. They can be compact for highlighting a small area or an art object in a room, and they can fully replace a chandelier.
• Provide uniform and bright light without blinking;
• They can be with or without visible housing. You can choose the color and material of the case for any interior;
• There are static and turning models.

Oval lights are less versatile. It is important to consider that we are talking here, rather, about the form of the ceiling than about the form of a light bulb or a diode. That is, the light source itself remains round, only the edging changes. In this regard, oval lamps are more suitable for decorating large surfaces and are used as ceiling or wall. To highlight the floor or, for example, the stairs, they will be too cumbersome and elaborate.

Triangular lamps have the following advantages:

• This is the optimal combination of high-quality solutions and original design;
• Approach to different interiors;
• Two types of design: with a triangular body and a round lamp (very compact) and a one-piece lamp of triangular shape in a body that repeats these shapes (variable in size);
• The purpose of the compact models - decorative lights, and large - general lighting of the room;
• Wide light distribution and visual comfort;
• Produced by reliable manufacturers. Due to the fact that the triangular lamp is a diode of complex shape, it can not be repeated on low-quality equipment, so the risk of getting an unusable product is minimal.

Square luminaires also have several advantages:

• Square - a classic form in the interior. Such lighting will be both decorative and functional at the same time, suitable for most interior solutions and eliminates the need to choose a chandelier.
• Wide range of applications - from private housing to administrative and municipal premises;
• Size variation;
• Can be installed both on the ceiling and on the floor, since square lamps without a decorative case form a perfectly flat surface with decoration;
• They give a uniform, bright, but unobtrusive light, therefore they are suitable for dark rooms into which little natural light penetrates or does not penetrate at all.

Rectangular fixtures Combine the positive characteristics of the square and individual characteristics. Their main difference is the elongated shape, which can no longer be called universal. With their help, you can fully illuminate the room and visually change its shape. For example, if you place rectangular lamps along the long side of the room, it will become even more elongated in appearance, and if it is transversely, it will be closer in shape to the square. Also benefits include:

• Convenience of installation at any height of the ceiling;
• A wide range of color temperatures;
• A high percentage of energy savings - up to 70%;
• Long service life - 50-100 thousand hours;
• The minimum degree of heating;
• Environmental friendliness and safety.

Bulk lamps (polyhedra, spheres, drops) refer to the ceiling. With rare exceptions, they are used as decoration of inclined surfaces (a common case is decorating a toilet mirror or highlighting paintings on the wall).

Dimensions of recessed luminaires are very variable. There are models of small and large sizes, thin and voluminous, long and short, narrow and wide. So, for example, the smallest diameter of a round luminaire can be 90x13 mm with a mounting hole diameter of 70 mm, and the widest one - 300x13 with a mounting hole of 280 mm. The required overall parameters are determined by the location of the lamp (floor, ceiling, furniture, walls) and its functions. For the floor and ceiling fit larger fixtures that can carry both functions at the same time. For decor it is better to stay on small lighting fixtures.

It is important to consider the location of the lamp. "Outdoor" points give more light and heat dissipation, while inside or hidden points form a narrow luminous flux, and heat is more concentrated on the surface of the ceiling.

The lamp body and decorative elements on it are selected taking into account the features of the surface for installation. It can be made of iron with various coatings, brass, zinc, bronze, aluminum, gypsum and imitations of these materials. Dyed plastic and drywall can be used as imitations. More rare types are made of solid wood or its substitutes (MDF, plywood), there are ceramic, enamel and crystal products, glass ceiling lamps and cases with crystal as a hanging decor. Paper and textile decorations are very rare.

Features of metal products:

• Low cost;
• Wear resistance;
• Suitable for fine processing, forging, creating three-dimensional decor;
• Ease of care;
• Cheap metal for painting can be replaced by expensive - gold, silver, bronze.

From glass:

• Reflective surface;
• Aesthetic appearance;
• Variety of colors and shapes;
• Resistance to temperature and humidity.

From crystal:

• Creates a magnificent play of light of refracted rays and enhances the lighting;
• It has a respectable appearance;
• Subject to processing, which allows you to create sophisticated jewelry;
• Easy to clean by any means.

From a tree:

• The most easy to process material that is suitable for creating any decor;
• In small quantities, relatively inexpensive;
• It is environmentally friendly and safe for health;
• Suitable for many types of processing: mechanical and manual painting, artificial aging, polishing, spraying, glossing;
• It can be used in interiors, which are based on natural wood.

From plastic:

• The most economical of all materials;
• Versatile, suitable for any interiors;
• Resistant to damage;
• It has a small weight;
• Not afraid of high humidity;
• A wide selection of colors, textures, shapes and sizes.

There are several ways of applying color to the finished housing of the lighting device - electroplating and painting. Coloring, in turn, happens manual and machine. The choice of the method will determine the final result and the cost of the product. Electroplating (or chrome plating) is used when it is necessary to make the parts smooth, shiny and reflective. For some decorative elements it can be made dull using special brushes or sandblasting.pattern. Electroplating provides several primary colors that mimic more expensive materials: pink and yellow gold, antique bronze, chrome, copper.

Painted products have warmer, brighter shades and a rough surface. Red, green, yellow, blue, orange shades are common. Black and white colors can act as soloists, and can be combined with others. Often, their brown color is used as the basis for the application of decor using golden, silver, gray shades.

Recessed fixtures with different functionality are incredibly in demand. Special The following models are common:

• "Starry sky." The legendary lamp for creating cosmic beauty migrated from the discharge of freestanding night-lights into the rows of built-in lamps. Ceiling, wall or floor, with a white or colored glow, swivel or fixed, round, spherical, drop-shaped - this lamp will transform. Actual for living rooms, bedrooms and children's rooms.

• "Enigma". These embossed ceiling lamps made of pure crystal on a chrome-plated base reflect light and enhance the play of refracted rays.They add festiveness and fabulousness to any interior, they emphasize the individual decorative elements: crystal glassware, figurines, niches and arched openings.

• "Cube". As the name implies, the ceiling has the shape of a cube, and a round diode is deepened inside it. Crystal-clear glass gently smoothes the corners of the cube, and the clear amber-colored border fills the light with warmth. Combining different models of "Cubes" gives an even more interesting result.

• "Porcelain". Its design is inspired by the immortal classic - white color and stucco on the ceiling, so the round lamp body is made of ceramics of a noble white shade and covered with a relief pattern. It goes well with rosettes, moldings, stucco, antiquities, appropriate in the classical style (vases, amphoras, sculptures).

• "Dew". These are small ceiling lamps made of unpainted faceted crystal, which, due to the play of light, “draw” large beautiful chrysanthemums around the lamp on the ceiling. Several such devices are able to illuminate a room of 4-6 square meters, which eliminates the need to look for a suitable chandelier.

• Flower. Continuing the theme of floristry plafonds figured forms in the form of half-dismissed buds, petals and other vegetation. All models are presented in combinations of bronze, gold and silver, which makes them worthy of elite interiors.

• "Glam". Despite the budget cost, these lamps have an interesting design and subtlety of execution. They look like a faceted gem, recessed in a metal bowl with a pattern. Playing on the edges of the glass, the light tells the interior a decorative look.

• "Glass". Laconic and sophisticated combination of glass and chrome. Minimalist and clear lines make it modern and ideal for interiors in the style of "hi-tech", techno, minimalism.
• "Mirror". The accumulation of these spotlights in crystal lampshades creates the illusion of twinkling stars in the sky.
• "Pearl". Pearl style lamps are charming openwork ceiling lamps made of metal threads, on which pearls are strung. This decor is designed for luxurious furnishings, so ideally there should not be many lamps.

Assembling and installing recessed lights is not difficult. To do this, follow A number of recommendations:

• Prepare the installation site, check the availability of cables and podozetniki.
• Calculate the safety distance (height under the ceiling - 10 cm, between the lamp and inflammable objects - 50 cm).
• At the selected location, cut the mounting hole with a hole drill.
• To mount in accordance with the instructions for a specific type of lamp (with or without a transformer, halogen, diode, incandescence and other options).
• Check the operation of the devices by turning on the general switch.

Among the popular manufacturing countries that produce beautiful and high-quality products include:

• Spain (LEDS, Mantra, B. lux);

• Russia (Arlight, Gauss, Ecolight, Donolux);

• Italy (Arte Lamp, Lussole);

• Belgium (Massive);

• Germany (Lumberg, Hans Kogl, Schmitz-Leuchten).

Spotlights - a unique tool for framing the interior of the house. In the corridor and the hallway with them you can create the necessary light and intricate pattern on the ceiling, which not only diversifies the boring room, but also visually makes the narrow and long space wider.

In the kitchen, it is convenient for them to highlight the cooking area and the dining area, in the nursery, the color options in the spirit of the “starry sky” will look beautiful, in the study you can highlight the pictures on the walls,in the living room, more festive or designer models would be appropriate, creating an atmosphere of comfort and luxury. Suitable models "Pearl", "Dew", "Glass."

A special category of built-in lamps are profile bronze lamps. This long luminous tube can be given absolutely any shape, combined with LED strip and colored lighting, placed on the ceiling, walls, floor and furniture. They equally well give the children's room the look of a spacecraft and will frame the mirror of the dressing table.

Review embedded luminaires, see the following video.