Illuminated ceiling is stylish solution for any room in a house or apartment. The lighting built into the complex design suspended ceilings, especially two-level ones, as well as ceilings made of translucent films (both plain and patterned). The effect that will be obtained after the completion of the repair depends on the method of placing the lamps on the surface.

There is no universal or ideal layout LED lamps along the perimeter of the ceiling.

Their location depends on:

room size;
planning and functional purpose rooms;
desired end result.

Spotlights can be located:

Crosswise.
Zigzag.
Evenly around the perimeter of the ceiling.
In the corners of the room, if a chandelier is installed in the center.
As geometric shapes, for example, an oval or a square.

LED lamps can be used both independently and in mixed lighting. If you need to zone a room or highlight certain part interior, then you need to choose the second option: the role of the central lighting device will be played by a chandelier or LED strip, and spotlights will play a secondary role.

Appliances installed in the bedroom should be turned on separately, and installing a dimer will allow you to regulate the lighting intensity, which is very convenient for proper rest and creating a romantic mood.

Arrangement of lamps in different rooms

In the bedroom, it is better to place lamps in an oval or circular pattern, installing another, more powerful light source, for example, a chandelier, in the central part of the room. For a harmonious look, you should use only devices of the same size, color and shape.

Installation drawing LED lamps in the kitchen depends on the size and layout of the room, as well as the features of the ceiling. Most often, the kitchen space is divided into several functional zones. The main lighting in this case should be concentrated in the work area and above those areas where the brightest light is needed. Lamps can also be arranged in a zigzag or in a circle, complementing the chandelier with them, if the size of the room allows.

In the bathroom and hallway it is recommended to install not too large, but bright enough spotlights. In the hallway, lamps are usually mounted crosswise or diagonally, but strictly at the same distance from each other. To create a fashionable bathroom design, you can design several broken lines, for example, in the form of a zigzag or wave.

To highlight a certain area in any room, for example, to illuminate a closet in the bedroom, discreet light bulbs with minimal power are suitable.

We install a ceiling with perimeter lighting with our own hands

Installing a plasterboard ceiling, if it is being prepared LED backlight, should take place in two stages. First, the first level of the frame is attached to the surface, and only after it is sewn up with plasterboard and covered with finishing material, can the second stage of work begin.

The lighting is mounted in a special niche, which can be arranged in several ways. The easiest way for this purpose is to use a plasterboard slab slightly longer than the base. You need to attach a narrow plasterboard strip to the ledge, under which the wires and backlight strips will later be hidden.

How the light will be directed depends on the shape of the niche and the place where it is attached: it will be diffused or directed.

After decorating the niche, the second level of the ceiling, just like the first, is covered with plasterboard, but it must be done so that there is free access to the electrical wiring. To do this, holes are left in the ceiling plane according to the number of lamps. Installation of lighting elements is carried out before the final design of the second ceiling level.

When planning the second level of the ceiling, you need to take into account not only the layout and location of the lamps, but also their number, the power of the light bulbs, the direction of the light flow and the area of the room that they will illuminate. When creating a ceiling with lighting with your own hands, it is important to follow the instructions for its installation and the rules for selecting lighting devices.

LED lighting along the ceiling perimeter: an overview of the benefits

LED lamps can be not only of different power and sizes, but also different colors, thanks to which they can be used to make any room visually larger if they are correctly positioned around the perimeter of the ceiling. There are also LED strips that can be used to decorate the ceiling, walls, and furniture.

When using LED strips (on their own or in combination with spotlights), it is important not to overdo it with a variety of colors, so as not to turn the ceiling into christmas tree. The color of the lamps should be combined with the overall tone of the room and not be too bright, causing harm to the eyes.

Location of the LED strip under the surface ceiling covering will allow you to create any pattern (from the starry sky to the sea and palm trees). The option looks no less original, in which two or three rows of LED strips run along the entire perimeter of the ceiling, and in the center is installed ceiling lamp small size. This lighting idea is suitable for both the living room and bedroom.

How to install a ceiling with perimeter lighting (video)

Working with LED strips and spotlights is not as difficult as it might seem at first. At competent combination the size, power of the lamps and their colors, you can achieve any optical effect, and if you make a ceiling with LED lighting with your own hands, you can not only save on the work of craftsmen, but also feel like a real designer.

Sometimes during the process of renovating an apartment, very interesting ideas about how to decorate the ceiling. Some of them are related to lighting. Often, designers or even the owners of residential premises themselves decide that a ceiling illuminated along the perimeter would look very attractive. And to implement this idea, you will need an LED strip.

Why do you need backlighting?

Ceiling lighting using LEDs is now one of the most commonly used design solutions. If you decide to completely transform the rooms in your home, then she will help you do it with the greatest effect.

On a note! The first experiments with LED lighting began in the not-so-distant 70s of the twentieth century - it was then that LEDs themselves appeared on the market. But at that time they were not yet of such quality that would allow them to be used in residential premises for the purpose of organizing lighting, as they irritated the eyes.

Previously as additional lighting or lighting in the rooms, only sconces were used; later spotlights appeared. However, it is LEDs that have proven themselves to be the most good option installation hidden backlight– after all, you don’t always want light sources to be in sight of everyone. In addition, LEDs make it possible to realize extremely interesting options lighting, and not only additional, but also basic.

What is so good about LED ceiling lighting?

It allows you to implement the idea of hidden lighting - the light source, that is, the LED strip, is laid out so that it is not noticeable to humans, but at the same time it gives a lot of light and creates a luminous aura in the room.
This type of lighting is easy to install yourself.
LED backlighting in certain cases can act as the main light source.
This is an opportunity to bring to life the most daring fantasies and design decisions regarding the play of light and color.
The backlight can be not only white or yellow - LED strips are available in various color variations.
In addition to LEDs, you can also use optical fiber - an excellent “conductor” of light, which significantly expands the possibilities of organizing lighting.
LEDs consume little electricity during operation, which means they are economical.
Thanks to the lighting, you can clearly delimit zones in the room, if necessary.
Finally, lighting can serve a regular decorative role.

LED ceiling lighting also has its disadvantages. There are not many of them, but it’s worth knowing about them if you plan to install it in your apartment.

The use of colored backlight is not always a plus. Sometimes this lighting can irritate the eyes. Therefore, it will be great if during installation you provide the ability to change the backlight colors.
LEDs are not cheap, but they are cheaper to maintain due to their low power consumption.

The service life of the LED is quite long. Some manufacturers claim that this little bulb can burn for about 100,000 hours. But you shouldn’t trust this figure much. The fact is that over time, the LED strip begins to shine less brightly. The service life of this lighting element is considered to be the period from the beginning of its commissioning until the moment when its luminous flux decreases by 30%.

On a note! If you use LED lightening no more than 6 hours a day, then the tape will work properly for about 10,000 hours. That is, the human eye will notice a decrease in the brightness of the glow no earlier than after 4 years of this mode of operation of the LED strip.

Types of backlight

There are several types of lighting that can be installed indoors.

Table. Types of lighting for the ceiling.

View	Description
	Gives a gentle beautiful diffuse light. The ceiling is, as it were, illuminated from below along the perimeter, contour. In this case, the LED strip is located on a special shelf (at the lower level in a prepared recess), and the light from it falls on the ceiling surface. A continuous luminous strip is formed.
	In this case, the LEDs will be installed on a slope, which is located between two ceiling levels, shining as if along ceiling surface.
	This is a ceiling covering with a “starry sky” effect. LED light bulbs installed in finishing material. One of the most difficult types of organization ceiling lighting, since this will require a lot of time.
	LEDs are installed in small lampshades that will be mounted into the finished ceiling. Several light bulbs are installed, one, for example, shines down, several others create “rays” on the surface of the ceiling.

The backlight is also divided into:

target;
general purpose;
designer

The first type is the installation of lighting to delimit certain zones in the room. Simply put, in this case, lighting is used to zone the room. For example, the kitchen can have more lighting work zone– additional light will not hurt here.

General purpose lighting is normal lighting. True, most often it is implemented not using LEDs, but using spotlights. Although there is an option when an LED strip can turn into a full-fledged lamp - this is.

A luminous ceiling can be installed in any room. For production, an LED strip and a stretched translucent fabric are required. The tape is attached to the rough ceiling and hidden under tension material. As a result, when we turn on the light, we will get completely overhead glowing ceiling.

Attention! Installation of this ceiling is not as simple as it seems. In order for the light to flow evenly, it is very important to correctly calculate the distance from the tape to the canvas. If you make a mistake with this parameter, the ceiling will be “striped.”

Typically, a luminous stretch ceiling is combined with plasterboard edging. A small cornice is made from this material around the perimeter of the room, and a backlight with canvas is placed between its sides.

And finally design option ceiling lighting. Such lighting will not give large quantity light, but will make the room cozy and complete. Such lighting includes illumination around the perimeter of the room and the creation of luminous patterns on the ceiling.

The patterns are created according to the same principle as the luminous ceiling. Only the LED strip is placed in the shape of the desired pattern, and not across the entire draft ceiling. When you press the switch, the light will penetrate through the translucent stretch fabric and create the same figure on the ceiling surface that is made of LEDs.

By the way, the ceiling lighting does not have to be white. It can be either single-color decorative or multi-colored RGB, that is, shimmer with red, green, blue and other shades. Colored lighting, if it matches the color of the light bulbs with the style of the interior and general appearance room, will look very good around the perimeter of the room both with the main light on and in the dark.

Selecting materials

So, you have firmly decided to add ceiling lighting in one of the rooms at home. It doesn’t matter which one - colored, white, or even decided on a luminous ceiling. But in any case you need to visit hardware store, where you will buy the necessary materials.

Most main element- This glowing tape. It comes in LED and duralight. Duralight is a cord, inside of which there is a mass of small light bulbs, diode or incandescent. It is not afraid of water, very durable and flexible. Duralight can be installed on any surface. Its main drawback is its weak glow.

On a note! Duralight is a very durable light element. The fact is that the cavities inside the cord between the light bulbs are filled with polyvinyl chloride, which gives it additional density.

An LED strip is a thin and flexible board where LEDs are located at equal distances from each other.

Its main advantages:

Possibility of installation on any surface;
low level of electricity consumption;
high brightness;
ease of installation.

On a note! Sometimes other types of lamps, for example, neon, are used to install ceiling lighting. But they are too large in size and will not allow you to create beautiful decorative structures.

It is the strip of LEDs, due to its advantages, that is usually used for installing such decorative lighting.

And it is important to know how to choose the right detail for future lighting.

First, decide what color your lighting will be. This is an important aspect, not only because the shade of light should match the interior, but also because certain colors, whatever one may say, affect the human psyche.

Table. The impact of flowers on the human condition.

Color	Impact
Red	An irritating, but at the same time exciting color. It is not recommended for use by people with increased irritability.
Blue	It puts people on guard, puts them in a working mood, and makes a person collected.
Yellow-blue	Capable of causing hysterics.
Blue, sea, turquoise	It makes you think and calms you down.
Green, yellow-green	Calms.
Orange, yellow	Neutral, does not cause any special feelings.

It is best to choose a tape that has several color variations and a controller. This way, you can choose exactly the shade that you like at the moment to suit your mood. And in your normal state, you can turn on the white light.

Look at the density of the light bulbs. It comes in 30, 60, 120 pieces per meter. For contour lighting, experts recommend taking a strip with 60 or 120 diodes, but for directional lighting, a strip with 30 is best suited.
Decide on the power of the tape - they also differ in this indicator. For directional lighting, buy a 5 W/m model, and for contour lighting it is better to take a larger one – 8 W/m. To save on controllers (buy cheaper ones), 5 and 7 W tapes are placed on the slopes, and 7 and 14 W are installed on the shelf. The power of the tape will be determined by its marking, which has an alphabetic and digital code, for example, SMD 3028. The first two digits will be the power value.
It is also important to evaluate the total power of the belt, which is calculated over the entire length. Having calculated how many meters of tape you will need, multiply this number by the power of 1 meter. Based on the obtained parameter, select the controller power for the tape.

By the way, look carefully at how the tape flashes. This type of lighting can also have a psychedelic effect due to this parameter. Do not take tapes that flicker at frequencies of 0.5 Hz, 2 Hz and 7 Hz. They can cause the development of epilepsy.

Attention! If you want to get a flickering backlight, then choose a controller to achieve this effect, which will make the diodes smoothly flare up and fade out.

So, to install ceiling lighting you will need:

LED strip in the required quantity;
PVC corner (you will glue the tape on it);
power unit;
cornice, drywall (if your ceiling does not already have slopes and shelves for placing lighting);
network cable;
controller;
connectors for connecting pieces of tape.

This is the main list necessary materials. Depending on how you plan to install the ceiling lights, you may need other items.

On a note! LED strip usually does not require additional installation during installation. adhesive material– as a rule, it is already equipped with a sticky layer. But cheap tapes usually stick to it poorly. It is better to choose a more expensive but high-quality material.

Installing perimeter lighting

Step-by-step instructions for creating a simple contour LED ceiling lighting.

Step 1. In the niche where the LED backlight will be located, fasten it around the perimeter with small screws plastic corner. The fact is that the sticky layer of the tape is in good contact with PVC, but it can peel off from drywall. So do not neglect this stage of installing the backlight.

Step 2. Using a tape measure, measure the required lengths of the LED strip and cut it into pieces equal to the sides of the perimeter rectangle that you will highlight. Cut the tape only at the cut points marked on it, otherwise it will not burn.

Step 3. You can connect the segments using connectors, but it is better to solder them - it will be more reliable. Solder the contacts according to the principle - plus with plus, minus with minus. By the way, remember that you cannot combine too many tapes into one whole - they are usually produced in reels of 3-5 meters. So, more than three reels are not assembled into one structure. If there is more tape, then its segments are connected to the power supply in parallel.

Attention! The LED strip can be bent, but only if the angle is less than 90 degrees.

Step 4. Remove the wires from the system that will be needed to connect the controller and power supply. Connect the system first to the controller, and it to the power supply. Check system functionality.

Step 5. Remove the adhesive layer from the tape and attach it to the previously installed PVC corner. The backlight is ready.

Another option is to install an LED strip in a ceiling cornice.

A few words about soldering: LED strip does not like high temperatures, therefore, the soldering time should not be more than 10 seconds, and the melting temperature should not be more than 160 degrees.

Video - Installation of LED lighting

Starry sky

The “starry sky” ceiling is a real hit, which is becoming more popular and is increasingly used for the design of the ceiling surface. It can be made from fiber optics and using LEDs. Let's consider the second option. The main difference from the installation of the previous backlight is that this time you will need individual LEDs, and not a strip.

Step 1. This step is performed before covering the ceiling frame with plasterboard. Make many small holes in the sheets of this material in a chaotic manner.

Step 2. Connect (solder) all the diodes into one circuit using wires. Check it for functionality.

Step 3. Install an LED in each of the holes in the drywall. It is best to choose light bulbs of different power - then you will be able to create a more realistic starry sky.

On a note! It will not be possible to create many stars this way - as a rule, for the appearance of real galaxies in the sky, you need an optical fiber.

Step 4. Attach the drywall to the ceiling frame as usual.

Step 5. Connect the system to the controller and power supply. The backlight in the form of a starry sky is ready.

This system also has a drawback - the LEDs glow very brightly, so diffuse starlight cannot be obtained. As an option, you can try experimenting with light diffusers.

Ceiling lighting is undoubtedly one of best options decorate the room. And almost anyone can handle the installation of an LED strip. The main thing is a little desire and patience, and you will succeed.

How to make a plasterboard ceiling with lighting yourself? I will tell you in detail about how to assemble illuminated ceilings in classic and modern style. After reading the instructions, you can assemble similar structures at home.

Methods for installing illuminated ceilings

Two ways to install lighting on plasterboard ceilings:

Installation of integrated luminaires with the placement of the cartridge and wiring in the gap between the rough and finished ceiling;
LED strip installation in specially provided niches.

Using integrated lamps, you can make spot lighting, which you can’t do without in the kitchen or office. LED lighting is more universal option, since when the right approach it can provide not only comfortable, but also intense lighting.

In some cases, a combined ceiling is made, in which listed methods backlight devices can be successfully combined.

What should a backlit ceiling look like?

The design of plasterboard ceilings can be single-level or multi-level. In both ceilings, there remains a gap between the ceiling and the cladding, sufficient for installing a full-fledged integrated lamp.

Illustration	Description of the backlight plasterboard ceiling
	Integrated lights. Installed between the rough and finished ceiling. Using integrated lamps, you can create spot lighting, which you cannot do without in the kitchen or office.
	LED lights. Installed in niches provided for this purpose. This is a universal option that provides not only comfortable, but also intense lighting of the room. For LED strip installation, it is preferable to use two-level ceilings, since the side in the area of the level difference can be used as a niche.
	Combined lighting. A combined ceiling in which spotlights and LED strip are used simultaneously. This is the most functional, but also the most difficult option to implement.

How do you combine plasterboard and a suspended ceiling with lighting? Both options have obvious advantages, but stretch vinyl structures can only be purchased to order, while a plasterboard ceiling can be made with your own hands.

On the other hand, why not combine illuminated plasterboard ceilings with stretch inserts made of vinyl or fabric?

Materials and tools for assembling plasterboard ceilings

Before you do suspended ceiling with backlight:

We take measurements of the perimeter of the room;
We make a drawing of the ceiling structure;
We calculate the amount of material that needs to be prepared.

Materials you will need:

Ceiling plasterboard with a thickness of no more than 9.5 mm;
Ceiling profile;
Self-tapping screws for assembling load-bearing metal structures and for covering metal structures with sheet plasterboard;
Serpyanka for gluing joints;
Water-based primer;
Gypsum-based finishing putty;
Water-based paint.

Tools you will need:

A hacksaw with small straight teeth for cutting drywall sheets;
Screwdriver with a set of bits;

If you are installing a gypsum board ceiling with your own hands for the first time, I recommend using a bit with a limiter that will prevent overtightening of the screw.

Metal scissors and pliers for working with profiles;
Level and measuring tool;
Plastering and painting tool for finishing.

Installation of a classic ceiling with LED lighting and spotlights

The ceiling structure will have two levels. The first of them is a side around the perimeter of the walls, which is 120 mm away from the ceiling. The second level will be concrete floor which will have to be plastered.

The lighting elements in the ceiling can be placed in the side, since 12 cm is enough for the height of the spotlight socket.

Illustration	Actions
	Marking the perimeter and ceiling level. We mark a distance of 12 cm from the ceiling using a tape measure, a cord and a spirit level; If you save your time and eat laser level, make markings using this device and tinted thread We mark the parameters of the side, namely 60 cm from the walls; At the corners of the resulting rectangle we draw circles with a diameter of 60 cm; Drill a hole in the center and drive a dowel into it. Then you need to tie a rope to the dowel and tie a pencil to its end. By turning the pencil and pulling the rope, you can draw an even circle. In accordance with wiring diagram, mark the location of the niche for curtains.
	Installation of the guide profile. According to the markings made, we fasten the guide profile with dowel nails.
	How to bend a profile? We bend the profile along the contour of the circle, and only then fasten it. To do this, we cut the side walls every 25-30 mm and bend them.
	Installation of sides. We cut strips of plasterboard 120 mm wide and fasten them along the perimeter of the side.
	Installing a side in a niche. We attach a strip of similar width to the profile in the niche for curtains, as shown in the photo.
	Installation of reinforcing lintels. We strengthen the installed strips of drywall with transverse pieces of profile, which we attach to the main perimeter. We mount an external profile along the transverse jumpers, which should run parallel to the profile fixed to the ceiling.
	Installation of horizontal jumpers. From the profile we cut lintels with which we strengthen the niche for the curtains. A strip of drywall will subsequently be attached to the same jumpers.
	Jumpers around the entire perimeter. We use similar jumpers to strengthen the sides around the entire perimeter of the room.
	Drywall around the circles. We cover the circles made at the corners of the rectangle with a plasterboard strip.
	How to bend drywall? Bending a flat strip of drywall is easy. To do this, mark parallel lines on the surface at a distance of 25-30 mm from each other. Along these lines, as shown in the photo, sharp knife We make cuts through the outer layer of cardboard and through the layer of plaster. Next, the workpiece is bent along the cuts made, in the shape of a circle.
	Marking for trimming. Along the outer plane of the curved strips of drywall we mark the level along which the cutting line will go.
	Tool tip. For quick and easy marking, I recommend using a laser level. The price of such a tool for performing one-time work is unreasonably high. However, it is possible to rent an instrument, which is not so expensive.
	Fitting vertical holders . Along the inner plane of the curved strips we mark the level along which the lower curved profile will be attached. Then, in accordance with the markings, we make a transverse holder from the profile.
	Installation of holders. We bend the profile to the shape of a circle and fasten it to the marked level; We install previously prepared jumpers between the upper and lower profiles.
	Trimming vertical sheathing. Plasterboard strips fixed around the circles are trimmed flush with installed profile. As a result, the assembled structure should look like in the photo.
	Installation of horizontal jumpers. Between rounded decorative elements Reinforcing jumpers cut from the profile are installed.
	Floor putty. Leveling the ceiling and filling the grooves with putty. We plaster and level the ceiling, having previously laid the wiring in the grooves.
	Frame filing. We bring out the wiring to those areas of the side where the contour lighting will be connected; At the same stage we hem load-bearing frame along the entire perimeter of the walls, leaving a margin of 50 mm with an indentation from the side.
	Profile along the edge contour. We attach the profile along the protrusion made, as shown in the photo. Then we trim the excess drywall flush with the profile.
	Completion of work with gypsum boards. We cover the profile fixed along the edge with a strip of plasterboard and align the edges of the assembled structure; We glue the sheets of drywall at the joints with sickle and putty.
	Baguettes and hole lamps. We attach a polyurethane baguette along the perimeter of the side and cut out holes for spotlights; The entire structure is leveled with a layer of putty, sanded, primed and painted to form a finished plasterboard ceiling.

Assembling a modern ceiling with a minimalist design

In this instruction you can learn how to assemble a suspended ceiling with lighting for more modern ones.

The design shown in the diagram consists of three levels:

First. This is the perimeter of the wall, which is 120 mm away from the rough ceiling.
Second. Located immediately behind the first level, least distant from the ceiling, only 50 mm.
Third. This is the center of the ceiling, which extends 80 mm from the ceiling.

The LED strip can be placed in a niche, which we will make in the side of the second level. Spotlights can be installed along the perimeter of the first level, since its surface is furthest from the ceiling.

Illustration	Actions
	Perimeter marking. To make a plasterboard ceiling, mark the perimeter of the first level along the walls and use a tinted cord to mark a landmark.
	Perimeter profile. We install the main profile along the intended perimeter.
	Partition. We assemble a partition that will separate the illuminated ceiling from the rest of the room; From external and inside We cover the partition with a strip of plasterboard and immediately trim the sheathing so that it is flush with the profile.
	Bypassing the corner. In the corner of the profile we assemble that part of the frame that is determined by the characteristics of the room. By the way, the photo shows the supporting frame in the area around the corner.
	First level frame. Along the perimeter of the walls we assemble a supporting frame for sheathing with plasterboard of the first level.
	First level cladding. We cover the perimeter with a strip of plasterboard vertically.
	Perimeter of other levels. According to the diagram, we mark the ceiling and attach a profile for installing the perimeter of the second and third levels.
	Third level cladding. We cover the perimeter of the third level with a strip of plasterboard, immediately strengthening the structure with a profile and vertical jumpers. I would like to draw your attention to the fact that it’s time to take the wiring for the lighting outside, as this will be difficult to do afterwards We install reinforcing transverse lintels along the second and third levels.
	Second level cladding. Along the jumpers of the second level we attach a horizontal strip of drywall. Thus, we collect the perimeter of the second (intermediate) level.
	Niche for lighting. We cover the lower perimeter of the first level with plasterboard so that a niche is formed for installing lighting
	Level 2 putty. We glue the technological gaps between the drywall fragments with serpyanka and putty. This needs to be done now, since later it will not be easy to get to this space.
	Strengthening the niche. Additionally, we sheathe the lower perimeter with another layer of plasterboard to create volume and strengthen the structure. As you probably noticed, I do not indicate the dimensions of the niche for installing hidden lighting. This was done intentionally, since it is better to calculate the dimensions of the niche in accordance with the dimensions of the purchased lighting fixtures. If an LED strip is used, the protrusion of the lower edge of the niche should not exceed 30 mm
	Level 3 sheathing. We sew up the third level and go around the corner. As a result, the entire ceiling must be sheathed.
	Putty and sanding. We putty assembled structure in two layers with intermediate sanding. For sanding the leveling and finishing layer, I recommend using no sandpaper, and a diamond mesh fixed on a grater
	Painting works. We prime the prepared structure, and after the primer dries, we paint it. After painting, you can begin installing the backlight

How to connect an LED strip

Illumination based on LED strip allows you to achieve a uniform glow along the entire contour of the ceiling. No lamps will provide such an advantage.

LED lighting can be purchased ready-made kit or select components separately. The configuration depends on the chosen lighting scheme.

Depending on the operating characteristics, there are two types of LED backlights:

Monochrome(single-color) backlight, in which all the diodes glow the same color and the only thing that can be adjusted is the brightness;
Multicolor a circuit where there are red, green and blue (RGB) diodes on the tape.

To assemble a system from an LED strip, you will need a set of screwdrivers, scissors and soldering accessories.

Rules for assembling the backlight:

Pieces of LED strip can only be cut according to a special mark with a pictogram in the form of scissors;
It is not recommended to connect more than two five-meter strips from one power supply into one circuit, since there will be insufficient voltage;

During the soldering process, try to securely fix the contacts, since the soldering site is brittle due to the small cross-sectional diameter of the cores;

Be sure to isolate the adhesion site.

Installation of recessed lamps

To install spotlights you will need:

Electric drill with crown(the crown diameter is selected in accordance with the mounting diameter of the embedded element);
Spicy assembly knife for cleaning insulation from wires;
Narrow shaped screwdriver for installing connecting terminals (if such will be used).

Installation instructions for recessed luminaires:

We determine the location of the lamps in accordance with the wiring;
We mark the center of the holes on the ceiling;

According to the markings made, we drill through holes;

There are lamps on sale with a mounting element with a mounting diameter of 75 mm and 60 mm. You need to select a crown that will correspond to the mounting diameter of the selected lamp

We bring the ends of the wires into the holes and strip the insulation of the wire by about 1 cm;
In accordance with the selected diagram, we connect the cartridge to the wiring;

We make installation connections either using special glue or using twists, which we insulate with electrical tape.

We thread the wire with the connected socket into a ring with spring-loaded petals;

We insert the ring with the petals brought together into the prepared hole;
We connect a light bulb to the socket;

We insert the light bulb into the ring and screw in the protective glass.

Conclusion

Now you know what a backlit plasterboard ceiling is and how to assemble it yourself. If the article and the instructions offered in it were useful, write about it in your comments. In addition, I recommend watching the video in this article.

/ How to make ceiling lighting around the perimeter yourself?

How to make ceiling lighting around the perimeter yourself?

Ceiling with decorative lighting looks much more interesting and attractive than usual. This is one of the simplest and most popular solutions among all designers. The most popular type of such structures is a ceiling with perimeter lighting, which is not at all difficult to do with your own hands.

What types of lighting can be done

We will not consider those options that are too complex to implement or simply require intervention in the ceiling design. Not everyone will be able to do this on their own, so let’s pay attention to those that do not require special knowledge or tools for installation.

Installation in ceiling plinth

The simplest type of decorative lighting. For installation you only need the plinth itself and a set of LED strip with a power supply. It's important to choose good glue, with which the baseboard will be glued, since it will only be held on one side.

One more challenging task, there will be a search for a place to locate the power supply. If you use an RGB strip with a variable glow, then you will need to find a place for the control controller.

Installation of LEDs is simple - they are simply glued into the opening between the inside of the plinth and the wall. Usually, the tape has an adhesive base, but if it doesn’t, you can use double-sided tape.

Plasterboard niche

This type of decorative lighting is suitable for plasterboard compositions. It can also be used with a tension fabric, however, you will need to assemble an additional level, which will require the assembly of a separate frame, therefore, it is easier to use it with plasterboard or any other suspended compositions.

The essence of the design is to create a small shelf with a side on which lamps will be placed to illuminate the surface of the ceiling. The dimensions of the niche for ceiling lighting can vary and mainly depend on the type of lighting used. If lamps are mounted, larger dimensions are needed, but for a strip with LEDs, a small space is enough.

A shelf with a side is assembled from a profile and plasterboard, approximately this in appearance.

The location of the lamp or diode strip matters. By moving them deeper, or vice versa - moving them away from the wall, you can achieve different sizes light stripes.

It is best to provide such a shelf when assembling the suspended covering. Then, during installation there will be no problems - you just need to attach the assembled shelf to the frame of the first level and close the gypsum board.

Sources of light

To create decorative light, you can use not only. They show much top scores, compared to other types of illuminators, but, sometimes, preference is given to other options.

The second most popular light source after diodes will be. To install them, you can only use plasterboard niche, since quite a lot of space will be required to install the lamps. The method is quite expensive and not very effective. Recommended for neon lamps only.

It is much more effective to use flexible neon tubes to create neon light. They can be mounted on any base and bent as needed. The only serious disadvantage of such tubes is their considerable price.

The duralight cord can also be installed in a decorative baguette, however, it is quite heavy and the fastening of the baseboard will have to be strengthened. As one option, you might consider attaching the cord to the wall rather than simple styling for a baguette. The glow is uneven and does not look very nice.

It is not recommended to use other lighting options, as they are heavier and heat up during operation, which can lead to melting of the cornice or damage tension fabric. In addition, even in cases where the installation is made on drywall and a regular ceiling is illuminated, the illumination is uneven and does not look so beautiful.

The ceiling with lighting around the perimeter is very original solution, which looks much more attractive than just a ceiling without lighting. This design solution simple and very inexpensive. In addition, you can do such lighting yourself, with your own hands, without resorting to the help of a hired team, which, by the way, is quite expensive.

It is no accident that LEDs were adopted, since LED lighting is not just lamps, but a very thoughtful design solution, which, together with the main lighting, creates a harmonious lighting ensemble.

In our time of incessant crises, it has become fashionable budget repairs, which, by the way, are even more spectacular than expensive ones, at incomparably lower costs.

like this simple design, like LED backlighting, can be arranged by almost anyone.

Perhaps it is worth considering one of the most common methods, where the LED strip is placed in a plasterboard box.

Its advantages:

Since the box is placed on the second level, it seems that the light is coming from nowhere;
The light does not hurt the eyes, and it flows evenly along the entire perimeter of the ceiling.

Installation of such a box, of course, requires some expense and effort in terms of installation. However, there are much simpler methods.

LED lighting along the perimeter of the ceiling: in a foam baseboard

As an option, an LED strip is used, which is placed in a wide ceiling foam plinth made with imitation of hand-made stucco. The plinth is attached to the wall along its lower edge.

A gap of about 5-7 cm is left between the ceiling and the plinth, and the LED strip is hidden in the resulting pocket.

Such a ceiling with LED strip has also found wide application.

Advantages:

Much cheaper than a plasterboard box;
Much easier to install.

Thanks to these two qualities, the installation of a backlit ceiling is greatly simplified.

Necessary materials for LED backlighting

Not so many materials are needed for LED backlighting, and the materials themselves are inexpensive.

What do you need:

Conductive strip with LEDs. The tapes are waterproof (white) and RGB (multi-colored). The waterproof tapes are housed in a white silicone tube. They are more expensive, but at the same time they have reliable insulation from possible leaks from the upper floors.
A step-down transformer to which a diode strip is connected. It is built into the gap between the switch and the backlight.

The LED strip is turned on using a separate switch.

The backlight will lose all its effectiveness, interrupted by the main lighting.

It has already been mentioned that there are tapes that produce multi-colored backlighting (RGB). IN in this case, in addition to the transformer, there is a need for a controller in order to control the brightness. Light switching is carried out by the program.

The strips are different, both in power and in the frequency of placement of LEDs on them. The most common strips with a density of 30, 60 and 120 LEDs per linear meter. The higher the density, the higher the brightness.

Ceilings with LED strip under baseboards

You can, of course, scour the Internet for a long time, killing your time and doubting the correctness of your actions, or you can simply make the correct calculation in order to understand the benefits of this event.

LED strips are a very reliable source of lighting; lamps are changed extremely rarely - the strips are very reliable and durable.

In order to arrange everything correctly, you will need the simplest knowledge, plus simple actions.

Actions:

You need accurate measurements of the perimeter of your room;
The resulting result is multiplied by the power of one linear meter LED strips;
In order not to doubt the power, you need to consult with the seller before purchasing;
Based on this data, you need to select a power supply and controller.

If the ceiling is multi-level, then LED lighting goes well with beautiful chandelier. By the way, the backlight can be done not with a single tape, but with its fragments.

Correct connection and installation

In order for the backlight to turn out without flaws and shortcomings, you should take into account some rules.

Rules:

The tape is sold in five-meter reels, and, if necessary, it is cut and soldered to the required size;
The tape is carefully cut exclusively according to the markings;
Pieces of tape are soldered according to the diagram;
To secure the LED strip, use Double-sided tape, or self-adhesive tape. Before gluing, the surfaces are degreased and removed. protective layer, and the tape itself is pressed to the required area.

Installing the tape on a baseboard is different from installing the tape on a wall. Both options are used by the consumer.

The plinth is not glued directly to the ceiling, but five centimeters lower, and ten centimeters lower in the case of gluing to the plinth.

It happens that the power supply is sold without a power cord. Then you need to buy a cord.

How to solder correctly:

Plus and minus when the tape is the same color;
If the tape is colored (RGB), then contacts V+, R, G and B should be soldered.

After the tape is received the right size, you need to connect the transformer and controller.

When soldering, do not allow the tape to overheat! You cannot solder more than three coils in series - the tracks, in this case, cannot withstand the load.

At all stages of work main principle– accuracy, caution and thoroughness. The bending radius is at least 2 cm. The tracks cannot be bent more than 90°.

How to connect an RGB LED strip (video)

In conclusion, the following should be noted. There is no need to talk about the originality of the ceiling with LED lighting, since this is already quite obvious. In addition, one of the advantages of such a ceiling is the fact that installing lighting is not something extremely complicated, requiring the intervention of highly specialized specialists with special training - you can easily do it yourself. Another good thing is that such lighting can be installed both on a plasterboard ceiling and on a suspended ceiling. In a word, having studied articles on this topic, looked through photo and video materials, thoroughly, having thought about how it all will look, purchase necessary materials, and roll up your sleeves and get down to business.