The ceiling in the room is not only about functionality, but also about beauty. Along with the floor and walls, it creates a backdrop for the rest of the interior. But what if the old ceiling isn't as perfect as you'd like? That is why there are stretch ceilings, so effortlessly and harmoniously blended into modern styles!
A bit of history
The first variation on the theme of stretch ceilings can be safely considered antique draperies, which demonstrated the wealth and solvency of their owner.
In medieval Armenia they went further. The fabric was impregnated with chalk and lime. And when it dried, the surface was flat and smooth. So the unevenness of the walls was hidden. And as they wear out and lose their original appearance, the fabric is simply changed.
Stretch ceilings made of PVC film appeared in the 60s. First - in Sweden, and then throughout Western Europe. After another 20 years, the technology was improved in France. Scientists have managed to improve the properties of polyvinyl chloride and revive the Swedish innovation. It is not for nothing that in many countries stretch ceilings are still called French.
Types of stretch ceilings
Stretch ceilings differ from each other in material and manufacturing method.
Matte stretch ceilings
The matte surface resembles ordinary whitewash or painted plaster. This ceiling looks simpler and more familiar. It is easier for designers to work with, because the coating does not give unexpected refractions and reflections. This is a great option for classic interiors.
Glossy stretch ceilings
The glossy stretch ceiling resembles a mirror. In addition to its aesthetic benefits, it reflects light and makes the room visually lighter and larger. With mirrored ceilings, it's fun to experiment with lighting and accents.
Satin stretch ceilings
Satin is an intermediate option, a kind of compromise. It has a silky, slightly pearlescent texture. There are no harsh shadows and spots of light left on it.
Photo printing
Photo printing allows you to apply any drawings to the base: from light ornaments to paintings and photographs. The main thing is not to overload the room with an excess of complex and large details, so that the interior is not too colorful and lurid.
Textile
The fabric is beautiful, decorative and textured. It does not interfere with natural air exchange. A protective polymer or varnish provides moisture resistance. The appearance of such a canvas can be anything.
Benefits and features
Each material and solution has its own strengths as well as weaknesses. Stretch ceilings are no exception. Nevertheless, they managed to supplant the older and more labor-intensive finishing methods.
- Ease of installation. Complex preparation of the base is not required, and the number of tools is minimal. It is only important to properly stretch the film. There are even seamless canvases up to 5 m wide;
- Durability. PVC retains its original appearance for years. The coating does not need to be repaired, tinted or renewed. Average service life - 20 years;
- Dismantling. If necessary, the blade can be easily removed and replaced. This allows you to experiment with interior design and minimize the amount of cosmetic repairs;
- Elimination of defects. Stretch ceilings hide irregularities and drops in the base, communications and ventilation. In this they are similar to drywall boxes, only they take up less space;
- Tightness. Unlike plasterboard structures, stretch ceilings are able to save from flooding from above. They retain liquid that can be gently drained off;
- Environmental friendliness. PVC film is safe and non-toxic. Such ceilings can even be installed in educational, sports and medical institutions;
- Hygiene. The material is easy to care for, it can be washed with a regular cloth or a special mop.Use soapy water, window cleaner, or specialty detergents.
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Disadvantages of stretch ceilings
Stretch ceilings in at least one room are found in most houses. At first glance, it is difficult to consider their weaknesses. But we still recommend that you first analyze them before choosing.
- The cost of stretch ceilings is not always so affordable. It depends on the complexity of the solution, the type of material, the presence and complexity of the drawing, and other features;
- PVC film is not sensitive to moisture, but it is sensitive to mechanical damage. Therefore, the canvas must be carefully pulled and washed;
- Installation of the tension structure takes the height of the room. Not as obvious as drywall, but inevitable;
- If you cannot find a continuous canvas of the required size, you will have to take a soldered one. And in this case, seams remain on the surface;
- PVC film does not breathe well and does not promote air circulation. This indicator is better for a fabric cover. But such ceilings are advisable only in private wooden houses;
- There is a smell in the room for some time after installation. Therefore, you will have to wait for it to wear off;
- Stretch ceilings can sag over time. Therefore, we recommend that you only entrust the installation to specialists.
Lighting and ceiling lighting
As in the plasterboard structure, you can safely embed spotlights, LED strips and spots into stretch ceilings. There is a limitation only on the power of the lamps so that the film does not overheat.
Do you want a chandelier? Choose models with a wide base or a decorative rosette, they fit snugly to the surface and look good. Any shape: circle, square, triangles.
If the chandelier uses incandescent or halogen lamps, make sure that the distance to the film is at least 10 cm. There are no such strict requirements for LEDs.
Need more power? Then pay attention to lamps with long hangers. This will keep the heating part away from the ceiling and will not spoil it.
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Single-level and multi-level stretch ceilings
The simplest design of stretch ceilings is one-level. The result is a regular smooth surface. The film is attached around the perimeter of the room.
Complex multi-level structures allow you to combine different colors, textures, zone a room and even change the height. For this, drywall or special profiles are used.
Create hanging and curly elements, hide significant defects, experiment with arched shapes and waves.
Ideas for interiors
Depending on the color and texture, stretch ceilings can harmoniously fit into any interior. This is not only fashionable minimalism or hi-tech - they also look harmoniously in classic rooms, oriental and Scandinavian styles, in artsy modern or in colorful pop art.
Stretch ceiling in the hallway or hallway
The corridor and hallway are the first thing that catches the eye in the new house, its business card. At the same time, these are often small and cramped rooms in which lightness and light are sorely lacking. Glossy mirrored ceilings do an excellent job with this.
Stretch ceiling in the living room
The hall or living room is the heart of the apartment. Feel free to experiment with unusual creative solutions: photo printing, multi-tiered designs, hidden lighting, colored LEDs or luxurious chandeliers.
In a large room, bright accents are good, and in a small room, neutral pastel colors. The reflective gloss visually enlarges the room. Plasterboard structures with spotlights around the living room look interesting.
Stretch ceiling in the bedroom
In the bedroom, delicate pastel colors, delicate textures and matte or satin surfaces are especially good. Do you like bold and extravagant decisions? Then pay attention to the glossy finish.
Do you want unusual accents? Look at stretch ceilings with a light pattern or even a starry sky effect. It is easy to create a "real space" with the help of sophisticated lighting.
Stretch ceiling in the children's room
Decorating a nursery is always a holiday, but also a lot of difficulties. Especially appreciated are materials that are easy to install or replace. And here stretch ceilings win again.
Remember your child's favorite cartoon characters, experiment with photo printing. And when the baby grows up, together update the inexpensive and simple stretch ceiling.
Stretch ceiling in the kitchen
In working rooms, the strengths of stretch ceilings are revealed in full. For example, in the kitchen, the film hardly gets dirty and is easy to clean, does not absorb odors and does not collect condensation.
To remove stains or grease, a soft sponge and soapy water are enough. And the bright and rich colors of the canvas create a good mood, awaken the appetite and add color to the daily routine.
Stretch ceiling in the bathroom
The film is not afraid of dampness and moisture, unlike drywall and most building mixtures. Therefore, the stretch ceiling in the bathroom will not swell or deform over time.
A mirror surface will visually enlarge a small bathroom, but splashes and stains remain on it. If you don't want to waste time on this, then choose matte films.
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Stretch ceilings - photo
Especially for you, we have prepared a selection with different ideas and methods of installing stretch ceilings. Just look how harmoniously they fit into real "living" interiors!
