Lighting in existing ceiling

[mannys_av]

Hi

Hopefully I'm not posting a topic which has already been covered or in the wrong place.

Basically, I'm looking to start a DIY project for a home cinema install. The house is a victorian style house and the room to be used is a living room downstairs.

The room has an existing chimney breast which isnt used anymore and I'm hoping to utilise this for a hiding all av equipment and tv etc.

However, i would like to install spotlights in the ceiling to give it better ambient lighting - wouldnt mind any opinions on this if anyone has suggestions. I dont want to lower the ceiling to accomodate for the lights and wiring as this will result in me losing the nice traditional coving!

So my question is - how do i get the same effect without messing with the coving. Can this be done via floating/suspended ceiling or is there actually a way of installing the spot lights without lifitng the floorboards from bedroom above?

Any pics/experiences from anyone who has already done this would be great.

Thanks for any help given

Manny

[hornydragon]

I assume you have a central ceiling light at the moment? If so it is possible but you will need to repair/ replater the ceiling after, often lifting a few floor boards is a better option.

[mannys_av]

Hi

I don't really want to disturbed the above floor as it has laminate flooring and will also become a big job.

What are the options to get the same effect as spotlights without access from above?

Does anyone have any opinions of whether spotlights is best option or not?

Thanks

[mannys_av]

Sorry, yea there is a central ceiling rose which can be utilised for wiring

[neilball]

If access from above is not practical then your only option is to break into the ceiling to run the cables from your existing central light to the other positions where you want new fittings. Depending on the ceiling type (plasterboard or lath & plaster) then this is either a fairly simple or difficult job and if you want a seamless repair when complete then i would find a local plasterer who can patch up the damage afterwards.

If you want to add lighting controls then you are really going to be limited to Rako or other RF systems - by planning in advance you could have several sets of lights controlled independnetly for the best effect.

One final note of caution - do have the lighting cable checked before starting any major works. If it does not have an earth or is very old wiring then I would leave well alone as it really would need re-wiring.

[mannys_av]

Thanks for the help

The ceiling is laths (old style)

So what are the options for floating/suspended ceiling?

DOes anyone have any pics of this?

Thanks

[hornydragon]

Basically you have lower section made of plater board dropped a couple of inches to houes lights maybe with some extra effects to house the downlights similar to this False ceiling designs image by SmartFool on Photobucket you can have it smaller and thinner, colser to the ceiling.

[KobeoneHD]

Hi Manny

I did get your message. I have done a floating ceiling and it is complete however im due to fit some ceiling speakers this week and will be posting pics on my gallery thread this weekend so keep an eye out mate .

Thanks
KobeoneHD

[neilball]

Although it is a lot of work I think your only option is the false ceiling as HD mentions - lath & plater is too fragile imo to work with, it can de-laminate when you are cutting into it with sections simply falling away or if you are really unlucky it all comes down!

[mannys_av]

Hi

Is there any advantage to putting speakers in the ceiling?

Thanks

[Sonic67]

Some people don't like the look of speakers, this keeps them out of the way.

For a bathroom it's an easy way to add a sound system as you can get into the loft and you haven't had to run cables in walls.

More flexibility over placement. With some room speaker placement in a corner might not be possible as the door opens in that corner.

[SimonTH]

If you want to keep the original ceiling, have you considered a 'wired track' approach? This would be minimally invasive, but still allow you to cable back to the central ceiling rose without too much upheaval or floorboard lifting. The tracks don't need much mounting and the spots weigh very little. Personally (and it's an aesthetic that doesn't suit everyone) I rather like the bare bones style of those low voltage tracks.

That way you could keep the integrity of the ceiling without needing a 'second skin'?

Just a thought.