Types and types of spotlights

More and more customers prefer to buy spotlights in an online store - the price is not more than other lamps, and they take up less space and volume. "Points" are universal: they can be installed in both large and small rooms. Often in bathrooms, bedrooms and on loggias they are located around the perimeter of the room or in groups, evenly illuminating the entire space and expanding it. In large rooms there are zones - a bar, a jacuzzi, podiums, TV and consoles and other elements.

Reasons to buy a spotlight:

Easy installation
Saving with halogen lamps,
The ability to "redraw" the room,
Prices in the online store LyustraNaDom in Moscow at the "point" are available,
The ability to create uniform lighting, and not be satisfied with one point when using a chandelier,
Favorable cost of products,
Universality of "points" in a modern interior.

Products of this category combine well with pure colors in the interior, mirrored surfaces and multi-level ceilings - any owner of a modern interior can buy spotlights in Moscow and advantageously arrange them. "Dots" may seem faceless, but they can either emit light of various intensities and colors, or change the direction of the beam. Swivel models are effective in large rooms.

Pay for goods in cash, electronic money or by card and receive a purchase in any city in the country. Retain the packaging until use to be able to return a damaged, defective, or defective product.

Spotlights: installation methods

What is a spotlight is represented by many. How to install it is described in the article “Installation of a spotlight”. By the method of installation, such equipment is divided into the following types:

Overhead or external. They are used for frameless substrates such as concrete ceilings or brick walls. Great for situations where it is necessary to change the interior without interfering with the dimensions of the room. They consist of two main parts: the mounting pad and the housing on which the diffuser is located. Installation takes place by fixing the strap into the hole, the diameter of which is smaller than the body. This allows you to cover it with a ceiling, in order not to lose the aesthetic appearance. It is also necessary to connect the ground wire to the bracket. After connecting the wires, the housing must be fixed on the site.
Recessed spotlights. They are the most popular among their representatives. This is due to their easy installation in any surface and material. This can be drywall, suspended ceilings, furniture elements and niches of varying complexity. Recently, you can find spotlights not only in walls and ceilings, but also on the floor, in stairs, pools, bars and as a backlight on the kitchen set. As for their configuration, there are also their own characteristics. In most cases, they consist of a continuous structure. These are immediately combined fasteners and clips. During installation, it is only necessary to insert the lamp into a pre-prepared hole in which the ceiling is fixed with the help of paws. This gives them a major advantage in use and puts them in the first place. A huge plus is the huge range. Various textures, colors, sizes help everyone to find the option they need.
Pendant spotlights. They differ in the design of their body. Unlike its predecessors, it is located a short distance from the ceiling. The basis for such lamps can be completely different: solid, suspended and suspended. In practice, they are most often used as an element of decor, to give the room a beautiful and aesthetic appearance. Installation takes place by hanging the lamp on a decorative cable that is mounted on the ceiling. Look good in the bedroom or living room

When choosing a spotlight, you should pay attention to the design of the room and the type of niche in which it will be mounted.

Type of adjustment of spotlights

It is divided into several categories, which differ in the type of structure, the angle of the light flux and its intensity.

Rotary. Perfect for places where you need to constantly adjust the light. However, during installation, it is recommended to strengthen the fastening place, otherwise, with frequent use, it threatens rapid wear of the material.
Fixed They can not be rotated, which means that they are intended only to highlight a certain part of the room.
Pivoting and sliding. They help not only to adjust the angle of light flow, but also are able to create lighting zones.
Cardan. Equipped with advanced adjustment of light intensity and its flow.
Spots. They have a swivel mechanism that helps to manually direct the light. Usually, several shades are placed on one fixture. Especially aesthetically pleasing when placed in the form of geometric shapes.
Downlight. They are used to illuminate a certain element of the room: paintings, photographs, niches with statuettes.

The functionality of spotlights is also diverse. Manufacturers offer different diameters, shapes and colors. Functional separation is made taking into account the production equipment:

the presence of remote control - a modern option, convenient for high ceilings and inaccessible places,
Extensive lighting angle
ability to adjust in different planes,
resistance to high humidity,
the presence of a special coating that protects against dust,

Select these characteristics, it is necessary based on the features of the interior and personal preferences.

Features of the work of spotlights

Any spotlight consists of the following parts: fixed to the surface of the base, the housing on which the clamps and cables are located.

Lamps under incandescent lamps are divided into two groups:

Open, it is characterized by a U-shaped design.
Closed, the basis of its design includes a special casing that protects against moisture.

An incandescent lamp implies heating of high temperatures, but even so, the housing does not require additional protection. And all this thanks to the special built-in points that are in the lamp. They are covered with a mirror amalgam, which protects the entire structure from overheating.

Spotlights still have a number of characteristics that should be considered, preferring them to be placed:

light scattering angle does not exceed 30 degrees. Thus, one lamp even for the smallest room will not be enough.
the stream of light is conical.

Spotlight has its advantages, so it is increasingly used in a modern interior. It looks particularly advantageous in the space in which you need to create visual work areas.

Components for spotlights

When purchasing a spotlight, you need to know what elements are included with it in order to connect it to the power circuit:

case with diffuser, sometimes it is replaced by a latch.
mounting plate.
terminal block, but very often there is only a pair of terminals.
a lamp, but to meet it in the kit is a rather rare occurrence, usually you have to buy it yourself.

Types of lamps for spotlights
The lamp for spotlights can be of several types.

Types of lamps according to the principle of operation

According to the principle of operation of the lamp, there are several types:

Incandescent lamps. Due to the fairly low price and easy replacement, they are the most common. However, recently the number of their minuses exceeds these two advantages. Disadvantages: consume a lot of electricity and thanks to a rather large fastener, they require a special frame.
Halogen. They deserve attention due to their low power consumption and long service life. And this is not all of their positive qualities, they also differ in brightness and small depth of fasteners. Disadvantages of halogen lamps: excessive heat and are easily contaminated with fats. Replacement is recommended to be carried out with special gloves in order to maintain the durability of use.
Diode spotlights. Unlike its predecessors, diode lamps appeared recently. But for such a short period, they were able to get the love of many buyers. And all thanks to their main advantages. Low power consumption - like for everyone who saves. Such lamps never overheat, which means they are an excellent outlet for those who have preferred stretch ceilings. It should stop and security, they can be safely used in children's rooms. Still such lamps are equipped with a rotary mechanism. This is very convenient, because at any time you can easily change the angle of the light.
Fluorescent Designed for use in industrial premises, with the aim of simulating natural light. They are distinguished by a high price, but their durability compensates for this item. But their biggest drawback is the harmfulness and not environmental friendliness, but all because of the mercury content.

Types of socles

The lamp base is the place where the lamp is connected to the cartridge. They also have different designs. The most common are threaded and pin.

In spotlights, E14, G5.3 and G10 are commonly used.

Thus, we can conclude that there is no perfect lamp. All of them have their advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, going to the store, you must rely on the main factors, which include:

light output is calculated by the ratio of the power of the light flux received from the lamp and the same indicator of output volts,
duration of operation
difficulties in disposing of a failed item,
lamp replacement method,
maintenance of a light stream,
the need to use additional equipment.

In order for the energy consumption to be rational, it is recommended to connect a rheostat (dimmer) to the lamp. This unit will help to adjust the brightness of the lighting, but not all lamps can work with them. Only incandescent and special LED.

Advantages and disadvantages of spotlights

If we consider the point lighting in general, we can distinguish a number of main advantages:

you can easily create zoning, with full or partial lighting,
unlike chandeliers longer life,
security,
energy saving
the ability to change the types of bulbs,
compact, they can be used even in the smallest room,
aesthetics and beauty
resistance to mechanical damage, you don’t have to worry that children accidentally hit them with a ball,
high efficiency
lack of flicker.

Like any other phenomenon, spot lighting has its drawbacks:

difficulty in lighting design,
for full lighting, you must use several elements at once,
many models of spotlights require an additional frame,
danger of use with a stretch ceiling (overheating can ruin the material).
additional care for each lampshade.

The photo of spotlights in this article will allow you to visually see how such lamps look in the interior. Dividing the space into zones will become easier. The spotlight fits easily into rooms designed for different purposes.

Choose spotlights

Any purchase requires a careful approach, attention. The choice of spotlights was no exception. Here are the main factors that you should pay attention to when acquiring a spotlight:

It is necessary to ensure that all equipment was from one manufacturer.
It is good to check the completeness of the reflective and cooling element.
When purchasing a cable, you must first calculate its cross section.
If the choice fell on the built-in models, it is recommended to buy them in advance to calculate the exact height of the frame.

Pendant or recessed spotlights - this choice depends on the requirements of the owners of the room. Of course, when approaching the choice of fixtures, you need to rely on personal taste, but still it is recommended to adhere to certain subtleties.

So for the kitchen, simple fixtures are best suited, without unnecessary patterns and decorations. This will make it easier to care for them, because in addition to dust, greasy deposits will also accumulate on them. Choosing spotlights under a stretch ceiling, it is recommended to stay on rounded models. This will facilitate their installation and will not harm the material of the ceiling.

Devices with incandescent lamps are fastened with special fasteners that visually "eat" the space. Given these subtleties, it will not be difficult to choose spotlights. Still need to pay attention to the color scheme, sometimes it affects the overall perception of the interior.

Well-known spotlight manufacturers

In the markets, you can find lamps of various manufacturers, which means that it is worth considering some of them in more detail:

Refers to budget models and pleases buyers since 2012. The main difference is a beautiful unusual design.
ARTE LAMP. The Italian company was able to win the respect of more than 20 countries. Their products are characterized by an average price level.
A domestic company whose main criteria is the production of cost-effective models. It has been around for about 15 years.
The Austrian company impresses with its huge range. Moreover, the price is suitable for people with different financial incomes.
Russian company operating since 1998. The prices are affordable.
Italians were able to present beautiful, but inexpensive products.
Huge range and selection at affordable prices.

The types of ceiling lights are so diverse that sometimes it is difficult to make a choice. When choosing a manufacturer, you can not chase too low a price. Decent quality can not be sold at a meager cost.

Spotlights: features of use

Compliance with the operating rules is very important, because if you do everything right, you can significantly increase their service life.

Tips for placing spotlights:

Do not mount the lamps at a distance of less than half a meter,
energy-saving lamps should be used under false ceilings,
If you place several lamps along the perimeter of the walls, this will visually increase the room.

The maintenance of spotlights should be appropriate, only then the service life will increase. Here are the basic tips for spotlight manufacturers:

clean appliances at least once a year,
periodically check the integrity of the wiring,
do not use aerosols
observe precautions
do not use lamps near an open flame,
keep the device away from water,
use spotlights as intended.

Lamps for spotlights should be selected taking into account the company of the manufacturer of the housing. So the service life will be increased several times. The size of spotlights is also important to choose wisely. Only then will lighting equipment look appropriate in space.

So, having decided on the type of spotlights, you can safely calculate their number and, including imagination, distribute them on the surface. How to install them is described in the article "Installation of a spotlight".With the help of these little helpers, you can not only organize decent lighting, but also transform the room. A large selection and affordable pricing becomes pleasant bonuses. Do not be afraid to experiment and your house will sparkle with bright colors and become a real reason for envy!

Overhead Spotlights

Overhead (external) spotlights are most often used for continuous ceiling bases (for example concrete), when there is no way to make an installation niche. This type of spotlights can also be found in rooms with ceilings of any other type, if it is provided for by the designer’s idea and adds special aesthetic appeal to the interior.

Most often, overhead spotlights consist of a mounting platform and a housing with a diffuser of various configurations mounted on it.

Installation of an overhead spotlight is described in detail in our step-by-step photo of the instruction - “Installing an overhead light”
Recessed spotlights

Recessed (mortise) spotlights

Built-in (mortise) point luminaires are the most common type and for many they are synonymous with the concept of "spotlight". They are installed in any hollow types of surfaces; most often, spotlights are mounted in drywall, slatted or suspended ceilings, in the walls of furniture, as well as in niches in solid bases.

Variants of using recessed spotlights not only on ceilings, but also on floors and walls: on stairs, in pools and many other rooms, are also not uncommon.

Recessed spotlights There are completely different configurations, most often they consist of a continuous housing, in which fasteners and clips for lamps are already integrated. Such simplicity of design is not only a serious advantage of recessed spotlights over others, but also their main feature.

Depending on the desired result, you can choose recessed spotlights that are invisible on the surface of the ceiling, or vice versa, will be an expressive detail of your interior. A huge selection of recessed spotlights of various styles, shapes and colors will make the space around you as comfortable and convenient as possible.

Installation of the recessed spotlight is described in detail in our detailed step-by-step photo of the instruction - “Installation of the recessed spotlight”

LED spot lights

LED spot lights having appeared relatively recently, they quickly gained sympathy and recognition among consumers. It's all about the excellent performance that LED technology demonstrates.

In a previous article, we described in detail advantages of LED technology in lighting, in the article - “Replacement of lamps with LED”.

And all main indicators, characteristics, pros and cons of using LED lamps, which fully apply to diode spotlights, are described in the article “Characteristics of LED lamps”.

Also point lamps are rotary and non-rotary. The difference between them is that the rotary spotlights have the ability to change the direction in which it shines, and the direction of the non-rotatable is constant.

The widest assortment and affordable price of spotlights made them extremely popular. For almost any interior, for any situation it is possible to choose the ideal version of a spotlight both in appearance and in functionality. Do not be afraid to use them, to experiment, the result will certainly please you.

LED Downlights: What You Need to Know Before Buying?

Conventional light sources gradually go out of fashion. They are replaced by spotlights and lamps - a more modern version of the equipment. This option goes well with stretch ceilings, giving room for imagination.

Scope of application

Currently, spotlights can become a source of lighting for objects with different purposes:

exhibition halls
billboards and signs,
cafes, bars,
restaurants
the shops.

Creating a local backlight is the main function that devices perform under any conditions. They organize the main backlight, but then more devices will be needed.

Installation is permissible on any type of surface:

Inside the furniture and interior items, spotlights are also often seen. They remain relevant in the case of public institutions.

Dimensions

LED spotlights and panels differ in dimensions:

30 by 30 cm
29.5 by 119.5 cm
17 by 60 cm.

LED products have a configuration in the shape of a circle, oval. square, triangle or polyhedron. In one housing it is allowed to combine two or three lamps at once in order to achieve a certain effect. 55-85 millimeters is a standard indicator for diameter. The level of suspended ceilings is maintained.

Mounting Options

By installation methods, such products are also divided into several varieties:

Outboard. They differ in the location of the housing at some distance from the ceiling structure.
Recessed. One of the most popular options. The traditional installation technology is inside cuts on drywall surfaces. One of the main areas of application is the illumination of cabinet furniture, various niches.
Overhead. It is recommended to install if there is a solid base near the ceiling surface. For example, a concrete floor slab. What makes it possible to equip a special niche. Such models are suitable for the implementation of non-standard solutions of the designer.

Classification

There are other factors due to which fixtures can be divided into several groups:

The purpose of the premises where the installation is carried out.
Configuration.
Design features.
Place of installation.
General scope.

By lamp type

Here are the parameters that are being looked at to choose the right bulb:

Cap. Marking and cartridge must coincide with each other. Important and good fixation, it extends the service life.
The angle of the directional light.
Function support brightness control.
Transmission Index - minimum 80.
Colour temperature. Yellowish shades are recognized as the most pleasing to the eyes. For children's rooms and bedrooms, the blue spectrum is not suitable.

The working resource is also separately described in the instruction manual. The unit of measure for him is the clock. 30 thousand hours - the average life of modern lamps. The manufacturer also needs to be considered.

Power is the first indicator that you need to build on. Here the main factors will help to make a choice:

The area of the room.
Ceiling height.
The required level of illumination.

There are other recommendations to help determine the appropriate model:

color temperature minimum 2700-3000 K,
flask color
a large scattering angle along with an optimal light distribution will be the main advantages,
faceting.

Compared to traditional instrument versions, LED lamps are considered more energy efficient.

Diode

The following characteristics are among the main advantages:

Operational durability.
To on-off cycles, the susceptibility remains weak.
Low operating temperature at the case.
High strength mechanical type.
Electricity consumption is minimal.

Separately, note the minimum profile height. Thanks to this, installation is permissible even where there is very little free space left. The light flux is distinguished by good density and saturation.

Spot Lamps

The spots provide directional lighting, creating a stream in the right place. The design consists of one or more reflectors, the installation of which uses rotary parts.

At the place of attachment, they can be either fully built-in or wall-mounted. Allowed to use the same bulbs as described above. The choice depends on the style and purpose of the room, financial capabilities.

Bulbs 220 V

Most models of the modern market are designed for a standard voltage of 220 V. The use of such options is relevant if the following conditions are met:

you need a dim cozy yellow light,
the correct distribution of the flow throughout the space is important,
the network does not allow you to choose low-voltage equipment.

Halogen

Compared to conventional incandescent lamps, halogen devices shine brighter and the power consumption is identical to previous models. Service life - from 2 to 4 thousand hours. Directional lighting is another advantage of such varieties.

The main thing is not to touch the bulbs with your hands while working with them. The shell is made of quartz; various spots from touching it too easily remain on it. Because of this, the surface then begins to heat up.

Other varieties

This includes incandescent bulbs. They have a short shelf life of up to 1000 hours. Frosted glass makes the light scatter. The option is used to illuminate rooms with high humidity.

More complex, electronic systems may simply not be able to withstand such a heavy load. The disadvantage of this product is the ability to accumulate heat, which then causes harm to the light bulb and the surrounding area.

Outboard

Actual for lighting rooms where ceilings are quite high. The dimensions of some analogues are the same as that of fluorescent bulbs.

The suspensions of the design are used not only for fastening, but also for the supply cable.

You can use a different number of LEDs, adjust the light output.

The intensity of the glow in some models is also adjustable. Ceiling linear fixtures have a considerable height.

Because operating modes involve remote control.

Design

In most spotlights, the design remains the same, consists of three elements:

connecting cable
housing with locks,
the basis connected to the surface.

Most devices come with a enclosed enclosure. The simpler the design is typical for the model - the better. The following recommendations will benefit:

Rounded models are the best solution for stretch ceilings.
The dimensions of the fasteners are often large.
It is easy to integrate luminaires for halogen lamps into the frame at a short distance from the surface. At the same time, space loss is 4 cm. Ceramic cartridges and glass diffusers will be a convenient solution.

Types of cartridge

There are two large categories of products with maximum demand among customers:

Under the threaded housing.
Under the pins.

They produce universal models suitable for almost any type of lamp. Incandescent lamps and appliances with stylization under them often provide threaded cartridges. Product markings include the letter E and the following number. In the case of pin options - “G” format.

Best view

The following brands are distinguished, the products from which deserve careful consideration:

Nanosvet from Russia.
Gauss.
Elektrostandard. From China.
Volpe.
Uniel.

The savings when buying LED bulbs are becoming more tangible, because many buyers opt for this product.

Mounting

There are certain requirements for the placement of light sources. The following rules will help you achieve the desired result:

In the case of windows, experiments are allowed. There are no strict standards for the placement of light sources relative to other elements. The main thing is a sufficient level of illumination.
Symmetrical arrangement means maintaining the same distance between the components. Regarding the wall, this parameter is also retained.
One spotlight is enough for high-quality lighting of 1.5-2 square meters. But not every room needs bright light.
The distance between the soffits and the seams of the ceilings should be at least 15 cm if stretched fabrics are used.
Strictly in the center of the ceiling place a chandelier.
20 cm - the minimum distance between the wall and the first row of spotlights.

Mounting options

Lighting devices are mounted at the same time as the ceiling. A distance of 1-1.5 cm must be maintained between the new and the base coat. Then ventilation is provided, without which the devices will not be able to work normally.

Installation works preserve the general order, there are only some features that are characteristic of certain ceiling coating materials.

Calculation of the number of fixtures

Lighting is made out in a large number of ways. It is difficult to choose an arrangement option that would suit absolutely everyone. Indeed, in each case, a large number of individual factors are taken into account - starting with the area of the room, and ending with the location of the windows. It is necessary to determine in advance whether the spotlights will be the source of the main, or main illumination.

The calculation of the quantity involves the following scheme:

We multiply the norm of illumination with the area of the room. The result is the total power of the equipment used.
Next, the power of each particular device is measured, the type is selected. Separately study the characteristics of the light flux.
The total power is divided by the lamp power. As a result, we see the number of devices for this or that room. There remains a choice of layout on the ceiling.

Luminaire layouts

Everything is individual here, general tips look like this:

If there is a chandelier, then the place of its attachment is the central part.
Around this component is already building a further composition.
In the absence of a chandelier, there are even more acceptable options than with it.
Different zones are controlled by different switches.

Lamps for suspended ceilings

Spotlights are more suitable if you need to equip additional lighting inside large rooms. The size of the niche for the device will depend on the type of lamp. For fluorescent or halogen lamps, the height of the stretch ceiling should be 8-12 centimeters below the main one. In the case of LED lights, this figure is reduced to 6 cm.

Mounting Features

By the method of installation, the lamps are built-in and overhead.

Embedded. A special hole is made in the ceiling for their installation. Part of the body is hidden behind the ceiling, part of the device remains outside. Some models feature only decorative rims. But models do not change the general essence of the device.
Overhead. Only suitable for suspended ceilings. They are attached to the main plane, located one level below the surface.

LED spotlights are not as hard to choose as they seem at first. You need to decide which design is more suitable for a particular room. It is on this basis that there are more models on the market. The greater the protection of products from external factors - the better. It is not recommended to install devices with a lower indicator; the user will only lose from this. When arranging interiors, owners are increasingly abandoning massive chandeliers in favor of multi-component systems when they put a large number of small LED lamps.