sofa wall
Should downlights or spotlights be used on the sofa? This is a contentious issue. It feels like the most hard problem of the century.
Some people say to use downlights – downlights have even light and are not “dazzling”, making them suitable for reading books and newspapers on the sofa (no).
Some people say that downlights are not suitable because the light spots on walls look too bad.
Some people say that spotlights can be used to take photos, wash walls or to wash them.
Many people claim that spotlights are dangerous to use because they are too bright and you will get injured instantly if you lie down.
…………
There is no right or incorrect.
Then we start from the actual application to see which lamp is more suitable for you. This is only a discussion tool and not a decoration.
Take a look at some of the traditional ways to decorate your living room ceiling:
- Side ceiling/return ceiling
- Hoist the whole ceiling
The usual width of the looped ceiling is about 40cm, so let’s take the regular size as an example.
Look at the distance only, and not at the light.
The distance between the lamp and the wall should be about 20cm.
At this distance, just from the perspective of light effect
Below is a picture of a downlight that has a floodlight source with 100+ degV
Typical balloon light spots, if you think you can accept this effect, you can install it with confidence (don’t laugh yet… your home decoration will be the same).
Large-angle downlights also make up the basis of floodlights. If you have ceiling lights and light strips in your living room, I would like to ask you, why do you need so much basic lighting? What’s it for?
What if we switch to a downlight with another beam angle?
The picture below is the effect of 58deg downlightV
Use it if the effect improves instantly. This problem is solved perfectly. It’s so exciting…
Don’t rush…
We will first look at the practices that are common for this type of downlightV
The lamp cup has a high reflectivity and is bright, so it will increase the rate of light usage.
This is a picture of the actual testV
- When a person is at a distance other than point A and looks up at the lamp at a horizontal distance of 230cm from the lamp, there is almost no glare, which is very good.
- When a person is at point B and looks up at the lamp at a horizontal distance of 100cm from the lamp, it is unacceptable glare.
- The glare increases as a person looks upwards at the lamp while moving from A to B.
The glare can be tolerated by looking straight ahead or raising your head slightly, even if you are close to or within point B.
The bright reflector on the downlight is the main culprit of the glare that you see when you look up at the lamp from a distance.
Don’t forget, the thickness of our sofas is basically 20cm+. When we lean back on the couch, the lamp will be directly above us. This means we are exposed to a lot of glare.
Once again, I am disappointed.
Is there no solution to the problem of downlights? Is it true that light patterns and glare are incompatible?
There’s no real solution. The only solution is not to install it, but only to look at which aspect is more preferred, such as the 58deg “full spectrum” downlight below.
You have seen the light pattern just now, so I’ll post another picture.
There is no connection between photography and downlights. Let’s compare spotlights at the same distance.
If you want to install downlights, have you thought about it?
……………………….
Continue to look into the spotlight
Is it better than downlights? Are you jealous?
If you like it this way, then you are too easily satisfied.
Anyone with a little knowledge can see that the central beam of the spotlight has long exceeded the frame of the painting, forming an extra strong light on the wall, which is visually very awkward.
Then try another kind of light.
The image below is about 30cm from the wall
When I look at it, it feels better.
Give me a referenceV
Usually:
The optical with lenses is located within the point B.
Reflective cups are available from B-A.
It will make the effect better. I will not explain it further, as it would take another two thousand more words.
Give 3 recommendations (low budget)
The effect is slightly improved if you choose Philips Pinying for the spotlights in point C.
Don’t understand?
Save the answers below and read them slowly
What is the cost of a downlight for a living-room? Which brand is more cost-effective?
The problem of taking photos is solved by using spotlights behind the couch. Glare is also a weakness, but using a lens type and placing the angle slightly closer to the wall will alleviate it.
…………
Large flat top
Here is a paradise for downlights and spotlights
See the same picture
- Basic lighting is provided by Light Strip 1.
- Light strip 4 is a cabinet fill-in and atmosphere light.
- Light strip 4 for Ambient Lighting
- Spotlight 2 function sofa wall
- Spotlight 3 can be used as a coffee table light
- Spotlight 6 Living Room Atrium Fill Light
……………..
TV Wall
The arrangement of lamps on the TV wall needs to meet the needs of watching movies (hidden light strips on the TV wall are more effective)
- The atmosphere of the ceiling can be used to conceal the light source.
- You can also use ceiling downlights/spotlights
- You can also install hidden light strips on the TV wall. There is no need to use too bright lights in Guanyin mode. The hidden light source ensures that 4-6W/M is completely sufficient.
Downlights and Spotlights: Their advantages and disadvantages
I have mentioned many times in previous articles that if you must use downlights/spotlights on the TV wall, you should avoid the TV to avoid the bad experience of reflection from the TV screen.
Usually the lighting on the TV wall is arranged like this:
- Install spotlights
If you arrange the lamps in this way, as long as you turn on the lights, no matter whether you turn on the TV or not, there will be obvious glare.
- Install downlights
As mentioned many times in previous articles, if downlights are arrang-ed in this way, due to the limitation of the width of the side hanging, there will be obvious balloon spots on the wall, which is really ugly.
If spotlights are install-ed, the central beam will be particularly strong. , there will be varying degrees of visual interference.
The following is a reference to the lighting installation method that was previously described:
This method is not only feasible, but also has its own disadvantages.
If you look directly at the TV (line of sight 1), you can basically effectively avoid the glare of the lamp.
This method is not successful because the position in which we watch television will not be fixed (sightline 2) all of the time.
If the distance between lights is too small, the problem of light and shadow overlap will occur, which will compromise the experience.
Just like the picture below:
So, we should think about some questions, why should we arrange spotlights and downlights on the TV wall?
- Does it look good?
- Is it because of coordination?
- Is it because others do this that we must do the same?
- What is the primary function of the lamps placed on the TV wall, we should ask ourselves?
I believe everyone has their own answer, but it is nothing more than:
Layer the space
Can have more atmosphere
Create ambient lighting for movie viewing
Finally, if we think about it in reverse, if the lights we arrange have obvious “side effects”, does such an arrangement still make sense?
2-2. Which solution is the most reliable?
Light strips can be used to create the same effect as spotlights.
I drew a few simulation sketches (a bit rough, just read them and understand the meaning).
Example 1
The TV wall in the picture above uses three strips of light.
Light Strip 1: This light strip can be used with the lamps on the ceiling for the main lighting.
Light strip 2: This method of wall washing will be more uniform, the light will be softer, and it will not interfere with watching TV.
Light Strip 3: Low brightness light strips are used for low level lighting. This instantly improves the ambience and level in the room.
You can also choose light strips with adjustable brightness to suit your needs and meet the lighting requirements of different scenes.
Example 2:
This kind of vertical light strip, combined with slightly brighter ceiling lamps, will make you feel that the floor height is being raise-d, reducing the sense of depression.
It can be the perfect way to add light to your movie without interfering with the viewing experience.
Example 3:
You can make horizontal light troughs as well. It is the same principle, but it will depend on your personal preference and actual situation.
I believe that this kind of light experience is far better than using spotlights to wash the wall roughly.