If you ask yourself what kind of ceiling covering is considered the most popular and even fashionable today, then it is easy to come to the conclusion that these are stretch ceilings. The people fell in love with them for the high speed of installation, the absence of dirty installation processes, the huge variety and the ability to create a unique design in the apartment. Stretch ceilings can be matte and glossy, fabric and film, monochromatic or patterned - the scope for imagination is huge. Let's try to figure out how to choose the right stretch ceiling, so as not to spend a lot and not be disappointed in your choice.
# 1. Stretch ceilings: advantages and disadvantages
The basis of a stretch ceiling is a thin and durable canvas, which can be made of fabric or polyvinyl chloride. A fragment, necessary in area and shape, is cut out of the canvas and pulled onto a pre-installed frame. The finished surface is perfectly flat and neat, and the entire installation process takes a few hours. The tension structure can cover the entire ceiling or part of it, placing accents or exercising. Stretch ceiling can be, and the variety of colors and textures can not be listed at all. The design looks especially impressive in combination with spot and LED lighting.
Despite the wide variety, all stretch ceilings have such general benefits:
Now with regard to cons... First of all, this. This is not to say that such a design will be too expensive, but still more expensive, for example, or installation. Another nuance - the structure will steal a little height, about 5 cm.It will not work to carry out the installation with your own hands - you will need the help of specialists.
Probably, a stretch ceiling can be called the most versatile finishing method, both in terms of variety and in terms of the ratio of pros and cons. Now we turn to the most interesting thing - the analysis of existing offers on the market, in order to finally decide which stretch ceiling is better to choose. 
# 2. Stretch ceiling material
Stretch ceilings are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and fabric. Both options are good in their own way, but we note right away that the fabric construction will cost more. Fiberglass ceilings are much less common.
PVC stretch ceilings
PVC ceilings are also called film... They are more popular than fabric, and for a number of reasons. The main advantages of stretch film ceilings include:
Flaws:
- presence of seams when finishing the ceiling of a large area. Most manufacturers produce a film with a width of 1.5-3 m. As a rule, this does not become a problem, but if you need to tighten a large ceiling with one sheet, then you cannot do without seams. Sections of the film are firmly welded to each other, and the joint will not be very noticeable. By the way, on matte and satin ceilings, the seam is even less striking than on glossy ones. Recently, some European companies began to produce 5 m wide film, eliminating the main disadvantage of the structure. Another way out is to use two-level structures, because in this case the total area will be divided into two sections;
- in terms of strength, the film is inferior to fabric, it is easy to damage it with any sharp object. It is clear that no one will throw knives at the ceiling, but you should be extremely careful when washing;
- film ceiling afraid of freezing temperatures therefore it is used only in heated rooms.
The PVC stretch ceiling is installed using a heat gun. Maintenance of the structure is minimal and consists in periodic wiping with a sponge. Do not use abrasive or alcohol-based detergents. 
Fabric stretch ceiling
The fabric ceiling is mounted in a cold way - you will not need to heat the material with a heat gun.
The main Benefits:
Flaws:
Fiberglass stretch ceiling
To be precise, this is not really a stretch ceiling. Quicker, it is something between a tension and a suspended structure... The material is obtained by bonding thin glass filaments with resins.
pros:
- decent moisture resistance of fiberglass;
- resistance to fire and temperature extremes;
- high strength;
- the ability to repaint the ceiling, thereby changing the interior of the room.
Minuses:
- the ceiling needs painting;
- short warranty for such a ceiling (5 years versus the standard 10 years for fabric and PVC ceilings).
Fiberglass stretch ceiling is still very rare. Not every company engaged in the installation of stretch ceiling systems will be able to offer such a service.
No. 3. Stretch ceiling texture
By texture, stretch ceilings are divided into:
- glossy;
- matte;
- satin.
Matt surface can be called a classic option. Such a ceiling will not be conspicuous and will not distract attention, it will successfully fit into any. Reflections are not visible in the matte surface, but outwardly such a ceiling can be mistaken for perfectly painted or smooth. Fabric and film ceiling can be matt. 
Glossy ceiling like a mirror surface perfectly reflects everything, therefore it is able to visually. However, you should be careful with the ability to reflect: firstly, not all family members may like it, and secondly, it is not appropriate in every room, and thirdly, with a glossy ceiling, it is more important than ever that multiple glare does not occur. Usually, only a part of the ceiling is covered with glossy film. The shiny lacquered surface will be appropriate in such interior styles as hi-tech, minimalism and modern. 
Satin ceiling- this is something between a glossy and matte surface. It gives unobtrusive and very blurred reflections, creating a cozy atmosphere in the room. Such a ceiling is appropriate in any interior. 
No. 4. Stretch ceiling color and design
Stretch structures provide perhaps the largest scope for the flight of design ideas among all ceiling finishing materials. How to choose a stretch ceiling with a huge variety of different options? First of all, it is necessary to be guided by the chosen style of the interior. It is also important to decide whether the ceiling should become the highlight of the room or just be neat and not attract too much attention.
By design, a stretch ceiling can be:
- monophonic. The canvas can be painted in almost any shade, from pure white to deep black. The choice depends on your own preferences, design features and the nature of the room. In and it is better to use pastel shades, and in the kitchen and in the hall, ceilings of bright colors will look great;
- photo printing today it is possible on the surface of any texture; any drawing, ornament and even a photo can be applied to the canvas;
- stretch ceiling "Starry sky" looks great in the dark. The effect is achieved through numerous small light sources. The most popular option is to use fiber optic;
- illuminated ceiling also looks very impressive, giving the impression that the sun is shining directly above the ceiling. In this case, a translucent canvas is used, over which the backlight is mounted;
- tiered ceiling involves combining canvases with different textures or colors, and their location at different heights;
- 3
D stretch ceiling can be considered a special case of a multi-level ceiling. Arches, arcs, waves, flowers and other three-dimensional objects are formed from the canvas.
Separately, it is worth noting the wealth of options lighting when using a stretch ceiling... In addition to the already mentioned "starry sky" and the usual chandelier, you can decorate the ceiling with spotlights located along the contour of the canvas or in the canvas itself. Another interesting option is achieved by installing the ceiling frame at a short distance from the walls, and the gap is used to install the LED strip. As a result, it turns out floating ceiling effect.
No. 5. Stretch ceiling and room type
The choice of material, texture and some other characteristics of stretch ceilings depends on the characteristics of the room:
No. 6. Stretch ceiling fixing system
Stretch ceilings should be installed only by professionals - you cannot do it with your own efforts. It is not necessary for the customer to know all the nuances of the technology, but it is better to study the key points in order to control the work of specialists.
The most important point is the type of fastening system used; aesthetics, maintainability and the price of the structure depend on it. The main options include:
Fabric ceilings are still sometimes installed using the Clipso system. In this case, the profile has spacer cams, which are clamped by the force of the stretched fabric. Installation of such a system is more expensive, but it allows you to maximize the height of the room - only 8 mm between the canvas and the main ceiling
No. 7. Stretch ceiling manufacturers
It's no secret that the quality of the product and the fame of the manufacturer are in direct proportion, and stretch ceilings in this case are no exception. To get a durable finish, it is better to buy material from reputable companies, even if it costs a little more.
While the palm is held by European companies (which is not surprising), especially popular ceilings made in France... These are high quality expensive materials. To save money, you can consider buying Chinese and domestic materials, but here you have to be more careful, picky and attentive.
The most stretch ceilings include:
On the market there are several brands that are positioned as European, but in fact, the production is carried out in China. Such manufacturers do not have official websites and quality certificates, and if you dig, then their owners are our compatriots. The factories are indeed registered in Europe, only now they are located in residential areas. Yes, these are ordinary houses. Here is such a simple scheme of playing on our confidence that a ceiling with a European name is already 100% quality. A striking example is the manufacturer Cerutti (aka CeruttiST), which positioned itself as Italian and then Swiss. This also applies to Polyplast ceilings, which are passed off as Belgian. In general, before choosing a stretch ceiling and buying it, find out more about the manufacturer.
No. 8. What else to look for when choosing stretch ceilings?
The accumulated user experience and expert advice allow us to give a few more recommendations as to which stretch ceiling is better to choose:
Do not get carried away with too complex design solutions, as an intricate ceiling can quickly get bored. A universal option is a ceiling with a matte surface and a neutral color.
Are there any universal advice on how to choose a stretch ceiling and when are they relevant? Much depends on the capabilities of the buyer, the design and purpose of the premises, the requirements for the duration of the operational period. Let's consider the main criteria for choosing paintings and analyze the reviews of members of the forum who have tested the products in real life.
Canvas material - step one
There are two options for the material for the manufacture of ceilings - PVC film and fabric base. The first option is more affordable. Buyers also speak about this, considering the cost to be the main advantage of polyvinyl chloride cloths. Film, as many call them, are less environmentally friendly and safe than fabric ones, they serve somewhat less, but they look no less stylish, fashionable and elegant and, most importantly, are waterproof.
With all its availability, these are the best stretch ceilings in the event of an emergency - a flood. Products can withstand hundreds of liters of water without risking room contents and with the possibility of complete recovery within a few hours after draining and drying. Such a canvas does not collect dust, is easy to clean, and allows you to do minor repairs with your own hands in the event of cuts or punctures.
The disadvantage of ceilings is an unpleasant smell. The cheaper the canvas, the stronger, more often and longer it is felt. Members of the forum repeatedly mention in reviews and discussions that the choice of material in favor of Chinese will not justify expectations in 8 cases out of 10. Products will not be able to contact even with a minimum number of lamps, they will fill the room with an unpleasant odor with the onset of the spring-summer period.
Fabrics will emphasize the status, will delight you with practicality and safety for health. Such ceilings are several times more expensive, but unlike artificial film, they are able to "breathe", have no smell, and are durable.
The width of the products is slightly larger than that of film ceilings. But, again, thinking about which material is better to choose, you need to understand that European manufacturers produce canvases with a width of no more than 3.25 m, while Chinese ones offer a width of up to 5 meters. Already by this factor, you can easily distinguish the original from a fake.
Fabrics are impregnated with polymer, as a result of which they become antistatic and more resistant to mechanical damage. In the event of a puncture or cut, the ceilings can be repaired quite simply with a patch or nylon threads to match. Caring for them is easy using a regular vacuum cleaner and occasionally wet cleaning without detergents.
Texture matters too
Regarding the factors, which stretch ceilings are better, the opinions of consumers were divided. As it turned out, it all depends on the purpose of the room and, oddly enough, the initial state of the ceiling. There are such options for the texture of paintings:
- glossy;
- semi-gloss;
- matte;
- under the skin;
- perforated;
- velvet.
The most popular are glossy and matte. Forum users are inclined to believe that glossy ones are more elegant, in addition, they are able to visually expand the space and are just ideal for small rooms such as a kitchen or hallway. But in the nursery, such ceilings do not always look harmonious, although with the right choice of colors, they can quite successfully complement the interior.
Semi-gloss canvases are not used very often. You can also see the reflection of objects in them, they fit well into modern interior designs, they are especially well combined with metal elements such as handles on furniture and chrome pipes.
Matte canvases are very much appreciated for the ability to mask an uneven ceiling, hiding all the flaws. Light tones of matte canvas are perfect for decorating a children's room, bedroom, public premises.
Perforated, leather-like and velvet fabrics are used extremely rarely and rather for creating exclusive designs. Their cost is higher than the cost of ordinary even high-quality fabric ceilings, care has its own characteristics.
By clearly understanding which ceiling to choose and what to pay attention to in the first place, it will be possible to avoid mistakes using someone else's experience. Here are some tips from members of the forum:
- It is worth taking a closer look at European-made products, at least Russian, since their quality is higher than that of Chinese-made products.
- Wanting to get access to a wider palette of colors, you should choose among PVC canvases. Fabrics are more restrained in this regard.
- When choosing products from a domestic manufacturer, you need to understand that we are talking about a warranty period three times less than in the case of Europeans (5 and 15 years).
- If the choice falls on a white canvas, then it should be a "warm" white color, and not with a cold blue tint. Quality products are just like that.
- A really good ceiling with tactile contact does not rustle and resembles fabric.
- Good quality glossy ceilings are highly reflective and mirror-like.
- The smell from high-quality linen disappears in a few days, while cheap ceilings smell for a few more weeks.
- The "correct" canvas is completed with the same "correct" baguette.
As for the manufacturers of canvases, the forums advise the following: if you need a budget version of white linen, SAROS DESIGN products are suitable.
It is better to order high-quality European products from German and French companies. The French are in the lead - ZAK DU PLATEAU, followed by the Germans - LAGFOLIE.
It is also worth paying attention to manufacturers with a long-term reputation - the French companies Barrisol and Alkor Draka, the German RENOLIT.
The Chinese manufacturer Gline also has a tolerable quality, which does not try to disguise itself as European competitors and produces products under its own brand, being responsible for quality.
What do you need to know about the accompanying documentation?
To choose the right stretch ceiling, you need to know about the advantages and disadvantages of foundations and textures, navigate the products of European and domestic manufacturers. Products should be ordered at trusted points of sale, where it is possible to familiarize yourself with the documentation confirming the quality of the products. Suppliers who are confident in products will not hide quality certificates from buyers. Usually these are certificates:
- on compliance with the SES standards;
- about the absence of phenol-containing components hazardous to health;
- the absence of harmful volatile compounds;
- on compliance with fire safety standards, etc.
In addition, the manufacturer or supplier who assumes responsibility for the installation of canvases must provide a license confirming the possibility of carrying out this kind of work.
Mounting systems - how to choose?
If everything is more than clear with how to choose high-quality stretch ceilings, then the question of choosing a system of fastenings (no less important) is still open. There are three options for fastening:
- harpoon;
- wedge;
- harpoonless
The first option - harpoon will require accurate measurements. Installation work is quite laborious, lengthy and expensive. This system also has advantages - if necessary, the ceiling can be reinstalled.
A harpoonless mounting option, it is also a glazing bead, the most affordable and often used. It allows you to use plastic and foam baseboards, takes little time, allows you to dismantle damaged sections of the canvas without a complete replacement and, which is important, can be used in round rooms.
The wedge system excludes the possibility of using multi-level ceilings, but it allows the canvases to be fastened as high as possible without gaps, while maintaining the area of the room.
Which mounting option should you choose?
The most correct solution is harpoon. It is practical and durable. On the other hand, the chosen mounting method is not always relevant for a particular room.
Therefore, you can always consult the specialists of the stretch ceiling installation company.
Likewise, the consultant will help you decide on the choice of paintings with an analysis of the purpose of the room, the buyer's personal preferences, and design features. How much should consultants be trusted? Everyone decides for himself, having previously studied the history of the company and documentation.
A quality stretch ceiling looks aesthetically pleasing and luxurious. It is endowed with many advantages, including durability, practicality and color fastness. However, not all canvases have merits, but only the highest quality ones. How to choose the right quality stretch ceiling is a very relevant question, since it confronts every buyer who wants to install a reliable structure.
Properties and features of stretch ceilings
Let's figure out what stretch ceilings are and what they are characterized by. The structure is a canvas stretched over a pre-installed frame. The material for the manufacture is fabric or polyvinyl chloride (vinyl film), depending on which the fabric type of the ceiling and PVC are distinguished.
When finished, the ceiling is characterized by a perfectly flat, neat surface. At the same time, the manufacturer can offer both a standard design option (one-level system) and an unusual one (several levels).
The shape is different - arched, cone-shaped, dome-shaped, wavy, etc. The texture and color are also the most unexpected.
Stretch ceilings have many advantages:
- Durability. The guaranteed operational life is not less than 10 years.
- Ease and speed of installation. A trained team of two can complete the installation in a matter of hours. The peculiarity of PVC ceiling installation is the need for heating. The fabric does not require heating.
- The ability to change the image of the room in a matter of hours. The main criterion for choosing is that all components of the interior must be in harmony.
- Under the canvas, you can hide electrical wiring and other communications.
However, such a variety gives rise to the problem of choice: material, color, texture, manufacturer of stretch fabric ...
We have done a tremendous job and systematized in one article 5 main factors that need to be considered before buying a canvas.
And, first of all, which stretch ceiling to choose, you need to decide on the basis of whether a particular material is pleasant to you, and whether its characteristics are suitable for the room.
Here are our conclusions.
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1. How to choose the material of stretch ceilings, depending on the characteristics of the room?
The most popular materials for the manufacture of stretch ceilings are polyvinyl chloride(PVC) canvas and polymer fabric.
Which material is better to choose depends on:
(a) Indoor climate:
| PVC film | Textile | |
| Low temperature | At temperatures below 5 ° C, it loses its elasticity, may warp or crack | Not afraid of low temperatures |
| Heat | Even with a single heating to 70 ° C and above, it deforms, becomes soft, stretches | Not afraid of high temperatures |
| High illumination | Does not fade for 10 years or longer. The color of the coating under normal conditions lasts up to 30 years | Does not fade for 10 years or longer |
| Humidity | Not afraid of water, therefore it is suitable for baths, kitchens | When damp, the appearance deteriorates, the canvas may stretch |
| Draft | On large canvases in a draft or when opening / closing a door, waves can occur | Waves rarely form on large canvases. |
Note: high-quality film and fabric ceiling sheets do not support combustion. They lose their shape, melt, but after the termination of contact with the flame they quickly fade out. They acquire this property after impregnation with fire retardants. Cheap materials burn well and are therefore dangerous.
The anti-fire properties of the web are confirmed fire certificates... If there is no such certificate, it is better to choose a more expensive canvas.
(b) Room widths
Depending on what kind of stretch ceilings are in terms of width and material quality, they are divided into economy and premium classes.
Standard width of PVC ceiling films:
- Russian production- 1.4 m. These are glossy, matte, colored canvases of the economy segment, which are produced under the C-light and Eline brands at the Kazan and Ivanovo artificial leather factories.
- Made in China- up to 6 m. There are about a dozen factories of Asian firms in China. In addition, the production facilities of some Belgian and Italian brands are located here, so there is no need to be afraid to buy Chinese canvases. PVC film up to 3.5 m wide belongs to the economy segment, from 3.5 to 6 m - to the premium class.
- French production- up to 1.5 m if the film is glossy, and up to 2 m if it is matte. These are the brands Alcor Draka, Extenzo and CTN. All films released by the French most often belong to the premium class (it costs 2 - 2.5 times more than the economy segment). On the back of the French-made PVC film, holograms from the manufacturer or the serial numbers of the canvases are placed.
- German production- up to 2.7 m. Cloths of this width are produced by Pongs Textil GmbH. You can distinguish the film produced at its factories by the embossed brand name and the presence of a repair kit decorated with the factory's stamp. Renolit produces a narrower film - up to 2 m wide.
- Belgian production- from 3.6 to 5.6 m. This is the Polyplast brand, which offers glossy, matte and satin films in more than 120 shades.
Please note: all original film and fabric canvases are supplied with quality and fire safety certificates. If there are no such certificates, then you are being offered a fake.
Standard width of fabric rolls for ceiling:
- French production- 2.1 - 5.1 m. The Clipso brand is matte stretch ceilings made of knitted fabric, the maximum weight of which is 240 g / sq. m.
- German production- up to 5.1 m. This is the Deskor brand, most of which belong to the economy segment.
- Swiss made- up to 5 m. The premium brand Cerutti produces polyester fabrics coated on both sides with a polymer compound that protects them from leaks and damage. On top of the polymer coating, a waterproof varnish is applied on the seamy side, and a finishing varnish on the front side, which protects against dirt, dust, splashes. As a result, the tension structure looks almost like a plasterboard suspended ceiling.
(c) Design solutions
In this case, which stretch ceiling is better - fabric or PVC, depends on the project developed by the designer.
PVC film is used:
- in multilevel structures;
- to create complex patterns and shapes;
- on ceilings that will have to be pulled over time (for example, the owners of the premises often like to refresh the interior);
- when installing ceiling structures of the "starry sky" type, when the ceiling covering is pierced by dozens of LEDs with a thickness of about 0.5 mm;
- in designs with glossy or mirrored elements.
The fabric is used:
- when creating classic interiors;
- in rooms with constantly open windows (due to drafts, the film will "play");
- in spacious rooms when you need to avoid seams in the ceiling;
- if the ceiling is mounted in a room from which furniture and other interior items cannot be removed. PVC film heats up during installation, so there is a risk of damage to the polish of furniture or glass;
- in rooms where the temperature periodically drops below 5 - 10 ° C.
(d) Features of the operation of the premises
| PVC film | Textile | |
| Removal of contamination | Easy to clean with a soft cotton, fleece, microfiber cloth. Under normal conditions (except in the kitchen), it can be wiped once every 3 years with water or a mild detergent solution. It is prohibited to use acetone | Not washable, dirt is difficult to remove. You can use a mild detergent solution or alcohol. Acetone cannot be used |
| Puncture resistant | Afraid of punctures (with a fishing rod, bullets from children's pistols) and cuts (with a construction knife when cutting wallpaper) | Resistant to punctures and minor cuts |
| Impact resistance | Resistant to blows with blunt objects (reviews on the forums indicate that corks from New Year's champagne do not leave any traces on them) | Resistant to blunt force |
| Filling with water | Not afraid of flooding. Withstands 100 liters (10 buckets) of water per 1 sq. m of the ceiling, without letting water into the room. After removing water, it restores its shape | Retains water up to 72 hours. After drying, there are stains from substances dissolved in water (rust, plaster), so the fabric needs to be repainted or changed |
| The appearance of reflections, glare | Glossy or mirrored PVC surfaces reflect glare from working TVs, monitors | Matte fabric surfaces do not glare |
In one experiment, a 10.5 sq. m withstood more than 500 liters (50 buckets) of water.
When the canvas held about 120 liters (12 buckets) of water, several holes appeared, from which droplets began to ooze.
However, the canvas did not burst, but continued to sag under the constantly increasing weight. Stretched like a drum, the film was torn only by contact with an uneven floor surface.
Note: if you are flooded to drain the water, the canvas must not be pierced. It is necessary to shut off the flow of water, and then adjust everything that has accumulated to the nearest hole for the lamp. To do this, it is best to call the masters so that after draining the water, they dry the space between the film and the ceiling with a construction hairdryer.
Summary: Which manufacturer is better, for example, Belgium or Germany, can be decided only taking into account a specific project, width, texture and other properties of the canvas.
- PVC films protect the premises from flooding from above, are easy to clean, are not afraid of blows with blunt objects, allow multiple installation, are used to create multi-level structures and complex geometric shapes.
- Cloth canvases they are not afraid of temperature changes, drafts, they do not glare, they look expensive (sometimes - like drywall), they provide seamless installation even in spacious rooms. Both types of high-quality ceiling coverings retain their properties for 10 years or longer, are fireproof and aesthetic.
Now let's take a look at real reviews of PVC and fabric stretch ceilings.
Let's start with film ceilings... Here's one of the reviews:
And here is what the master, who is engaged in the installation only, says fabric stretch fabrics:
2. We evaluate the seams and texture
Polyvinyl chloride film - hundreds of colors, mirror, metal, glossy, matte, satin textures, bright images and the ability to create unusual lighting solutions. PVC canvases are solid and welded.
They are welded when:
- the width of one strip of the film is not enough to cover the required area;
- a design involves a combination of two or more colors.
Welded PVC canvases are as strong as seamless... To connect 2 films of different colors, they are superimposed on each other and placed under an electrode, which presses on them with a force of 600 kg. A current is passed through the films compressed with such a force. Under such conditions, the films are soldered at the molecular level, and subsequently the seam is the most durable place of the PVC ceiling.
Welds are visible on mono-colored surfaces if you look at them from a certain angle. If you make a stretch ceiling multi-colored, no one will pay attention to the seams, because they will turn into a decorative element.
Ceiling fabric consists of polyurethane-impregnated polyester yarns... Simply put, it is a synthetic fabric with rubber impregnation. It looks like a regular fabric - it feels soft and pleasant to the touch. You can order a canvas with a ready-made drawing or decorate it with a photo print of personally selected pictures.
Fabric ceilings - usually seamless... The seams on such surfaces are clearly visible, so they must be passed off as design elements: make them symmetrical, hide with lamps or place them in the middle.
Note: PVC and printed fabric ceiling can be used to decorate walls and openings. It is mounted using the same technology as the ceiling.
Summary: PVC canvases provide a much greater variety of colors and textures, and fabric can avoid seams. A good seam does not weaken the structure; on the contrary, it is the strongest in this area.
3. How to choose the material of stretch ceilings for different rooms?
To determine which stretch ceiling is best to choose for the kitchen, living room, bedroom and other premises, you need to remember what happens in this room most often and how this can affect the condition of the ceiling.
| Peculiarities | PVC ceiling | Fabric ceiling | |
| Kitchen | Cooking and other kitchen work: oil splashes, excessive dirt, moisture from the sink | PVC film can be cleaned of dust, grease, it is not afraid of moisture, so any type of canvas and method of installation will do. | Contamination is difficult to wash off, prolonged exposure to moisture is undesirable, so a fabric ceiling is not suitable for a kitchen |
| Dividing the cooking and eating areas | Multilevel design with different types of lighting: bright above the working area, subdued above the dining area | ||
| Bedroom | Calm, relaxing interior | Plain or matte or glossy fabric decorated with photo printing, preferably seamless, mirror canvases can be used | Satin or silk fabric, plain or photoprinted, with imitation of materials suitable for the style |
| Children | Special "childish" atmosphere, increased likelihood of puncture or rupture | Decorated with photo printing, a canvas consisting of several parts. This solution is optimal in terms of replacement - if one part of the canvas is punched, only it can be replaced, and not the entire ceiling | Canvas decorated with photo printing. If it gets damaged, the entire ceiling will have to be replaced. |
| Living room | Possibility of TV glare | Any canvas that suits the design. If the appearance of glare is undesirable, glossy canvases are excluded | |
| Corridor | Small space, punctures with fishing rods and other objects are possible | Any canvas that suits the design | Any canvas that suits the design |
| Bathroom, WC | Small area, high humidity | The ceiling in the bathroom allows any experimentation with textures and colors. | Not afraid of moisture |
Since most often stretch ceilings are mounted last, when the repair is almost complete, you need to check how the pattern and texture of the canvas is combined with wallpaper or paint on the walls.
You can finally decide which stretch ceiling is better: matte, glossy or satin, only by looking at samples of materials "live". Even the best photo can incorrectly convey the shade or texture of the canvas.
Expert advice: a punctured or cut stretch ceiling can be salvaged. The most important thing is to seal the hole with tape as soon as possible so that the film or fabric does not disperse. If the hole is small (with a diameter or length of up to about 5 cm), the master will be able to cover it with a lamp or decorative element. If the hole is large, the canvas will have to be dragged.
Summary: PVC films are suitable for any premises, even with such difficult microclimatic conditions as a kitchen and a bathroom. It is better to stretch fabric ceilings in spacious rooms with a "calm" atmosphere in the living room and bedroom. For the bedroom, it is better to choose a seamless canvas.
4. How does the fastening system affect the price and durability of stretch ceilings?
PVC and fabric stretch ceilings are attached in different ways:
| Fastening method | What ceilings is used for | Advantages | Flaws |
| Harpoon | Pvc | Low price; Simple assembly / disassembly; Can be re-mounted |
It will not work to mount the whole insert on curved walls; You need to carefully select the color of the insert |
| Gapless | Pvc | There is no gap between the ceiling and the wall; No insert needed; You can dock the ceiling sheet with plasterboard or tiles |
High price |
| Klinovoy | PVC, fabric | Budget cost |
After a while, the canvas may sag. |
| Clip | Textile | The tension of the web can be adjusted; Can be reused; Easy assembly / disassembly |
High price |
Note: when installing the ceiling, choose energy-saving lamps that do not heat up.
The maximum power of bulbs for PVC ceilings is 35 watts.
More powerful ceiling lights will melt the film. It is also better not to overheat the fabric. The light should be directed downward or sideways, and the light bulb itself should be no closer than 10 cm to the ceiling surface.
Summary: saving on fastening materials at the stage of installing a stretch ceiling in the future increases the cost of the structure. More expensive fasteners are easier to install and hold the web better. When replacing the blade, it can be reused.
Choose the best stretch ceilings and share your impressions in the comments!
A large selection of materials and the use of new modern technologies in construction puts the buyer in front of a difficult choice - how to choose a stretch ceiling correctly and not make a mistake when purchasing one or another version of a modern ceiling structure.
Requirements for materials
Ask if the seller has all the necessary international quality certificates for products and whether they comply with environmental safety standards. Ceilings made in China are much cheaper, but the quality of this building material raises reasonable concerns.
Advice. The cost of the product also speaks volumes about the quality of the product. Safe and guaranteed strong tension shelves cannot cost less than 450 - 500 rubles per square meter. If you are offered a ceiling structure at a price of 250 rubles, then you should think about its quality.
Features of the room
Depending on the room in which the stretch ceiling structure is planned to be installed, the choice of material from which it is made will also depend.
Stretch ceilings are available in two types:
- PVC film ceilings- recommended for installation in large premises such as bars, offices, restaurants, large retail spaces. This material is non-flammable, easy to clean and fairly easy to install.
- Seamless polyester ceilings are mainly intended for residential installations. This ceiling covering is made of white polyester fabric impregnated with polyurethane. It is also worth considering that this material is environmentally friendly, easy to clean and does not collect dust. It is produced in rolls with a width of five meters. When installing polyester ceilings, no thermal heating of the canvas is required, which greatly facilitates their installation and reduces the cost of installation work.
Features of the ceiling structure
Since the stretch ceiling structure consists of a frame and a canvas, you should pay attention to the quality and reliability of these two components. In order to know how to choose the right stretch ceiling, you should familiarize yourself with the technical specifications (TU) of the installation and ask the seller for ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certificates issued by the International Organization for Standardization for building and finishing materials.
Some important nuances
If the company offers to weld the sheet directly on site, then this entails problems, namely:
- There will be construction waste in the room after installation work;
- The quality and reliability of the weld is much lower than in the factory.
So first ask for the warranties of the manufacturer and the company that installs the ceiling structure... One hundred percent quality of the ceiling can be obtained only when manufactured in the factory. Although this process takes a little time, the customer receives a guaranteed calculated design in the original packaging.
The quality and strength of the stretch ceiling frame guides are also of great importance. Therefore, in order to make the right choice, it is better to contact firms with a solid reputation that have been working in the construction market for more than one year.
Before choosing anything, ask the installation company how the structure will be attached.
Mounting options
- Harpoon installation system- in this case, the ceiling will be easily replaced if damaged.
- Wedge mount- it cannot be reinstalled and, if damaged, all structures must be completely replaced.
Design and decor options for stretch ceilings
A huge selection of options for stretch ceilings of various colors and textures allows you to transform almost any room, giving it a unique style and personality. The canvas for the ceiling can be made in both matte and glossy versions, or decorated with a mirror film.
Also presented to the attention of buyers stretch ceilings with satin surface completely imitating natural plaster, which looks very natural and harmonious.
Depending on the general style of interior decoration of the room, the ceiling covering is also selected. It is worth considering that light colors and gloss make the room visually larger and lighter, and the matte surface is better suited for the interior design of a bedroom or a children's room.
Advice. To know how to choose stretch ceilings, it is important to take into account the fact that glossy and semi-glossy, metallic colors, the ceiling film looks elegant only in well-lit rooms. If there is not enough light in the room, then such a ceiling will make it even more gloomy and gloomy.
The application of patterns and drawings to the ceiling structure film looks very impressive, but it is advisable to apply the drawings on matte surfaces so that there is no feeling of an imbalance of light and shadow on the ceiling.
Tensioners look spectacular and impressive ceilings on two levels, equipped with side raster illumination and a combined version of the texture and color of the film.
It is also important to immediately decide on the options for lighting the ceiling structure.
Any lighting fixtures - chandeliers, sconces, built-in lamps and side lights - look great with a ceiling in matte decor.
In conclusion, we can say that knowing how to choose a stretch ceiling correctly, you can make your home individual, cozy and stylish (see).