Which stretch ceiling is better: matte or glossy?

Today, in the decoration of different rooms, people often resort to installing stretch ceilings. Such popularity is due to the aesthetic appearance of these canvases and their positive performance characteristics. But many consumers are faced with a difficult choice between matte and glossy stretch ceilings. Before buying, you need to figure out which option is better.

Stretch ceiling is an excellent design solution for finishing any room. As a rule, it has a beautiful appearance and is durable. Many stretch fabrics have a lifespan of more than 20 years.

There are many types of stretch ceilings. They can have different shapes, colors, and even materials of manufacture. In addition, these finishes have different textures: glossy and matte. Sometimes choosing the right option is not easy. It is necessary to rely on the style of the interior and its color scheme.

Another feature of stretch ceilings is the ability to use them in the manufacture of intricate ceiling structures. For example, it can be an original multi-level box made of inexpensive drywall. The stretch film can be installed in its center, forming an interesting design detail.

Many buyers mistakenly believe that stretch ceilings can only be used in modern styles such as hi-tech, modern or minimalism. In fact, this is not the case. Such finishing materials can be selected for any style, be it classic, art deco or even country.

Not so long ago, unique ceilings with various patterns and beautiful prints appeared on the market. They can also have a matte or glossy surface. The second option is more common. These options can be used in a wide variety of rooms. The main thing is not to overload the situation with a large number of colorful details, otherwise it will seem too colorful.

Both matte and glossy ceilings can be supplemented with lighting fixtures. These can be not only recessed and spotlights of various shapes, but also ordinary chandeliers or track lighting systems.

Another feature of stretch ceilings is their care. Glossy options have to be cleaned of dust and dirt much more often. However, in the process of washing on the gloss, as a rule, ugly stains remain, which will also have to be eliminated.

Matt surfaces need to be cleaned from time to time, but dirt is less noticeable on them. But the weld seam (if any) is clearly visible, which does not look very presentable.

To determine which ceiling is still more preferable, it is necessary to compare the possible options.

To compare the quality characteristics of matte and glossy ceilings, you need to consider each of them in detail.

A glossy stretch ceiling is the perfect solution for almost any room. Such a finishing material has a beautiful mirror surface, which creates the visual effect of a more spacious area. That is why such a canvas can be safely used in a small room with low ceilings.

Interior designers most often turn to glossy finishes, embodying the most daring ideas. Such canvases allow you to experiment with decoration, forming an original and unique ensemble.

Glossy ceilings appear brighter and more saturated, which is noted by many consumers. Moreover, they are presented in a very rich color palette, so you can choose the perfect option for any interior.

These coatings have no serious drawbacks, but they are more demanding in terms of maintenance. Their surfaces quickly accumulate dust and any other dirt, which is always clearly visible on the gloss. If the coating is made of PVC, then caring for it may seem like a real problem to many owners, since this material is very thin and prone to damage. Therefore, such a ceiling must be cleaned very carefully and carefully.

It is worth noting the long service life of glossy coatings. As a rule, it is at least 10 years.

The disadvantages of glossy ceiling coverings include:

• Specular reflection of light sources at night. This could be from car headlights or street lamps. Such reflections can irritate household members and prevent them from sound sleep. For this reason, glossy canvases are not recommended for use in bedrooms.
• Too small rooms are not recommended to be supplemented with mirror canvases. In such conditions, the ceiling will seem even smaller, since during the installation process it will “steal” the extra 10 cm.
• Not all lamps are suitable for glossy canvases. Special bulbs should be selected for such materials, since simple options can be very hot and melt the glossy finish.

Everyone decides for himself how serious these shortcomings are. It is worth noting that many of them can be avoided. For example, you can avoid night glare from headlights and lanterns without installing a mirrored ceiling in the bedroom. It is also quite easy to avoid melting and overheating of the film. It is necessary to install LED lamps that do not heat up during their operation.

Matte ceilings in their external characteristics are not inferior to beautiful glossy options. They differ only in their conservative and more restrained surface, in which glare does not appear, and surrounding objects are not reflected.

Matte coatings can have different textures:

• rough;
• smooth.

Smooth canvases are more like ordinary ceilings, finished with whitewash or paint of one color or another.

The main advantages of matte finishes are:

• High density. Matte fabrics are thicker and more durable than glossy ones. However, it is also recommended to wash them carefully, since even the densest material can be damaged.
• Sharp color presentation. On the surface of a matte ceiling, the color will not change under the influence of natural or artificial light.
• The ability to highlight exclusive interiors.
• Possibility of combination with stucco molding.

Matte stretch ceilings also have a number of disadvantages:

• They do not tolerate low temperatures well. In such conditions, they can crack, so it is not recommended to install them in rooms that are poorly heated or not heated at all during the cold season.
• During the manufacturing process, matte coatings are always soldered. The weld seam on them is quite noticeable, which does not affect their appearance in the best way.

Based on consumer reviews, we can conclude that matte stretch ceilings boast practicality and ease of maintenance.

Having considered all the characteristics, pros and cons of matte and glossy finishes, you can summarize and compare them:

• Based on all of the above, we can conclude that matte options are more practical and unpretentious to care for. Glossy ceilings will have to be washed regularly, and this should be done very carefully.
• The matte film gives the interior a touch of restraint and austerity. Glossy coatings, on the other hand, make the premises more festive and bright.

• Matte finishes are great for kitchens because they don't show greasy stains. A glossy ceiling cannot be distinguished by such a property.
• Both types of ceilings can be used to decorate bedrooms, living rooms and even bathrooms. However, it should be borne in mind that the mirror version at night can interfere with proper sleep due to the reflection of street light.
• If you compare the cost of glossy and matte ceilings (provided there is no difference in quality), you will notice that the second option is cheaper. If there is a weld in the canvases, then the cost will be even lower.

Stretch ceilings can be used in all rooms. The main thing is to choose the right color and texture of the canvas. For example, fashionable glossy options are most often installed in hallways and bathrooms. This is due to the fact that the mirror coating is able to visually expand the space, and this, as a rule, is simply necessary for these areas of the apartment.

However, it is worthwhile to competently approach the color of the stretch ceiling in the hallway or bathroom.

In the bedrooms, you can use pastel or neutral colors (without causing unnecessary excitement of the nervous system), for example, beige, pale pink, caramel, milk or peach.

Bright stretch ceilings in saturated colors can be installed in living rooms. Both glossy and matte finishes are suitable here. When choosing the right option, rely on the basic style of the interior.

In the children's room, you can install beautiful canvases with different images. For example, it can be a starry sky, drawings of flowers, butterflies or animals. Glossy canvases will look brighter and more interesting, but you need to make sure that they are not too variegated and saturated.

Using glossy and matte ceiling coverings and their beautiful combinations, you can form interesting design options that will emphasize the style of your interior:

• If there is a multi-level ceiling structure in the room, then it is better to use a glossy canvas, which will enliven the ceiling and the entire interior as a whole.
• For a classic ensemble, a matt ceiling is recommended.
• Keep in mind that glossy options have richer colors than matte ones. They are also presented in richer colors.
• Matte options are capable of absorbing any glare. In addition, they retain their color for years to come.

In a snow-white kitchen, a purple matte ceiling will look very interesting and unusual. Under it you can place a large white chandelier with black edging, as well as a beige table and black wooden chairs.

A two-level ceiling with a white plasterboard box and an insert made of matte brown canvas will look spectacular in a cozy living room. Hang small metal chandeliers with rounded shades. Lay a light laminate on the floor and put upholstered furniture in chocolate shades. Round off the ensemble with a dark coffee table, decorative antlers, striped pillows and white window curtains.

In a bright living room with a lilac sofa and beige wood furniture, a glossy purple ceiling surrounded by a plasterboard box with spotlights will look great. Place a white pendant chandelier on the glossy finish with neat purple shades.

A mirrored dark blue ceiling will look good in a hall combined with a work area. Lay a light brown laminate on the floor in such a room, and finish the floors in light colors. Behind the beige sofa with brown accents, organize an accent wall decorated with wave-like prints in blue. Complete the interior with a chrome chandelier with narrow shades and a soft cream carpet on the floor.

In a small and elongated kitchen with an ivory-colored floor, a white angular set and table / chairs with soft light upholstery, a matte snow-white ceiling will organically look. Create a teal-blue accent wall with patterns next to the table. Complete the interior with a pendant chandelier with three small metal shades, white tulle and a turquoise curtain on the window.

In a white living room with black and white furniture, you can install a two-level plasterboard ceiling with an insert of red glossy canvas. Opposite the monochrome sofa, put a burgundy coffee table with a glass top, hang scarlet curtains on the windows and place red decorative pillows on the upholstered furniture.

For information on how to choose a stretch ceiling, see the next video.