Plafon: what it is, types and how to use it in decoration

The plafon is a very diverse luminaire: it is available in various colors and models, and can work well in different contexts.

Those built into the ceiling guarantee greater discretion in decoration. The surface-mounted ones, however, are easy to fix and can provide indirect lighting that brings coziness to the space.

Plural in their shapes, with diffuse or indirect light and with warm or cool color temperatures: the truth is that the variety of this type of luminaire can represent countless possibilities for those developing a lighting project.

The use of the plafon depends on several factors, such as the material it is made of, its shape, and the color temperature of the lamp.

Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to its characteristics to understand the most suitable type for each context, since each of these factors collaborates to convey different sensations to the people who use an environment.

Accord's wooden plafons, for example, can be found in lighter or darker tones, in different types of lighting and in the most diverse shapes, which harmonize and bring elegance and sophistication to multiple environments.

What are the types of plafons?

The way the plafon is installed gives this luminaire some characteristics. Understand the differences and evaluate which one makes more sense in your project!

Surface-mounted

The surface-mounted is a type of plafon whose body is mostly below the ceiling line, therefore, predominantly visible.

An advantage of the surface-mounted plafon is the enhancement of its shape, since it is evident, below the ceiling structure. Whether it is round, square, rectangular or other shapes, it is interesting to harmonize it with the different objects present in the decoration.

Built-in

Built-in plafons can be more discreet and draw less attention in the decoration.

Its installation is done in a ceiling with lining in material that allows cutout, such as plaster. This causes a uniform result, since the plafon's closure aligns with the rest of the surface.

Different plafon options for various environments!

Plafons offer a wide range of shape options for different environments and decorative styles. Let's get to know some of them?

Round plafons

Round plafons can serve as a way to "break" the geometric structure of other objects arranged in the environment, such as beds, sofas or rectangular tables. Check out, for example, the Naiá or the Frame model.

Square plafons

The square plafon can harmonize with the ceiling and, if positioned in the center, bring a sense of symmetry to the project.

With the use of wood, there is the possibility of bringing elegance to the space, using the Clean model by Accord, for example.

Other plafon shapes

It is possible to find plafons that have freer and more fluid shapes, such as the Balance, Physalis, KS and Organic models, by Accord.

Their shapes play with lines and curves, resulting in sophisticated, contemporary and unique designs, which grant highlight points to the decoration.

What are the color temperatures available in plafons?

In the plafon and other types of luminaires, the lamp's color temperature influences the sensations of those frequenting the illuminated environment. See below how it works:

Warm light

Warm light, or that with lower color temperature, conveys a greater sense of coziness and relaxation.

With temperatures that can vary between 2,700 and 3,500K, it is recommended for spaces where the main function is related to these sensations, such as the bedroom or the living room.

Cool light

It provides a very different effect. This type of lamp with higher color temperature is widely used in work and study spaces.

This is because it transmits greater luminosity for performing tasks that require greater concentration or clarity in vision, such as working or cooking. Its temperature is between 6,000 and 6,500K.

How to use the plafon to illuminate environments?

The plafon can also present different types of lighting, such as diffuse, indirect or direct. Check out the differences between each one.

Diffuse lighting

Provided by diffusers that soften the lighting, diffuse light is quite pleasing to the eyes.

Plafons that emit this type of light can bring elegance and an intimate tone to the environment, especially if they have a sophisticated design, such as the Naiá and KS models.

Try using them in spaces directed for resting, such as the bedroom or the living room. With them, it is possible to provide the users of those places with an experience of tranquility and comfort.

Although warm-colored lights are recommended in this case, cool-colored ones can also be used. Everything depends on the intended lighting and the personal taste of who frequents the place.

Direct lighting

Plafons with this type of lighting emit light directly into the environment, radiating the light rays downwards. This is the case with the Accord Balance Plafon model, for example.

In general, this gives the space greater visibility. For this reason, they are widely used in kitchens, offices and dining rooms, spaces where a detailed vision is necessary to cook or work.

Indirect lighting

In indirect lighting, the light is directed at a surface and illuminates the environment after being reflected.

This effect can be achieved with the use of surface-mounted plafons, for example, which have models where the emitted light is directed to the ceiling.

With it, the space gains uniform light, as well as a cozier tone. Therefore, they can be used on balconies and bedrooms, or long-stay spaces, such as the living room.

Deciding on the best plafon for a lighting project

It is necessary to consider the role of the plafon in the lighting of the environment and in the composition of the decoration.

This means understanding what kind of sensation will be transmitted in that space. For more intimate contexts, for example, indirect light and a lower color temperature can be a good choice, although this is not a rule.

It is also necessary to analyze the plafon object, which has different shapes and can be composed of the most diverse materials.

Wood represents a great ally for those looking for sophistication, and in this material it is possible to find round, square models and those with freer and more fluid shapes; with direct, indirect or diffuse light.

The versatility of the luminaire produced with this material is present in the diversity of Accord models, which range from Balance to Frame, passing through Physalis and Organic.

Finally, it is important to consider the user's experience in each environment. The most frequent use of the space by the user is what should prevail in defining the most appropriate lighting. Each context has its particularity, and the choice of plafon also involves this factor.

Discover Accord's plafons

Accord has been working for over 25 years with decorative wooden luminaires, with a sophisticated and contemporary design.

Accord's products, besides having an innovative design, use the best in terms of raw materials, translating into products of unique quality, durable and reliable.

Discover the Accord plafon models, which combine elegance with personalization, and make the decoration even more special!

* Cover: Arch. Melissa Martins/ Photo: Marcelo Stammer