One of the disadvantages of suspended ceilings is the need to warm up the room and the canvas itself with a heat gun during installation. Not everyone has gas equipment or experience working with it. In addition, there is a risk of damaging expensive interior items, and it is not always possible to remove them. However, there are suspended ceilings that are installed without a gun. Let us consider in detail the commercially available types and self-assembly technology.
Why don't we talk about the positives?
Yes, because you already know about them. But the most interesting thing is that these well-known advantages, if you dig deeper, turn out to be an ordinary myth.
In principle, fabric ceilings are indeed better, but not at all from the point of view that everyone hears. Their advantages are that:
- They are denser and thicker, which means that tearing them by accidentally poking them with something sharp will not be as easy as film ceilings
- Fabric ceilings do not require heating with a hairdryer during installation, which means that no harmful substances (namely phenol) will fill your room and you will not need to wait several days to air out
- Such ceilings look exactly the same as a perfectly plastered surface. They look very natural and do not resemble film at all
- Their finished canvases are wide, up to 5 meters, which means that you can install a large ceiling without seams. This is a big advantage, since the only thing worse than the seams from soldering on PVC are the seams from soldering PVC. It's very ugly, really.
Otherwise, everything that is said about them is fairy tales from the Vienna Woods. And let's look at all the myths and shortcomings so that you have a very clear understanding of what you are going to overpay for.
Beautiful examples in the interior
Based on the description above, we can conclude that beautiful woven ceilings are quite easy to install. They are often combined with a plasterboard box, creating an impressive two-level design. Such ceilings look very interesting and expensive, especially if you complement them with recessed lights around the perimeter. The colors of the box and fabric can differ sharply from each other or be made in different shades of the same color.
Woven ceilings can be installed not only in a city apartment, but also in a cozy wooden house. Discreet canvases in white, cream or beige shades look especially natural in such dwellings. Wooden floors look great against their background. Also, such ceilings are often complemented by wooden beams (dark and light), into which recessed lamps are installed. The result is a very interesting tandem.
Most often, fabric ceilings are installed in bedrooms. To effectively play up such a finishing material, designers advise choosing curtains of a suitable color. For example, a beautiful chocolate-colored ceiling fabric with a relief texture will harmonize perfectly with thick café-au-lait curtains, and the original gray-blue material with photo printing can be complemented with dark gray curtains. Such ensembles can be completed with various decorative elements: vases, wall photo gallery, flowers.
To learn how to install a fabric stretch ceiling, see the following video.
Calico Stretch Ceiling: Characteristics, Installation, Photo
Bright ceiling in the kitchen
More recently, satin or chintz stretch ceilings have begun to gain popularity. Such products are canvases made from PVC film with perforation or with a special micro-relief. Calico is something between fabric and regular PVC film.
Why chintz
Beautiful floral print accentuated by recessed lighting
Before deciding whether to use this option for finishing a room, it is worth getting acquainted with their advantages and disadvantages presented in the table:
| Advantages | Flaws |
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Decorative options
The photos below will tell you the best about this.
Lighting behind the material
The translucency of the canvas turns it into a huge lampshade, hiding lighting devices behind it. In this case, the room is filled with soft diffused light, creating a special atmosphere in the room.
The large width of the material allows you to create seamless fabrics.
Interior of the premises
With the help of such modifications a special atmosphere is created.
In this case you can:
Install lamps in different parts of the ceiling, subsequently covered with fabric.
The side hidden lighting also looks beautiful.
Painted canvases allow you to diversify the interior. You can paint them with the most suitable color, apply any image, artistic painting or photo printing to the surface, which will make the room unique and original.
Stretch chintz ceilings with artistic painting can decorate a child's room
The ease of installation and the special properties of chintz allow you to create multi-level structures with your own hands, complementing the interiors of a living room or large dining room with this element.
Two-level ceiling with various lighting
In what rooms are they installed?
In any residential or office space, you want the ceilings to be even and smooth. This effect is achieved by installing a hanging canvas under the main base one.
Peculiarity:
- It is still better not to install them in rooms that are not heated in winter;
- You should not create structures in bathrooms, toilets and kitchens. Exposure to moist heat and steam fumes can damage the appearance of the chintz covering.
Calico or satin fabrics have an external resemblance to fabric weave. The translucent airy structure of the material allows you to create special lighting in the room without affecting the strength and resistance of the structure to mechanical damage.
Installation of the structure
Instructions for installing a calico tension structure:
Chintz stretch ceilings - sequential tension of the fabric
- Platforms for lighting fixtures and modules are pre-installed on the ceiling.
- Load-bearing structures - baguettes - are attached to the walls.
- The hanging fabric is evenly stretched and fastened in different ways to profiles depending on their type.
The video explains installation and maintenance in detail.
Many tasks and problems are perfectly solved by stretch ceilings. Chintz may not be entirely appropriate in a nursery where bright colors predominate. Pastel color is ideal for balanced and calm natures.
Subtle ceiling with repeating patterns
By using chintz stretch ceilings, which have excellent performance and quality characteristics, any living space can become modern and acquire an elite look.
sdelaipotolok.com
DIY relief
In addition to a custom-made suspended ceiling, it is quite possible to design an individual version with your own hands to suit a specific room design. You can achieve a decorative, patterned canvas by using special textured paints or plasters. A suitable base for them would be any ordinary fabric stretch ceiling - its fabric is suitable for reusable painting.
You can design the ceiling yourself
To make decorative textured paint, a special filler is used to compact its composition, so application is done with a spatula. Subsequent leveling of the layer is done with a tool with a patterned edge - depending on the movements made, straight, semicircular or chaotic, grooves remain on the surface, folding into a convex pattern. There are special rollers with a pre-applied stencil; textured paint can also be leveled using improvised means - for example, using a metal dish sponge, an old comb, or any fleecy fabric.
You can paint the ceiling using a special roller
Decorative plaster to obtain a pattern differs from textured paints in its greater thickness and may include filler with large particles, which makes the relief more varied. The disadvantage of this mixture is its heaviness - thick plaster is usually applied in several layers and is only suitable for fairly durable suspended ceilings.
Textured stretch ceiling opens up great opportunities for experimentation
The main differences between matte and glossy ceilings
Most of the differences between matte and glossy stretch ceilings are easy to figure out based on the lists of advantages and disadvantages of each type of canvas
Visual differences between matte and glossy ceilings
Differences in care
If you compare the two types of suspended ceilings, the first thing that strikes you is the difference in maintenance, and this factor is important in a kitchen environment. Matte ceilings are the easiest to clean - just wipe the surface with a sponge and a cleaning agent or use steam if there are greasy stains. The matte cloth is easy to clean, and there will be no streaks left on it after cleaning.
White stretch matte ceiling with lighting
Glossy canvases are more capricious
Glossy two-level ceiling in the kitchen
Seams
Most often, glossy sheets are produced in relatively small sizes, which is why they have to be joined during installation. On glossy surfaces, the seams are very noticeable, which greatly reduces the decorative characteristics of the ceiling. However, modern manufacturers produce canvases up to 5-6 meters wide, so problems with joining canvases and seams on glossy ceilings are a thing of the past.
Multi-level glossy stretch ceilings
Lighting
The choice of the type of canvas greatly affects the quality of lighting in the kitchen and other rooms. Glossy canvases can be produced in a translucent form, which allows you to additionally use fluorescent lamps or LED strips to create beautiful ceiling structures. Matte ceilings cannot boast of this quality. The maximum power of built-in luminaires should not exceed 35 W.
Built-in lights on a suspended ceiling
Temperature
As mentioned above, glossy canvases do not tolerate low temperatures, so they can only be installed in well-heated rooms. When cooking in the kitchen, the temperature is usually much higher than in other rooms, so there is not much difference in which ceiling to use.
Satin stretch ceiling in the kitchen
Design Features
The matte or glossy surface of the ceiling is selected depending on the style of the interior. For multi-level ceiling structures, a glossy canvas looks more impressive; such a ceiling looks more elegant. Gloss fits perfectly into modern, high-tech and other modern styles. Matte surfaces are better suited for rustic styles and classic interiors.
Multi-level glossy stretch ceilings in the interior of a classic-style kitchen
Color palette
Despite the fact that glossy ceilings have a much more varied choice of colors, matte coatings retain their brightness longer and do not fade in sunlight. Constantly glare gloss can irritate the eyes and distract from business, while matte surfaces, on the contrary, absorb light.
Two-level satin stretch ceiling in the interior of the kitchen-living room
Choosing a good suspended ceiling for the kitchen is sometimes difficult, but this task is not so insurmountable. It is difficult to say which type of stretch fabric is better or worse for a kitchen space; it all depends on your own preferences and the parameters of the room. Small rooms will require glossy surfaces, while in a large kitchen matte surfaces are more appropriate. It is worth remembering that you can successfully combine both types of material, which will allow you to create unique designs on the ceiling.
Warm color coffee with milk in the kitchen
When choosing panels, be guided first of all by the list of their advantages and disadvantages, not forgetting about alternative finishing options if, for one reason or another, both types of suspended ceilings do not work. The modern market of finishing materials boasts a huge variety.
What to do with the design of the room
One of the main disadvantages in the case of glossy canvases is their inappropriateness in some interiors. It’s difficult to attribute this to the pros or cons of a suspended ceiling, but a fact is a fact. If the design of the room is associated with naturalness and naturalness, you need to choose a matte ceiling.
The glossy surface will look good and appropriate in modern styles, such as high-tech or modern.
It is also recommended not to overload the ceiling with multi-level structures; in many styles this is a sign of bad taste and bad manners in general.
Strengths and weaknesses of fabric ceilings
Fabric sheets have a lot of advantages. Let us note the most important ones for operation in an apartment or private house:
- excellent strength;
- resistance to mechanical stress;
- Over time, the canvas will not lose its original elasticity and will not sag;
- fire resistance;
- resistance to high temperatures;
- This is a breathable coating. Fungus and condensation do not form under it;
- you can save on installation and install it yourself, since no additional heating is required;
- environmental friendliness;
- excellent heat and sound insulation. During installation, you can additionally install a substrate;
- a huge range of textures and shades that can be matched to any interior design.
If necessary, the canvas can be painted up to four times during operation.
To be fair, we also note the disadvantages of fabric coverings:
- the fabric will not retain water during flooding, like PVC coatings;
- It is not recommended to install the linen in the kitchen and dining room, since the fabric absorbs odors and becomes dirty several times faster;
- The fabric is only matte. If gloss is required, you will have to install PVC;
- high cost, for many consumers this turns out to be a decisive factor.
If the fabric is damaged it cannot be repaired; the entire fabric will have to be replaced
Calico stretch ceilings - pros and cons
Among tension coverings, those that have certain unique features or properties stand out. It is to this category that chintz stretch ceilings can be attributed. This is an excellent alternative to the already boring glossy and conventional fabric coatings.
Peculiarities
The main property that distinguishes this type of canvas is its light transmittance. Thanks to this property, the chintz covering can be used not only as a decorative surface, but also as a kind of diffuser for a light source located in the ceiling space.
This feature will allow you to create an interior without the usual chandelier in the center of the room. If you hide several lamps directly above the stretched canvas, then until the lamps are turned on, the room will look like it is not equipped with lamps at all. After turning on the lamps, the entire canvas will be a huge lampshade emitting a soft, muted light.
If earlier, when installing a structure with lighting installed in the ceiling space, it was necessary to seek a compromise between the properties of the films that provide the proper level of transparency and appearance, now a beautiful and elegant solution to both problems has appeared.
Advantages of the material
The main advantages of tension coverings will be equally inherent in chintz ceilings. However, they also have their own unique advantages:
- Possibility of creating a light-transmitting structure with hidden light sources
- Durability of the coating
- Soft, mostly pastel shades do not limit the choice at all, but only shift the range of shades to a calmer tonality
- Perfectly smooth surface with a special texture
- No glare or reflections with good light reflectivity
- The versatility of the color range allows you to use this canvas in absolutely any interior.
- Great looks
Several photos below show what stretch chintz ceilings look like in interiors and after installation.
However, if we talk about the pros and cons of stretch chintz ceilings, the disadvantages are also worth mentioning.
Disadvantages of such coatings
The disadvantages, for the most part, will be characteristic of all types of membrane coatings. It is the chintz fabric that does not have any pronounced negative qualities inherent to it. The main disadvantages will be:
- During installation, you will have to reduce the height of the walls in the room. This is due to the technology for installing such coatings and is a necessity.
- The surface of the material will not withstand serious mechanical loads. This means that ceilings need to be used carefully.
- If your upstairs neighbors flood you or a leak develops for some other reason, the canvas will not retain water.
Many, assessing the pros and cons of chintz stretch ceilings, are guided by the fact that in all the photos their difference from ordinary matte materials is not too noticeable. However, there are still differences. It is difficult to see them in a photograph, since all the beauty of the texture of the material is revealed only with a “live” visual assessment.
Which rooms is it suitable for?
Considering the overall softness of the design and the possibility of installing hidden lighting that provides dim light, the ideal place to use such a canvas would be the bedroom. It is this ceiling that will fully decorate this room and create a relaxing atmosphere.
The living room is also perfect - you can surprise guests with the absence of a central chandelier and create a unique design thanks to the capabilities of this material
In study rooms and offices, calm shades of canvas and rough texture will not distract attention and will allow you to concentrate on work
Perhaps, only in a children's room, chintz would not be entirely out of place - here there is a kingdom of colors and bright colors that this type of covering cannot always boast of. However, for calm and enthusiastic natures, there is nothing better than a pastel-colored ceiling that does not distract from the main activity - games.
Installation
The technology for installing such a ceiling is no different from installing any other type of membrane covering. It all starts with marking for fasteners, then the canvas is tensioned and the last stage will be the installation of lamps and decorative parts. The process will use a device that heats the air, therefore, all temperature-sensitive items and all plants should be removed from the room.
Which rooms is it suitable for?
Considering the overall softness of the design and the possibility of installing hidden lighting that provides dim light, the ideal place to use such a canvas would be the bedroom. It is this ceiling that will fully decorate this room and create a relaxing atmosphere.
The living room is also perfect - you can surprise guests with the absence of a central chandelier and create a unique design thanks to the capabilities of this material
In study rooms and offices, calm shades of canvas and rough texture will not distract attention and will allow you to concentrate on work
Perhaps, only in a children's room, chintz would not be entirely out of place - here there is a kingdom of colors and bright colors that this type of covering cannot always boast of. However, for calm and enthusiastic natures, there is nothing better than a pastel-colored ceiling that does not distract from the main activity - games.
Colors
Although materials for suspended ceilings are available in a limited range of colors, they can also be painted or applied with the desired pattern. This opportunity is actively used by designers and even ordinary citizens.
To ease the problem of choosing a color, it is worth considering the main options:
White color is not as simple as it seems. It has a lot of shades and variations. For example, in the Descor assortment there are two white shades: classic, warm and cold, with an ashy tint. The first option is closer to natural; it gives the structure a natural look and sets off other interior items. The second option makes the ceiling flawless, conservative and strict.
Beige and yellow materials are more chosen for the kitchen space, dining area and bathroom.
Black ceilings are mostly appropriate in halls and corridors. A hall with such a ceiling will look a little like a cinema.
Options with glitter, which is created from millions of tiny particles, are created for stylish, bright people. Such materials can be found in the Clipso catalog. Chic, shine, beauty – that’s exactly what I want to say when looking at these luxurious materials.
Pastel ceilings will be appropriate in bright rooms. They will be able to regulate the riot of colors, highlight expressive walls and place the necessary accents. Another option is appropriate when the design is created exclusively from light shades. Often in such rooms there is only one bright object: curtains, flower pots, a carpet on the floor or a piece of furniture.
Dark and bright, expressive materials should be chosen for laconic rooms. In this case, the ceiling will be the main element that will harmoniously fit into the calm interior.
Tips and recommendations for caring for suspended ceilings in a cottage
A suspended ceiling needs special care, and if it is installed in a wooden house, special attention should be paid to cleanliness issues. Experts recommend using various options for cleaning ceilings:
Dry cleaning with a vacuum cleaner. This is a quick way to get rid of small dirt and cobwebs.
You need to act carefully so as not to scratch the PVC in the house. Dry cleaning. Allows you to remove dust from a stretch ceiling without much effort
Since the fabric is quite delicate, when dry cleaning it is recommended to use soft napkins, rags with short, not hard pile, or flannel. You need to act carefully, cleaning is done carefully, without unnecessary physical impact. Wet cleaning. To do this, take warm water, a small amount of detergent and a soft cloth (dish sponge). Powdered cleaning agents, abrasives and harsh chemicals are strictly prohibited.
Regarding the frequency of cleaning, everyone must decide this issue independently. If there is a stove indoors, or a PVC structure is located in the kitchen, cleaning should be frequent (at least 1-2 times a week). If you believe reviews about suspended ceilings in a private home, this will allow you to maintain perfect cleanliness and prevent the appearance of difficult-to-remove stains and dirt.
Cost of textured canvas
The price depends on the manufacturer and seller, as well as on the complexity of installation. Multi-tiered structures are more expensive; you have to pay extra for each lighting fixture separately. But in general, the cost per square meter is approximately this:
- translucent ceiling - film 250-900 rubles, fabric 1,500;
- patterned - 400-500;
- silk - 500-850;
- metallic - 500-1,000;
- marble - 1,000-1,500;
- velvet - from 1,000;
- “chameleon” - from 1,500;
- with glitter - from 2,000.
Classic canvases are cheaper:
- gloss - from 200 rubles;
- matte - from 100;
- satin - from 180.
Major manufacturers of seamless ceilings
Russian manufacturers, as a rule, take on the production of vinyl films, since the process of producing fabric ceilings is complex and labor-intensive, which means the price will be much higher. The most famous manufacturers of fabric-based canvases are Swiss and German.
"Clipso"
The technology of this company has no analogues in the world. The products of this brand are very durable, wear-resistant, elastic and resistant to deformation. The panel has a distinct knit weave, as can be seen in the photo below.
Fire safety class of Clipso products is M1. This is the highest degree of fire safety. We previously mentioned that it is not advisable to install fabric ceilings in a humid environment, but we have developed special stretch ceilings such as “Nosweat” and “Nostain”, designed for baths and kitchens.
The panels are produced in rolls of various widths - 2.10m, 2.50m, 3.10m, 3.50m, 4.10m, 4.50m, 5.10m. Therefore, when purchasing a canvas, you should take into account the width of the room to get a truly seamless ceiling
Another important advantage of Clipso ceilings is their environmental friendliness, which allows them to be installed in children's rooms. Moreover, with such ceilings there will be no fungus, since they are “breathable” due to the dense weaving and uniform distribution of thread tension. Along with this quality, the ceilings have another important characteristic: they do not allow water to pass through.
“Clipso” canvas can withstand frosts down to -40 degrees without losing its performance properties
Along with this quality, the ceilings have another important quality: they do not allow water to pass through. “Clipso” canvas can withstand frosts down to -40 degrees without losing its performance properties
"Descor"
Ceilings of the “Descor” trademark are produced in Germany, which means that these products are a priori of high quality; everyone has long known the pedantry of the Germans. Ceiling fabric "Descor" is made on the basis of Premium fiber, which is a fire-resistant and environmentally friendly material. All products undergo thorough testing before entering our domestic market, so our consumers can be absolutely calm about the safety of the Descor brand. The remaining technological characteristics of the canvas are similar to the Clipso brand. The only differences are in the weaving of the woven fabric.
Perforation type
Don't think that all acoustic ceilings are the same.
One of the main differences is the perforation method.
Thanks to different techniques, a certain effect is achieved.
On sale are:
- Fabric with microperforation. The holes in them are no more than 0.1 millimeters, and they are located at intervals of 2 mm. They are the most common. The thickness of the coating is approximately 0.17 millimeters - it is quite enough to prevent the formation of echo in the room and improve its acoustic properties.
- Uneven perforation is used less frequently. The holes are placed in a diamond shape: the width is nine millimeters and the length is ten. The thickness of the film is similar to the previous type of coating, but the number of holes is smaller - only fifteen thousand. Thanks to this, the canvas is denser and transmits less sound. But its acoustic properties are reduced - there may be a little background noise in the room.
- The golden mean is ceilings with a reduced amount of perforation. The holes are made in square increments of eight millimeters. The final density is about 25,000 holes. The coating retains sound well, preventing it from passing either out or in.
You should choose this option depending on your needs. We recommend that you consult with builders who will suggest the optimal option in terms of technological characteristics.
Details
Practical application of chintz stretch ceiling
A polymer film that can transmit air and partially light flows is ideal as a material for finishing the ceiling space in rooms where special attention is paid to maintaining the microclimate. Primarily in bedrooms, children's rooms and living rooms
The material does not emit toxic substances and does not block normal operation of natural supply and exhaust ventilation, as sometimes happens with glossy PVC membranes.
Thanks to the presence of perforations, it is possible to provide compensation and air flow into the space behind the tension fabric and back. As a result, chintz fabric does not flap, as gloss does, and does not begin to sag from air pressure when windows or doors are opened. This may seem like a trifle, but this property turns out to be quite useful; for example, most owners prefer to install a chintz ceiling even in sanitary facilities and hallways.
Disadvantages of chintz fabric
Calico ceilings are installed using hot technology, which is used when installing many membrane coverings. Load-bearing profiles must be installed on the walls in advance. The tension fabric will be straightened and fixed on the baguettes, and harpoon clamps will also be welded. What does a chintz stretch ceiling look like after installation? This is shown in the photo. Next comes the most difficult operation, and it is required to heat the tension fabric of the chintz ceiling as evenly as possible and properly crimp it around the perimeter. The work is not that difficult, but you need to be extremely careful when handling the chintz film.
Advantages of a fabric ceiling
There are many more positive aspects when choosing chintz fabric. First of all, PVC chintz is much cheaper than fabric stretch ceilings. At the same time, the level of convenience and comfort in a room with chintz decor for the ceiling, if properly planned, will not be inferior to fabric decoration. The second important advantage is its high resistance to pollution. PVC film is still easier to clean and wash than fabric material. The non-shiny surface, which is very similar to a satin texture, makes it possible to mount and combine all light sources, without restrictions on the number and method of installation.
Interestingly, chintz stretch ceilings make it possible to fully use graphics, ink painting and photo printing.
If the room requires an interior with an unusual design and design, then ideally you need to use chintz ceilings in combination with lighting fixtures that are located in the under-ceiling space.
Ceiling surface design
The high quality of the polymer base of the chintz ceiling makes it possible to apply patterned relief on the surface without resorting to direct photo printing. Using a similar method, texture is applied to vinyl-type wallpaper. But, unlike modest wall decor, stretched canvas will look very impressive and expressive. This is one of the reasons why stretch chintz ceilings are in incredibly high demand, despite fierce competition from satin and fabric materials.
If you want to decorate the surface of the ceiling, for example, in a living room or hall, then the ideal choice would be a regular snow-white canvas onto which a film image is glued. The quality of adhesion of the film to the ceiling canvas is very high, and therefore there is no need to worry that the image may begin to peel off. Moreover, the presence of holes in the surface of the canvas guarantees the absence of air bubbles, even if you try to glue the picture with your own hands.
Beautiful examples in the interior
Modern technologies make it possible to produce a wide variety of stretch ceiling models, each of which looks stylish and original in its own way.
Beautiful tension structures in combination with other interior elements fill the atmosphere with coziness and comfort. Chandeliers, floor lamps, and LED lighting systems give them special expressiveness and attractiveness. All this significantly transforms the room, making it as beautiful and unique as possible.
Stretch ceilings made in a mosaic design serve as an unusual and original interior decoration.
The correctly chosen color scheme of the design allows it to organically complement almost any style of room design and focus attention on certain interior elements
Two-level stretch ceilings look chic and impressive. They are especially relevant in rooms where it is necessary to visually raise the height of the room. With their help, you can implement the most ambitious solutions, creating unique design compositions.
Fabric stretch ceilings, the texture of which can convey natural leather, suede and other materials, will help give the interior an aristocratic feel. Such products include a special polyurethane impregnation, which helps preserve the original qualities of the material for many years. The presence of painting or beautiful drawings makes fabric structures truly unique and inimitable.
Each stretch ceiling model, regardless of its design, will be a worthy decoration for a room decorated in a classic style and a modern direction.
For successful design, it is important to choose the right pattern, material and texture.
See the video below for a little more about stretch ceilings.
