Stretch ceiling in the bathroom: pros and cons

The bathroom, like any other room in the house, should look attractive. Today, various finishing methods can be used for its design, but stretch ceilings deserve special attention. These designs not only look attractive, but are also easy to install and convenient for daily maintenance. Thanks to a huge selection of colors and textures, with the help of stretch ceilings, you can completely transform the appearance of the bathroom. To carry out the installation of the structure with your own hands, it is enough to choose a suitable canvas and apply a special installation technology.

The stretch ceiling in the bathroom is a multifunctional structure that has many positive qualities. Since this room is characterized by high humidity, the material for its decoration must be waterproof. The floor and walls in the bathroom, as a rule, are protected with tiles, as for the ceiling, paint and plaster cannot be used for its decoration, which will crumble over time. Therefore, tensioning systems are considered the best option for bathroom design, they do not collect dust, are resistant to fungal growth and are not afraid of moisture. You can install such ceilings in the toilet.

Installation of the structure is carried out from a stretch fabric, which can be used as special fabrics or film. To extend the life of the finish, it is advisable to choose canvases based on a film, they are more practical and can withstand high levels of humidity. First, a profile frame is made, then a decorative composition is fixed by heating. Before performing the installation, it is necessary to take measurements of the room and decide on the design.

Stretch ceilings look beautiful in both large and small rooms. Moreover, if the area of ​​the bathroom is small, then it can be visually expanded, giving preference to canvases with a glossy surface. The result is an interesting play of light. For rooms less than 5 m2 in size, it is best to choose a single-color material without a pattern; for spacious rooms, canvases with the image of a cloudy sky or a marine theme are recommended. It is also worth paying attention to the shape of the structure, which will depend not only on the style of the design, but also on the availability of free space.

Stretch ceilings are very popular in bathroom interiors. The wide demand for them is explained not only by their aesthetic appearance, but also by the presence of a large number of advantages.

The main benefits are listed below.

• High moisture resistance. The film used for installation is not afraid of water and reliably protects the room from flooding from above. If flooding occurs, then 1 sq. m of canvas can withstand up to 100 liters of water. The film turns into a large bubble, and the water can be easily deflated by puncturing it.
• Durability. In the event that the installation is done correctly, then the ceiling can reliably serve up to 15 years. At the same time, it will look perfect for many years.
• Huge design opportunities. Thanks to a wide range of canvases, you can choose ceilings with a matte and glossy surface for the interior, use colored and monochromatic materials.In modern decor, stretch ceilings with a pattern and photo printing are often used; they emphasize the style of the room in a special way and become the highlight of the interior.

• Easy maintenance. The canvases have antistatic properties, so dirt and dust do not accumulate on their surface. In order to carry out cleaning, it is enough to wipe the material with a damp cloth or sponge.
• Fast installation. Fastening the structure is easy, even an inexperienced master can handle it.
• No surface preparation required. To install the ceiling, you do not need to level the base, you only need to build a frame.

As for the disadvantages of stretch ceilings, they are as follows:

• instability to mechanical damage, they are easy to tear or cut;
• it is impossible to place the canvases in unheated rooms, since under the influence of low temperatures, the film cracks and loses its performance characteristics.

Having considered all the pros and cons of stretch ceilings, we can say that they are the most optimal choice for the interior, since, unlike other types of finishes, they are more practical and reliable to use.

The basis for the tensioning structure is the canvas, which is pulled over the frame. Depending on the material of manufacture, there are PVC ceilings and fabrics. The canvases differ significantly from each other, as they have different operational and physical properties. Fabric ceilings have increased strength and are resistant to various influences, including mechanical ones. They are made from polyester fabric, which is impregnated with special solutions.

The installation of fabric structures is performed using a seamless method, that is, the composition consists of a single piece, but there are also prefabricated options. Bonded fabric pieces are generally much more expensive than a single piece and are time and labor intensive to install.

The main advantages of fabric ceilings include:

• harmonious combination in the interior. The fabric is a "native" material in the design of the house, creates comfort and coziness;
• environmental friendliness. The composition with which the canvases are impregnated is considered harmless to human health. The fibers from which the fabric is made are natural, so they allow air to circulate freely between the ceiling space and reduce the appearance of mold and condensation;
• long service life. The material perfectly tolerates sudden changes in temperature, it can be decorated in various ways, including painting;
• installation does not require additional equipment. The canvases are produced in rolls of various sizes, their width can exceed 5 m, so they can quickly finish large areas.

Fabric ceilings also have their disadvantages:

• need periodic cleaning. Despite the fact that the canvases undergo special processing, over time, their micropores become clogged with dust and absorb steam, therefore, they require careful maintenance;
• instability to water. If an emergency occurs, then the canvases will not be able to retain water;
• available only with a matte surface;
• in case of accidental damage, they quickly deform and cannot be restored. The satin ceiling requires especially careful handling, since it has a thin structure;
• high price.

PVC ceilings are characterized by a large number of positive aspects. They are produced in a wide range of colors, have decorative drawings and photo images. The film is perfect for any bathroom design. If you need to create an unusual interior, you can choose canvases with imitation of plaster or models, on the surface of which the interlacing of threads is depicted. Compared to fabric, PVC retains water well when flooded from the upper floors, thanks to which the flooring and furniture in the bathroom will not be damaged.

Mold and mildew never appear on the surface of such ceilings, and the unique structure of the film allows the finish to be used for up to 15 years. In addition, the material does not need special cleaning and careful handling. Such structures are easy to install and dismantle.

As for the shortcomings, there are few of them in PVC:

• it is not recommended to install ceilings in rooms where there is a sharp change in temperature, since at a temperature of less than 5 C, the film loses its properties and cracks;
• high price. Depending on the construction model, as well as on its design, the cost may be different. To save money on installation, many craftsmen glue the canvas from separate pieces of film, but, as a rule, after that, the seams are noticeable, and such finishing defects will immediately catch the eye. Therefore, it is best to choose a one-piece canvas, which is cheaper.

Stretch ceilings that are installed in the bathroom can have different shapes, ranging from rectangular to unusual irregularities. It should be noted that the original structures are much more difficult to mount than a smooth surface. The shape of the ceiling is very popular in modern design, it radically changes the appearance of the room and creates a smooth transition between the plane of the ceiling and the wall, in this case the film is fixed at the level of the bath or in any other place. Therefore, the upper space in the room is rationally used; communications can be hidden in special gaps and spot lamps or LED elements can be installed. Such ceilings with the image of the starry sky or clouds look beautiful.

Wave-shaped ceilings deserve special attention. They are most often chosen for a small room, as they create the feeling of an expanded space, thereby having a beneficial effect on the nervous system. For their installation, it is advisable to purchase canvases of neutral shades, white, milky, blue or turquoise colors are well suited in this case. You can also arrange compositions in several shades, so you get a real effect of sea waves. At the same time, it is important to correctly determine the number, width and height of waves, as well as choose the optimal spacing between their tops.

Many designers use conical structures to decorate ceilings in the bathroom, they are placed in the center of the room, and lighting fixtures, which are attached to a rigid rounded support, serve as the completion of the decor. At the same time, for luminaires, you can choose triangular, square, round or oval shades. If the ceiling in the bathroom is standard, then it is not recommended to lower the cone too low, as the space will visually decrease. A good option for conical ceilings are canvases of light shades, which can be framed with colored inserts, highlighting the shape of the composition. If desired, several cones are made on the ceiling, placing them at the same distance from each other.

The classic model for the bathroom is constructions with a flat surface.that stretch along the entire perimeter of the ceiling. Unlike systems of complex shapes, they are much easier to install, since the canvas is attached to the frame at the same level and does not require special calculations. For installation, it is enough to determine the desired height and mark it. This type of ceiling visually raises the room and makes the surface flat. To give the interior a beautiful look, the structure should be supplemented with hidden or recessed lamps, using canvases with an original print. The soaring ceiling looks interesting in this design.

As for the levels of stretch ceilings, for the bathroom, as a rule, they choose multi-colored structures consisting of several tiers. In the event that the area of ​​the room is small, then a two-level ceiling is well suited for the interior.It will look spectacular if the composition is created from several color inserts, while the main background should be light. It is not recommended to use dark tones in multi-tiered structures, they create a "crushing" impression and reduce the height of the room. It is also undesirable to install systems of complex shapes in the bathroom; it is enough to arrange several tiers that will help to originally divide the room into zones.

Stretch ceilings open up great opportunities for the implementation of design ideas, since their canvases are presented in rich colors and textures. Stretch film with a matte surface is very popular in modern design. Outwardly, it resembles a decorative plaster finish, does not create unnecessary shine and is perfect for classic-style bathroom interiors. The ceiling decor can be decorated in any color, while the matte ceiling in beige shades looks especially beautiful, which fill the room with home warmth and coziness. To emphasize the texture of the canvas, it is recommended to install bright lamps, they will evenly distribute the light and emphasize individual details of the composition.

For small bathrooms, it is best to install a glossy ceiling., with which you can not only perform zoning, but also achieve an amazing effect in design. Several shades are allowed in the design. For example, stretch ceilings look gorgeous with black, red and white colors. The glossy surface scatters point light well, so you can both install built-in lamps and fix LED strips in the structure, with such a backlight the room will seem higher, and the reflective surface will give a feeling of weightlessness. In this case, it is important to determine the location of the lamps in such a way that the corners are well illuminated.

The satin ceiling with photo printing is also interesting in design. It will give the room a subdued shine and will serve as an excellent background for decoration. To get a glowing effect and highlight the originality of the patterns, you need a large chandelier and several small bulbs. The brown ceiling with a pattern looks unusual in the bathroom; it is harmoniously combined with furniture and other accessories.

Regardless of which model of the tensioning structure will be chosen for the bathroom interior, it is important to provide good lighting in it. The brightness of the colors and the appearance of the entire finish will depend on this. Installation of lighting fixtures does not take much time and is easy. For this, holes are preliminarily prepared in the ceiling, plastic rings are glued and spotlights are laid.

Bypast traditional lamps, chandeliers and LED strips can be used as backlighting. To create a cozy atmosphere in the room, it is best to complement the ceilings with several lighting fixtures at the same time. This will fill the space with light and make the room appear larger.

An important point when installing false ceilings is the choice of color. Today the construction market is represented by a chic assortment of films, which differ in color and texture.

For interior decoration in the bathroom, designers recommend considering the following:

• it is advisable to select the shade of the ceiling to match the tone of the ceramic tile. Thanks to this combination, the room looks beautiful;
• to dilute the background of the room, you can set the film to match the color of the frieze. If the frieze is of the same shade as the tile, then other colors or inserts must be applied in the wall decoration;

• the ceiling looks interesting, which is in harmony with the color of furniture and sanitary ware. Since accessories and equipment in the bathroom are most often white, the tensioning system can be made in different colors;
• when choosing the color of the canvas, you should definitely take into account the tone of the decorative items.In the event that the room has decor with vertical or horizontal lines, an excellent solution would be to choose the color of the film to match the stripes. The room will acquire an original and modern look;
• the tension structure must also match the color of the floor covering. To visually expand the boundaries of the room, the floor and ceiling are best decorated in opposite shades.

Printed stretch ceilings are often used in modern bathroom design. At the same time, both simple drawings and photo printing with a 3D effect can be depicted on the canvases. For film and fabric material, ultraviolet and latex printing is used. The image is applied using special ink, it is processed and firmly fixed on the surface. Thanks to this technique, images up to 220 cm wide can be applied.

The choice of print usually depends on the style of the interior. Images of the sea, sand, shells, fish are very popular. Abstract drawings, patterns or photos look no less original in the bathroom. In small rooms, it is best to use small size compositions in neutral colors. If the ceiling is low, light, discreet drawings are suitable for it.

Installing a stretch ceiling is not very difficult, so you can do it yourself. Before starting the installation, you should choose a model of the structure, decide on its shape, color and the number of levels. In addition, it is important to purchase a decorative canvas.

The entire workflow will consist of several stages.

• before installing the tensioning system, it is necessary to fix the profiles that will serve as a frame for the structure. They are fixed horizontally along the level. The distance between the fasteners should not be less than 15 cm, while the profiles in the corners are not cut, they are simply cut and bent. The joints of the profiles are sealed with a special tape, after having cleaned them from dirt and removing burrs;

• after installing the frame, proceed to the installation of lighting. If spotlights are used as lighting devices, then holes are made for them and rings are fastened. In addition, it is necessary to carry out the wiring in advance;
• the most critical stage is the direct installation of the ceiling, during which the film is stretched. With the help of a gas cannon, the air is heated in the room, the canvas softens, and it is suspended by the corners. Then they begin to fix the film around the entire perimeter, tucking it under the frame with a spatula;
• at the end of the installation, the structure is decorated with baguettes, which perform not only a decorative function, but also press the film into a profile, providing a reliable connection to the ceiling.

Stretch ceilings are widely used in bathroom decoration, as they have many positive characteristics and allow you to create a modern design. These designs are well suited for decorating rooms with high humidity, since they are not afraid of condensation and are able to retain water. You can install such ceilings not only in the bathroom, but also in the toilet, while making structures is best made of PVC film.

Considering the reviews of homeowners who install tensioning systems in the bathroom, it can be noted that they were all happy with their choice. The material is easy to install, performs many functions, is presented in a huge assortment and reliably serves for many years. Such ceilings of female representatives are especially pleasing, since this type of finish does not require careful treatment and is easy to clean with soapy water.

With the help of stretch ceilings, you can make any design fantasy a reality. Structures consisting of several levels look especially stylish, on each of which you can place beautiful lamps and create bright lighting in the bathroom.The original solution for this room will be a ceiling with the effect of a starry sky, for which a special combination of lamps is used. Stretch canvases with photo printing will help to bring an element of modernity. You can choose any drawing for the bathroom, for example, images on a marine theme will look interesting: shells, palm trees, fish and sand.

Monochromatic ceilings in red, yellow and orange are also very popular in modern interiors. They can be installed in spacious rooms, but if the room is small, then it is best to give preference to cold shades that will help to visually raise the ceiling. When creating a decor, you should not be afraid of bright colors, it can be combined with a neutral scale, the result is an unusual composition that emphasizes the refined taste of the owners of the house.

For connoisseurs of the classic style, the ceiling in the bathroom is recommended to be made of matte canvases, they will be in harmony with the general atmosphere in the room. At the same time, the ceiling and flooring can be decorated in the same shade.

For information on how to prepare the walls for the installation of a stretch ceiling in a bathroom, see the following video.