What types of suspended ceilings are there? Which are the most suitable for the living room? How to combine the ceiling and interior style? All this is in our article today.
We have already talked about plasterboard ceilings, their pros and cons. Now it’s time to deal with tension materials.
Stretch ceiling - what is it?
A stretch ceiling or structure is a canvas made of different materials that is stretched over the ceiling. It is secured around the entire perimeter using metal profiles. Recently, metal has been replaced with plastic, but this does not affect the durability of the structure.
The materials from which canvases are made are very different. But PVC film is considered the most popular. It can also be replaced with synthetic textiles.
Hall lighting ideas
There are three main types of lighting - a central chandelier, built-in spots and LED strip. They are used both separately and together. In the latter case, you can vary the lighting, increasing or decreasing the brightness, and highlighting areas for work and relaxation.
Chandelier
It is important to choose the right central device so as not to damage the canvas. Incandescent light bulbs and metal bases are not suitable. This causes the ceiling to melt.
Fortunately, there is a wide selection of chandeliers for LED and energy-saving lamps. When purchasing, take into account the texture of the canvas: the varnish surface will need less light.
Spots
These devices are available built-in and surface-mounted, in different colors, shapes and materials. In most cases, they choose a shade that matches the ceiling or a design reminiscent of a chandelier (if the spotlights are used together with it).
Spot lighting is located:
- evenly across the entire ceiling (then you can do without a chandelier);
- clusters in a certain area (above the sofa or table);
- in two-level structures - along the boundaries between levels;
- The spots are made up of straight and curved lines or various patterns.
LED Strip Light
She has several accommodation options. For example, a floating ceiling. Using special baguettes, a small gap is created between the canvas and the walls. The tape is placed in it. As a result, it seems that the canvas is not adjacent to the walls, that is, the ceiling seems to be hanging in the air.
Sometimes LEDs are placed between the levels of a two-tier structure. Here it seems that one of them is floating, and the difference in height seems greater.
The entire ceiling can glow if you choose a translucent film for it. But more often the insert is designed this way. It looks like a window in the ceiling.
Another interesting design technique is luminous lines. They can be smooth, fold into a pattern, drawing or even a word. Such finishing usually has only a decorative effect.
Main types of suspended ceilings
The design of suspended ceilings in the living room can be different. The shade and pattern are chosen based on the basic design concept of the entire room.
Canvases are usually divided into types according to the material from which they are made. They come in: Matte; With photo printing; Glossy; Fabric; Satin. We will consider each type in detail.
Examples of floral prints on the ceiling
Floral motifs are among the most popular in the design of ceiling space.
Orchids
Graceful, exotic orchids in combination with a light stretch ceiling will look very harmonious, gentle and charming.
Roses
Filling a room with romanticism and emphasizing its luxurious appearance, white, burgundy or pink roses always surprise with their grace and beauty.
The photo shows a stretch ceiling decorated with photo printing in the form of rose flowers.
Lilies of the valley
They bring cheerfulness, richness and bright colors to the interior and become the most dynamic accent in it.
apple flowers
They are a symbol of spring, which will undoubtedly add softness, freshness and comfort to the atmosphere.
Sakura
A tree or branch of cherry blossoms on a stretched canvas always looks aesthetically pleasing and elegant. Thanks to such photo printing, the room acquires a special chic, a little coolness and warmth.
Lilies
Amazing, romantic and delicate flowers with a huge variety of shades inspire the most unexpected solutions in ceiling design.
Daisies
Tensile structures decorated with such delicate and touching flowers will enchant with their beauty and cute appearance.
The photo shows a white stretch ceiling with a picture of daisies.
Lotus
Always a symbol of purity and spirituality. Canvases with such a pattern create a light and impeccable atmosphere.
Matte stretch ceilings
This type is great for small rooms. The smooth matte surface allows you to visually enlarge the ceiling and choose any form of room lighting.
Matte stretch ceilings are great for decorating a living room in a classic style. The surface is perfect, without seams or any irregularities.
Perception of the interior depending on the texture of the ceiling
The surface of a stretch ceiling can be:
- glossy;
- matte;
- satin;
- imitating various materials;
- translucent.
The gloss is smooth and reflects light well, due to which the boundaries of the room are blurred and the ceiling visually becomes higher. This texture has the most color variations. But you should be careful with the lighting, as the light reflects off the film.
The matte finish resembles a painted surface. This is a great way to create a level surface. Bright colors become more saturated. But the ceiling looks lower. This option is best chosen for high rooms. The matte surface is available not only in film, but also in fabric, which allows you to create seamless ceilings. And in PVC fabric this texture is cheaper than others.
The satin surface resembles fabric in appearance, but belongs to PVC fabrics. It has a soft shine that adds air and space to the room. But there will be no reflection of the surrounding environment in the ceilings. The cost is more expensive than matte and gloss.
Textured canvases resemble expensive finishes - suede, leather, various types of stone, metal. The effect is obtained through a combination of microrelief and pattern. It’s not cheap, but it allows you to create a luxurious interior.
Translucent film is used to implement unusual types of lighting. Diodes are placed above the film. Depending on the location of the tape, the entire ceiling, an insert on it, or individual lines glow.
Glossy
In this case, lamps on the suspended ceiling are not needed. The film reflects any lighting. Therefore, lighting fixtures can be hung on the walls.
This type of ceiling is also called mirrored. It is suitable for small and dark rooms. This will allow you to make it lighter.
But if you decide to place the lamps at the top, then the effect will pleasantly surprise you, because they will create the effect of a starry sky.
Levels
Mounting systems for suspended ceilings allow installation at several levels. This option makes it possible not only to hide communications, but also to arrange multi-point lighting. However, for low ceilings, you should stick to a single-tier layout so as not to further reduce the height of the room.
For rooms with high ceilings, two-level and multi-level systems can be used. The first option is the most common, as it does not complicate the design too much and at the same time makes the room more original. This method allows you to use fabrics of different textures or colors, visually changing and enlarging the space.
Complex options with several tiers can only be used in large living rooms.
Satin
Quite a popular option. Experts consider a satin ceiling to be something in between. The color of the stretch ceiling in the living room may vary. It depends on the color of the wallpaper and furniture. For example, a light tone is perfect for small rooms.
It will make the room brighter and increase the ceiling height. Satin coverings are suitable for creating a homely atmosphere and additional comfort.
Classic colors for the hall and their combinations
One of the most common is white, which suits almost all styles. For example, the classic one uses a matte texture, often with a figured baseboard. For minimalism, it is better to choose a glossy surface, and for the Scandinavian style, complex configurations are possible. Lacquer texture is used in modern directions. White goes with any color combination, both light and dark.
A radical solution is black ceilings. It is better to make them glossy so that the surface does not hang over your head. In this color the reflective effect will be most pronounced. The rest of the furnishings are kept light so that the living room does not become too gloomy.
Brown shades have a similar effect. But the room turns out to be more comfortable and warm. Blue and purple look elegant and noble, however, sometimes they create a too cold environment.
If you want to install a colored ceiling, but are not ready to experiment, it is better to stick to light colors. Beige is often chosen - warm and delicate. It has several shades to suit different environments. Another common neutral color is gray. May be pale, close to white, or dark. The hall will become strict and solemn.
Pastel colors look gentle and elegant - pink, cream, light green. Blue is reminiscent of the sky and sea.
For suspended ceilings, bright colors are also chosen, for example, red, orange, yellow, green. But it is better to use them fragmentarily, in a small area or in a drawing. Otherwise, the surface will become too flashy, and it will be uncomfortable to be in the living room.
The combinations of shades with each other look interesting. There are several successful options for two-color combinations:
- White matches any others (for example, black and white).
- A dark or bright color with a similar, but very diluted shade (for example, brown and beige) looks good.
- Pastel colors are combined with each other.
For the ceiling you should not choose more than two or three colors. Then it will be harmonious and not colorful.
Fabric stretch ceilings
This type is very practical and convenient. Fabrics are not afraid of temperature changes and excessive moisture, which is why they can be installed not only in an apartment, but also in a country house.
It is much easier to install than other types. After installation there are no seams, and no special heating equipment is required.
Tools and materials
Purchase all items in advance so as not to interrupt work:
- For accurate marking you will need a building level. It is best if it is laser, but a regular bubble one will do. You will also need a permanent marker or a pencil with a ruler and a tapping string.
- You'll have to work with a file. Prepare 2-3 canvases. One for wood, the other for metal, and it’s better to take a couple of spare ones, as they can break. Keep keys within sight for quick blade changes.
- The power tool you will need is a screwdriver. A conventional drill is used if the house has wooden floors. You can’t do without a hammer drill with reinforced concrete. Drills with pobedite tips are used.
- It is best to heat the film with a hair dryer. An alternative option is a gas heat gun with a connected cylinder. The latter option is even more often used, since the film heats up quickly and evenly, and you don’t have to drag an extension cord across the floor, as is the case with a hairdryer.
- Of course, you also need a regular hammer, as well as a set of spatulas. The shoulder blades should be curved.
- A stepladder is a mandatory element.
- You will also need a high-quality stationery knife with replaceable blades.
Dowels with self-tapping screws are used as fasteners. For quick gluing you will need a second of super glue. In addition to your own canvas with harpoons attached around the perimeter, rings made of temperature-resistant plastic will be useful.
They are used for mounting lighting fixtures. Prepare the profile used as embeds in advance. Buy additional small self-tapping screws, popularly called “bugs”.
Stretch ceiling with lighting
Backlighting allows you to create additional lighting. If you decide to install an LED strip, then you can completely abandon the wall lamps and chandeliers.
This type of decoration of suspended ceilings is the most common. Relief ceilings look especially advantageous. The luminous tape emphasizes the advantages of such a ceiling and creates the effect of weightlessness. If you don't look closely, it seems as if the curtains are hanging in the air.
With photo printing
Modern interiors are often complemented by ceilings with prints made using photo printing techniques. This idea allows you to transfer any motif specified by the customer onto the canvas. It could be a blue sky with clouds, starry space, a picture from a famous fresco, etc. Any bold idea can easily be transferred to a suspended ceiling and become a highlight of interiors.
Two-level stretch ceilings in the living room
Two-level ceilings are especially popular. They allow you to visually enlarge the room and make it wider. In addition, they look very beautiful in any interior.
Installation of this type allows you to turn any design solutions into reality. As for colors, the color of the canvas can be any.
The two-level ceiling looks very beautiful and impressive. The interior of suspended ceilings in the living room should not differ much from the design style of the room.
For example, it will look ridiculous if the entire living room is decorated in high-tech style, and the stretch ceiling is made in a classic style. The main thing is harmony in everything and then your home will attract guests.
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Design options for the interior of rooms
Various photographic examples of ceiling decoration options.
Living room or hall
Designs with photographic printing carry a unique meaning. They help to express and emphasize the style direction of the living room and become a real piece of art.
The photo shows a living room and a tension model with a photo print of the blue sky.
Bedroom
Neutral and calm motifs depicted on stretched canvases will embody harmony and tranquility in the bedroom and create a relaxing atmosphere in it.
Hallway and corridor
Models with photo printing will make the design of such a small room as a hallway unique and unusual.
Kitchen
Prints with bright flowers, coffee or various juicy fruits such as pomegranate, apple, lime and others would be especially appropriate here. They will lift your spirits and stimulate your appetite.
Children's room
Thanks to the huge variety of photographic canvases, you can choose the appropriate design option for a nursery, both for girls and boys. The unique colored ceiling design will become the child's favorite object in his room.
Bathroom
An art ceiling with a specific theme, well-chosen to match the overall design of the room, will give the bathroom a unique style and the necessary mood.
Toilet
Models decorated with photo prints can enliven and make even such a small room as a bathroom cozy, beautiful and comfortable.
Attic
Canvases in light colors with small patterns are suitable here; they will not overload the attic space and will not create a pressure effect in it.
Photo of a stretch ceiling in the living room
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