Two-level stretch ceilings in the interior: design features
One of the popular ways to finish the ceilings has become a stretch version of a polyvinyl chloride film. The technology of its design is simple and allows you to carry out any design ideas in the premises of different functionality.
Special features
The structure of the stretch ceiling is a canvas of PVC or fabric and the profile frame on which it is attached. The main feature is the high-quality installation of the product so that the surface is smooth, has no visible seams and other defects.
Manufacturers offer two types of finishing material: woven or vinyl.
The frame is performed in the following ways:
- Made from plastic or aluminum mounts. The plastic profile is less expensive and can only be wall.Due to its flexibility, it hides the curvature of the walls and is mounted with a step width of 10 cm. Aluminum guides are attached to any plane: to the wall or ceiling, and therefore are used for installation in hard-to-reach places. Since the profile is more rigid, it is used for large areas (over 30 square meters). The mounting pitch is 50 cm. The design using plastic or aluminum guides is lighter and moisture resistant. Release visible and invisible mounting options. The first, besides their immediate function, also perform a decorative one: they decorate the perimeter of the framed surface, they are appropriate for complex shapes in the form of arches, waves and arches.
- From plasterboard. If necessary, a reinforced upper tier is made from the basis of GCR or GVL. The option is appropriate in the presence of heavy chandeliers, stucco plaster or other decorative ornaments.
For mounting use three types of systems:
- wedge or disposable;
- harpoon gives you the opportunity to unfasten the canvas, to perform the necessary actions (installation of lighting or discharge of water when flooded) and install it back;
- shpatkovaya - for it used tension fastening tape
Two-level ceilings of complex shape are subject to design tension materials, because PVC film is plastic and allows you to get excellent results with low labor costs.
Advantages and disadvantages
Bunk stretch ceilings have the following advantages inherent in any model of this class:
- Aesthetic appearance due to a variety of shapes, colors, textures. Multistage allows you to mount in tiers of various design "chips." Zoning visually changes the geometry of space.
- The ability to hide the irregularities of the ceiling or elements of communication with minimal time.
- An alternative to traditional lighting in the form of hidden lighting.
- Long service life.
- Durability and plasticity.
- Water resistant. Protection from flooding apartment neighbors above. Quick and painless elimination of consequences.
- Antistatic and dust resistance associated with it.
- Low thermal conductivity causes the absence of condensate.
- Versatility. Possibility of installation in any room. Any form available.
- Easy care.
The disadvantages include the following characteristics:
- Fear of contact with sharp objects that can cause deep scratches or film punctures.
- Under the influence of low temperature, the vinyl material is destroyed, so you should not install such suspended ceilings in residential premises that are not heated in the cold season. It is better to use fabric options.
- Caution when installing lighting fixtures. Should take into account the norms of thermal susceptibility of the film.
- Buying two-level ceilings requires certain costs, but over a long service life, they will pay off more than once.
- Installation of several tiers takes up to 15 cm in height, so it is appropriate only for high living spaces.
Kinds
According to the type of material from which the fabric is made, suspended ceilings are of several types.
Polyvinyl chloride provides a smooth surface with no visible flaws at a lower price than fabric. One square meter of material withstands about 100 liters of water, which provides steady protection against flooding. In addition, when discharging, the film acquires its former form without being deformed. In case of fire, the ceiling does not burn, but melts.The cloth impregnated with special antistatic compounds does not attract dust. The service life of the product is from 10 to 15 years.
Experts pay attention to the following negative factors:
- The installation is carried out by a hot method using a burner or a heat gun, so during installation, an unpleasant smell can occur. Over time, it disappears.
- The material is air-tight, so the room must be regularly ventilated.
The fabric ceiling is a knitted material of polyester yarn, additionally impregnated with polyurethane. Unlike PVC, for its installation is not required to heat the surface. The canvas is able to withstand large mechanical loads, after a time does not sag under its own weight. Ceilings in unheated structures are mounted only from fabric materials, since they are not afraid of low temperatures. Unlike plastic, the material does not emit unpleasant odors, performs the functions of noise, heat and waterproofing. The fabric is fireproof. Manufacturers guarantee a service life of about 25 years. The only significant disadvantage of fabric stretch ceilings is the high cost, but with so many advantages, it is justified.
By type of surface stretch ceilings can be classified as follows:
- Glossy differ in mirror gloss that visually increases space. The degree of reflection - up to 90%. Designers caution that the gloss should be used in the interior correctly, otherwise you can achieve the opposite result. For example, a dark glossy ceiling is appropriate in high rooms, and light - in narrow or low.
- Matte stretch surfaces visually resemble smooth plasterboard ceilings. Their reflectivity is low. The color range is varied. Practical in operation, do not glare.
- Satin canvases are matte surfaces with a soft glow. The fine-grained structure of the fabric gives a silky feel. The product looks great in any color. Sateen stretch ceilings are recommended for the design of complex curves of multi-level forms.
- With photo printing. Patterns, ornaments or pictures, different in scale, color and texture, are applied to the canvases.
Constructions and forms
Steps - the simplest version of the design with straight lines. Often used to hide communications that cannot be moved to another location.Designers offer different interpretations using stepped stretch ceilings, for example, with a lower central part or with selected internal corners.
Carved ceilings differ from other designs in that the canvas is composed of several pieces. However, only the main part has artistically cut patterns in the form of figures, elements of flora and fauna, other ornaments. Popular round holes, square or triangle with sharp corners.
The design features are as follows:
- The tiers are installed parallel to each other, the perforated layer is at the bottom. The main canvas is usually white or pastel light colors, and a colored film is mounted above it.
- The shape of the holes and their size depends on the design invented. Popular symmetrical patterns created from geometric shapes in the form of spirals or randomly spaced elements.
- For perforation, special tools are used with which the edges of the picture are given a smooth and neat appearance.
- The material is stretched evenly, eliminating sagging and wrinkling.
- The carved two-level ceiling is made of canvases with a different surface to emphasize the depth. The lower layers are usually glossy, and the upper layers are matte, which creates a 3D effect.
The design of two-level waves is based on an aluminum frame. The carriers of this material are light, flexible, durable, which makes it possible to experiment with wavy shapes. PVC film is used as the material for the web. The water surface on different ceiling levels looks especially impressive in rooms with high walls. However, this does not mean that such structures cannot be mounted in narrow spaces. For example, U-shaped corridors can be expanded with transverse waves.
In the "Khrushchev" ceilings of small rooms are decorated with bilateral or single-sided wavy options. In the first case, the frame bends are mounted along two opposite walls, and in the second - along one. As a rule, the contrast two-level wavy design serves to emphasize any projections on the floor or walls, highlighting the interior elements. For example, the “wave” above the windows using the backlight will visually expand the room, and in the kitchen it will allow adding light over the work surface.
In a rectangular type of construction, the lower tier is mounted along the walls around the perimeter of the room. The width of the level is about 60 centimeters, and lighting devices are built into it. If it is necessary to emphasize the transition between levels, mount a niche into which the LED strip is embedded.
Often when making the ceiling used irregular shapes:
- Semicircle. The design is designed to lower a certain part of the ceiling above any piece of furniture. For example, above the bed in the bedroom, above the sofa in the living room, above the table in the kitchen.
- Podium for chandeliers. The form is always individual and depends on the lighting device. The installation principle is the same for everyone: the level at which the main lighting is planned to be installed is raised higher. This is one of the most economical options for a two-level stretch ceiling.
- Spiral is rarely used at design, as it is expensive. In addition, this form looks good only in the case of spacious rooms.
- The strips. Previously, to obtain luminous paths on the ceiling, they used drywall, frosted plexiglass and linear luminaires, now manufacturers offer options with tension fabrics. For mounting the frame using aluminum guides.
- Other options. Designers offer other non-standard forms, but they are made individually, respectively, their price is higher than standard ones.
Design
Gapless ceilings are in demand recently. The modern market of finishing materials offers a wide range of models: glossy, matte, mirror, satin, with a metallic or pearl luster, with photo printing, color, contrast, with a 3D effect.
Models with patterns or photos are always considered in detail. Designers warn that such a ceiling will become the center of the interior. The brighter the ceiling design, the less decorations should be present in the space.
For a clear photo printing it is better to use textile cloths of light colors. The material must be perfectly aligned to eliminate any distortion of the pattern. The technology of application will allow to save the image for many years. An indisputable advantage is the possibility to change the geometry of the floor, to zone functionally different parts of the same room.
As a rule, ready-made rolls are released up to 5 meters wide. Decorators note that sometimes the area of the canvas is not enough,Therefore, experts get out of the situation by combining several types of material, creating plasterboard forms, lighting around the perimeter. To change the dimensions of the picture must be approached correctly, because in the process of installation the canvas can lose its decorative effect and distort its perception.
Classical elements in the interior can be created with a three-dimensional photo image in the form of artistic modeling or painting with gold-plated details. Avant-garde trends emphasize contrasting abstract divorces of bright hues. The now popular loft will decorate a print with an imitation of a brick or concrete, in addition, it will save you from large-scale repairs.
Popular and models with a 3D effect. To create a three-dimensional picture, designers use two main ways:
- Drawing on the ceiling of the three-dimensional pattern. The picture with the 3D effect can be obtained using photo printing on a regular stretch ceiling. And if you correctly install the lighting elements between the layers of a two-tier canvas, the image will become more original. Interesting visual illusions are obtained with geometric patterns and a glossy surface.
- Give real volume to the whole structure.The method is more complex in execution, but more effective for perception. Its feature lies in the design of the frame, which give various forms in the form of bends, ledges, waves. Experts warn that such compositions can only be performed in rooms with high ceilings.
Any 3D designs will look more impressive if you additionally embed the backlight in them. The most popular example is the “starry sky” type of stretch ceiling. The built-in lighting devices in this case add realism to the picture, create volume and give depth.
Carved ceilings are a wonderful decorative element. both in residential areas and in offices. Effectively look patterns in the form of animals and birds in the nursery. If you additionally install the built-in lighting, a combination of unusual shapes and lighting will provide an opportunity to get an interesting design. Perforation in the form of circles will suit the interior in high-tech style, simple geometric shapes - for minimalism, elegant delicate ornaments - for the classics.
Tiered wavy surfaces in the interior look very impressive.The shape depends on the frame and can be smooth, steep, chaotic, symmetrical. Integrated lighting will enhance the feeling.
Contrast double tiers, as a rule, are used for zoning space. Their main feature is the winning color combinations that allow you to visually change the geometry of the room.
Podiums of different shapes will help to beat the interiors of the angular format, to highlight individual elements, for example, original chandeliers or an ornament on the floor.
The mirror ceiling increases the walls and looks spectacular in modern styles.
Textile patterns are inherent in fabric paintings. To obtain an ornament, a flocking method is used, which consists in applying velvety material to the fibers. Due to this, the image is volumetric. Designers offer to enhance the effect by adding built-in lights.
If the monotonous stretch ceiling is fed up, then it can be decorated with patterns made using stencils. This method is simple, so even an inexperienced person can handle it.
It is important to estimate the area of the canvas and the size of the applied pattern.Experts advise using such stencils so that the dimensions of the image can be no more than one-third of the entire ceiling area. The larger the size of the template, the higher the likelihood of blurring the pattern, especially if you are supposed to work alone.
When choosing them, it is recommended to consider the following features:
- corner ornaments will visually make the room more voluminous, but provided that their dimensions are not too large, otherwise you can get the opposite result;
- the ornament around the chandelier will highlight it, as long as the pattern is not wide, otherwise the lamp will “disappear” against its background;
- in children's rooms, designers suggest using stencils of fairytale and cartoon characters;
- for the living room it is better to choose a decor in accordance with the general style of the room, in most cases they use floral, geometric or abstract images;
- in the recreation area appropriate small decorative patterns in soothing colors.
Fluorescent patterns on the ceiling - one of the latest fashion trends. In order to bring an element of romance, mystery or a fairy tale into the interior, it is enough to put patterns on the canvas with special paint that glows in the dark with an UV lamp.
Color solutions
The psychological perception of color has been proven by scientists, so the choice of shades must be approached carefully. It is proved that red causes aggression, blue - negative, saturated purple - depression. However, if you combine and combine them, you can get a cheerful combination.
White color - standard and most practical. It is suitable for decoration of any premises.
Black glossy surface it looks noble, while matte can serve as a backdrop for an original crystal chandelier or with gold-plated details. When installing it is necessary to keep in mind that black color visually lowers the ceiling, but in a glossy version this drawback can be avoided.
The combination of white and blue tones is appropriate for any room.
Brown perfectly combined with beige, coffee, milk, terracotta.
Unique color options: purple, orange, blue, create a mood.
Combined multi-color models designed for zoning space. When using contrasting colors stretch ceilings can visually change the geometry of the room.
Monochrome drawings on the ceiling material will allow you to add colors and bright details to the interior.
Backlight
Proper lighting emphasizes the beauty and decorativeness of stretch ceilings. This is especially true of multi-level structures, in particular, two-tier. It is important to properly mount the wiring to eliminate the possibility of a short circuit.
For stretch ceilings produce special types of lamps. These include point, LED, fiber optic, fluorescent appliances and chandeliers. They do not overheat the material of the tension fabric and, as a rule, have a special fastening mechanism.
Depending on the type of installation, stretch ceilings are divided into three groups:
- perforated have holes for spotlights that can be changed at any time;
- with fixing on the frame - lighting devices in the form of a tape are mounted on a frame basis;
- with a plasterboard basis - the lighting is first mounted, then the frame is closed with sheets of ledger.
Illumination allows you to create a unique design in the interior. Spotlights are not able to provide normal lighting, for this you need a main source of light - a chandelier.However, as a decor, they are quite appropriate. For example, the illumination of a two-level ceiling makes it visually light, elegant, and refined. A wide range allows you to choose different options: light ribbons, neon lamps, multi-colored, white or daylight.
Since bunk models require the installation of several fixtures, you need to think about saving energy. So, when buying, you should pay attention to energy-saving options, LED devices, lamps with different modes of operation. With the help of lighting the room can be divided into zones, select any element of the interior.
How to choose?
The choice of model depends on the preferences of the owner, as well as on the functionality of the room.
Modern trends in interior fashion allow you to decorate small studio apartments as effectively as possible with the help of two-level ceilings. They allow you to divide the total area into several different zones. For original design, experts suggest paying attention to unusual frame shapes, playing with color and be sure to use the backlight.
For the bedroom, you need to create a feeling of relaxation, so the shades should be calm, slightly muffled, soft. The abundance of contrasts is excluded. Designers recommend the following photoprinting options: "starry sky", various space options, the effect of flowing silk fabric, dull floral or geometric motifs. Instead of a night light, it is proposed to consider the option using built-in lights that allow you to adjust the intensity of illumination. Additional flickering LEDs will look spectacular and soothing.
Children's rooms and play areas are distinguished by a special positive. They can not be made in dark colors. Designers recommend using bright drawings, photo printing, decorative elements and multi-colored illumination. Actual ceilings in the form of the sky with clouds, with flying birds, stars.
In offices and libraries, photos with the image of cards on one of the ceiling levels look great. As pictures, simple geometric shapes, numbers or letters are appropriate. The color scheme should not distract from work. As a win-win option allocate combinations beige-brown or white-blue.Clear lines of illumination will help to concentrate.
In the kitchen, they often suggest using color contrasts, but using no more than three shades. Tiered structures delimit the space, and skillful lighting will enhance the effect. Usually, the ceiling above the working area is made of one color, and the rest of the walls are of a different color. It is better to use PVC film, because when removing various types of pollution it is more stable.
In the bathroom, of course, appropriate theme of water, for example, sea. Perhaps a combination of two or three shades without pictures. Levels should not have an excessively large run up to each other. Since the chandelier in the bathroom looks cumbersome, the designers suggest instead of the main source to use flat lighting fixtures or install a built-in light.
If the hallway decided to use the ceiling with photo printing, it is better to restrict the partial print. In this case, it will not seem overloaded. When finishing the ceiling in a small dark corridor it is better to give preference to light colors. Versions with low walls do not imply the installation of a two-level tension fabric.
In a private cottage is not uncommon stairs to the second floor. The ceiling above the staircase is usually complicated, but the drywall frame allows you to mount double structures in this case.
The living room and dining room are the perfect place to translate unusual design solutions. Two tiers will look good with proper selection of lights and colors. If the lamps are located on the outside of the second level, the ceiling will become more voluminous. In the case of highlighting from the inside, it will literally float above the floor. And if you supplement the interior with a photo print on the tension part, the ceiling will look even more interesting. When using color ceilings, you should carefully select the backlight shade, as some combinations tend to distort the visual perception of color.
Attic in a private house, as a rule, is a challenge to designers, because it is located under the roof and has a complex configuration of the walls. The ceiling is also not an exception, so experts advise the use of frame structures for the installation of suspended ceilings.
Useful tips
The ceiling in bedrooms, nurseries and living rooms is rarely polluted, so it’s enough to clean it once a year. In the bathroom and kitchen, the care of the stretch fabric is complicated, especially for the glossy surfaces. Drops of evaporating liquids settle on their surface, so it is best to carry out preventive cleaning at least once every six months.
Types of cleaning:
- Dry It is carried out with a vacuum cleaner. This procedure will require a lint-free brush attachment, as the bristles can damage the film. Cleaning is also possible in a non-contact manner by increasing the suction power. The vacuum cleaner will help get rid of dust or cobwebs that accumulate in the corners and at the joints of the tiers. You can use a brush with a long handle and a soft nap, or wrap it with a soft cloth. The main thing is that they are made of natural materials, since synthetic materials contribute to the accumulation of static electricity. Dry cleaning can often be carried out as a preventive measure.
- Wet cleaning has the character of a general, therefore, is carried out infrequently or in emergency cases. For its implementation it is better to use soft microfiber cloths, a sponge,mop with foam rubber washable surface. You can use the usual, then it will have to wrap is not a hard cloth.
When cleaning the canvas, it is important to calculate the friction force in order not to damage it. When choosing a mop or brush, you should pay attention to the spinning mechanism, it must be soft and made of plastic. The fastening of the washing roller in no case should not touch the canvas when cleaning.
With a thorough cleaning, the types of cleaning are combined: first vacuum the surface and corners, and then wipe with a damp cloth.
Experts recommend the use of specially designed preparations for the maintenance of the tension surfaces. They can always be purchased from companies that are engaged in installation work on the installation of the ceiling, as well as from manufacturers.
Do not use scouring powders. They are the strongest abrasives that can scratch the canvas. Appearance of the ceiling back then it will be impossible.
Also banned are compounds that contain acids, alkalis or acetone. They corrode the canvas, leave non-staining spots or change the color of the product.
Household chemicals for washing windows and dishes should not be used, because in contact with the material of the ceiling tool can change its color or other technical characteristics. According to user reviews, if you dilute the composition in water, then use is possible, but it is recommended to test the mixture on a small surface area.
Laundry detergent, completely dissolved in water, is allowed for cleaning suspended ceilings.
A 10 percent solution of ammonia is also used to care for the web. It is especially effective for glossy surfaces.
Before use, it is recommended to check all household remedies for chemical perception of the material, for which purpose it is applied in a place imperceptible to the eye, for example, in a corner or at the internal junction of the tiers.
Caustic substances trapped on the surface of the ceiling are removed immediately, until they ruin the canvas. If the pollution is local, then it is enough to remove complex stains, and simply wipe the rest of the surface with a damp cloth. All washing tools should be soft so as not to scratch the film.Do not strongly rub the canvas, it should not be pressed against the frame. Completion of the cleaning is the removal of residual detergent with a clean slightly damp cloth.
If the kitchen ceiling is tightened with a glossy cloth, then to eliminate the traces of grease, soot and water, you should purchase specialized detergents. It is better to purchase from a company that has mounted the structure a professional cleaning polish. In the bathroom to remove stains, in addition to special formulations, you can use liquid soap, a few spoons of which are pre-diluted in water. It is important to wipe the coating dry after wet cleaning.
Glossy surface is not recommended to wipe in a circular motion, they will leave the new stains. Should move along the seams. With strong pressure, the gloss can be damaged, so when cleaning it is necessary to control the force of pressure.
Cleaning fabric ceilings can be done with a steam mop subject to setting the lowest temperature of steam. If you additionally use special nozzles, then hard-to-reach places will become easier to clean. When wet cleaning is not allowed to use window cleaners and mirrors.These compounds are caustic and can damage the fabric, for example, change the color.
Experts recommend using special detergents for fabric stretch ceilings. But as an economy, it is allowed to use liquid soap diluted in water. Owners of such coatings are advised to pre-check the effect of the soap composition on the fabric in a secluded place.
Luminaires must be turned off before cleaning, and in the case of wet cleaning, it is recommended to completely turn off their power. If the cleaning is done using a ladder or other available means for climbing, it is safer if someone insures you from below.
Beautiful examples in the interior
In order for a double ceiling to become an ornament, it is necessary to think over all the elements of the interior.
It is no secret that adolescents, especially those who are fond of science, prefer elements related to the exploration of outer space. Therefore, when designing the interior of the room, designers suggest taking advantage of the presence effect. To do this, select the stretch ceiling with photo printing and install the backlight. This option is also suitable for sleeping or recreation areas.
Registration of a children's room depends on the age of the child. Bright rainbow colors are appropriate for small children, cartoon characters, elements of flora and fauna are possible. For teenagers, options for stretch ceilings will depend on their hobbies: sports topics, various maps, the maritime theme.
The original stylistic solution is the use of a two-tier hinged ceiling in a study or library.
The design of the space with a flight of stairs using two-level stretch ceilings will benefit and shine with new colors.
Recently, designers are increasingly offering options with carved stretch ceilings. They are great for large rooms, so they can be found in the interiors of restaurants, hotels, lounges, hotel lobbies. As for the patterns, popular models with simple shapes. For apartments, designers offer interesting combinations of ornaments on the floor, ceiling and walls.
Classic never goes out of style. In light of recent trends, black stretch ceiling is widely used in classic, gothic or minimalist style living rooms.It should be borne in mind that in this case, you need to carefully consider other interior details: wallpaper, lamps. For example, a white niche around the perimeter with built-in lights will expand the room, and furniture made of precious wood will create a harmony of taste and elegance.
Now the kitchen is not just a place to cook. It is sometimes a place to relax and gather the whole family. Therefore, everything here should be thought out to the smallest detail, including the ceiling. For fans of minimalism fit black, gray or white stretch ceilings with a glossy surface. For the classic style is characterized by clear forms in soothing colors with a matte or satin finish. Vanguard is associated with bright gloss. With hi-tech and other modern interior styles, translucent glossy stretch canvas of all shades of white will be appropriate.
Installation of a two-level ceiling in the form of a wave, you can see in this video.