Suspended Ceilings: Pros and Cons

Want to install a suspended ceiling in your apartment but unsure about the choice? Check out the pros and cons of this option and what professionals recommend.

Advantages of Suspended Ceilings

Do not require special maintenance

Thus, they are suitable for rooms with high humidity: on the kitchen or in the bathroom.

Do not leak water

If a flood occurs above your apartment, suspended ceilings can hold the water. It is believed that they can withstand up to 100 liters of water for several days.

Available in Several Types

If discussing material, there are two options: PVC and fabric. Ceilings can also be matte, glossy, or even multicolored. Additionally, you can be sure that the surface will be perfectly smooth.

Easy to Install

No additional work is needed for ceiling installation, so they can be mounted in just a few hours. By the way, they are also easy to remove.

Design: Bon Home Design

Disadvantages of Suspended Ceilings

High Price

Spackling and painting a regular ceiling is cheaper than installing a suspended one. Of course, this applies to the cheapest and lowest quality options.

Lighting Issues

Not all light fixtures can be placed on suspended ceilings. There are specific power limitations: for incandescent bulbs — 60 watts, for halogen lamps — 35 watts. Additionally, installing recessed lights can easily deform the ceiling.

Not All Types of Suspended Ceilings Are Eco-Friendly

High-quality films do not emit chemical odors and are safe for health. However, cheap ceilings are often counterfeits, and toxic emissions can be dangerous to health.

Not Always Protect Against Leaks

Ceilings can only retain water in the center of the room, but leaks often occur at the edges of the space.

Design: Nadежda Kapper

Professional Opinions

Ruslan Prosvirin, Designer

Director of Prosvirin Design Studio

To be honest, I don't like suspended ceilings for several reasons: they tend to deform and it's nearly impossible to install recessed lights without distorting the ceiling. Moreover, there is an unattractive edge between the ceiling and walls that's hard to hide even with a cornice.

In our projects, we always use gypsum board. It's practical, reliable, and durable. This material is flat and allows hiding almost any imperfections in ceiling panels, concealing pipes and wires. But the biggest advantage of gypsum board is its flexibility.

Design: Prosvirin Design Studio

Natalia Shirokorad, Designer

Thinks that a good interior starts with a well-planned and thought-out layout

I am against suspended ceilings: they are just a piece of film stretched over the ceiling. They only protect from leaks if water seeps from the center of the ceiling. But usually, leaks happen at the edges of the room: around pipes or at wall-ceiling junctions.

Also, you won't have the opportunity to make a large and beautiful ceiling cornice because most models are mounted to walls and the ceiling.

Design: Natalia Shirokorad

Dina Balashova, Expert

Interior decorator, runs her own blog on Instagram @diana_balashova

The reputation of suspended ceilings has been tarnished since the 1990s: essentially, they are a cheap glossy film with a distinctive smell. And once you slam a door, the ceiling starts to "move"NaN