Design of Suspended Ceilings for Kitchen with Photos

And it is completely unfair to forget about suspended ceilings. After all, these are modern systems that meet all the demanding requirements that the kitchen places on finishing materials. What are the features of PVC fabric?

Pros and Cons of Suspended Ceilings in the Kitchen

Supporters of the described construction have both fans and fierce opponents. The main obstacle is the complex operating conditions of the fabric: kitchens can be hot and humid. However, manufacturers assure that there are many more merits to a suspended ceiling, and some of the "accusations" have no basis. The pros include:

• the PVC fabric is safe in an ecological sense;
  
• PVC is a rather practical artificial material, distinguished by high resistance to the formation of grease, dirt, soot, and high humidity;
  
• when using seamless constructions, cleaning the surface is not a problem due to its smooth structure;
  
• the fabric can mask utilities: electrical wiring, pipes, ventilation ducts;
  
• installation is easy and fast, provided that special equipment and specialists are used;
  
• some methods of fixing the fabric allow removing it for any work and then reinstalling it in place;
  
• the material undergoes special treatments during production to prevent the growth of mold and mildew during operation;
  
• when poured from above, PVC can withstand significant loads, thus preventing moisture from reaching the floor and furniture;
  
• manufacturers offer a wide range of fabrics differing in color and texture.
  

What can be noted from the negative aspects? If the surface is glossy, then dirt stains will be visible – they need to be removed immediately. Another disadvantage is the "fear" of sharp objects: in case of tearing, the suspended ceiling will have to be replaced entirely. Therefore, it should be washed carefully. There is also another feature: at negative temperatures, the PVC fabric deforms. But such a drawback is unlikely to be relevant for modern urban kitchens.

Textured Solutions for Suspended Ceilings in the Kitchen

There are several options for fabric, each of which deserves attention. The most popular have been glossy ceilings. These constructions reflecting approximately 85% of the light falling on them look stylish and at the same time improve the lighting in the room, making it appear more spacious visually.

The second option is a matte surface. There are no reflections, and light is reflected poorly, but when changing the type of lighting (daylight or artificial), the shades on the film do not change. Matte ceilings suit well for placing images or photos on them.

Another type is satin fabric. This is a material with micro-relief. Thanks to such texture, the color becomes more saturated. Satin film is ideal for kitchen decoration where windows face north and there is insufficient natural light.

Design of Suspended Kitchen Ceilings

The fabric does not have to be monochromatic. Modern technologies allow creating an original, sometimes even unique surface. How can one diversify a monotonous ceiling?

1. Photo printing. An unusual and beautiful way. As practice shows, most people prefer to print images of clouds or stars on the fabric. However, there are no limitations here: the photo can be anything – for example, a still life, simple fruits, or a landscape. It is sufficient to provide the manufacturer with a digital image with a resolution of no less than 300 dpi. Photos of suspended ceilings for the kitchen of this type can be seen on the website.
   
2. Artwork. Also an interesting and original solution. Usually, flowers, sky (including night), patterns, or copies of famous paintings are preferred.
   
3. Using mirror fabric. A great way to expand the space in a small kitchen. However, it should be remembered that there are no mirrors as such; the reflection occurs due to the perfectly glossy film. Therefore, clear visibility of images on the ceiling cannot be expected. The clearest reflection is possible in dark mirror fabrics.
   

Types of Suspended Ceiling Structures

This will focus on single- and double-level systems. The first variant is well-suited for a kitchen with low ceilings. If you use a combination of light tones, you can achieve a visual increase in room height.

Double-level system suits kitchens with high ceilings, regardless of the area. This solution allows zoning the space, thus structuring it, which is particularly relevant for large kitchens. Here, combinations of tones of the same color or textures can be used.

Color Solutions

Choosing the most suitable tone for a suspended ceiling today is not a particularly difficult problem: manufacturers offer a huge range in terms of color palette. What should one prefer?

1. Beige, milk, white. They guarantee harmony and peace. These are ideal tones for relaxation. Such shades set a friendly mood, promoting family time.
2. Orange, yellow, or red – stimulate appetite and remind about summer, warm days. But it should not be forgotten that prolonged presence in such a kitchen is undesirable. These colors negatively affect vision and brain activity. Using these tones is preferable when the entire kitchen setup and finishing materials are in light tones.
3. Green and blue. They suit very active people well. These shades calm down and immerse into a relaxed state.
4. Blue. By popularity, it ranks second after white and its shades. The blue color creates a feeling of airiness but can cause drowsiness. Therefore, if you usually spend long evenings at the kitchen table, it is better to avoid this tone.
5. Black. It is used extremely rarely. Especially this color is undesirable in small kitchens, as it visually reduces the already small space. Using this color is justified when you have to work for long periods with papers or a computer at the kitchen table. The dark tone sets a working "wave", eliminating excessive excitability.

Suspended Ceilings in Small and Large Kitchens

In the first case, it is better to avoid complex multi-level constructions that will consume space. When choosing fabric, prefer glossy or even mirror material: the reflecting surface will visually increase the area. For lighting, use recessed spotlights with LED bulbs. These devices are small in height and highly energy-efficient. Now about color. The best option is light tones. They expand the kitchen and suit any furniture, flooring, and finishing materials.

In a large room, use satin or matte fabrics: they show fewer seams. Lighting should be combined: hang a chandelier in the center, and install several spotlights above the work zone that can change the angle of illumination. There are no restrictions on color choice here.

Lighting Design

This is an important matter, without which a proper interior design cannot be achieved. It is also necessary to observe technical nuances. In particular, a lamp embedded in a suspended ceiling should not heat up more than 40 degrees Celsius, otherwise the film will start to deform. Therefore, it is recommended to use LED lights. If traditional filament lamps are used, their power should not exceed 40 W; for halogen fixtures, this parameter should not be more than 35 W. The second point is protection from moisture. This characteristic should be no less than IP12-13.

Continuing the topic of LED lamps, it is worth mentioning special colored strips. This is a good option for creating an original additional lighting. Using colored lamps allows changing the decorative appearance of the ceiling depending on the type of lighting: natural or artificial. This will diversify the design.

Using modern fixtures does not mean that you should give up classic chandeliers. There are two types:

• pendant lights: consisting of one or more plastic, glass, fabric, or even paper housings attached to a string or chain;
  
• ceiling-mounted: mounted on the framework of a suspended ceiling and fitting well into the interior of a small-height kitchen;
  
• classic: pompous and luxurious items with several shades, popular in kitchens decorated in classical or art-deco styles.
  

Photos of lighting in a kitchen with a suspended ceiling can be seen on the website.

Maintenance of Suspended Kitchen Ceilings

Despite the apparent simplicity (just wipe it clean), there are some nuances here. First of all, one should not wash the ceiling almost every week. The best frequency is once every six months or depending on the degree of dirtiness. For cleaning, use a soft damp sponge: hard brushes are not allowed. As a cleaning agent, use a soapy solution heated to 30-40 degrees Celsius with low concentration to avoid streaks on the fabric.

If instead of a soapy solution you prefer to use a cleaning product, then carefully read its label: do not use solutions containing abrasives or solvents. Specialists recommend purchasing glass cleaning products for such purposes: their composition includes alcohols that do not leave streaks, which makes maintenance easier. When doing the work, do not press hard on the fabric to avoid damaging the material. The most gentle way is to use special sprays. Then the entire maintenance will consist of spraying the surface of the film followed by wiping with a flannel cloth.

A suspended ceiling in the kitchen is reality that many have appreciated to the fullest. Such a construction installs quickly, it is not demanding in terms of maintenance, tolerates temperature fluctuations and high humidity. But the main thing is that it can create an unmistakable atmosphere of comfort and peace, making your time in the kitchen comfortable.

Examples of Kitchen Ceiling Design.