Ceiling decoration: we develop the design ourselves
Plastered, flat white ceiling is a classic that is still relevant today. But I want, as always, something unusual and non-standard. And such an opportunity is provided by new construction 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, ceiling designs can be made using different materials:
- gypsum cartridges - suspension systems;
- polymer film - stretch ceiling;
- rack and pinion;
- hemmed - with wood sheathing;
- adhesive - finished with PVC plates.
Rack and cassette are almost never used in apartments. They eat up too much space while having poor sound insulation performance. They are good in offices and public places, but not the best choice for houses and apartments. Can be used in corridors or bathrooms if the ceilings are very high and the area of the room is small. To reduce the effect of the "well", they are good, the benefit of the characteristics allow: they are not afraid of moisture.
Glue ceilings are also almost not used today. PVC plates are a quick way to tidy up an unsightly surface, but it's hardly worth talking about some originality or beauty. Sewn ceilings made of wood - lining or boards - are used in decoration wooden houses with matching interiors... It will be difficult to enter them in a city apartment.
As a result, only two technologies remain: drywall and tension. But the design of the ceiling with their use and combination can have an infinite number of options.
The content of the article
Stretch ceilings - highlights
There are two types of materials used in this technology: vinyl and specialty fabric. The characteristics and properties of these materials are different, as are the effects they can achieve.
Vinyl ceilings can be welded from multiple strips and have three surface types:
- Glossy. They have a pronounced shine, even furnishings are reflected in them, and the illumination increases. The gamut is very wide, different colors and shades.
- Matte. Visually, they are very similar to a high-quality plastered and painted ceiling. No glare or reflections.
- Satin. The special structure of such a film allows you to obtain a "pearl" effect. It is also sometimes called semi-matte: glare and reflections are present, but weak and blurry. The disadvantage of this type of films is the limited color gamut, and also the high price tag. Most of all light shades, there are almost no bright ones, but for ceilings this is, in principle, normal.
Only combinations of these films can give a completely different ceiling design. Even just changing the type of surface in the same design, you get a different effect.
More about the characteristics: vinyl stretch ceilings absolutely do not allow water to pass through, but they do not like sudden temperature changes, do not tolerate freezing. In winter, when the window is open, when the flow of cold air goes up, one can observe how the film "warps" or "collapses".
But if you are flooded by neighbors, all the water will remain in the film (if it does not burst from the weight). Another feature awaits you during installation: the film is heated to about 70 °. This means that the room must be at 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. The scope of application is limited to this value: it is difficult to find fabric more than 5 meters (there is 5.5 or so, but some of the famous manufacturers with a big price tag). Due to the fact that it is a fabric, it can only be matte. There are also fewer staining 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 - this is possible, like any other drawing.
Its plus is that it does not need to be heated during installation: it is simply pulled and tucked over the installed profile. The minuses or pluses include its ability to let water through is a question. As you wish, consider so. Many will be pleased that it allows air and vapors to pass through (PVC does not), and the fabrics also do not respond to temperature changes. But they do not like high humidity. So it is better to use PVC in bathrooms.
By the way, films or fabrics are not bad combined with wood. This is for those who want to furnish a wooden house in a modern style. An interesting design can turn out. Just before realizing 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 design 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 due to the relatively inexpensive materials and the ability to do everything with your own hands: there are no particularly complicated operations. Diligence and accuracy 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, combinations of plasterboard and stretch ceilings are used in the same room. The variations are just 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 using it in the photo above. The luminaires are located under the foil. The effect is interesting, but the complexity of finishing increases: it is necessary to put in order both the rough ceiling and use directional lamps. Basically they are LED, which is good in terms of energy consumption (they are more economical), but not very much in terms of costs at the installation stage - they are more expensive than usual.
The use of a variety of shapes - a combination of flat and rounded - adds more variation. Moreover, if the gloss is stretched higher, the room looks higher. You can play on this if the volume is not enough. Moreover, the glossy surface should be of a lighter tone. Due to the shine, it will look lighter anyway, 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 can see such a ceiling in brown tones. A room with such a ceiling should be decorated in light colors with some color accents in the same colors as on the ceiling.
The photo above, by the way, is 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 different lighting fixtures. Reflecting in the ceiling, they contribute to the creation of a sense of a single space.
The design can be not only monochrome. Use different colors. But here you need to be careful: you want the ceiling to be the background, not the main object of attention, so do not overdo it with color.
The plasterboard ceilings in the living room look different. Lines, combinations, levels - all this remains, but the visual impression is different. More chamber, or something. There is no that splendor that is inherent in stretch canvases.
If you prefer more cozy interiors, design a plasterboard ceiling. There are options no less beautiful, but not so pompous and, nevertheless, more comfortable.
In combination with illumination, very beautiful, and at the same time, not "loading" structures are obtained. They are more of a background shading the interior, rather than a dominant part.
Combinations of drywall and stretch canvases can be even more interesting.
The semi-arches and edging of the ceiling are made of plasterboard, and the middle is made of matte PVC foil. Such techniques can already be considered classics of Art Nouveau design. Some ideas for decorating the ceiling with plasterboard and / or stretch canvases are collected in the video gallery.
Ceiling in the bedroom
If pomp is appropriate in the living room, then comfort and tranquility are required in the bedroom. A relaxing atmosphere needs to be created and bright lighting is inappropriate. On the other hand, highlights and midtones give the best effect.
To create such an atmosphere, drywall is used in combination with satin or matt films / fabrics on the ceiling.
Moreover, relatively simple structures look no worse than multi-tiered ones. It's about style. If the style is high-tech, minimalism or something from the ethnic directions of the northern or eastern orientation, then extensive planes with interesting lighting or color design 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 film is used, it does not allow moisture to pass to the rough ceiling. If the ventilation is working properly, there are no problems with condensation or foreign odors.
When choosing the color and shape of the ceiling in the kitchen, the principles remain unchanged. To make the room appear larger, you need a light color. Pay attention to the photo above. The ceiling itself is beautiful and the selection of colors is correct: one in tone with kitchen set... But the kitchen in general looks small, slammed from above, although the room is considerable in size. It's all about the dark color, albeit with a bright gloss.
Another example is a small room, and a light glossy ceiling adds volume. The shape of the finish and the choice of materials are the same. The difference in color, and as a result, in feelings and impressions.
Pay attention to the design of the ceiling in the photo below.Here, the most common technique in the kitchen is used - to repeat the arrangement of furniture in general terms. 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 matched to 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 the frame, but they require at least 2.7-2.8 meters to set the height - they eat about 20-30 cm. The frame is assembled from thin "T" -shaped slats, into which the plates are inserted. An example of such a ceiling in the kitchen is in the photo.
Why is this option good? The matte white squares in the center are semi-transparent. The overhead light is mounted between the grid and the sub-ceiling. The effect, as you know, is interesting.
These were all options for stretch ceilings in different kitchen interiors. As you can imagine, drywall is also used and does not look the worst. It allows you to make multi-stage systems, which, together with the backlight, are very beautiful.
But this multi-stage design requires meticulous precision. It's hard to master without experience. Less "layered" options don't look much worse.
As you can see, the techniques are the same: repeating the shape of the furniture: along the kitchen unit or above the dining area - above the table.
There is, of course, less space in the kitchen, and there is simply no way to translate too many ideas. But definitely, there are interesting design solutions.
Bathroom
The bathroom is even smaller. There is already nothing special "set up". Therefore, the most common option is just a flat ceiling. You can only play with color and lighting. The winning overall looks are gloss. Through reflection, he splits up space.
Since the width and length of the room are small, the height is often excessive and it feels like 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 lamps. For example, put LED spotlights. Their installation is a painstaking business - their miniature size requires dexterity and patience. But the result is painfully good: like a scattering of stars.
Do in the bathroom and plasterboard ceilings. Only the material 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 protrusions in which to mount lighting fixtures.