Recently, multi-level stretch ceilings have come into vogue, and have firmly taken their place in the decor of ceiling coverings. In addition to their aesthetically pleasing and original appearance, they have the same quality characteristics as conventional stretch fabrics. This is due to the fact that they have many advantages over plasterboard ceilings, which have significantly lost their positions in the design world. Plasterboard structures visually reduce the height of the walls, making the ceiling low.
Features of the
The stretch ceiling is a one-piece aluminum frame on which the canvas is mounted. With it, you can create various structures in texture and shape, including with several levels. The visual effect is achieved thanks to the large number of components. This frame is covered either with a special polyvinyl chloride film or with fabric stretch fabrics.
Geometrically, levels come in a variety of shapes: conical, arched, stepped, zigzag. The wireframe allows you to experiment with both the shape and the number of levels. The technology of creating stretch canvases allows you to easily implement any idea of the customer and designer.
Installation of multi-level stretch ceilings is carried out in stages
- First, using aluminum profiles, the desired shape is created with a certain number of tiers. In order to collect it, drywall is often used.
- Then a cloth made according to the specified dimensions is pulled onto the mold. After installation, the surface of the film becomes even and smooth. For large rooms where it is required to combine several canvases, they are joined by welding, which makes the seams almost invisible.
Multilevel stretch ceilings have a number of features that are their advantages over conventional single-level products.
Dignity
The diverse design of multi-level stretch ceiling coverings allows them to be used in any room and in any interior style: both classic and high-tech. The main advantages of these ceilings are several factors.
Exclusive coating design… You can apply and combine any number of tiers, shapes, textures and colors. The ceiling, consisting of several tiers, will become a real highlight of any room. The night starry sky or smooth curves resembling a river will become a bright accent, create the necessary mood in the interior and emphasize its individuality
On PVC films and satin ceilings, there is the possibility of applying any pattern using airbrushing or photo printing.
A multi-level structure can be built in any room: living room, bedroom, bathroom, children's room, on the loggia. Even in the corridor, it will come in handy. On the doorstep, he will tell about the good taste of the owner of the house. Due to the fact that the stretch ceiling does not absorb any odors, it is appropriate to install it in the kitchen as well. Condensation does not collect on the coating, which allows it to be installed in rooms such as a bathroom or swimming pool, where the humidity is always high
- Experts note that stretch covers are durable in service, since such canvases are not subject to fading, fading and deformation. Tests show that its strength is provided by the ability to stretch due to the weight of the water. In case of flooding from above, the multi-level stretch ceiling will withstand more than 100 l / m² of liquid, since it has elastic and waterproof properties. This feature of the coating will save floors and furniture.
- Multilevel stretch ceilings meet all fire safety standards: they are non-flammable and non-toxic.
- The system is installed very quickly compared to drywall … Installation takes place cleanly and without debris. Simplicity in the creation of multi-tiered structures will allow you not to involve specialists and make repairs yourself.
- To keep the structure clean, no need to resort to additional costs. A damp cloth is sufficient to keep the appearance of the ceiling intact.
Interior use
In addition to the above advantages, the multi-level design has a number of useful properties.
Soundproofing
In multi-storey buildings, sound insulation is very poor, panel or brick walls easily let sounds through. If you install a tension structure, then a special ceiling with an acoustic effect can be built into it. It is made from polyester fiber, which is a web with a large number of microscopic holes. This obstructs the sound wave and prevents it from propagating. Part of the wave is reflected back and partly absorbed by the ceiling.
Stretch two- and three-level ceilings perfectly keep noise, because in a soft canvas, the vibrations of sounds are muffled, plasterboard ceilings do not have such properties. In addition, there is some space between the floor slab and the stretch ceiling canvas, which also absorbs sounds.
Disguise of engineering communications
Often there is a need to mask an unaesthetic crack or unevenness, especially for the ceiling coverings of old houses. A multi-tiered tension structure can easily cope with the problem by hiding utilities: alarm, air duct, ventilation without losing their performance.
In multi-level stretch ceilings, there are many possibilities to place additional light sources in an original way. A traditional chandelier can be combined with spotlights, LED strip.
The last option can become the highlight of the interior; such a tape, in combination with the properties of vinyl film, allows you to create real masterpieces of design. In addition, you can change the color of the backlight to your liking and mood.
Room zoning
If you cannot surprise anyone with stretch single-tier ceiling coverings, since they do not visually change the room, then the tiered ceiling creates the illusion of spaciousness and depth. With the help of his, the room is conditionally divided into several functional zones, which is achieved by combining panels of various textures and colors.
Fancy shapes on the ceiling are additionally supported by a podium on the floor or by the construction of drywall partitions. As a result, the interior is very effective and harmonious.
Another visual effect can be achieved with layered designs. This is an increase in the height of the ceiling, it is created by combining tiers and colors, as well as in the presence of glossy surfaces. By mirroring the room on the ceiling, the illusion of double space is created.
However, too complex structures conceal the height, so the ceiling covering in the room should not be low. That is, the more levels there are, the lower the ceiling goes down. You can solve the problem by using curved lines and surfaces, as well as experimenting with the wireframe. This will help create unique designs and optical illusions.
A three-level ceiling is a good option if you need to decorate a room in an unusual way. It will visually change the geometry of the room by increasing the height of the ceiling and the width of the room.
Such a ceiling covering has a rather complex design, but you can also build it yourself, without the help of specialists.
Materials (edit)
PVC film
Possible types of stretch ceilings are divided according to the material of execution: PVC film or fabric. They can be combined with each other and create a rectangular structure.
On special equipment, a thin PVC film is fastened from separate strips. When installing the canvas, the surface is well heated using a heat gun. The PVC film increases in size and sags a little, then it is attached to the workpiece.
After cooling, the ceiling will be tight and smooth to the touch. The texture of the ceiling, as well as its color, depends on the type of film. Multilevel tension structures are often decorated with colored glass, a mirror, and various patterns are applied to them.
Satin finish
Relatively recently, satin stretch ceilings have appeared and gained great popularity. A fabric is attached to the aluminum frame, which is an elastic fabric similar in appearance and texture to a woman's stocking. The satin ceiling visually resembles a painted surface, therefore it has some reflection effect. However, it cannot be called mirrored, like a glossy ceiling, the shine is very insignificant. The required coloring is given to the canvas by dyeing, it becomes moisture resistant after varnishing.
The fabric ceiling is absolutely safe for health, since it does not emit harmful substances into the air, it is lightweight and looks very aesthetically pleasing. A room with such a silky ceiling looks homely and cozy. It is because of this that satin ceilings are most often mounted in the bedroom. Such a surface is easy to clean: as it gets dirty, it is enough to wipe it with a dry cloth.
The advantages of using this coating include frost resistance, as well as the fact that it is suitable for rooms with sudden temperature fluctuations. Among the disadvantages are the high price, as well as the inability to hold back water when flooded by neighbors from above.
Texture
Depending on the texture of the coating, multi-level tension surfaces are divided into matte and glossy. A more popular option is a matte ceiling. Moreover, it will not cost you too much. Externally, its surface resembles a plaster ceiling.
Such a ceiling with a rough texture will especially appeal to people with traditional views on interior design.
A glossy or lacquered ceiling can visually enlarge the room. It is perfect for a small room, bathroom, pool. Using gloss when zoning a room, you can get a rather unusual effect, especially if you trim dark corners with such a texture.
Furniture in a room with a glossy ceiling should be installed to a minimum so that the room does not look ridiculous.
Multilevel tension structures are presented today in a huge assortment. The ceiling can be made matte, glossy, satin, translucent, mirror, with sparkles, photo printing, there are plenty of colors and textures.
The multilevel ceiling will reliably hide any existing defect from prying eyes. An unusual design allows you to combine several types of light sources at the same time, and the combination of canvases of different colors and textures allows you to get very interesting results.
For information on how to install a multi-level stretch ceiling, see the next video.