Suspended ceiling in interior design

When developing a design project for a future apartment or considering repairs in one room, we pay little attention to finishing the ceiling. The simplest and most common method is still staining with white. But the joints of the slabs, unevenness of the base, bumps and spots are very difficult to remove. And the usual whitewash cannot hide these flaws. Instead of the usual plaster, modern designers suggest using suspended ceilings.

They are a structure that is installed to the main partition. And buyers are attracted by the practicality and attractive appearance of suspended ceilings. But such structures have a high price, so before buying it is important to understand the advantages and disadvantages, as well as the key features of various types of suspended ceilings.

The modern building materials market offers a wide range of suspended ceilings. They are very popular among interior designers. A variety of decoration methods and materials, in addition to convenience and excellent design, make the interior more complete and complete. Some ceilings can make a room look bigger and brighter. Others are a real decoration of the interior and help to create a unique and interesting composition and at the same time hide irregularities or flaws in the old concrete ceiling, hide wiring and other communications, as well as insulate the room and improve sound insulation.

The main function of a suspended ceiling is aesthetics. Suspended ceilings are single and multi-level, flat and curved. The stretch ceiling structure consists of a frame and cladding. Multilevel ceilings with different patterns are created by combining different colors, textures, shapes and types of materials. They allow you to create a unique and non-standard interior.

Structures of various types can act as cladding, which allow you to create surfaces of any complexity:

• Frameless - as the name implies, for these types of ceilings, preparation of the suspended structure is not required. This category includes adhesive tile ceilings.
• Planar modular - are ready-made modular systems that are assembled like a designer and form a square or rectangular plane. Such practical systems are quickly mounted and dismantled, providing access to hidden communications. And besides, if damaged, each individual part can be replaced with a new one. This category includes tiled, cellular, cassette and lattice ceilings.

• Curvilinear - used to create a multilevel ceiling with insulated inserts, various shapes and figures. Often, designers combine straight and curved systems. But such suspended ceilings are expensive. When choosing a scheme, design and system, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the room, since all work is calculated individually.
• Decorative Is a suspended frame of an open system.
• Backlit - often designers propose to combine several sources of lighting, for example, spotlights and LED strips around the perimeter of the room and a chandelier in the central part.Thus, you can make the room cozy and divide the room into several functional areas.

The suspended ceiling is highly variable and has a flawless finished appearance. The ceiling can be perfectly smooth or embossed, colored or white, multi-level or even - all this variety allows you to create a unique interior.

The popularity of suspended ceilings is due to technical, operational and aesthetic benefits. But like any other finishing materials, suspended ceilings have their pros and cons. Positive customer reviews indicate that they have much more advantages.

Pros:

• Wide scope of application - suspended ceilings can be used not only in living rooms, but also in rooms with special conditions. But in such cases, it is necessary to choose moisture-resistant and fire-resistant materials.
• The ability to choose a ceiling for any style and direction. The ceiling does not have to be plain and light. In modern design, it can become an original decorative element.
• No need to level, repair and prepare the base surface.
• Masks irregularities and hides flaws in the ceiling, as well as beams and ventilation ducts.
• Visually expands the space.
• Transforms the interior.

• It makes it possible to zone a space or visually change the proportions of a room.
• Structures made of metal, plasterboard and glass increase the fire safety of the premises.
• Has additional soundproofing characteristics.
• It is an excellent framework for installing a complex lighting system.
• Allows you to hide electrical wires and various communications.
• Heat and sound insulation can be installed in the gap between the ceiling and the canvas.
• The finished suspended ceiling does not need repair for many years.

Despite the large number of advantages, ceiling systems have disadvantages:

• A laborious and complex installation process that must be trusted by specialists.
• The actual ceiling height drops by 5-10 cm.
• Susceptibility to mechanical damage - some types of materials are not particularly durable, therefore, require careful handling.
• Fear of floods - if your upstairs neighbors forget to turn off the tap, then your apartment will not suffer as much as the ceiling structure.
• The cost of a suspended ceiling is several times higher than plaster.

Duplex ceilings are a modern way to make the interior unique and original. With the help of building and finishing materials, you can get more than two levels of height. And at the same time, any design, in addition to aesthetics, has additional practical characteristics. But such multi-level structures look good only in spacious apartments.

There are several types of suspended ceilings:

• Stretch - perhaps the most popular finishing option. Use a fabric or PVC film with a minimum thickness. The surface does not require careful maintenance, it is enough to periodically wet clean with a soft cloth to get rid of dust and dirt.

• Panel - are metal elements for the base of the ceiling. The panels are up to 30 cm wide. This finishing method is perfect for a corridor. Installation of a panel ceiling is carried out quickly and with minimal labor costs.

• Tiled - the most affordable type of false ceiling. Allows you to quickly hide all communications over light textured tiles - from electrical wires to a computer network and ventilation systems. Tile systems are often used in non-residential premises: entrances, offices, warehouses, shops, etc.

• Rack - a durable and reliable way of finishing the ceiling. Often used in crowded places: train stations, airports, metro stations, etc.But also rack structures have found application at home: in a bath, sauna, shower. Wiring and all utilities are reliably hidden behind the ceiling surface. Rectangular long slats can be of different colors and imitate a natural pattern: metal, wood or marble. So, for example, wood-like slats, at first glance, differ little from a surface covered with clapboard.

• Plasterboard - decorative elements, niches and ledges decorate the ceiling and create a wonderful structure. In addition, spotlights, LED strips or other lighting elements can be mounted in drywall. A two-level ceiling opens up the greatest prospects for designers in terms of lighting.

• Cassette - are square suspension slabs. Suitable for creating a unique and unique style. A kind of cassette modules are attached to the frame in a specific sequence. Each detail may differ in color, shape or texture. This method of finishing the ceiling is reliable and practical, but has a high cost.

• Lattice - are used in large rooms, for example, in shopping centers, restaurants, exhibition halls, etc. They have an interesting design, a wide range of colors and hide engineering networks, but at the same time leave them easily accessible.

• Cellular - have an external resemblance to a honeycomb. Cells can be of different shapes: circle, oval, square, hexagon, triangle, or repeat any other shape. The translucent design does not make the room heavier and allows you to create an author's interior.

Each type of suspended ceiling is specific to certain types of premises. A wide variety of materials, designs, sizes and colors allows you to choose the ideal option for an apartment or house.

The simplest and most popular option is a stretch ceiling. Such a versatile option looks beautiful in any interior. It has a perfectly smooth and even surface and perfectly hides the flaws of the floors. Material is cut out along the perimeter of the room and fixed using a special profile installed along the contour of the ceiling. The canvas can be colored or white, plain or patterned, as well as glossy, satin or matte.

Light shades do not overload the space and fill the room with air and space. The suspended ceiling can even be used in non-standard layouts. With a small area, you can make a seamless design. The ceiling can be fabric or PVC film of small thickness. For a small room, the best option would be a glossy finish. It reflects the space and creates the visual effect of an enlarged area. In addition, the reflective coating distributes light evenly, which in turn saves on energy costs.

And the matte finish creates the illusion of a perfectly even painted ceiling. It looks discreet and stylish and harmonizes well with any interior. The ceiling surface is unpretentious in maintenance, has excellent performance characteristics and can be installed even in the kitchen. However, the stretch ceiling is easy to damage, so for a child's room it is better to consider other options.

Mirrored ceilings look very original, bold and also perfectly expand the space of the room. But not everyone can decide to install them in their apartment. The reflective surface is not always perfectly clear, so before buying it is necessary to clarify this nuance. Such coatings look great not only in residential areas, but also in bars, restaurants, nightclubs and gyms.

Glass covers also look incredibly stylish, beautiful and unusual. They can have a matte finish or pattern. Such systems are made of natural or plexiglass.They do not require special maintenance and are easy to install. But nevertheless, experts advise to choose natural glass, it has the best fireproof, moisture-resistant and shock-resistant characteristics. Plexiglas has a lower strength, microcracks can form on its surface, and the material is also highly flammable.

If you want to depict a complex structure on the ceiling, drywall is ideal for this. It has a wide variety of shapes: from straight lines to curves and curly elements. Drywall gives room for design solutions and allows you to embody any, even the most daring idea with a multi-level, curved design and an interesting lighting system. It also helps to visually divide the space into several zones. Therefore, such ceilings are especially popular among designers.

This is a relatively inexpensive and reliable way to decorate your ceiling. But this style is not suitable for all rooms. For example, in a small apartment or in a narrow room, complex structures will compress the room. And besides that, you need to consider the style of the interior. Multilevel designs look more appropriate in a minimalist interior. If you want to install a multi-level ceiling in the bathroom, then you should choose moisture resistant plasterboard sheets.

The combination of a stretch ceiling and plasterboard elements is especially popular. This is a great way to decorate a ceiling in a large room. In the middle, you can install a beautiful chandelier, and on the sides, in a plasterboard structure, hide spotlights. In addition, such lighting can be turned on in whole or in part.

A tiled ceiling allows you to create a simple and uncluttered style. With the help of plates, it will not be possible to create complex structures, but you can quickly and easily install the ceiling. But this is a very fragile material that requires careful handling. At the same time, you can easily get to communications at any time. And the whole structure is relatively inexpensive, so a tiled ceiling is often used in offices, galleries, beauty salons and other high-traffic areas.

Modern designers have presented another novelty - slatted ceilings. Outwardly, they resemble lining. This method of decoration appeared relatively recently, but it is already gaining popularity among lovers of Provence, eco or classic styles.

Aluminum or PVC slats are often used as well. And each material has its own pros and cons. So, for example, aluminum is not afraid of high temperatures and is resistant to high humidity, but it has a relatively high price. And the plastic panels are lightweight and easy to install. The surface of the lath can have various colors and imitate natural patterns. And although such ceilings look cozy and appropriate only in a few style directions, aluminum ones are often used in public places, and plastic ones in rooms with high humidity, for example, in a bathroom, shower room or kitchen.

Tiled ceilings Armstrong used mainly in non-residential premises, offices, halls, shopping centers, etc. Such a suspended ceiling has gained popularity due to the low cost of materials and a simple method of installation. Plates are installed on a metal profile, which remains on the front side and serves as a design element. The standard size of a square tile is 60x60 cm, and a rectangular one is 120x60 cm. The slabs themselves are made of mineral material - crushed and recycled stone wool.

There are 6 main types of square slabs:

• economical - used in entrances, small shops and business centers;
• moisture resistant - an excellent option for residential and non-residential premises with high humidity: swimming pools, showers, bathrooms, saunas, etc.;
• universal - they are moisture resistant, shockproof, reliable and have good acoustic characteristics;
• acoustic - even in a large area, they reduce noise and eliminate the echo effect, therefore this type of stove is often used in classrooms, children's rooms, as well as cinemas;
• hygienic - as the name implies, these plates are made specifically for rooms that have special requirements for hygiene. The boards are treated with a special solution, which ensures resistance to the development of bacteria and the effects of chlorine. Such plates are intended for medical institutions, kindergartens, schools, canteens, etc .;
• design - in addition to functionality, they also combine aesthetics. They have a wide range of colors, a wide range of textures and textures. Such plates are used for finishing ceilings in restaurants, cafes, shopping centers, hotels, etc.

The choice of this or that type depends on the characteristics of the room in which they will be installed.

Another budget way to finish the ceiling is plastic panels. With their help, you can also easily hide all communications and irregularities in the base. But at the same time, access to engineering networks will be limited - the structure is securely mounted to the frame system. Each part has a fastening groove like a laminate board, so the joints between the panels remain invisible, which also guarantees the strength and tightness of the finish. The width of the standard panels varies from 25 to 50 cm. The parts are very light, so one person can do the installation.

Suspended structures can be of various shapes and sizes. And with the help of a properly selected ceiling, you can visually expand the space. The standard ceiling height in an apartment building is 2.7 meters. Such sizes are considered to be already familiar to us. And on such a quadrature, you can even use voluminous and complex suspended structures.

For the implementation of more beautiful and daring design plans, it is better to choose a larger area. So, for example, in a private house with a ceiling height of 2.9-3 meters, you can safely make a multi-level structure of drywall. Unlike other materials, gypsum board can repeat any shape, smooth and straight lines, bends and allows you to create curly elements. Each detail is made individually, taking into account the wishes and characteristics of the room.

The surface of the ceiling does not have to be an even white color. The ceiling can have different shades or patterns, be glossy or matte. The color and design of the ceiling is selected based on the general style of the room. In provence and eco, you can use a wooden ceiling made of slats or PVC panels with a natural wood pattern. And in retro - combine different materials in texture and color. A glossy white stretch finish and vintage solid wood are perfect for this.

Lattice ceilings have gained widespread popularity in the arrangement of ceilings in large rooms, and can also be used in high-tech residential interiors. The structures are made of aluminum profiles, the structure of the lattice itself is covered with any material, and the size and shape of the cells can vary. The most suitable colors for the hi-tech style are steel, black, white and gray.

All communications are visible behind the translucent lattice, but this fact does not prevent designers from using a suspended ceiling to create original effects, play of shadows and colors and create diffused light.A wide range of colors and finishes allow the use of lattice ceilings in combination with other materials. The most versatile option is to combine it with drywall. In this case, it is possible to use lighting in different colors behind the grille, inside or outside for each individual element.

In the Empire style, for example, rounded and flowing shapes look good, combined with clear and even lines that complement luxurious furniture. To complete the interior, you can use volumetric plinths in the form of stucco moldings and moldings.

The interior of the idle baroque interior will also be complemented by suspended ceilings. Carved details, decorative elements with gilding are able to transfer to the atmosphere of royal palaces and give a feeling of wealth and chic.

In the classic style, symmetry is considered a prerequisite., poise and lack of unnecessary details - they will emphasize the taste and sense of style of the owners. Stretch canvases of pastel colors and drywall are perfectly combined here. Suitable shades: white, milky, beige, champagne, ivory and delicate tones of pink and lilac. Lighting should be soft and dim, but at the same time, no corner of the room should be in the shade, so designers use multi-level lighting on the ceiling, in addition to an elegant chandelier in the center of the composition.

For minimalism, the use of bulky and eye-catching volumetric elements is unacceptable. It is better to focus on monotony and clear geometric lines. In this case, shapes and forms can be asymmetrical. Lighting should be placed between different levels of ceilings and add small recessed lights.

The suspended ceiling will help express emotions and add sound to the modern style. Confident and unusual shapes, smooth lines and lightness of construction - all these requirements must be observed in a bright and free style. Prints, decor, abstract figures can be used not only when choosing a design, but also when choosing a chandelier.

For each room of the apartment and house, it is necessary to choose different ways of finishing the ceiling. The main thing to pay attention to when finishing the ceiling in the corridor is how the lighting will be installed. The best option is spotlights on the ceiling in combination with wall sconces near the mirror. And besides, the selected material should be unpretentious in maintenance and easy to clean from street dirt and dust.

Properties of some coatings:

• Stretch ceiling. A light gloss will add additional light to a dark hallway and will hide the communications of small lamps.

• Panel. Elements are attached to corners fixed along the walls. the length of the panels can be up to several meters.

• Rack also allows you to quickly and easily install spotlights and securely hide the wires.

• Mirrored panels will expand the space of a narrow corridor and increase the illumination advantageously.

The specific conditions in the kitchen force you to carefully choose a false ceiling. High humidity, temperature changes, as well as grease, odor and dust, which settle not only on the furniture, but also on the ceiling, negatively affect the finish. Therefore, it is necessary to choose a material that is easy to clean and does not deform from high humidity and temperature.

The best options for the kitchen are modern materials:

• Stretch ceiling - unpretentious to maintain, easy to clean from dust and dirt with a damp cloth;

• PVC panels are a practical and convenient way to finish the ceiling;

• Aluminum slats - have a simple design, are installed close to each other and form a single structure;

• Wooden panels - have a noble appearance and are easily maintained in good condition.

• Cassette structures - such ceilings can be assembled alone.Guides with hangers are installed under the ceiling and further, as a constructor, square cassettes are inserted into separate modules. The main materials are aluminum or galvanized steel. Ceilings are installed in two ways - closed or open. In the first case, the frame structure is hidden behind the cassettes, and when open, the frame structure acts as a decorative element. Cassette designs can be of any color, matte, metallized, mirror or sprayed.

The bedroom is designed for relaxation and rest, so you should not use bright and saturated colors in this room.

It is recommended to give preference to pastel shades and smooth rounded shapes:

• stretch fabric - it is best to use satin, it, unlike gloss, will give a feeling of calm and warmth;
• drywall will become a decoration of the room for many years;
• cassette designs look beautiful and stylish in any room;
• glass or mirrored ceilings conceal some kind of mystery and mystery.

For the living room, the ceiling is selected based on the overall style of the room and the budget:

• in the living room, you can use white in contrast with rich shades;
• the combination of a stretch glossy ceiling in combination with plasterboard structures is appropriate.

There are special requirements for the ceiling in the children's room. First, the material must be safe. Secondly, to have an optimal level of heat and sound insulation, as well as to be durable and reliable, since outdoor games for children in the room can lead to deformation of the tension cloth.

The following false ceiling materials are perfect for a child's and teenager's room:

• Stretched - the canvas can be colored, with drawings or photographs. The most popular is the image of the starry sky, but the space of the room should not be overloaded with other decorative elements and details. Downlights can mimic the glare of the stars and create an incredible ambience in a room.
• Curly designs will help your child plunge into the world of fantasy and magic.
• Reinforced gypsum is excellent at absorbing sound.

The ceiling in the bathroom must meet different requirements.

The main condition when choosing a material is resistance to high humidity and temperature:

• Moisture-resistant drywall will provide a perfect, even finish and protect the wiring from moisture. But the final stage must necessarily be the treatment of the material with a primer with a water-repellent composition.
• A slatted ceiling is a simple and affordable way to decorate a ceiling in a room with high humidity. At the same time, the aluminum profile is easy to install, provides easy access to utilities and serves as a means of good ventilation.

For a summer veranda or loggia, you should also choose a material that is resistant to temperature extremes. In this case, the coating should not be afraid of direct sunlight and moisture.

The best options are:

• Plastic panels are a practical and budget option for open areas. In addition, any dirt can be easily removed with a damp cloth.
• Metal slats are easy to clean, resistant to temperature extremes and corrosion.

Designers have accumulated a lot of ways to give the ceiling a fresh look and make it visually taller.

Here are 12 basic tips for installing suspended structures:

• Check the strength and reliability of the concrete slab to support the heavy structure of the suspended ceiling.
• Choose quality materials from reliable and trusted manufacturers. The ceiling will serve you for at least 10 years, so even expensive structures will pay off over time.
• Using a laser level and a marker, mark the future ceiling and determine where the suspensions and bearing profiles will be located. Draw up an exact layout of the frame elements.The plan should also indicate the number and location of the protrusions, as well as the obstructions of the suspended ceiling.
• Fasten all the necessary cables and wires, and then proceed to the installation of the profiles and align them.
• When choosing slatted or cassette ceilings, remember the manufacturer and brand of the product. This will allow you in the future, when one of the elements is deformed, to replace the part without any problems and restore the general concept of the ceiling.

• Also make an accurate lighting plan. Installing spotlights connected to different keys will allow you to divide the space into several zones and use different light sources. Select systems for laying and protecting cables and wires, type and number of lighting fixtures.
• The color of the ceiling is chosen taking into account the prevailing shade in the interior.
• Level the ceiling.
• Some owners prefer to use slatted or cassette ceilings also as an additional hiding place in which to hide small jewelry, jewelry or money.
• Also, a good way to use a niche between concrete and false ceilings is to install small speakers for stereo sound.
• Use mineral wool for soundproofing.
• The finishing elements are skirting boards - they should close the gaps between the walls and the ceiling.

To install a suspended structure, you will need:

• material for the future false ceiling and plinth;
• ladder;
• tape measure and marker to mark the ceiling;
• scissors and construction knives;
• metal suspensions on which the structure of the future ceiling will be attached;
• main and intermediate profiles;
• dowels and screws;
• screwdriver and hammer;
• lighting devices: spotlights, LED strips or a chandelier;
• systems and accessories for laying and protecting electrical wiring;
• level to control the evenness of the suspended structures.

Decorating the ceiling with a suspended structure requires at least a small frame. Why the space of the room will become visually noticeably smaller. The design of the suspended ceiling is simple: using a frame system made of metal profiles or wooden beams, the canvas and various elements of the future covering are attached to the main partition. Decorative panels and all details on a metal grill are attached to the installed suspensions. Correct installation of the guides and support profiles ensures easy installation. And with the smallest installation option, the distance between the ceiling and the false ceiling will be at least 3 cm.

The height of the ceiling installation is also influenced by some separate reasons:

• Recessed luminaires can have a large body that will need to be hidden behind the ceiling structure. If desired, you can mount an LED strip or a simple chandelier into the ceiling structure. It is also necessary to take into account the dimensions of the housing, which will be hidden behind the insulating material.

• If the installation of a chandelier and a plafond does not require additional communications, then with spotlights things are different. All power lines must be additionally protected with corrugated pipes - an additional 2-3 cm is allocated for this.

• Built-in furniture also affects the height of the suspended structure. During the renovation, the height of the floor can also change, therefore, when choosing a structure and a suspended ceiling, it is necessary to take into account the size and location of the existing furnishings.

• Additional heat and sound insulation - a layer of non-combustible mineral wool can be placed between the concrete floor and the insulating material to retain heat and protect against extraneous sounds. And the insulation should not put pressure on the skin.

Suspended structures involve the use of a complex lighting system. Since all communications will be hidden, different fixtures can be used for each level of the ceiling.In a modern style, you can experiment with brightness, color, tints, and different effects. LED lighting, hidden in the construction of a multi-level ceiling, is a trend in recent years. A smooth line of light will emphasize the complex shape of the structure. Such romantic soft lighting creates an atmosphere of comfort and harmony.

Recessed spotlights can be installed in a plasterboard or stretch fabric ceiling structure. You can also add a dimmer to the bulbs and control the power and brightness of the light.

The chandelier is usually located in the central part of the room, but it can also be installed above the main element of the interior. Pay special attention to the dimensions of the ceiling chandelier and keep in mind that the design of a multi-level ceiling “takes” from 3 to 10 cm of room space. Therefore, a too bulky or long chandelier can visually reduce the area.

Among the wide variety of manufacturers, it is quite difficult to decide on a ceiling system. And the main mistake will be to focus solely on cost.

Products of domestic manufacturers cost less than imported ones, but this fact does not in any way indicate the quality of materials. Among Russian manufacturers, special attention should be paid to brands Albes, Baikal and Bard... At first glance, it will not be noticeable how their products differ from foreign ones.

If, nevertheless, you prefer imported products, we recommend that you consider brands Luxalon, Geipei, Ceiling Group USA Corporation.

The ceiling does not have to have a perfectly smooth surface. The embossed and figured ceiling looks very original and stylish. In this case, aluminum slats of similar shades were used. Such a ceiling is resistant to high temperatures, is not afraid of moisture and provides excellent air circulation. In addition, the design is easy to maintain and will last for several decades.

The universal and most popular ceiling color is white. Less commonly, beige or cream is used. But also a colored or dark ceiling looks great in some style directions. But it is important to be able to combine it with the general style of the interior.

When choosing stretch ceilings, you need to decide which option you like the most - matte or glossy. The shiny, almost mirror-like gloss finish perfectly expands the space. And matte hides the seams between the canvases as much as possible. But in some cases, masking the seams is not necessary at all. This can become a kind of highlight of the interior. So, for example, a satin white ceiling with black stripes looks laconic and stylish in a modern living room interior.

The ceiling can serve as a continuation of the overall concept of the room or become a unique piece of art. An unusual pattern, ornament or even photographs can be applied to the surface.

If the area of ​​the apartment does not allow the use and weighting of a small space with voluminous multi-level structures, and the style of the interior must be supplemented with curly and carved elements, pay attention to stretch canvases with drawings. This is a great way to play classic with a modern twist.

Suspended structures can look great in many interior styles. And the loft is no exception. Hidden LED lighting above the suspended structure accentuates the natural roughness and unevenness of the concrete floor and creates the effect of being in an industrial production space.

Fans of non-standard design solutions will appreciate the ceilings that are unusual in shape and style. The option is considered stylish when the design of the suspension system is combined with shelves, niches, furniture or other decorative elements. For example, a non-standard solution is a ceiling that complements the design of a staircase in a country house.

You can watch a master class on installing a cassette ceiling in this video.