Suspended Ceilings for Living Room with Photos

Simple and complex elements, variety of forms, color palette, materials of manufacture, cost selection - all this has made such construction systems very popular in the renovation market.

A bit more about the material itself

A suspended ceiling is a construction made of a special fabric stretched over a special frame. Before work begins, the film is heated to a plastic state, then fed into the frame. The film cools down, stretches and acquires that necessary smooth surface. The main elements of constructing the system are:

1. Polyvinyl chloride fabric. The material can take various forms, colors and textures;
   
2. Tracks. A special material used for mounting, installed in the form of strips that hold the fabric;
   
3. End caps and inserts. They are used to connect tracks together;
   
4. Lighting. In most cases, lamps need to be installed
   

Designer: Victoria Smirnova

Advantages and Disadvantages

A suspended ceiling, like any other material, has its pros and cons. Let's highlight the positive aspects:

1. The ceiling has a completely flat surface, which has an aesthetically pleasing appearance;
   
2. During renovation work, there is minimal dust and dirt, unlike other materials;
   
3. The installation process is accelerated. Specialists usually complete the job in one day;
   
4. Only harmless materials are used to make the fabric. Therefore, suspended ceilings can be confidently installed in living spaces;
   
5. The material does not absorb moisture and does not mold;
   
6. Conducting wires and lighting fixtures can be installed between the ceiling and the fabric. Everything unnecessary is hidden from view;
   
7. The ceilings hide cracks and defects in load-bearing panels;
   
8. If a repair is needed, the material can be easily removed and then restored;
   
9. The material is not affected by external factors: house settling and other changes.
   
   

Now about the drawbacks;

1. Temperature above 65 degrees Celsius is destructive. The material becomes soft and starts to sag;
   
2. Too many lighting elements are unacceptable. The fabric loses its qualities;
   
3. PVC fabric is easily subject to mechanical damage, which is a rather fragile material. Care should be taken in its maintenance.
   

Design: Natalia Tarakhanova

Matte Suspended Ceilings

Matte ceilings look great and install quickly. They have no mirror effect, but a perfectly flat surface that is visually captivating. Cracks are not a concern for them. Such ceilings pair excellently with any wallpaper pattern or monochrome decorative plaster. It should be noted that the cost of such a ceiling is significantly lower than its gypsum board equivalent. A huge variety of colors will emphasize the style and perfection of the room. Any visible defects will be well hidden. Professionals recommend seeking help and installation from highly qualified specialists. If you have knowledge and experience, you can manage on your own. It's all up to you. PVC film is moisture-resistant and fireproof. Mold and mildew are unknown to it, unlike gypsum board. There are several care tips that are identical for all types:

1. Every week or two, it is recommended to wipe the surface with a damp soft cloth;
   
2. To prevent streaks and marks on the ceiling, it is advisable to purchase special cleaning products;
   
3. Do not use harsh chemicals for care. This may cause deformation;
   
4. Even without special products, you can use simple soapy water;
   
5. To reach the ceiling safely, a ladder should be used.
   

Glossy Ceilings

The basis of glossy coating is a welded vinyl film. The surface is characterized by perfect smoothness, resilience to temperature and humidity fluctuations, and long-lasting durability. Glossy ceilings are usually made from PVC film. There is also a satin variant of manufacturing. This is a micro-serrated fabric that visually resembles gloss but technically has properties similar to matte coating. Many homeowners choose glossy coating for some reasons:

1. Glossy coating offers a more diverse range of color choices. Patterns and designs can be displayed on the surface;
   
2. Quick installation that doesn't cause trouble;
   
3. It can withstand up to 100 ml of water. Excellent protection from flooding;
   
4. Reflective effect – undeniable. The room becomes brighter;
   
5. Minimal time spent on cleaning. Once every six months, it is sufficient to wipe it with a dry cloth.
   

Types of Ceilings

• Single-Level
  

A single-level ceiling is a coating applied in one layer. This option is the simplest for installation. It does not require any preliminary space preparation. Single-level ceilings have many advantages. They fit perfectly into classical hall style, emphasizing elegance and simplicity. Moderation, traditional forms, light shades - this is the ideal solution for a style. To avoid making the ceiling boring and the interior monotonous, one can apply a pattern or design. Single-level ceiling fabrics allow air to pass through.

• Double-Level
  

In this case, the use of gypsum board allows creating an additional structure that forms a pattern on the ceiling. The basis of the construction is made from PVC film or fabric material. A significant advantage of such a coating is that it allows for virtually any idea to be implemented in reality.

Materials for Suspended Ceilings

The material is divided by composition into:

1. Fabric made from knitted material - impregnated with polyurethane. Ready rolls, 5 meters wide, are used by cutting the fabric to room specifications. A seamless ceiling coating delights with its perfectly flat surface. The fabric's resistance to cold and moderate temperatures makes its use possible in poorly heated rooms;
   
2. Polyvinyl chloride film, manufactured to individual room dimensions. The film has a variety of colors and textures. Glossy, matte, satin films - the most in demand on the market. The material is very fragile and does not withstand extreme temperature fluctuations.
   

Surface Texture

The following types of texture are distinguished:

1. Matte. No reflections, flat surface that does not draw attention;
   
2. Satin. Similar to the previous one, but has a finer structure;
   
3. Glossy. Reflects the entire interior and visually expands the room;
   
4. Suede. No mirror effect, mostly produced in dark palette.
   

Color Palette

Choosing a color is a responsible decision for homeowners. Decorators recommend following simple rules that make the room cozy and respectable. It should be remembered that when choosing a matte texture, attention should be paid to light shades. They visually expand the space. Dark ceiling colors pair well with light walls. The room will look more volumetric if a two-level ceiling of light shade is created. Dark colors reduce small rooms. Mirror film fits well in large spaces, glossy - in medium or small rooms.

Mounting Options

There are several main mounting methods:

1. Hook Type. The surface is joined using hooks;
   
2. Staple Type. Using an aluminum base and a staple inserted into it;
   
3. Wedge Type. The fabric is clamped using wedges.
   

Design

Photo printing on ceiling structures is a popular trend. High-resolution printing allows for many ideas to be implemented: landscapes, paintings by famous artists, sky, flowers, fairy tale heroes - all of these should harmonize with the other details of the interior

Lighting

Lighting plays an important role. It should be planned in advance what type and style of light fixtures and chandeliers to choose. Usually, a beautiful chandelier is hung in the center, and perimeter lighting is installed in the ceiling.

Design Options in an 18 Square Meter Hall

In a standard 18 sq. m hall, specialists recommend making a small recess from the main level, and mounting perimeter lighting in a box. This approach effectly highlights the central part of the hall, visually expanding the space. In other variants, designers suggest also highlighting the center of the hall with construction and perimeter lighting.

Suspended ceiling constructions in a house can cover many defects, irregularities, and incorrect room shapes. They add solemnity and undeniable uniqueness to the entire interior.

Design: Elena Markina

Design Options for Living Room with Suspended Ceilings

The cover illustration is: "Stanislav Orkhov Studio".