Nowadays you won’t surprise anyone with a stretch ceiling - people quickly recognized that this is one of the fastest and simple ways decorate the ceiling surface. To change the gray beyond recognition concrete ceiling, just contact any company engaged in the manufacture and installation of such structures. But there are also those who are used to doing everything with their own hands - it’s more reliable, and you know what materials you’re using. It turns out that a suspended ceiling is not only PVC film. There are also fabric versions of this finishing option. How to choose the right material for suspended ceilings and what quality can it have?
History of suspended ceilings
We are already accustomed to stretch ceilings. They first appeared in the 60s of the twentieth century in France, and came to Russia in the 90s. It was from those years that the history of modern stretch ceilings begins. It should be emphasized that in the twentieth century they began to use PVC film for the production of canvases - this material was proposed by one of the specialists of the French company Barrisol. This film was used to decorate shop windows, stretched between two aluminum profiles. And then they began to use it for the design of ceiling surfaces.
Note! In fact, the first suspended ceilings appeared much earlier than you might imagine. Back in Ancient Rome(and some sources claim that in Ancient Egypt) ceiling surfaces were hidden behind draped silk or linen fabric, and in Armenia a special fabric was impregnated with chalk and stretched under the ceiling of a living room.
Modern stretch ceilings have long been used only for decoration office premises. But now these structures are also used for the design of residential premises. Stretch ceilings have become incredibly popular due to their special qualities and advantages when compared with standard finishing options.
The main advantages of suspended ceilings:
- the ability to well hide all the imperfections of the ceiling surface;
- It is not necessary to thoroughly clean and prepare the ceiling before installation;
- fast installation speed even if a ceiling with several levels is being installed (from 2 to 6 hours);
- PVC ceilings are able to resist flooding, withstanding huge amounts of water and protecting the property of the owner of the premises from it;
- long service life - according to some data, such ceilings retain all their qualities for decades;
- ease of care;
- Possibility of installation after other renovation work has been carried out on the premises.
Nowadays, depending on the type of material used, suspended ceilings can be made from seamless fabric or from vinyl film.
For reference! There are also antibacterial stretch ceilings, the material of which is impregnated with special antiseptic substances and perfectly resists the effects of ultraviolet radiation. This fabric is used in medical institutions.
The material for this type of ceiling is made from polyester thread. The fabric has a knitted weave. It is not very dense and somewhat resembles a kind of mesh. That is why such ceilings are called “breathable” - they perfectly allow air to pass through them, helping to create a microclimate comfortable for living in the room.
Prices for suspended ceilings
suspended ceiling
After production, the canvas is impregnated on both sides with a polyurethane mixture, wrung out and dried. It is usually supplied in rolls up to 5 meters wide - this is more than PVC sheets. That is why in apartments fabric stretch ceilings often do not have seams and are called “seamless”. But the canvas is cut out very simply, even for the most intricate types of layouts.
Fabric stretch ceilings come in both regular white and colored. It is also possible to apply a design using photo printing.
Seamless fabric ceilings There are other advantages:
- antistatic;
- high strength;
- easy care (can be washed, vacuumed);
- frost resistance;
- temperature-free installation;
- soundproofing;
- Possibility of painting with acrylic paints.
Important! Main disadvantage using fabric to decorate the ceiling - its high price. A ceiling made of PVC film will cost much less. However, due to the above advantages, it is worth considering the option of installing such a ceiling.
PVC stretch ceiling
You don’t come across a fabric stretch ceiling as often as its counterpart made of vinyl film. The material is manufactured using special equipment, the roll width is no more than 3 meters.
But PVC ceilings can also be installed in a wide room. Using a special HDTV machine, you can connect two narrow strips and get a wide one. In this case, the seam will be almost invisible.
The main advantages of PVC film ceilings:
- waterproof and able to withstand large volumes of water;
- cheap (but quality is maintained);
- ease of cleaning.
- instability to cold weather (which is only relevant for outdoor spaces, balconies, loggias);
- easily damaged by any pointed object;
- the risk of running into a careless supplier selling low-quality fabric.
The PVC ceiling can have absolutely any color, and you can also apply photo printing on it if desired. It can have not only a glossy, but also a matte or satin texture.
Prices for fabric stretch ceilings
fabric stretch ceiling
Capable of mirroring whatever is underneath it. Due to this, the room visually increases. It also has a ton of color variations. The main disadvantage is a more noticeable seam when connecting two canvases.
– this is a classic. It is ideal for any room design, does not glare, and therefore does not distract attention to itself.
Satin ceiling very smooth to the touch, looks like a matte material. It is able to slightly reflect light, due to which it appears simply dazzling white with a slight hint of mother-of-pearl.
Note! It’s interesting that now multi-level multi-colored stretch ceilings are coming into fashion, which are obtained by soldering several pieces of material different colors(usually no more than 3 types). Often, by combining glossy and matte textures, it is possible to achieve an interesting “optical illusion” effect due to the fact that the matte canvas clearly highlights the main level of the ceiling, and the gloss, in turn, deepens and enlarges the space, creating a unique new level ceiling height.
Video - Materials for suspended ceilings
Prices for satin stretch ceilings
satin stretch ceiling
The choice of color, texture and type of material for a stretch ceiling should be based on the basic requirements for the room where the structure will be installed. In addition, you need to soberly assess the state of your budget and your wishes for the overall appearance of the room.
Fabric ceilings are more expensive than film ceilings. The reason for this is that the two types of material differ in maximum width, manufacturing costs and quality. However, do not forget about the obvious advantages of a fabric ceiling - it will be most appropriate in a bedroom or children's room, since it is capable of allowing air to pass through. But in the bathroom, kitchen, room with a swimming pool and other wet rooms, such a ceiling should not be installed - it absorbs odors, gets dirty quickly, does not tolerate high humidity, and stains caused by moisture are very difficult to wash off. But it is frost-resistant and is the only option for a stretch ceiling for a loggia or balcony. For the same reason, PVC ceilings are not used in country houses where there is no constant heating.
White matte ceiling is considered a classic - it will not spoil the impression of any room, no matter what style it is decorated in. It is very easy to choose wallpaper and furniture for it. The matte ceiling will not be conspicuous, but it will highlight and make other interior items more expressive.
Note! A matte ceiling is best suited to these designer styles, like classical, country, Greek, renaissance, etc.
For the hallway, kitchen, bathroom and even the living room is suitable ceiling made of PVC film. It is easy to clean, but you need to clean it very rarely, since it is not inclined to collect dirt.
If in the bedroom it is recommended to use a matte canvas that is gentle and not irritating to the eye, then in the living room a glossy PVC film will look much better. Due to the reflection in the ceiling, the room will visually appear larger. And with a little imagination, you can create a real looking glass.
Prices for matte stretch ceiling
matte stretch ceiling
Note! Gloss is an excellent option for decorating the ceiling in a room with a modern design (for example, high-tech, pop art).
- this is something between a modest matte and rich glossy canvas. Delicate mother-of-pearl with a slight shine will look great in almost any interior, but it is best suited to something delicate and goes well with silk wallpaper.
The “Starry Sky” ceiling is made from both PVC film and fabric. To do this, a lighting system is mounted above the material, part of which is fiber optic. However, experts note that for this purpose it is better to purchase a fabric sheet, since in this case you will not need to pierce it to install the entire lighting system, which means that all the properties of the material will be preserved. Another advantage of choosing a fabric fabric to create a ceiling with a starry sky effect is the absence of visible points at the puncture sites. During the day ceiling covering will be perfectly flat, but at night you can turn it into outer space at the touch of a button.
Stretch ceiling “Starry sky”
Attention! If you suddenly want to change the location of the “stars”, then with a fabric canvas it will be very simple. It is removed, the fibers are swapped, and then hung in place. If the star ceiling was created from PVC film using punctures, then you can change the pattern of the “luminaries” only if the ceiling is completely replaced.
Please pay attention to the manufacturer
The quality of canvases for suspended ceilings greatly depends on production technology and the quality of raw materials. The price of the material directly depends on this. Canvases produced in different countries of the world differ significantly from each other.
Table. Comparative Description paintings produced in different countries.
| Country of origin | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| France | Ceiling coverings supplied by French manufacturers are considered the standard. And it’s not surprising, because France is the country where modern stretch ceilings first appeared. The canvas from France is dense, durable, with a beautiful shine. The disadvantage is the very high price. |
| Germany | It also produces very high-quality canvases for ceilings. They are cheaper than the French ones, but are almost as good in quality. German canvases are also famous for their rich variety of colors. |
| Italy | The Italians have come up with a material that requires virtually no maintenance. But he did not lose his main positive qualities because of this. |
| Russia | Economy class ceiling stretch coverings. It looks great (a person who doesn’t know for sure that the material was created in Russia will not distinguish it from a European one), but such a ceiling lasts less than an Italian or German one. |
| China | It’s more difficult with Chinese paintings. Among them there are materials excellent quality, and those that are better not to purchase at all. |
Important information! You can tell a good Chinese fabric from a bad one by its smell: a high-quality one stops emitting a specific smell within 1-3 days after installation. If it smells longer, then the material is environmentally unsafe.
When choosing material for tension fabric, pay attention to the following factors.
- The seller must have certificates confirming environmental safety material.
- Also evaluate the width of the roll, as some European manufacturers do not have wide options.
- If you buy a glossy film, then look how shiny it is. High quality material has good specularity.
- Some types of films may have the manufacturer's logo imprinted or printed along the border.
Brief instructions for installing a stretch ceiling
You can install a suspended ceiling with your own hands, but it is a troublesome task and cannot be rushed. It is easy to damage and ruin the canvas, and you will regret the money you spent. If you are not sure that you can handle it, then it is better to hire experts. For those who plan to install the ceiling themselves, instructions are given.
Step 1. First, prepare the room - remove unnecessary furniture from it, as well as those items that cannot stand high temperatures (a heat gun will be used to install the PVC sheet).
Step 2. Mark the walls in the corners, and then along the perimeter to make it easier to attach the molding for the ceiling. It is desirable that the final structure be perfectly level, so you will need a level. Remember that you must leave space between the ceiling and the canvas for a chandelier, lamps and other communications if necessary.
Step 3. Using dowels in increments of no more than 8 cm, secure the profile according to the markings.
Step 4. Turn on the heat gun and warm the room well (at least 40 degrees).
Step 5. Begin installation of the canvas. First, use special fasteners to secure one corner of the canvas; usually it has a special mark and is called “base”.
Warming up the fabric stretched over “crocodiles”
The next corner that is attached is located diagonally from the fixed one. Warm up the film gradually. Secure all corners.
Step 6. Using a special spatula and locks for suspended ceilings, begin securing the material along the walls.
Step 7 Cut out holes for the lights.
Step 8 The final stage is the installation of masking tape in the groove between the ceiling and the wall.
Note! The fabric ceiling is installed without additional heating, which is its undoubted advantage. It is enough to simply strengthen the mounting profile and stretch the fabric over it.
Video - Installation of stretch ceiling
There are so many people, so many opinions, so everyone decides for themselves what material to use to install a stretch ceiling at home. However, remember that sometimes not only the beauty of the apartment, but also the health of you or your loved ones depends on the right choice.
A high-quality stretch ceiling looks aesthetically pleasing and luxurious. It is endowed with many advantages, including durability, practicality and color fastness. However, not all canvases have advantages, but only the highest quality ones. How to choose the right stretch ceiling good quality- the question is quite relevant, since it faces every buyer who wants to install a reliable structure.
Properties and features of suspended ceilings
Let's figure out what suspended ceilings are and how they are characterized. The structure is a canvas stretched over a pre-installed frame. The material for production is fabric or polyvinyl chloride (vinyl film), depending on which the fabric type of ceiling and PVC are distinguished.
When finished, the ceiling is characterized by a perfectly flat, neat surface. In this case, the manufacturer can offer how standard option design (single-level system) and unusual (several levels).
The shape is different - arched, cone-shaped, dome-shaped, wavy, etc. The texture and color are also the most unexpected.
There are many advantages of suspended ceilings:
- Durability. Guaranteed service life of at least 10 years.
- Ease and speed of installation. A qualified team of two people can complete the installation in a few hours. Peculiarity PVC installation ceiling - the need for heating. The fabric does not require heating.
- The ability to change the image of a room in a matter of hours. The main criterion when choosing is that all components of the interior must be in harmony.
- You can hide electrical wiring and other communications under the canvas.
As already mentioned, the properties of vinyl and fabric canvases have some features. This is the reason for the difference in installation technology.
Any PVC stretch ceiling requires heating. A gas gun is usually used for this. A stream of hot air is directed directly onto the canvas. At the same time, the room temperature rises to +60 °C. The elasticity of the film increases and it is easy to stretch it to the required size. Then a special fastener welded along the edges - a harpoon - is tucked into a profile pre-installed around the perimeter of the room. This type of fastening is used only with PVC film. Installation begins from the corner marked by the ceiling manufacturer and continues gradually in both directions along the entire perimeter.
Subsequently, as the room cools, the canvas is tensioned. For this type of ceiling, the accuracy of the measurements is especially important. The film for stretch ceiling is cut using a special software. And the finished ceiling is approximately 20% smaller than the area of the room.
Polyester, on the other hand, tends to shrink when heated. Therefore, the installation of a fabric stretch ceiling is carried out without a heat gun and preliminary cutting. A roll of the required width is unrolled right on the spot, and the excess is cut off after stretching. They begin to tuck the fabric into the baguette first on the walls (primarily on the short ones), and only then tighten the corners. Heat may be needed here - in some cases, when stretching the fabric, minor folds form in the corners. It is enough to warm them up a little with a hair dryer so that the material straightens out and acquires a smooth surface. But as a rule, experienced craftsmen do without heating.
Which option to choose
So which is better - fabric stretch ceiling or PVC? Perhaps the question posed in this way is not entirely correct. It is more correct to ask: “Which ceiling is best suited to a particular room?” In any case, a compromise will be required between operating conditions and personal aesthetic preferences.
The comparison table below will help you make the right choice.
| Properties | Film | Textile |
| Strength | PVC is a tear-resistant and elastic material, but it can be easily damaged by any sharp object. | Fabric sheets are denser and stronger, practically do not stretch, and are difficult to damage mechanically. |
| Permissible temperature range | The film is used at temperatures from +40 to -5 °C, use in unheated rooms unacceptable. | Fabric sheets can withstand from +80 to -50 °C; installation in unheated rooms (country houses, dachas, balconies) is allowed. |
| Degree of sagging over time | 0 – 30 mm | 0 – 10 mm |
| Moisture resistance | PVC – waterproof material, when flooded from above long time withstands up to 100 liters of liquid, after its removal it is restored original appearance films, recommended for wet rooms. | Low moisture resistance: installation in the bathroom and kitchen is undesirable with a ceiling height of less than 2.7 m, increased requirements for ventilation. After flooding, leaks begin within 2 hours; subsequently, stains and stains that cannot be removed may remain. |
| Soundproofing | Absent, the film can even slightly increase the noise from neighbors, the “echo” effect. | Low, however, there are special acoustic types of fabric stretch ceilings that eliminate the “echo” effect. |
| Thermal insulation | Absent. | Low, special role without additional thermal insulation materials won't play. |
| Width size range | 130-600 cm (European production - up to 325 cm) | 150-510 cm |
| Installation features | Heating the canvas to 60 °C using a heat gun, increased requirements for the installation team personnel and safety measures. | Without using a heat gun. |
| Environmental friendliness | Safe for health and the environment. | |
| Fire resistance | They melt and ignite if exposed to open flame for a long time. | Melts and does not support combustion. |
| Design | The widest possibilities for design solutions: glossy shiny, matte and satin surfaces, embossing, bright and moderate tones and shades of all colors, excellent photo printing, the ability to install multi-level, decorative perforated, translucent, transparent canvases and many other options. | A more modest range of colors, soft, soft tones, only matte texture, fabric texture with flat surface. A small choice is compensated by a noble, even aristocratic appearance. Can be painted up to 5 times. Photo printing is also possible, but it does not look as bright. |
| Features of care | Easy to clean from dirt. Washing with chlorine-free detergents is acceptable; abrasive cleaning agents are unacceptable. | Fabrics are antibacterial and dirt-repellent. They can be easily cleaned only from surface contaminants. |
| Service life (warranty) | 10-12 years | 10-12 years |
| Price per m2 | 350-700 rub. | 800-1500 rub. |
Thus, suspended ceilings different types, despite similar designs, have a unique set of properties and features. Which of them is the best in a particular case must be decided, taking into account the operating conditions of the room, the characteristics of the paintings and personal preferences.
Pros and cons of suspended ceilings
Advantages and disadvantages are determined by the type of coating used - PVC film or fabric ceilings.
But there are a number of common advantages:
- Finishing speed. Films are stretched for 4-10 hours, fabric - 5-12 hours.
- Saving the interior. Film coatings are capable of retaining large masses of water for a long time; fabric material is less waterproof, but can prevent the risk of spillage for 2-3 hours.
- There is no need to carry out leveling work on the ceiling plane. All defects, as well as communication pipes and beams in private houses, will be covered with canvas.
- Under tension PVC ceilings and woven materials can be lined with insulation and insulating materials.
Versatility. You can stretch fabrics in any room or building
It is important to choose materials that provide the desired level of comfort and meet the stated requirements for the use of space.
Easy to care for. Cleaning is required no more than once every 6 months
Dry, wet cleaning is sufficient. If persistent contamination occurs, use conventional detergents without aggressive influence.
Variability of color solutions, formation of designs, affordable price– additional benefits of finishing. Also worth noting long term fabric service, environmental friendliness and the possibility of using finishing in rooms with high requirements to cleanliness facing materials– in nurseries, hospitals and other facilities.
The disadvantages of suspended ceilings depend on the type of fabric chosen:
- film coverings cannot be installed in open spaces in areas with a possible decrease in temperature;
- It is better not to use fabric sheets in rooms with high level humidity;
- PVC films for ceilings are welded to stretch over large areas;
- The maximum power of lamps for suspended ceilings is no more than 40 watts; installation of a thermally insulating lampshade is mandatory.
When considering the pros and cons of suspended ceilings, it should be noted that it is necessary to attract a specialist to carry out the finishing. Stretching with your own hands is possible, but the master will need special tools and experience, besides, no one can guarantee quality tension. It’s easier to use the services of professionals and get guarantees for all types of work.
Where are stretch ceilings used?
High-quality suspended ceilings can be used in any buildings, houses, rooms, but there are some peculiarities - films are best used in warm spaces, but woven fabrics are best used in areas with minimal moisture content, but woven materials do not deteriorate under the influence of negative temperatures.
Scope of application:
- private houses made of any materials;
- apartments;
- warehouse and public buildings;
- offices;
- commercial buildings;
- construction of entertainment complexes, including swimming pools, sports and concert halls;
- educational institutions and others.
There is not a single building where tension fabrics cannot be used. Fabric materials will ideal solution For open areas balconies, loggias, terraces, as well as in storage rooms, basements and underground parking lots. The structures are lightweight, do not weigh down the floor slabs, load-bearing beams. If the choice is made correctly, the owner receives a fireproof, environmentally friendly and aesthetic coating that will last for several decades without the need for repairs or renovation of the ceiling surface.
Beautiful examples in the interior
The ceiling does not necessarily have to have a perfectly smooth surface. The embossed and figured ceiling. IN in this case Aluminum slats of similar shades were used. This ceiling is resistant to high temperatures, is not afraid of moisture and provides excellent air circulation. In addition, the design is easy to maintain and will last for several decades.
The universal and most popular ceiling color is white. Beige or cream is less commonly used. But a colored or dark ceiling also looks great in some styles
But it is important to be able to combine it with the overall style of the interior.
When choosing suspended ceilings, you need to decide which option you like best - matte or glossy. A shiny, almost mirror-like gloss finish perfectly expands the space. And matte hides the seams between the canvases as much as possible. But in some cases it is not necessary to mask the seams. This can become a kind of highlight of the interior. So, for example, a satin white ceiling with black stripes looks laconic and stylish in a modern living room interior.
The ceiling can serve as a continuation of the overall concept of the room or become a unique work of art. You can apply an unusual pattern, ornament or even photographs to the surface.
If the area of the apartment does not allow you to use and burden a small space with volumetric multi-level structures, and the interior style needs to be supplemented with figured and carved elements, pay attention to the stretch fabrics with drawings. This is a great way to put a modern twist on the classics.
Suspended structures can look advantageous in many interior styles. And the loft is no exception. Hidden LED lighting above suspended structure emphasizes the natural roughness and unevenness of the concrete floor and creates the effect of presence in an industrial production room.
Fans of non-standard design solutions will appreciate ceilings that are unusual in shape and style. An option is considered stylish when the design of the hanging system is combined with shelves, niches, furniture or other decorative elements. For example, non-standard solution– a ceiling that complements the design of the staircase in a country house.
You can watch a master class on installing a cassette ceiling in this video.
Stretch PVC ceiling
Considering what types of suspended ceilings there are, one cannot help but pay attention to PVC film materials. These are products welded from individual strips that are stretched using heat. The film itself and the air in the room heat up; after cooling, the film takes the desired shape. Texture, color scheme depend on the selected material.
Types and characteristics
Manufacturers offer the following types of PVC films:
- Glossy. Reflective material. You should think through the area where the weld will be placed in advance so that it is not noticeable.
- Matte. An inexpensive type of material that does not have reflective properties, in its finished form resembles an ironed whitewashed ceiling.
- Satin. The middle type of material between glossy and matte film. Satin fabrics reflect light, but at the same time refract and scatter the rays, which looks especially aesthetically pleasing. Satin fabrics are produced in a wide variety of colors.
The main characteristic of PVC film that influences the choice is the width of the strip, which does not exceed 5 m, therefore, when finishing spacious ceilings, the strips are welded.
The list of reliable manufacturers is small:
- Pongs, Germany. Unique seamless ceilings under the Descor brand. The thickness of the products is up to 0.3 mm, increased strength - the canvas can withstand up to 150 liters of liquid per 1 m2.
- PTCM, Belgium. The width of the canvas is 5 m, a wide choice of colors and textures. The Belgian manufacturer offers canvases with photo printing and a 3D effect. Quality products They are distinguished by their durability, resistance to dust and dirt.
There are also manufacturers from the Russian Federation, China, and Turkey. But when choosing materials, you need to request certificates of conformity and look at the description - there is a high risk of getting defective fabrics with low performance indicators.
Cost and service life
On average, the price of installation of PVC panels starts from $8-15 (600-1200 rubles) per 1m2
It is important to consider the type of material, the shape of the structure, the presence of built-in lighting and other nuances. Manufacturer's warranty 15 years, service life from 20 years
Glue ceiling
The adhesive finishing method involves attaching the coating directly to the base using a special glue. The most used materials for this method are panels or tiles made of polystyrene foam. These tiles are characterized by their low weight (about 0.4 kg/m2), they are easy to cut, which makes it possible to use them in rooms of non-standard shape. Polystyrene also includes properties such as heat and sound insulation. However, the disadvantages of this material are that when glued end-to-end, the panels do not form a visually solid coating. To some extent, this has become the reason for the unpopularity of this type of finishing recently. However, with the advent of glass wallpaper, the method of pasting with wallpaper came back to life. Fiberglass wallpaper is very moisture resistant. Thanks to its long service life (20 years) and the ability to be painted 10-15 times this material occupies a leading position in the market. In addition, the adhesive method is very easy and quick to implement, and also masks unevenness, cracks and other damage to the base ceiling. The usual thickness of the coating is 10 mm, and thanks to this particular characteristic, this coating can be used in rooms where the ceiling height reaches only 2.5 - 2.6 m. But there are also some disadvantages of the adhesive method: with its help it is possible to hide only minor defects horizontally. Lighting options are also limited: the use of built-in lighting devices is excluded, it is impossible to “mask” any technical equipment including electrical wiring. Regarding the purchase price for this type finishing, it depends directly on the material you choose. As an example, the price of foreign-made tiles fluctuates around 175 rubles per sq. m. average cost domestic polystyrene panels, especially non-laminated ones - 15 rubles. per sq.m.
Choosing a color for apartment ceilings
Today's diverse design options allow you to create the most incredible types of ceilings in your apartment. They are the simplest, monochromatic and representing one plane. This option is ideal for minimalism - it is often performed in light shades. Such light ceilings ideal for all style solutions. But sometimes situations arise when you want to add some variety, or the design requires original solutions.
The ceiling is often decorated additional elements decor.
If you want to experiment with color, then you should consider the basic rules:
- if the room has a low ceiling, then you should use as much as possible light colors without complex structures;
- when there is a low level of natural light, you should make a multi-level ceiling that is as light in color as possible, integrating spotlights into it;
- if you use color on this part of the room, then it should be in harmony with the overall color scheme.
By designing this type of ceiling, you can easily hide any unevenness and imperfections on the ceiling surface.
When choosing a ceiling finish, you need to rely not only on your preferences, but also on the basic requirements that apply to this part of the room. Depending on style solution It is worth choosing the finishing material and color.
The larger the area of a single room and the entire home as a whole, the more experiments with decoration you can afford.
In a studio room, it is advisable to use the ceiling to zone the space. If, for example, a difference in the structure is made between the dining part and the living part, or if different materials, then in this way you can visually divide the room into two parts.
Wide range of finishing options in construction stores will allow you to easily bring to life the most daring design ideas and choose the right solution for any budget.
In any case, before you begin to implement any of your own plans, it is advisable to draw a sketch of the entire room with a certain type of ceiling. If your hand is not positioned sufficiently and you cannot create a sketch, then it is better to turn to a professional designer for it.
Species
Two-level ceilings are a modern way to make the interior unique and original. With the help of building and finishing materials, you can achieve more than two levels of height. And at the same time, any design, in addition to aesthetics, has additional practical characteristics. But such multi-level structures look good only in spacious apartments.
There are several types of suspended ceilings:
Tension is perhaps the most popular finishing option. Fabric or PVC film with a minimum thickness is used. The surface does not require careful maintenance; it is enough to periodically wet clean it with a soft cloth to get rid of dust and dirt.
Each type of suspended ceiling is typical for certain types of premises. A wide variety of materials, designs, sizes and colors allows you to choose the ideal option for your apartment or house.
What should be the height
Finishing the ceiling with a suspended structure requires at least a small frame. This will make the space of the room visually noticeably smaller. The design of a suspended ceiling is simple: using a frame system made of metal profiles or wooden beams the canvas and various elements of the future coating are attached to the main partition. Mounted on installed hangers decorative panels and all parts on a metal grill. Correct installation of guides and support profiles ensures easy installation. And with the most minimal installation option, the distance between the ceiling and the suspended ceiling will be at least 3 cm.
The height of the ceiling installation is also influenced by some individual reasons:
Built-in lamps may have a large body, which will need to be hidden behind the ceiling structure. If desired, you can install an LED strip or a simple chandelier into the ceiling structure. It is also necessary to take into account the dimensions of the housing, which will be hidden behind the insulating material.
Stretch or suspended ceilings
For those who have not yet decided for themselves which is better - a suspended ceiling or a suspended one, we will try to make the task easier through a brief comparative analysis:
- Stretch ceilings are good, first of all, for their irresistible appearance and comparative speed of installation, but installation can only be carried out with the involvement of third-party specialists due to the complexity of the technology (see Advantages of stretch ceilings: again about the good).
- Suspended ceilings can be installed independently, and they have virtually no restrictions on complexity. However, they cannot boast, for example, of the ideal gloss inherent only to film tension fabrics(see Aluminum suspended ceilings– types, scope of application, installation features).
Combination of a suspended ceiling with a suspended ceiling in a two-level ceiling structure
- When determining which is better - a suspended or suspended ceiling, in each specific case you should take into account the characteristics of the room. Yes, for the elite modern interiors Stretch ceilings are usually used, but, for example, they are not suitable for outdoor rooms and rooms without heating, since they become brittle when low temperatures, which cannot be said about suspension systems.
- It is advisable to use suspended ceilings in the decoration of large premises - offices and other institutions; moreover, such systems look more strict.
Manufacturers and prices
Today you can find products from many manufacturers of suspended ceilings: domestic, Chinese, and European. Let's focus on the best of them, tested and bearing full responsibility for the quality of their products.
PVC fabric must be selected especially carefully. This is where you can most often find, if not a fake, then a cheap product made in violation of technology. Ceiling films of consistently high quality are offered by the following well-known companies:
- Renolit (Germany);
- Pongs – under the Lackfolie brand (Germany);
- Malpensa (Italy);
- Alcor Draca (France);
- PTMS Polyplast (Belgium, plant located in China).
Among the trusted Chinese manufacturers are MSD, Tianan, Botai.
On Russian market prices for good quality film start at 350 rubles/sq. m., including the services of a surveyor, the cost of welding, cutting and installation of a stretch ceiling.
For comparison, here are the average prices for square meter White PVC sheets from different manufacturers in rubles:
- MSD – matte – 450 RUR, satin – 470 RUR, glossy – 550 RUR;
- PTMS Polyplast – 550, 570 and 590 rubles. respectively;
- Pongs – 750, 770 and 790 rubles.
As for fabric ceilings, the most reliable manufacturers are considered to be:
- Clipso (Switzerland);
- Descor (Germany);
- Cerutti (Italy);
- Emerald (Belgium).
Prices for polyester fabrics are more expensive. For example, for white ceilings:
- Clipso optical white – 850 RUR, Clipso 705s – 1130 RUR;
- Deskor D-Premium – 890 rub. per square meter.
For colored fabrics:
- Clipso color – 1230 RUR;
- Deskor D-Premium Color – 1590 rub.
As you can see, prices for products from leading European manufacturers differ, but only slightly. Of course, a suspended ceiling cannot be called a cheap purchase. But for many, this pleasure is accessible, especially when you consider that the hinged structure will last much longer than conventional plaster without repair.
Russian products are much cheaper and look no worse than European ones. But, unfortunately, it cannot yet compete with it in terms of service life.
