10 tips for choosing a stretch ceiling

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For the manufacture of stretch ceilings is used:

• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film 0.15-0.35 mm thick. This is the most affordable and popular material for finishing apartments.
• Polyester fabric, 0.25 mm thick, impregnated with polyurethane. Attracts with environmental friendliness and the possibility of seamless installation in large rooms.
• Fiberglass. High strength waterproof fabric. Acts as a basis for painting. Occurs rarely.

The technical characteristics of the materials are similar, but there are some differences that determine their area of ​​\u200b\u200buse.

• Appearance. Film ceilings are glossy, satin or matte, the texture of fabric sheets is always matte.
• Strength. Resistance to mechanical damage by sharp objects in fabric cloths is higher than that of film ones.
• Frost resistance. PVC at low temperatures becomes brittle and cracks. Fabric ceilings can withstand -35 C, which allows them to be used for finishing unheated rooms.
• Water resistance. According to this parameter, the performance is better for film sheets. They are recommended to be installed in rooms with high humidity.
• Environmental friendliness. All types of stretch ceilings are safe for health. At the same time, the presence of micropores in the fabric structure promotes air ventilation and ensures a healthy microclimate in the room. Such a canvas can be chosen for decorating a children's room.

Material	Advantages	Flaws
PVC	+ high water resistance; + affordable price; + variety of textures; + the possibility of re-assembly.	- not suitable for seasonal premises; - not breathing.
polyester fabric	+ high ecological cleanliness; + resistance to low temperatures	- not suitable for rooms with high humidity; - has a high price.
fiberglass	+ high mechanical strength; + the possibility of repeated drawing and changing the style of the interior.	+ requires additional painting;

Today, stretch ceiling companies offer customers mainly the first two types of canvas. Since they cover all needs and are more affordable.

Modern stretch ceilings can have several types of surface. If earlier customers were offered a choice between a glossy and matte solution, today it is complemented by such options as satin, textured, perforated, translucent and combined.

Glossy ceilings appropriate for creating modern interiors. They are chosen by active, innovative people. The material allows you to visually increase the size of the room and is suitable for small spaces. Glossy canvases are characterized by a large selection of colors. The richer the shade, the better its reflective qualities are manifested, so even an unconventional black ceiling will not look gloomy and depressing.

By appearance frosted ceilings similar to flawlessly executed plaster. Such discreet elegance is preferred by people of conservative views with refined taste. Matte ceilings are suitable for spacious, well-lit rooms.

satin ceilings imitate the texture of the fabric coating. Such a surface has a moderate sheen, but not as bright as gloss. This solution is especially effective when installing colored ceilings that change shade with different lighting conditions.

textured ceilings mimic different surfaces. It can be suede, wood, mother of pearl and much more. They are especially loved by modern designers.

Perforated sheets imply the presence of holes of various shapes, which can be arranged both randomly and in a certain sequence. This allows you to create an unusual decorative effect, especially in combination with lighting elements.

Translucent canvases in fact, they are a kind of glossy PVC film that transmits light well. This texture allows you to get a completely luminous surface. The solution found itself in the organization of high-tech interiors.

Combined ceilings is not a separate texture, but the use of different solutions in one space. This approach is ideal for zoning. It also allows you to achieve greater expressiveness of the design.

Despite the variety of solutions, the choice directly depends on the wishes of the client or on the concept of the chosen design.

The quality and price of stretch ceilings are largely determined by the manufacturer. On the market you can find products of European and Chinese production. Which one is better?

Canvases from Europe occupy the largest segment of the market. Manufacturers offer a wide range of glossy and matte ceilings of the highest quality, and French companies are trendsetters. The cost of European products is much higher than Russian and Chinese counterparts. Well-known companies: CTN, Clipso (France), Renolit, Pongs, Descor (Germany), Alkor Draka, Cerutti (Italy).

Spectrum Chinese goods traditionally heterogeneous. Here you can find both materials that are not inferior in quality to European counterparts, as well as outright fakes. Industry leaders include companies: MSD, HALEAD, Gline. Stretch ceilings from these manufacturers compete with world leaders, and are much cheaper.

A wide range of colors of stretch ceilings allows you to implement a variety of design ideas. The appearance of the material has a serious psychological impact on the household.

White the color is traditional for ceiling cladding. It visually increases the height of the room, does not put pressure on the psyche, and is suitable for interiors made in various styles. White, as well as discreet pastel colors are appropriate in living rooms, corridors, bedrooms, kitchens and other rooms. Bright orange, blue, purple, green canvases are well suited for children's rooms, fill them with an atmosphere of joy and energy. Saturated tones can be chosen for the kitchen and bathroom. It is better to decorate the bedroom in calm, romantic colors: beige, blue, pink.

The business style of the cabinet will emphasize brown ceiling, but it should not be very dark and not cause a depressing mood. Red Psychologists attribute many qualities to color. On the one hand, it is the color of love and energy, on the other hand, it gives aggression. In the interior of apartments, it is used in the form of small inserts. Glossy dark purple, steel, black ceilings will give originality to rooms with a high height. Dark canvases are often used to create the "starry sky" effect.In multi-level designs, textures and colors are often combined, creating a stylistic effect in contrast.

By type of construction, stretch ceilings are divided into single- and multi-level. That is, they can consist of one or more tiers. This parameter directly affects the final cost of the order.

single level ceiling - the classic and most common type. The installation of such a canvas takes a minimum of time, since it does not require complex manipulations with the frame. Usually the very next day the client becomes the happy owner of a new ceiling covering. When installed, the height of the room practically does not change, which makes a single-level design the best solution for apartments with low ceilings.

Layered structures especially liked by designers. They allow you to solve zoning problems and generally make the interior brighter. They also perfectly hide all communications that pass under the ceiling. The arrangement of such structures is more complicated, takes much more time. Not every company takes on such orders. It is also worth considering that such a solution reduces the space, it is advisable to install them in rooms with a height of at least 2.7 meters.

The more complex the design project, the more elements are involved in it and the more expensive the ceiling will cost.

Stretch ceilings are ideal for built-in lights. When choosing them, one should take into account the operational features of the material and temperature limitations: if the normative indicators are exceeded, the canvas will warp.

The use of classic incandescent lamps with a tungsten spiral in tension structures has the greatest limitations associated with their high heating:

• power up to 40 W for film, 60 W for fabric ceilings;
• ventilation gap between the canvas and the ceiling - at least 12 cm.

Incandescent lamps are attractive at a low price, but have a short service life - about 1000 hours.

When installing halogen lamps the following regulations must be observed:

• power up to 20 W for film, 35 W for fabric ceilings;
• ventilation gap - 6 cm.

Compared to incandescent lamps, they emit a brighter light of the yellow spectrum and have a resource of 2-4 thousand hours. Halogen lamps are best used for directional illumination of work areas.

LED lamp practically do not heat up and have no restrictions for installation. This is the best option for stretch ceilings. LED lamps can be chosen both as the main source of light and for creating visual effects on matte, satin or glossy canvases. Luminaires of this type are the most economical, and their service life is about 5 years.

When installing a stretch ceiling in the house, one should not forget about other details of the interior. Curtain rods are an invariable design element.They are made from various materials. Structurally, the cornices are divided into wall and ceiling. The latter look more presentable. The difficulty lies in the fact that a thin canvas is not designed for hanging heavy structures. However, there are 2 ways to solve this problem. The cornice can be fixed in an open or hidden way

Open installation. Before installing the canvas on the ceiling, a wooden beam is mounted on the same level with the guide profiles. It is better to choose hardwood. Before installation, the beam must be treated with an antiseptic. After stretching the ceiling, the cornice is attached to the beam through the film. Holes for self-tapping screws should be burned so that the melted edges prevent further tearing of the web.

At concealed installation the cornice is attached to the ceiling above the level of the stretch ceiling. A bar or corner is installed next to it, for mounting a guide baguette. The operation should be performed before measurements. The design with curtains falling out of the ceiling looks impressive, harmoniously combined with both matte and glossy canvases.

Today, installers use three types of fastening systems. The choice depends on the type of profile, as well as the wishes of the client.

Harpoon system implies the presence of a plastic edge - a "harpoon", which is inserted into the profile. In this case, the size of the stretch ceiling exactly matches the parameters of the main ceiling. Installation is extremely simplified. The main advantage is the ability to remove the stretch ceiling at any time and put it in place.

Bead system assumes the presence of a small stock of canvas. It is inserted into the groove and fixed in it with a small wedge.All this is then masked with plugs, and the excess canvas is cut off or hidden under the ceiling plinth.

The simplest installers consider clip system mounts. But it is only suitable for fabric ceilings. The principle of operation is similar to a clothespin. The baguette can be mounted both on the ceiling and on the wall. It all depends on the condition of the capital floors, as well as the desire to install fixtures. In the case of mounting to the ceiling, the latter will not work. This solution is optimal if you need to maintain the height of the room.

Suspended ceilings allow you to create stunning beauty effects in the apartment. Today we will discuss the floating canvas and the "starry sky". Despite the high cost, this method of finishing has many supporters among lovers of progressive exclusive interiors.

For device home planetarium you will need a glossy or satin dark canvas, optical fiber and a light generator (projector). Optical fiber threads, which are assigned the function of "stars", have a diameter of 0.25 mm. Collecting them in bunches, you can create "luminaries" of different brightness. The threads can be brought out through the fabric punctured in the right places and cut flush with it, but it is better to fix it from the back. In the second case, you should choose a thin translucent material. The light intensity will be less, but the overall picture will become more realistic. The optical fiber is connected to the light generator.The equipment works autonomously and is not connected to the lighting system of the room. The most advanced projector models provide such effects as: fading and flashing of "stars", flickering and movement of "celestial bodies".

"Soaring" tension ceilings will help to radically transform the look of the room and give it exclusivity. At the same time, the creation of the effect does not entail a significant complication and increase in the cost of work. The design idea is to create a light barrier, due to which the visual separation of the ceiling from the walls occurs. This effect is achieved through the use of a special profile, which has a groove for placing the LED strip. The rest of the installation is no different from installing a conventional stretch ceiling.

In urban conditions, stretch ceilings are installed everywhere: in apartments, offices, hotels, baths, entertainment venues. But how appropriate are they in a country house? Indeed, operating conditions are different, which requires certain adjustments.

In order to avoid unpleasant consequences, it is recommended to perform a number of measures before installing ceilings. Check the condition of the roof, repair it if necessary. Treat the wooden floor with an antiseptic, especially if you plan to install a PVC sheet.Carry out deratization and close up all the cracks, otherwise the space between the ceiling and the cladding will become a convenient breeding ground for rodents.

The advantages of using such structures in a private house are obvious. Thanks to stretch ceilings, you can veneer an uneven ceiling, hide communications, improve thermal insulation, and visually enlarge the space. A large selection of matte and glossy solutions in various colors allows you to choose a canvas for any wall material.