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Plastered, smooth white ceiling is a classic that is still relevant today. But I want, as always, something unusual and non-standard. And this opportunity is provided by new building technologies. Rather, the technologies may not be very new, but they began to be used in the design of the ceiling not so long ago. Today, the design of the ceiling can be made using different materials:
- drywall – suspension systems;
- polymer film – stretch ceilings;
- rack and cassette;
- hemmed – with wood paneling;
- adhesive – finished with PVC plates.
Rack and cassette in apartments are almost never used. They eat up too much space, while having poor soundproofing characteristics. Good in offices and public places, but for houses and apartments – far from the best choice. They can be used in corridors or bathrooms if the ceilings are very high and the floor area is small. To reduce the effect of the “well” they are good, since the characteristics allow: they are not afraid of moisture.
Glue ceilings are almost never used today. PVC plates are a quick way to clean up an unsightly surface, but it’s hardly worth talking about some kind of originality or beauty. Hemmed ceilings made of wood – lining or boards – are used in the design of wooden houses with appropriate interiors. It will be difficult to fit them into a city apartment.
As a result, only two technologies remain: drywall and stretch. But the design of the ceiling with their use and combination can have an infinite number of options.
Stretch ceilings – highlights
There are two types of materials that are used in this technology: vinyl film and special fabric. The characteristics and properties of these materials are different, as are the effects they allow to achieve.
Vinyl ceilings can be welded from several strips, have three types of surface:
- Glossy. They have a pronounced brilliance, even furnishings are reflected in them, and the illumination increases. Gamma is very wide, different colors and shades.
Glossy film reflects light and the contours of objects - Matte. Visually very similar to a high-quality plastered and painted ceiling. No glare or reflection.
- Satin. The special structure of such a film allows you to get a “pearl” effect. It is also sometimes called semi-matte: highlights and reflections are present, but weakly expressed and blurry. The disadvantage of this type of film is the limited color gamut, and also the high price tag. Most of all there are light shades, there are almost no bright ones, but for ceilings this is, in principle, normal.
Satin films have a “pearl” or slightly mother-of-pearl sheen
Only combinations of these films can give a completely different ceiling design. Even just by changing the type of surface in the same design, you get a different effect.
More about the characteristics: vinyl stretch ceilings absolutely do not let water through, but they do not like sudden changes in temperature, they do not tolerate freezing. In winter, when the window is open, when the flow of cold air goes up, you can observe how the film “warps” or “collapses”.
But if your neighbors flood you, all the water will remain in the film (if it does not burst from gravity). Another feature awaits you during installation: the film is heated to about 70 °. This means that the room must be the same temperature. Therefore, everything that is afraid of heating is taken out of the rooms, and this is furniture and almost all things.
Fabric stretch ceilings have a different structure, differ in appearance and characteristics. This is a special fabric up to 5 meters wide. This value limits the scope of application: it is difficult to find a fabric over 5 meters (there are 5,5 or so, but one of the famous manufacturers with a big price tag). Due to the fact that this is a fabric, it can only be matte. There are also fewer color options. Just a plain canvas looks like a well-finished surface, without the slightest flaw.
On the other hand, photo printing looks good on fabric. Any images are transferred to it. If you want the sky on the ceiling – it’s possible, like any other drawing.
Its advantage is that it does not need to be heated during installation: they simply pull it on and fill it with the installed profile. To the minuses or pluses to attribute its ability to pass water is a question. Consider as you wish. Many will be pleased that it passes air and vapors (PVC – no), and the fabrics do not react to temperature changes. But they do not like high humidity. So in bathrooms it is better to use PVC.
By the way, not bad films or fabrics are combined with wood. This is for those who want to furnish a wooden house in a modern style. The design might be interesting. Just before you implement the idea, try to see what happens in one of the design programs that allow you to present the project in 3D.
Plasterboard systems
This type of ceiling decoration is probably familiar to everyone. And it is he who is the main one for most multi-level structures. A system is assembled from special ceiling profiles, to which drywall sheets are attached. This technology is very popular because of the relatively inexpensive materials and the ability to do everything with your own hands: there are no particularly complex operations. Diligence and diligence are important.
Plasterboard ceilings can be two-, three- and multi-level. The more planes, the more interesting the design of the ceiling can be, but the complexity of the structure to which the material is attached also increases.
Today, more and more often in the same room, combinations of plasterboard and stretch ceilings are used. Their variations are simply endless.
Ceiling design in the living room
Most often, this room is used as a gathering place for the whole family, and guests are also received here. Therefore, the situation can be somewhat “ceremonial”. For such cases, the use of glossy films is suitable. They can be in different color variations and combinations.
There are translucent films, you can see an example of a ceiling design with its use in the photo above. The lamps are located under the film. The effect is interesting, but the complexity of the finish increases: it is necessary to put the draft ceiling in order and use directional light fixtures. They are mostly LED, which is good in terms of energy consumption (they are more economical), but not very good in terms of costs at the installation stage – they cost more than usual.
The use of a variety of shapes – combinations of even and rounded ones – add more variations. Moreover, if the gloss is stretched higher, the room looks higher. This can be played if the volume is not enough. Moreover, the glossy surface should be a lighter tone. Due to the shine, it will already look lighter, but for a larger volume, a difference of a couple of tones is needed.
An interesting effect can be achieved by combining matte and glossy canvases in the same range. In the photo you see such a ceiling in brown tones. A room with such a ceiling should be decorated in light colors with some color accents of the same colors as on the ceiling.
In the photo above, by the way, an example of a multi-level ceiling. It also zones the living room space, separating the relaxation area from the dining room. Also pay attention to the various lighting fixtures. Reflected in the ceiling, they contribute to creating a sense of a single space.
Design can be not only monochrome. Use different colors. But here you need to be careful: you also want the ceiling to be the background, and not the main object of attention, so do not “overdo it” with color.
The ceilings in the living room made of drywall look different. Lines, combinations, levels – all this remains, but the visual impression is different. More chamber, or something. There is no splendor that is inherent in stretch canvases.
If you prefer more comfortable interiors, design a plasterboard ceiling. There are options no less beautiful, but not so pompous and, nevertheless, more comfortable.
In combination with lighting, very beautiful, and at the same time not “loading” designs are obtained. They are more of a background that sets off the interior, rather than a dominant part.
Combinations of drywall and stretch fabrics can be even more interesting.
Semi-arches and edging of the ceiling are made of plasterboard, and the middle is made of matte PVC film. Such techniques can already be considered classics of modern design. Some ideas for decorating the ceiling with drywall and / or stretch fabrics are collected in the video gallery.
The ceiling in the bedroom
If splendor is appropriate in the living room, then comfort and tranquility are required in the bedroom. It is necessary to create an atmosphere for relaxation, and bright lighting is inappropriate. But highlights and midtones give the best effect.
To create such an atmosphere, drywall is used in combination with satin or matte films / fabrics on the ceiling.
Moreover, relatively simple designs look no worse than multi-tiered ones. It’s a matter of style. If the style is hi-tech, minimalism, or something from the ethnic directions of the northern or eastern orientation, then vast planes with interesting lighting or color schemes are more appropriate, rather than numerous bends.
In the kitchen
In the kitchen, stretch ceilings show most of their positive qualities. They are easy to care for: wipe with a damp cloth. If a film is used, it does not allow moisture to pass to the draft ceiling. If there is a normally working ventilation, there are no problems with condensate or foreign odors.
When choosing the color and shape of the ceiling in the kitchen, the principles remain unchanged. To make the room seem larger, you need a light color. Pay attention to the photo above. The ceiling itself is beautiful and the choice of colors is correct: the one in tone with the kitchen set. But the kitchen, in general, looks small, slammed on top, although the room is large in size. The whole thing is in a dark color, albeit with a bright gloss.
Another example is a small room, and a light glossy ceiling adds volume. The form of finishing and the choice of materials is the same. The difference is in color, and, as a result, in sensations and impressions.
Pay attention to the design of the ceiling in the photo below. The most common technique in the kitchen is used here – to repeat in general terms the arrangement of furniture. The reception is simple, but the interior looks more organic.
Another example of how a light gloss on the ceiling can visually enlarge a small kitchen in the photo below. The color is chosen in the same range as the color of the walls, the chandelier without shades – with small LEDs – does not load or press down. All this together visually makes the room more spacious.
It is in the kitchen that you can use suspended cassette systems that are rare in apartments. They are also assembled on a frame, but they require at least 2,7-2,8 meters to install a height – they eat about 20-30 cm. A frame is assembled from thin “T”-shaped rails, into which the plates are inserted. An example of such a ceiling in the kitchen is in the photo.
Why is this option good? Matte white squares in the center are translucent. The top light is mounted between the suspension system and the sub-ceiling. The effect, as you know, is interesting.
These were all variants of stretch ceilings in different kitchen interiors. As you understand, drywall is also used and has no worse appearance. It allows you to make multi-stage systems, which, together with the backlight, are very beautiful.
But such a multi-stage design requires filigree precision in work. Difficult to master without experience. Less “multi-layered” options do not look much worse.
As you can see, the techniques are the same: repeating the shape of the furniture: along the kitchen set or above the dining area – above the table.
Of course, there is less space in the kitchen, and there is simply no way to implement too many ideas. But definitely, there are interesting design solutions.
Bathroom
The bathroom is even smaller. There’s really nothing to “set up”. Therefore, the most common option is just a flat ceiling. You can only play with color and lighting. The winning total looks glossy. Due to reflection, it splits the space.
Since the width and length of the room are small, the height is often excessive and there is a feeling that you are in a well. To avoid it, you can use bright or even dark colors in the design of the ceiling. They visually “press” the room.
You can also play with lights. For example, put spot LEDs. Their installation is a painstaking business – miniature sizes require dexterity and patience. But the result is painfully good: like a scattering of stars.
Do in the bathroom and plasterboard ceilings. Only the material used is moisture resistant. It contains additives that reduce susceptibility to steam and moisture. If you just don’t like a flat surface, you can try to break it up with narrow ledges in which to mount lighting fixtures.
Photo ceiling design ideas
