Having conceived a home renovation, it is difficult to ignore the issue of finishing the ceiling. Today, the ceiling area is a key element of the style of any room, through which you can convey the desired atmosphere. This is especially important for the living room - a place where all household members gather. It is necessary to understand the intricacies of the ceiling design, taking into account the different nuances.
Features of the
The design of the ceiling directly depends on the design features of the room, its layout, the height of the walls, and their symmetry. Often, the broken perspective of the living room is an obstacle to the implementation of the idea. This is also hampered by the insufficient footage, forcing to replace the planned design of the ceiling with a simpler composition. This is especially true for apartments with old layouts (stalinka, Khrushchev, Brezhnevka). In most cases, the area of their living room does not exceed 18 square meters. m, which puts significant restrictions on the design of the ceiling area.
Stalinkas have a ceiling height of about 3 m, which allows the construction of frame structures that reduce the height of the walls. But in Khrushchevs it is quite difficult to make a ceiling on a frame, "taking" 15 - 20 cm in height. When choosing a design for any ceiling, the height of the walls is a key factor - after finishing, it should not be less than 2.3 m.
Otherwise, the atmosphere in the hall will be heavy, even if the style is based on light colors, a large number of squares, light furniture.
When determining the symmetry of the walls, they look at the accuracy of the vertical planes: if the walls are visually curved, one shorter than the other, some types of ceiling cannot be made, otherwise a noticeable decrease in the height of the walls may occur. In this case, it is better to do with a simpler design or use a second level in a higher place of the ceiling.
The slope of the walls matters, it can visually distort the entire ceiling composition, which significantly limits the design possibilities.
Views
Today there are several types of ceiling mounting. Structures can be light or complex, have their own advantages and disadvantages, the knowledge of which will allow you to choose the right option, taking into account the available means and considerations of practicality. Some varieties are mounted directly on the base, others need a frame. All types can be roughly divided into:
- single-level;
- two-level;
- multilevel.
Each type has its own materials, features, the type of raw materials used and the service life during which the ceiling looks neat and attractive.
Sibling
This category includes ceilings that represent a single level of the ceiling zone. At the same time, for an interesting design, it can be supplemented with different lighting. This is a flat ceiling that does not have steps, which can be smooth or embossed. It can be distinguished by a classic simple finish (glue type) or frame (hinged type).
Two-tier
This variety is characterized by the presence of two different levels of the ceiling zone: the plane of each level differs in height in relation to the floor. Most often, such structures represent the design of the ceiling in the form of geometric shapes on a flat plane or abstract parts of a second-level structure.
Sometimes simple lines can be curly. These varieties are used where it is necessary to delimit the space of the hall into functional zones. In this case, a sufficient ceiling height is needed, which is at least 2.5 - 2.7 m. The plank of the second level depends on the conceived design, the size of the hall and the height of the walls.
Multilevel
This category includes ceilings with a particularly complex structure, consisting of three or more levels. This can be a composition with a transition to the walls or sections of different heights for individual functional areas. A feature different from the two-level version is the greater number of steps with different heights in relation to the floor. By the type of manufacture, such designs are different.
The most famous types of ceiling include:
- tension;
- suspended;
- rack;
- plasterboard (mirror);
- glue;
- raster (cassette);
- plastered;
- hemmed.
Each ceiling covering is carried out using a specific technique.
Whitewashing and painting
The simplest types of work are whitewashing and painting. These methods are fading into the background today. They are used if financial opportunities are limited or if the style has certain requirements. Whitewashing is carried out by means of a spray gun or a brush, adding color to the solution if desired, and when painting, water-based and water-dispersible paints are used. Both methods assume the need for perfect alignment of the base, otherwise all defects will be visible through the finishing materials.
Plaster
This type of finish is used in specific designs. Decorative plaster is applied after leveling the surface of the base and filling the cracks. At the same time, there are many ways to apply the material, which allows you to give the interior a unique character. Such techniques are used in classic-style living rooms or when you need to show elements of a rustic theme, for example, in styles provence and country.
Wallpapering
This glue method of finishing the ceiling is more difficult than whitewashing and painting. The problem is that it is extremely inconvenient to glue strips with adhesive applied to the back side to the ceiling, especially if you use wide roll varieties of material in your work.
The result is beautiful and even luxurious. For example, you can choose a material that will glow in the dark, creating the effect of glowing stars.
However, the process cannot be called easy, because in addition to thorough surface preparation, it requires constant stress, which is dangerous to health.
Ceiling tiles
One of the best budget options for lining the ceiling, which allows you to quickly complete the ceiling area. The material is wood, synthetic and metallic, which allows you to successfully fit this finish in classic, modern, ethnic and vintage design directions.
The ceiling is pasted over with tiles, combining the joints or performing pasting using a seamless technology. This process is fast and allows finishing work in just a day (excluding surface preparation).
Tension
This ceiling is made using a solid vinyl film or woven fabric, securing it with a plastic or metal profile, which is placed under the ceiling itself. In production, ultra-strong polymers with a minimum thickness (0.2 mm) are used. Measurements for each ceiling are carried out individually.
It is preferable to carry out the finishing with the help of professional craftsmen.
Cassette
Variety on a frame basis with fastening by means of plates made of aluminum or galvanized. The surface can be smooth, rough, streaked or jagged. This design is easy to install, can be easily removed to eliminate contamination, and can have a front surface painted with powder paint of different colors. Due to its resistance to fire, the ceiling allows the use of any luminaires, but the level of sound insulation is quite low.
Rack
These structures are installed in living rooms with high humidity. Such a ceiling, originally used in non-residential premises, is resistant to different temperatures and moisture. It is a canvas consisting of thin steel or aluminum plates coated with a special lacquer matte or glossy texture. The texture has a chrome, gold-plated, silver-plated surface type. Often, the decor of such a ceiling is slats, which are specially installed between the main plates.
Hemming
The ceiling is based on a wood or metal frame. It is distinguished by relatively flexible details, through which they create a curvilinear pattern of any complexity. In the decoration, sheet raw materials are used, including decorative panels.
This design allows you to decorate the ceiling area of the living room with a variety of lighting, excluding built-in appliances. At the same time, the finishing of the area is not carried out if there is a communication wiring in it. This method of finishing the ceiling cannot be carried out on surfaces with significant curvature and defects.
Suspension
This type is a structure suspended from the rough ceiling by means of a frame. The frame can be made of wood or metal. In this case, profiles (ceiling and guides) are used, which are fixed along the perimeter of the ceiling. Such a system allows you to hide all the defects of the primary ceiling.including communications. The design can be very diverse.
Plasterboard
This ceiling is included in the group of suspended structures. It is secured by means of a galvanized steel frame. Its shape can be linear or curved (curved). Plates, which are good sound and heat insulation, are finished at the final stage (for example, they are painted, decorative plaster is applied, and wallpaper is pasted over).
The covering is exclusively suitable for living rooms with high ceilings, as it reduces the height to an average of 15 cm. Plasterboard is successfully used in arched, domed, multi-level structures.
Finishing materials
Today, the construction market offers to the attention of buyers a lot of building materials, through which you can finish the ceiling. Raw materials are selected taking into account the chosen style, for which the composition of the material is of particular importance (the concept obliges to use special materials suitable for it).
In modern trends, various finishes are appropriate: metal, plastic, wallpaper, glass, mirror. Often in interiors you can see laminate ceiling panels, decorated with a transition to the wall. Such accents look stylish and unique and allow you to zone the living room space, highlighting individual areas.
Environmental trends are characterized by the use of natural raw materials. Wood panels, paper, cork, bamboo wallpapers are appropriate here. It is important to convey unity with nature, although designers recommend to dose the use of natural materials to give expressiveness.
For the classics, you can use expanded polystyrene tiles, which, after painting, accurately convey the effect of gypsum stucco molding. Finally, this style can be complemented by a round decor at the base of the chandelier.
The choice of finishing materials for creative directions is peculiar: beams are bought for the ceiling, while connecting them with metal lamps for communication elements. Often, the ceiling is finished with pipes combined with imitation of wooden beams. The combined technique creates a unique effect: a rough ceiling combined with a brick wall conveys the desired design atmosphere.
Paint is inappropriate here, because a glossy suspended ceiling looks better in a modern style, demonstrating the latest technology.
Additional finishing of the ceiling, depending on the chosen design idea, can be moldings, baguettes, ceiling plinth. This can give the finishing touch to the finish and demonstrate that the room belongs to a certain style. For example, elements with gilding will indicate a classic direction.
A ceiling plinth with an ornament will allow you to decorate the ceiling, the lining of which was carried out with wallpaper, ceiling tiles, and painting. These additions are able to highlight the combined type of ceiling decoration, when two different materials are used at the same time (laying out the ceiling tiles around the perimeter, the center of the ceiling can be decorated with wallpaper).
Lighting
Living room lighting should be as close to daylight as possible. This is important for correct perception, because a lack of light leads to internal discomfort. A central lamp is placed on the ceiling. Depending on the footage, layout, zoning of the room, the central lighting device can be massive, multi-level or modest. It can be an independent accent or part of a lighting composition.
If the living room area allows, two lamps are placed on the ceiling. They can be made in the same style or placed in different functional areas of the hall. The main lamp is often hung above the guest area, and the auxiliary lighting is arranged in another part of the room. Lighting should emphasize the composition of the ceiling, therefore, the decor of the devices is selected taking into account the specific design idea chosen.
At the same time, additional lighting, if any, should not interrupt the central lighting.
Spotlights are often used in the lighting composition. Today, they are an indispensable component of the ceiling area of modern interior styles. Thanks to modern light sources, the lighting tone can be brought closer to natural (daylight) light. At the same time, it will be harmless to health (LEDs do not emit toxins). Such stylish and beautiful lamps without unnecessary decor are ways to successfully support the desired design idea.
Styles
The design of the ceiling directly depends on the chosen style. Conventionally, all types of design can be divided into classic, modern, ethnic and vintage directions. The first group includes the classics neoclassicism, classicism, Italian styles. According to the style of design, you can add to them English style. The ceiling can be multi-level or simple (depending on the height), while the presence of gypsum stucco molding or its imitation is required.
In modern directions it is important to demonstrate the latest materials and their capabilities. The highlighting is sure to be emphasized, which can be of the classic or built-in type. The ceiling can have a glossy or matte surface and can be equipped with sophisticated composite lighting, including a large main luminaire with a closed shade and additional lighting. At the same time, often point or linear LED lamps are placed along straight or curly lines of a certain level, deliberately separating it from another level.
Ethnic destinations combine different techniques, quite often quite appropriate modern notes are noticeable in the design of the ceiling. When decorating the ceiling, importance is attached to the number of pieces of furniture and accessories. For example, if there is a lot of space in the living room, there is a dining area, but the room is not cluttered with little things, a multi-level ceiling structure is allowed.
If the interior is initially replete with small details, it is worth limiting the pomp of the ceiling decor. At the same time, it is not so important which style is taken as a basis.
The design is thought over at the initial stage of the repair. If this design is a two-level living room, you can make a multi-level ceiling with a mass of LEDs, highlighting each area of the room. If this is a living room with a bay window (a glazed ledge of a semicircular, faceted, cubic, rectangular shape), you can make your own design for each zone with different levels of wall heights, taking into account the functionality of different parts of the room. For example, if a bay window will be used for a dining space, you can choose a composition with a pendant chandelier by decorating the ceiling with stucco.
If there is a recreation area in this place, you can leave the ceiling unified by playing different zones with different types of lamps, including built-in ones.
Colors and decor
Any color scheme and ceiling decor depend on the specific style and footage of the living room. If the space is extensive, then saturated colors of the color palette are allowed. However, overly bright colors are unacceptable, because the living room needs calm shades that would maintain a relaxing atmosphere. In order not to be mistaken, it is worth choosing light pastel colors, excluding saturated pink shades, which can cause discomfort for a strong half of humanity.
Ideal ceiling colors are white, milky, light blue, bleached wenge, light gray or beige. When the height of the ceiling and the footage of the living room allow, you can combine the dominant light shade with rich contrast. At the same time, there should not be a lot of bright colors, because it can interrupt all the attention, which is unacceptable for a composition in the interior.
It is desirable that the color of the ceiling is white, it will add illumination, lightness and airiness to any room, visually make the ceiling high. In its absence, the walls seem lower, even if light colors are chosen as the base, and the main interior is made in dark colors.
It is undesirable to use a mirrored ceiling in the living room, which will deprive the design of harmony and comfort. An abundance of black is unacceptable if a monochrome design is chosen as a stylistic idea. No matter how original the design, the black shade will subconsciously put pressure on the household or guests who have come, forcing them to leave the room. If a dark color is not enough for expressiveness, it is more expedient to supplement the finishing of the main color with a brown or bronze tone in a small amount.
Decor
Ceiling decoration follows the chosen style. If this is minimalism, almost all decorative elements are excluded. It is important to emphasize the texture of the material, which is a gloss or a play of almost imperceptible contrast when using two shades of the color palette. In the directions for which decorative elements are characteristic, it is allowed to use a matte or glossy texture with a variety of prints.
The size of the picture, its theme depends on the specific style and its lines, for example, if it is country, floral ornaments are allowed.
In a modern style, unique materials with a 3D effect are used for ceiling decoration, which visually increase the volume of space. It can be a mirror tile, which is made of metal or plastic and has small mirror inserts on the embossed surface. In some cases, the ceiling is decorated with drawings or special stickers to make the interior special, to beat each built-in lamp, which is another element of the ceiling decor.
In this case, the size of the luminaires must correspond to the area of the ceiling, otherwise the harmony of the design may be disturbed.
Beautiful examples in the interior
To see how beautiful and harmonious the living room ceiling design can be, you can look interesting examples from the presented photo gallery:
- The ceiling with beams fits perfectly into the eclecticism, combining design elements of the old and new times.
- The two-level white-finished ceiling is in harmony with the antique style with a central pendant light and spotlights.
- The strict lines of the multi-level ceiling look good in the classic style of the living room, while observing some restraint.
- An original way to decorate the ceiling is to move the accent of the ceiling surface to the accent plane of the video zone. This option fits well with modern styles.
- An open-plan living room looks stylish because a white ceiling with clean lines and a backlit pattern adds a finishing touch to the interior.
- A laconic option would be to use a multi-level structure to highlight the guest area.
- A two-tiered ceiling composition in beige and white balances the rich colors of the furnishings.
You can learn how to make a ceiling with your own hands from the video below.