Which spotlights are better: TOP 13 best manufacturers

What is a lamp? This is a device that creates a comfortable environment in the room. Artificial light is used everywhere in every home. Today, in any store you can find a huge variety of spotlights. They differ not only in price, but also in color, size, material, and design. Each of them corresponds to specific areas of application and operating conditions. Spotlights are used to illuminate a space or to add emphasis to some decorative element.

They are usually characterized by the following characteristics: installation method, functionality and adjustment.

Spotlights: installation methods

Many people imagine what a spotlight is. How to install it is described in the article “Installation of a spotlight.” Based on the installation method, such equipment is divided into the following types:

1. Overhead or external. They are used on frameless foundations such as concrete ceilings or brick walls. They are 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: a mounting platform and a housing on which the diffuser is located. Installation is carried out by fixing the strip into a hole whose diameter is smaller than the body. This allows you to cover it with a lampshade in order not to lose its aesthetic appearance. It is also necessary to connect the grounding wire to the strip. After connecting the wires, the housing must be fixed on the site.

2. Recessed spotlights. They are the most popular among their representatives. This is due to their easy installation into any surface and material. This can be plasterboard, 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, swimming pools, bars, and as lighting on kitchen units. As for their configuration, they also have their own characteristics. In most cases they consist of a solid structure. These are immediately combined fasteners and clamps. During installation, you only need to insert the lamp into a pre-prepared hole, into which the lampshade will be fixed using the claws. This gives them a major advantage in use and puts them at the forefront. A big plus is the huge range. Various textures, colors, sizes help everyone find the option they need.
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3. Hanging spotlights. They differ in the design of their body. Unlike its predecessors, it is located a short distance from the ceiling. The base for such lamps can be completely different: solid, tension and suspended. In practice, they are most often used as a decorative element to give the room a beautiful and aesthetic appearance. Installation occurs by hanging the lamp on a decorative cable, which is fixed to the ceiling. Looks 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 installed.

LED lamps for spotlights

There are different types of light bulbs used in ceiling lamps, but LEDs are the most cost-effective. It is important to choose them correctly. If for fluorescent lamps the power determines the intensity of the glow, then for diodes the number of watts consumed is not the determining parameter. For this type of device, the ratio of power and brightness is different.

A 60-watt incandescent lamp produces the same brightness as an 8-watt LED device. The same diode is equivalent in brightness to a 35-watt halogen light bulb. Therefore, for the convenience of calculations, there is a lumen - a unit of measurement of the “power/brightness” proportion.

Diode lamp power, watt	Luminous flux, lumen
2-3	250
4-5	400
6-10	400
10-12	900
12-15	1200
18-20	1800
25-30	2500

When purchasing, you need to consider the number of hours that the lamp will last. The figure is indicated on the packaging and is 7000-10000 hours. The fewer voltage drops and on-off switching the LED is exposed to, the longer it will last. To use diode lighting outdoors during the dark period of the day, purchase special lamps with protection against damage. When purchasing a lamp separately from the luminaire, it is important to consider the sizes and types of base and socket. Some devices are mounted using contacts in the lamp body.

Type of adjustment of spotlights

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

• Rotary. Perfect for places where light adjustment is constantly required. However, during installation, it is recommended to strengthen the fastening point, otherwise, with frequent use, there is a risk of rapid wear of the material.
• Fixed. They cannot be rotated, which means they are intended only to illuminate a certain part of the room.
• Swivel and retractable. They help not only adjust the angle of light flow, but are also able to create lighting zones.
• Cardan shafts. Equipped with advanced adjustment of light intensity and flow.
• Spots. They have a rotating mechanism that helps you manually direct the light. Typically, several lampshades are placed on one fastener. They look especially aesthetically pleasing when they are placed in the form of geometric shapes.
• Downlight. They are used to illuminate a specific element of the room: paintings, photographs, niches with figurines.

The functionality of spotlights is also varied. Manufacturers offer different diameters, shapes and colors. The functional division is made taking into account the production configuration:

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

It is necessary to choose these characteristics based on the features of the interior and personal preferences.

Features of spotlights

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

Lamps for incandescent lamps are divided into two groups:

1. Open, it is characterized by a U-shaped design.
2. Closed, its design is based on a special casing that protects from moisture.

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

Spotlights also have a number of characteristics that should be taken into account when choosing them for a room:

• The light scattering angle does not exceed 30 degrees. Thus, one lamp will not be enough even for the smallest room.
• the flow of light is cone-shaped.

Spot light has its advantages, which is why it is increasingly used in modern interiors. It looks especially advantageous in a space where you need to create visual work areas.

Types of lamps

There are various types of spot lighting devices on sale, differing in a number of indicators. Based on the type of fastening, they are divided into overhead, suspended, and built-in.

Invoices

Such lamps are also called external lamps; they are applied directly to the surface. It is better to use them on frameless bases - a concrete ceiling, a brick wall, but the devices are also suitable for plasterboard and suspended ceilings. They are indispensable if you need to decorate a room without changing the dimensions of the space or carrying out major repairs.

The design of the surface-mounted lamp is as follows: the diffuser body is located on the mounting platform. The mounting strip is installed above a hole smaller than that of the body itself (otherwise it will not be covered by the lampshade). A grounding cable is connected to the strip, the housing is fixed with side screws after the wires are joined.

Built-in

Lamps can be built in on frame bases - plasterboard structures, panel walls, slats, on furniture partitions, in wall niches, suspended ceilings. Built-in lamps are also called mortise lamps. They are used on the floor, stairs, bar counters.

A special feature of the devices is a housing with built-in lamp clamps and special fasteners. The claws open when installing the lampshade; no reinforcement is required. The product must be mounted in a pre-cut hole in accordance with the markings of the wires. Typically, the sizes of such lamps are compact, so to create basic lighting you will have to buy more of them.

Hanging

The pendant lamp has 2 bodies - one that is mounted at a certain distance from the surface and a socket sitting at the base. The cases are connected by a decorated power cable. There is a hook for hanging from the ceiling. You can use both overhead and built-in pendant devices.

Such lamps can be mounted on any type of base; they can serve as a source of lighting and a decorative component. Fastening elements are included, but too massive products need to be reinforced with mounting strips.

Components of spotlights

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

• body with a diffuser, sometimes it is replaced with a retainer.
• mounting plate.
• block-terminal, but very often there is only a pair of terminals.
• lamp, but it is quite rare to find it included in a kit; usually you have to buy it yourself.

Types of lamps for spotlights Lamp for spotlights can be of several types.

Types of lamps based on operating principle

There are several types of lamps based on their operating principle:

1. Incandescent lamps. Due to their fairly low price and easy replacement, they are the most common. However, recently the number of their disadvantages outweighs these two advantages. Disadvantages: they consume a lot of electricity and, due to the rather large fasteners, require a special frame.
2. Halogen. They deserve attention due to their low energy consumption and long service life. And these are not all of their positive qualities; they are also distinguished by their brightness and shallow mounting depth. Disadvantages of halogen lamps: excessive heating and are easily contaminated with fats. It is recommended to carry out replacement with special gloves in order to maintain durability of use.
3. LED spotlights. Unlike their predecessors, diode lamps have appeared recently. But in such a short period of time, they were able to gain the love of many customers. And all thanks to their main advantages. Low energy consumption - everyone who saves likes it. Such lamps never overheat, which means they are an excellent solution for those who prefer stretch ceilings. You should also focus on safety; they can be safely used in children's rooms. These lamps are also equipped with a rotating mechanism. This is very convenient, because at any time you can easily change the angle of the light.
4. Luminescent Designed for use in industrial premises to simulate natural light. They are expensive, but their durability makes up for this. But their big disadvantage is that they are harmful and not environmentally friendly, but all because of the mercury content.

Types of socles

The lamp base is where the lamp is connected to the socket. They also come in different designs. The most common are threaded and pin.

Spotlights typically use E14, G5.3 and G10.

Thus, we can conclude that there is no ideal lamp. They all have their pros and cons. Therefore, when going to the store, you need to rely on the main factors, which include:

• light output is calculated by the ratio of the power of the light flow received from the lamp and the same volt indicator at the output;
• duration of operation;
• difficulties in disposing of a broken item;
• lamp replacement method;
• maintaining luminous flux;
• the need to use additional equipment.

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

Main types of spotlights

How to choose suitable devices for ceiling lighting? There are a number of classifications based on different criteria according to which lamps are selected. It is worth considering the most important parameters.

Purpose and type of installation

Directly in the store, it is important to clarify for which ceiling this lamp is suitable. Depending on this, the following types of devices are distinguished, which differ in design and installation method.

For drywall

You need to choose such spots if they will be placed in plasterboard structures. They are also suitable for installation on plastic panels and suspended ceilings. A pair of springs are attached to the lamp body, and the spot is connected to the wires. Then the springs are bent and the body is placed in the cut hole. The springs will move apart on their own, and the lamp will be securely fixed to the ceiling.

There are also models sold complete with a bracket. If not included in the set, it can be purchased separately. Sliding brackets are completely replaceable with perforated drywall hangers. It will work out much cheaper.

For suspended ceilings

A stretch ceiling is a delicate structure, so it must be handled with care. The weight of the lamps should be light so that the ceiling can easily support it, not sag, and the appearance remains attractive. Luminaires for suspended ceilings are provided with special platforms that are attached to the sub-ceiling. They will prevent sagging and protect the fabric material from overheating.

Location

Spotlights are divided according to the type of location into two main groups - built-in and external.

Hidden (embedded)

Such devices are the most popular. In them, the lamp is hidden under a suspended or suspended ceiling, located above its level. Only the rim of the decorative ring, the protective glass and part of the light bulb are visible on the surface. Spots will be ideal if a narrow beam of illumination is required, as well as for zoning a room, creating dark, brightly lit areas. The lamps have a disadvantage - the heat they generate remains under the surface of the ceiling, which can harm it.

External

Surface-mounted or external lamps are devices in which the lamp is located below the ceiling level. They can illuminate a large area of ​​the room, but creating directed beams of light will be more difficult. Such spots are suitable when it is not possible to make a major overhaul of the rough ceiling or install hidden wiring. You can buy almost flat surface-mounted LED lamps, because incandescent lamp models have larger sizes.

Types of lamps

Spotlights can be equipped with any type of lamp that is on the market. The choice depends on the customer’s needs and the type of lighting.

Incandescent lamps

Such light bulbs were the most common until recently, and now they are also used everywhere. The efficiency of the products is low - almost all of their power is used for heating and turns into thermal energy. Only a few percent of energy is spent on light.

The use of incandescent lamps on PVC ceilings can lead to damage to the latter, and sometimes to a fire. Therefore, it is possible to use light bulbs of this type in spotlights, but with great restrictions. They are screwed only into overhead spots so that heat is dissipated normally. You should only buy incandescent light bulbs with a mirror coating inside - transparent products will get very hot. Installation of lamps is permissible only on plasterboard and wooden suspended ceilings.

Luminescent

2 electrodes are soldered into the cylinder of such a light bulb, and the bulb is filled with mercury vapor. After voltage is applied, the electrodes begin to emit UV radiation, and phosphors convert it into light. The main disadvantage is the depth of the lamp socket.

For successful placement of products, the depth of the inter-ceiling space should be 8-12 cm, which cannot always be observed. The advantages include long service life - up to 10 thousand hours of operation, low heat transfer. Fluorescent lamps will not cause a fire; they can even be used on PVC ceilings.

Halogen

A halogen lamp differs from a conventional incandescent lamp in the presence of halogen vapors, which reduces heat transfer and provides savings during operation. Halogen light bulbs use electricity sparingly, but for suspended ceilings they must be used with caution. The safe power of the device should not exceed 35 watts. When screwing in the lamp, you must wear gloves - grease stains destroy the quartz layer of the bulb, and in the future it may burst.

LED

LED lamps, or light-emitting diodes, are characterized by minimal energy consumption - they are 8-10 times more economical than incandescent lamps. These models provide good, bright light of the desired spectrum (cold and warm). LEDs hardly heat up, and more powerful devices have special dimmers to regulate the flow of light. Their service life is enormous - tens of years. LEDs can be assembled into strips, groups, and are easy to install and change. There is only one drawback - the high price, but it is compensated by the existing advantages.

Design

When purchasing a product, it is important to consider the direction of the reflector. According to their design features, spotlights can be fixed or rotating.

Rotary

Non-fixed or rotating models allow you to change position after installation, which helps illuminate a specific area. It is believed that they are less reliable because they fail faster, because there are moving parts. It is recommended to buy them if a person knows for sure that this function will be in demand.

Fixed

Fixed models only shine in one direction. It is impossible to regulate the flow, but such products will last longer.

Number of lamps in the housing

The number of lamps under one housing varies; not all models are single-lamp, although the latter are the most popular. There are double, triple products, etc., up to 10 lamps in one lamp. It is technologically more advantageous to use multi-lamp spots if you plan to install several devices nearby. It is easier to install one mount, and the accuracy of the distances will be guaranteed.

Advantages and disadvantages of spotlights

If we consider spot lighting in general, we can highlight a number of main advantages:

• you can easily create zoning, with full or partial lighting;
• unlike chandeliers, longer service life;
• safety;
• energy saving;
• ability to change types of light bulbs;
• compactness, they can be used even in the smallest room;
• aesthetics and beauty;
• resistance to mechanical damage, you don’t have to worry that children will accidentally hit them with a ball;
• high efficiency;
• no flicker.

Like any other phenomenon, spot lighting has its disadvantages:

• difficulty in lighting design;
• for complete lighting it is necessary to use several elements at once;
• many models of spotlights require an additional frame;
• danger of use with a suspended ceiling (overheating can damage 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. It will become easier to divide the space into zones. The spotlight easily fits into rooms intended for different purposes.

Criteria for choosing spotlights: the most important points

After getting acquainted with the best manufacturers, we will find out what criteria should be used to choose such lighting devices.

Installation method

From this point of view, spotlights come in three types.

1. Built-in. They are used in suspended/stretch ceilings. By the way, when arranging such a covering, it is important to leave the required gap between the ceiling itself and the finishing material. All the “insides” of the lamp are hidden in this gap, and only the outer decorative part is visible to the eye. In addition, such lamps are often installed in pieces of furniture, plasterboard sheets, decorative niches and the like.

   
   Fixing a recessed luminaire

2. Invoices. Similar models are intended for foundations made of concrete or brick. A niche is not needed for installation, and therefore the integrity of the structures in this case is not compromised. Models are equipped with fastening elements and special fasteners.

   
   Overhead lamps in the interior

3. Hanging. They are good because they can be attached to any surface. They are equipped with a decorative cable, thanks to which you can adjust the installation height of the device.

   
   Pendant lamps

Functional

Now the described lamps have various additional options that did not exist before. These are, for example, dimmers that allow you to control the power of the light flux. Special remote controls allow you to remotely not only turn on/off devices, but also adjust the brightness while in other rooms. The dust and moisture resistance of lighting devices is indicated by the letters IP , this indicator can vary from IP20 to IP68. Obviously, the higher the value, the better the lamp is protected from dust and moisture.

Video - How to choose the type of spotlight

Adjustment function

In this regard, modern models may have various interesting options.

Table. Possibility of adjusting modern lamps.

Name, photo	Short description
Static	Such lamps cannot be adjusted. They shine directionally only at one point. Installed in furniture, ceiling structures, niches.
Spots	They are good because they provide ample opportunities in terms of interior design. Designs made from many lamps look beautiful, in which each lamp can be individually directed where you need it.
Rotary	After installation, such lamps allow only slight changes in the direction of the light beam. Although in reviews, buyers say that in this case it is better to strengthen the supporting structure so that there is no premature wear due to frequent turns.
Cardan	Here you can install several lamps, which will simultaneously turn in one direction or another.
Swing-out	They differ in that they allow frequent changes to the decor of the room. The direction of the light beam can be adjusted in an unlimited range.

As a result, we note once again that this article is purely subjective and informational in nature, it is not a guide to action, and certainly not an advertisement. Therefore, before purchasing, it is still advisable to consult with a specialist.

Video - 7 simple rules for good lighting

Choosing spotlights

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

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

Spotlights, pendant or recessed - this choice depends on the requirements of the room owners. Of course, when choosing lamps you need to rely on personal taste, but it is still recommended to adhere to certain subtleties.

So, simple lamps, without unnecessary patterns and decorations, are best suited for the kitchen. This will make it easier to care for them, because in addition to dust, greasy deposits will also accumulate on them. When choosing spotlights for a suspended ceiling, it is recommended to choose rounded models. This will make their installation easier and will not harm the ceiling material.

Devices with incandescent lamps are secured with special fasteners that visually “eat up” the space. Considering these subtleties, it will not be difficult to choose spotlights. You also need to pay attention to the color scheme, sometimes it affects the overall perception of the interior.

Well-known manufacturers of spotlights

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

1. It belongs to budget models and has been pleasing customers since 2012. The main difference is the beautiful unusual design.
2. ARTE LAMP. The Italian company was able to win the respect of more than 20 countries around the world. Their products are characterized by an average price level.
3. A domestic company whose main criteria is the production of economical models. It has been around for about 15 years.
4. The Austrian company amazes with its huge range. Moreover, the prices are suitable for people with different financial incomes.
5. Russian company operating since 1998. Prices are affordable.
6. The Italians were able to present beautiful but inexpensive products.
7. Huge range and selection at affordable prices.

The types of ceiling lights are so varied that sometimes making a choice is quite difficult. When choosing a manufacturer, you should not chase too low a price. Decent quality cannot be sold at a meager price.

Spotlights: features of use

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

Tips for placing spotlights:

• You should not install lamps at a distance of less than half a meter;
• Energy-saving lamps should be used for suspended ceilings;
• if you place several lamps around the perimeter of the walls, this will visually enlarge the room.

Care for spotlights must be appropriate, only then will their service life increase. Here are the basic tips from spotlight lamp manufacturers:

• Appliances need to be cleaned at least once a year;
• periodically check the integrity of the wiring;
• do not use aerosols;
• take precautions;
• do not use lamps near open fire;
• keep the device away from water;
• Use spotlights for their intended purpose.

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

So, having decided on the type of spotlights, you can safely calculate their number and, using your imagination, distribute them over 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 policy become pleasant bonuses. Don’t be afraid to experiment and your home will sparkle with bright colors and become a real cause for envy!

Recommendations for placing spotlights

• Stretch ceilings are sensitive to the temperature to which ceiling lamps heat up during operation. Even when heated to 60°C, the fabric can become deformed, change shade, or even melt. This factor must be taken into account when calculating the required level of illumination: only lamps equipped with LED or energy-saving light bulbs can be used with suspended ceilings. Traditional incandescent lamps and halogen devices are completely unsuitable options (as a last resort, you can use low-power sources of this type - incandescent lamps up to 40 W, halogen lamps up to 35 W, the ceiling should be protected with special thermal rings or thermal squares).
• Spotlights are placed on the ceiling according to a certain pattern. They are usually arranged in a circle or oval shape. Thus, it is possible to create the most efficient and uniform lighting in the room.

• If spotlights are moved closer to the center of the ceiling, the main light flux will be concentrated in the central part of the room, and the space around the perimeter of the walls will be slightly less illuminated.
• Lamps placed in a rectangular shape help to visually expand the space and “raise” the ceilings a little.

• If a ceiling chandelier is installed as the main light source in the room, all calculations of the required power and number of light bulbs are made for it. Spotlights in this case perform decorative functions and are not taken into account in calculations.
• When planning a lighting system, you can divide the estimated number of lamps into several groups and, during installation, connect these groups to different switches. Such lighting will allow you to zone the space and use only those lamps that are needed at any given moment.

Correctly performed calculations and compliance with recommendations for the placement of lamps will help organize the lighting of the room as efficiently as possible, as well as avoid mistakes and the need to rework an already created lighting system.

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