Lighting for a wardrobe – is it needed at all and what should it be like?

This article will help you figure out whether you need lighting for the wardrobe you are planning to order. This seemingly simple question leads many customers to a dead end, since there are two completely opposing opinions regarding the usefulness of this function. Opponents of equipping furniture with lamps argue that they are intended only to decorate wardrobes, but in fact they are of no use, and their installation is just a waste of money. We will now try to figure out how right they are.

Indeed, sometimes this functionality turns out to be unnecessary. This usually happens when the cabinet has a shallow body and is located in a bright room, and such furniture is used mainly during the day. In such situations, there is no need to buy lamps for the wardrobe and pay for installation services. Also, you should not expect significant benefits from external lighting, since in 90% of models it performs only a decorative function. In all other cases, it is preferable to order a wardrobe with lighting, and we will now explain why:

1. Even if there is good artificial lighting in the room, there is still twilight inside the cabinet, which makes finding the right things difficult, and this already indicates an insufficient level of comfort in the wardrobe. Of course, over the past years we have become accustomed to furniture without internal lighting and are able to find any object almost by touch, but this is not an argument in favor of abandoning this function, but rather a feature of our mentality. It doesn’t hurt to remember practical Americans and Europeans, whose dressing rooms are flooded with bright light from the inside. The body of the sliding wardrobe is the same as a dressing room, only smaller in size, so the difference should only be in the intensity of lighting. At the same time, determining the required lamp power is the task of manufacturers; Stiver-100 solves this issue based on the volume of the departments and their degree of congestion.

2. In addition to increasing the level of comfort, time is saved thanks to the lighting of the wardrobe. At first glance, this statement may seem banal, but it is true - especially for furniture in the hallway, where models with sliding facades are most often ordered. In order not to be unfounded, we suggest considering the procedure for finding the right thing in this room. The first thing we do when we enter the hallway, even during the day, is go to the switch and turn on the lamps. Then we head to the closet, move aside the facade and, despite the light on in the room, we search for the desired item in the twilight, spending much more time on this. Now it doesn’t hurt to calculate the average number of times all household members approach this cabinet per day and multiply all the minutes spent on unnecessary actions by the average lifespan of such a model - 7-10 years. For an ordinary family of three, the total walking time from the switch to the furniture and back is plus or minus 10 days over the designated period of time. Therefore, it is much more logical and profitable to make sure that the light turns on inside the housing when the facade is opened and turns off when it is closed. We will describe how to achieve this in practice a little later.

3. Internal lighting of the wardrobe helps to maintain perfect order and take care of your health. Moreover, we are talking not so much about neatly folded stacks of T-shirts or underwear, but about hygiene. In a darkened case it is difficult to detect accumulations of dust and, what is even more important for models installed close to cold walls, the appearance of fungus or mold. There is no need to remind once again how harmful it is to your health to wear clothes that contain spores of such microorganisms. This argument may seem far-fetched to some, and it would not be worth writing about it if, when dismantling old furniture (mainly in hallways, the walls of which border the stairwell), our workers did not find a barely noticeable brown-gray color on the shelves and side racks plaque is the first sign of mold spreading. In a well-lit building, you can detect traces of harmful microorganisms and stop their development at the initial stage.

In addition to practical factors that speak in favor of sliding wardrobes with lighting from the inside, there is another equally weighty argument - the status and respectability of furniture with a lighting system. By the way, if we consider that we regularly, without hesitation, pay for countless functions in phones, computers and other audio and electrical household appliances, the existence of which we don’t even know, then the costs of equipping a wardrobe with lamps look more than justified against this background - You are guaranteed to use this function, and it is clearly not superfluous.

And one more, probably the most convincing argument in favor of installing a lighting system - some time after purchasing a new model without this function, some owners of such furniture try to make lighting in the wardrobe with their own hands. This suggests that they are not entirely comfortable using furniture without lamps, and they decided to independently correct the mistake made when purchasing. Only solving this problem on your own will not provide the result that the manufacturer can guarantee you.

Features of lighting system design

Since external lamps for sliding wardrobes are intended to a greater extent to improve the aesthetic characteristics of furniture, they are of little interest to us now - anyone who wants to decorate their furniture with them will resolve this issue with our designer in 5-10 minutes. We would like to introduce you to the basic principles of the lighting system inside the housing:

1. Lighting devices should not be installed in those compartments where retractable or lifting mechanisms are installed: pantographs, drawers, laundry or shoe baskets, trouser drawers, etc. The use of lamps in these areas is simply irrational, since they are of little use. After all, all of the listed devices are designed to deliver things outside the body, that is, empty space will be illuminated, and this is a waste of money.

2. In departments with ordinary stationary shelves, lamps are also not needed everywhere. Choose to install them in places where things for everyday use will be stored. Thanks to this, you can save about 30% on your lighting system.

3. If the wardrobe is equipped with external lighting, lamps are not needed in the mezzanine compartments, since these areas are quite well lit from the outside.

4. When designing a lighting system, choose sensors that automatically trigger when facades are opened or react to your movement. Such devices are much more convenient than traditional switches.

5. If a cabinet wardrobe is installed in a room in such a way that its side racks are clearly visible from one or both sides, it is recommended to order a model with a slightly recessed back wall. This design allows you to hide communications from the wires that run behind the cabinet and move the cabinet close to the wall.

6. When making built-in wardrobes in niches lined with plasterboard, it is better to design furniture before carrying out repair work so that all the wires are behind the sheets of plasterboard. Typically, furniture makers familiarize builders with drawings, with the help of which workers bring the wires out at the places where the lamps are connected.

In order to equip a wardrobe with an effective lighting system without unnecessary expenses, we recommend that clients at least roughly decide what they plan to store and in which compartments. Having such information, our designer-technologist will be able to quickly draw up the optimal lighting system diagram for your furniture.

Overhead lamps for the kitchen under cabinets

An overhead kitchen lamp is an effective solution when you need to illuminate only one specific area of ​​the space. Many people know that in the kitchen, sometimes there is not enough light from the main source during cooking, which is inconvenient and impractical. However, there is a way out - install spotlights under the cabinets. This will illuminate the workspace exactly where it is needed. The devices are made of high-quality materials and are not dangerous for use, even during long-term operation, under temperature influences.

A large assortment of products from leading manufacturers at an affordable price in Moscow allows you to choose the most suitable modern lighting device for your needs.

Lighting fixtures for wardrobes

Spotlights, fluorescent and halogen lamps are yesterday's lighting systems for wardrobes. Manufacturers that respect themselves and their customers have completely switched to using LED lamps, which compare favorably with their predecessors in the following characteristics:

• purity of light and direction of radiation;

• fire safety – LEDs practically do not heat up;

• long service life – the design life is at least 50 thousand hours;

• solid durability – they are vibration and shock resistant;

• low operating voltage and energy consumption;

• maintaining working qualities - over time, the luminous intensity and luminous flux of such lamps practically do not decrease;

• environmental safety - the lamps do not contain mercury compounds and other toxic components hazardous to health;

• instant ignition when supply voltage is applied.

LED lamps for sliding wardrobes come in surface-mounted and mortise versions. Due to the compact size, in the manufacture of furniture, mainly overhead models are used, which simplifies the assembly of furniture and slightly reduces its cost, since the labor intensity of the manufacturing process is reduced. Surface-mounted modular LED lamps are in particular demand. Such lamps are considered universal, since they are assembled from individual elements and can be installed in a niche of any size. Also, these modular lamps allow you to ensure the optimal illumination intensity of the wardrobe without the use of additional control devices.

Sliding wardrobes with LED lighting can be equipped with another convenient device - a hanger bar with a built-in lamp. This device ensures that light is directed specifically at the things located under the bar. Such devices are equipped with either a key switch or an infrared sensor - the second option, although more expensive, is undoubtedly more convenient than the first.

What kind of overhead lamps can you buy?

Before you buy overhead lamps, you need to decide on their type and capabilities. Write to the online chat (button in the lower right corner) or call our manager, who will promptly provide advice on the selected positions.

Overhead lighting differs in appearance:

• Light-emitting diode (LED),
• Luminescent,
• Halogen.

At installation location:

• for the home (bathroom, kitchen) - spot lighting on the walls and ceiling;
• for furniture – lighting of cabinets, drawers, shelves, mirrors.

By form:

• round,
• square,
• rectangular,
• triangular.

In addition, they have different stylistic directions, sizes and colors.

Types of switches for sliding wardrobes

Cord, push-button and key switches for sliding wardrobes have today been replaced by more modern and convenient touch, limit or infrared sensors. All of these new devices ensure that lamps are turned on without performing additional actions - to light the lamps, you just need to open the facade or be active near one of the compartments of the wardrobe. Here's a quick summary of these sensors:

1. A limit switch for a sliding wardrobe is the most common and inexpensive device that has a mechanical principle of operation. When the facade is closed, the circuit is open and the lamps do not light. As soon as you move the door leaf a little to the side, a straightened spring connects the conductive plates, and voltage flows to the lamps. This switch is installed in places inaccessible to view and is practically trouble-free in operation. The only infrequent failure that can occur is a slight weakening of the spring that closes the contacts. In such cases, it is easier to replace the sensor than to repair it - you can do this yourself without calling a specialist to your home.

2. Touch switch for a wardrobe - a new generation of switches that are triggered by the approach or touch of a hand. The basis of this device is a special communication element, which, during the described actions, generates a current that closes or opens the circuit. When choosing a touch sensor, you should remember that inexpensive models of such switches quite often “go crazy” and react at random to the actions of the owners of the wardrobe. We recommend to our customers contactless touch switches from Hettich, which we also use when installing lighting systems for kitchens. German devices recognize commands at a distance of 0-60 mm, that is, just wave your palm in greeting, and the body of the wardrobe will be flooded with soft light, after a farewell gesture it will go out.

3. Infrared switches for wardrobes - in addition to being used in alarm systems, infrared sensors have found wide application in other areas, including in the manufacture of furniture. The advantage of these devices is their affordable cost and the fact that they respond to the movement of any object, for example, hinged or sliding facades. Typically, infrared switches are installed at the rate of one device per door. The sensors are mounted in the mezzanine compartments of the cabinet by attaching them to the roof of the cabinet. These devices are invisible from the outside and do not interfere with the use of furniture.

Of the 3 listed models, limit and infrared sensors are in demand. Depending on the model and individual features of the wardrobe, the technologist from the company Stiver-100 advises customers to install one or another type of switch and explains to people why they should choose this particular modification.

Specifications

The lamps can operate on any modern lamps.

• LED lamps are characterized by high brightness levels and low energy consumption. They do not heat up very much, so they can be placed on any surface.
• Halogen lamps provide soft diffused light that does not distort colors, so they are indispensable in the kitchen or bathroom, despite the fact that they consume more electricity and heat up more.
• Fluorescent light bulbs are also often used to design the light flows of a room, since they are economical, but the brightness of the rays is lower than that of their analogues.

The main advantages of overhead lamps are:

• a small cutting depth allows you to maintain the height of the ceilings, since for installation on suspended or tensioned types, they will need to be released quite a bit;
• special design provides reliable fastening to any surface;
• the ability to precisely direct the flow of light to any place in the room;
• convenient design allows you to easily and safely replace elements;
• long service life;
• The price of a surface-mounted lamp is available to all categories of consumers.

Most often they are used to illuminate furniture, mirrors or walls, where cutting special mounting holes is impossible or undesirable and it is more convenient to simply attach the product. While recessed models are more suitable for ceiling spotlights.

In addition, these lighting devices are characterized by increased resistance to moisture, which allows them to be installed and operated safely in rooms with high humidity, such as a bathroom or kitchen.

Transformers for LED lamps and installation of a wardrobe lighting system

The Stayver-100 company provides a full range of services for the installation of LED lighting in sliding wardrobes. In addition to selecting and installing lamps, we connect the system to the power supply and hand over the product to the client in working form. Since most LED lamps (light emitting diodes) are powered by a voltage of 12 V, step-down transformers are needed to assemble a working circuit. LED lamps are compatible with any type of transformers that provide 12 V power. However, for electronic converters it is necessary to create a minimum load for which this device is designed, so we either use coil power supplies or accurately calculate the total power of LED lamps. Due to the impressive range of LED lamps, switches and transformers, as well as the individuality of each model, we cannot name the average price of a lighting system. To find out how much lighting will cost you, use the free on-line service for calculating the cost of a sliding wardrobe.

Placement methods

Depending on the control method, a furniture lamp can be contact or non-contact. A contact connection is used when it is possible to install a switch next to the lamp. Lighting devices are connected to the general electrical network together with a switch.

The non-contact type provides a glow only when using a piece of furniture. For example, a motion sensor is installed on a point element, which is triggered when a dresser drawer is pulled out or a cabinet door is opened.

Furniture lighting fixtures can be battery-powered with a wired or wireless connection. Battery cells are easy to install, but require regular recharging.

The most convenient option is remote control, which allows you to turn on the lighting even from the other end of the room. When installing the backlight, you can provide the ability to adjust the light intensity. Subdued light creates an atmosphere of relaxation and peace, while bright colored light bulbs enhance your mood.

Lighting fixtures can be placed in different ways:

• spot - lamps provide not a diffuse, but a continuous light flux. He is directed to a specific work area. For example, round or cone-shaped products illuminate the kitchen countertop in the food preparation area;
• accentuating - intended for placing light accents. Using recessed lamps, you can highlight an open niche or shelf on which frames with photographs, beautiful vases, and floral arrangements will stand;
• decorative - in this kind of lighting, colored lamps are used, which place accents in rooms decorated in monochrome. When the lighting is turned on, the room will take on a festive look.

Miniature devices can be installed in interior items of any size, while large ones are used to illuminate large-sized furniture.

In rooms with different functional purposes, lighting fixtures can be used in different ways:

• Inside the spacious hall, the lighting system will create the necessary visibility and maximum comfort. A key holder and a hanger for small accessories are highlighted;
• The kitchen is pre-zoned into an area for cooking and relaxation. Where food is prepared, bright spotlights are used, the dining area is decorated decoratively;
• bathroom sets are equipped with lamps in the upper tiers, where mirrors and shelves are located;
• Inside the nursery, the work area and reading area are illuminated. Lighting elements are mounted in bookshelves, cabinet tops;
• bedroom sets can be equipped with bright overhead lighting used as the main lighting. Or decorative furniture recessed lamps with colored lamps are used in the lower parts of the bed and bedside tables, which add romance to the interior.