Such a part of the apartment as a balcony has long been used not only as a place for drying clothes and folding unnecessary things. Designers everywhere suggest using a glazed loggia as an extension of a room or equipping it for a separate room, for example, a personal office. It is in these cases that competently planned lighting is simply necessary there.
When choosing lamps, you need to build on the purpose for which the balcony will be used. So, when creating a place to relax, ordinary lamps in the form of LED strips, ceiling chandeliers or wall sconces that provide moderate warm lighting will be enough. The market also provides a huge selection of luminaires with the ability to adjust the degree of illumination.
The functionality of the loggias is gradually expanding. Therefore, the use of the balcony becomes possible at any time of the day.
Varieties
Before installing electrical wiring and fixtures, it is necessary to determine the light intensity of the room and the role assigned to it.
Possible types of lighting:
- General purpose;
- Decorative;
- Orienting;
- Combined;
- Expositional.
Differences are also present depending on the method of mounting the fixtures:
- Ceiling;
- Wall-mounted;
- Suspended.
Depending on the desired effect, as a result of the installation of the luminaires, diffuse, reflective or direct light devices can be used.
Direct light luminaires are mounted on ceilings of any height, and the beam is directed exclusively downward from the source. Diffusion lamps allow the light to spread around the entire perimeter of the room. For more intense lighting, it is sufficient to use a more powerful lamp. Reflective lamps create a spectacular play of light, which is very important in a composition with reflective ceilings.
Nevertheless, when operating a balcony, direct light sources are suitable as a working space. The lack of illumination is successfully compensated by a table lamp or floor lamp.
Variety of options
The use of LED strip allows imagination to roam, since this method is relevant for any room design. It is convenient to mount the tape due to its flexibility and the presence of a self-adhesive side. The design consists of many small LEDs, the brightness of which can be adjusted, as well as the possibility of using other equally effective modes.
Installation of point light sources will allow you to adjust the degree of illumination, as well as save energy. The luminaires are a compact device consisting of several LED bulbs. This design can be partially operated, which allows you to achieve one or another effect in the room. This is especially true for large and long loggias.
The advantage of these luminaires is their versatility. So, for example, with their help, you can focus on a specific place or object in the room. Also, devices can be just a decorative part of the interior.
The only drawback is the ability to install them exclusively in suspended or tensioned structures.
Before choosing light sources, you need to determine the degree of illumination of the room. Therefore, it is necessary to choose devices depending on their location on the balcony.
If the balcony is open (that is, not glazed), then preference should be given to special street wall lamps and lamps. Such devices are equipped with protection against moisture and dust. This option is also relevant for rooms with high humidity levels. This will help to avoid possible breakdown of the electrical appliance or short circuit.
In the case when the loggia is not insulated or partially glazed, then it is worth considering the technical characteristics of lighting devices, including the possibility of using them at low temperatures.
The most common way of mounting luminaires is wall mounting. This method is good for upper floors, as well as in the absence of the possibility of using a ceiling lamp.
Ceiling luminaires are generally capable of providing maximum illumination. Such devices are suspended and recessed into the ceiling. Suspended ones are fixed either on a suspension or on the ceiling itself. These include classic chandeliers or plate lamps. Built-in appliances are mainly used on hinged or plasterboard ceilings.
Only in this case, it is worth considering the convenience of the design in case of possible wiring problems.
Spot lamps can be ceiling-mounted, wall-mounted or on legs. The advantage of such lamps is the ability to change the direction of the luminous flux. Lamps are perfect for relaxation areas and balconies with flowers and other vegetation. The lamps are especially loved by fans of violets, as they maintain the level of light necessary for them.
Before proceeding with the installation of lamps, it is necessary to draw up a sketch of their location and a plan for conducting electrical wiring. This approach will allow you to more accurately plan the course of work and the amount of materials.
Installation of electrical wiring
There are two types of wiring methods:
- Outdoor;
- Hidden.
When installing the cable yourself, the use of cable channels is popular. They are plastic boxes with a rectangular cross-section, which allow you to place all the necessary cables and wires. Cable ducts can be purchased in the required size at any hardware store.
The use of cable channels will harmoniously fit into any interior of the balcony without damaging the integrity of the finish. The use of boxes does not take much time and effort. In addition, manufacturers offer a wide range of color options for cable ducts.
If there is no desire to install boxes or fix the corrugation, and there is no way to install hidden wiring, then there is a way to connect the lamps through special skirting boards.
The best option would be to lay the wire to the lighting system from the nearest outlet located in the next room or kitchen. As a power supply, it is better to choose a wire made of aluminum or copper, the cross-section of which will be either 2x1.5 or 3x1.5 mm2. This choice directly depends on the desired power of the lighting devices.
The wire can be attached to the wall surface using a cable duct or using metal brackets. True, in the second case, the wiring will be open, which is undesirable in the presence of children and pets.
Also, as a closed wiring, the option of deepening the wire into the grooves is suitable, after placing it in a corrugated pipe (corrugation) or a plastic box (cable channel). However, this kind of activity requires accurate calculation and time, and the grooves themselves subsequently need to be covered with asbestos and putty. This type of wiring is more appropriate for a major overhaul of a room or at the initial stages of construction.
In the loggia room, the cables from the outlet, lighting systems and the wire from the switch are connected in a junction box, which must be fixed at a level not lower than one and a half meters from the floor. The system is always tested for operability before being put into operation.
When installing and operating the lighting system, it is necessary to remember about the safety rules, and it is imperative to first turn off the electricity in the room through the shield.
For high-quality performance of electrical work, it is better to seek qualified help and call an electrician. Indeed, in addition to professional installation, the specialist gives a guarantee for the work performed by him.
Interesting ideas
When creating an atmosphere for evening relaxation, it is most appropriate to install diffusing lamps of warm light. Floor lamps with fabric or candle-shaped lampshades, spotlights and wall sconces are also suitable.
Spotlights built into the floor will become an original design solution. This creates the effect of semi-darkness.
For a working atmosphere, luminaires must blend in harmoniously with the overall interior design and provide enough light. In addition to the main lighting, you can use table lamps, spot lamps or special LED USB lamps.
For gardeners and flower growers, original and creative spot lamps are enough. To create a mystical or fabulous atmosphere, you can complement the interior with wall sconces or spotlights.
It should be noted that the LED strip is in perfect harmony with other light sources. So, for example, with the help of several types of lamps, you can divide the room into zones, and the LED strip will harmoniously complement the interior and create the effect of a smooth transition from one zone to another.
Nevertheless, for a short stay on the balcony, for example, if there is a dressing room or a cabinet with supplies, you can use wireless spotlights. The devices are available in a wide variety of shapes and colors, run on batteries and have a sticky side for use. This allows you to move the luminaires over the surface without damaging the decoration of the room and does not require additional work before starting operation.
You can find out how to independently conduct the light on a balcony or loggia in the next video.