The renovation is about to begin, but what to do with the ceiling is still not clear? Do you want to be both beautiful and practical at the same time? This is what false ceilings are for! They delight the eye with a wealth of shapes and configurations, allow the most interesting design projects to be brought to life, and are suitable for zoning. Under such a construction, you can easily hide any defects of the "native" base without long and tedious alignment.
Types of suspended structures
The main essence of suspended ceilings is directly reflected in their name: the decorative structure is suspended from the base using different types of fasteners. Depending on materials and configuration, there are several basic types.
Drywall
Drywall allows you to bring any ideas to life, including the most complex artistic ideas. It can be easily cut and processed, attached to profiles, combined with different types of finishes and can be multi-level. For bedrooms and living rooms, standard GKL sheets are used, for a bathroom and a bathroom - waterproof GKVL and GVLV, and for fire protection - GKLO.
Tile
It is a simple and practical way to decorate ceilings in living quarters, offices, warehouses and manufacturing plants. Square or rectangular slabs are screwed to the profile frame and provide easy access to the communications sewn into the box.
Armstrong
Armstrong is a type of tiled suspended ceilings, the frame of which is formed from metal T-shaped profiles. Pressed mineral fiber boards do not completely hide the outlines of the profiles, therefore they are used here as a design element.
Cassette
Cassette suspended ceilings are more expensive and more complicated, but stronger and more accurate. They are assembled from individual modular elements, some of which can be replaced with a panel lamp or ventilation grill. In the hidden design, the cassettes completely hide the rack frame and everything under it.
Reiki
Standard slatted ceilings are assembled from ready-made strips of lamellas 2-6 m long and 5 to 20 cm wide. The slats are painted according to the RAL scale and are smooth, embossed, perforated or mesh. By the same principle, narrow PVC lamellas are used, which resemble ordinary lining.
Grilyato
Grilyato suspended ceilings are a lattice structure for large and spacious rooms. They are more often used in public places rather than in private homes. The aluminum grill does not block access to wiring and pipes, but at the same time perfectly fits with other suspension systems.
Stretch ceiling
Stretch ceilings are classified into a separate category, but in essence they are also suspended. Increasingly, in houses and apartments, they are combined with inserts or plasterboard framing. This is a convenient technique for interior zoning and arrangement of multi-level lighting.
Benefits of suspended ceilings
Practical and versatile suspended ceilings have become so popular for a reason. They have several significant advantages that distinguish them favorably against the background of any other ceiling structures:
- Any imperfections in the substrate can be hidden, including small cracks, crumbling plaster, stains or level drops. It is not even necessary to remove the old finish layer;
- Different types of suspended ceilings differ in design, color, texture and price. You can choose an option for your budget and interior;
- Do not limit your imagination: starry sky, glass, mirrors, metal, glossy and matte surfaces, 3D effect - all this is available in suspended ceilings;
- The finished structure lasts for decades and does not require maintenance. Modern materials are not afraid of moisture, do not attract dust, do not absorb odors and are easy to clean;
- Some types of suspended ceilings are easy to dismantle and reinstall.This is the only best option if access to ceiling communications is needed in the future;
- Inside you can hide not only pipes, wiring and ventilation, but also sew up an additional insulating layer. The apartment will immediately become much quieter and more comfortable, because you will no longer be disturbed by noisy neighbors from above;
- The choice of lighting systems and types of fixtures is in no way inferior to the variety of designs of the ceilings themselves. You can implement any interesting multi-level solutions.
Stretch ceilings: 85 beautiful design ideas (photo)
A little about the disadvantages ...
Naturally, there are no ideal solutions for all occasions, and suspended ceilings also have their weak points:
The main disadvantage is a decrease in space, because even the simplest single-level construction takes up valuable centimeters. Therefore, suspension systems are not always suitable for apartments with low ceilings.
Even the cheapest suspended ceiling will cost more than the usual whitewash, but it will pay off if you need to seriously level the base. Some materials are sensitive to moisture, especially drywall. Therefore, choose the appropriate brands for your bathroom or kitchen.
It is much easier to paint the ceiling yourself than to mount a suspended structure. Most likely, you will have to involve specialists.
Plasterboard ceilings in the interior (150+ photos)
Lighting and decorative lighting of the ceiling
Almost all types of luminaires are ideal for lighting false ceilings. If with stretch ceilings it is necessary to take into account the sensitivity of PVC film to heating, then with drywall, cassettes or lamellas there is no such problem. You can completely focus on design, decoration and your taste.
Classic lighting
Flat ceiling lamps scatter light well over the entire area of the room. Hanging chandeliers direct the flow downward, so that it can be both diffused and accent - depending on the length of the suspension.
Spotlights
Spot lighting is the most versatile of all the options because it is the easiest to calculate and flexibly adjust. Such luminaires can be built-in or surface-mounted, rotary or non-rotary.
Tracks
Track systems are small shades that are fixed on special busbar rails. They look great in modern industrial interiors and look stylish in large spaces.
Decorative lighting
For colorful illumination of individual sections or elements of the suspended structure, duralight cords, LED strips and neon tubes are used. They differ in colors and glow modes, and the most functional series are controlled like a New Year's garland.
Suspended ceilings in the interior - photo
Due to the variety of designs and installation methods, suspended ceilings will fit into any room. They are successfully used in offices, retail premises, factories and warehouses, hotels and business centers. They are no less good in apartments and private houses.
Suspended ceiling in the living room
The living room always opens up an endless space for fantasy and imagination. Traditionally, this is the largest and most versatile room for which rational zoning and aesthetics are equally important. Fancy suspended ceilings will add personality to your interior.
False ceiling in the kitchen
It is most difficult to choose materials for the kitchen, because the temperature and humidity are constantly changing here, there are a lot of smells, fat and food. Pay attention to the plastic panels, which can be painted or imitated with any other material. And multi-level gypsum plasterboard structures allow you to conveniently delimit the space and highlight the work or dining area.
False ceiling in the bedroom
In the bedroom, suspended ceilings easily create that very romantic atmosphere. The secret to success is very simple: choose your favorite colors with materials and think over the lighting system.
One level - built-in lamps for everyday diffused light, the second - for evening romance and relaxation. And for lovers of bold extravagant solutions, mirrored ceilings will come in handy.
Suspended ceiling in the children's room
Do you want to embody a real fairy tale in the children's room? Then suspended ceilings and plasterboard structures will definitely come to your aid. With them you can give your beloved child a starry sky, a luxurious palace, a mysterious castle or a pirate ship.
False ceiling in the hallway
The entrance hall always creates the first impression of an apartment or house. At the same time, it is often small, tight or irregular in shape, so you will have to try with its design.
Lightweight suspended structures will hide lamps and wires, and glossy light textures will compensate for the waste of height and lack of light. Here again, mirrored ceilings are appropriate and practical, which visually double the depth of the room.
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