Stretch ceilings are well known to everyone. They are created from different materials, differ in design, textures, colors, shapes and other characteristics. Stretch fabric ceilings are one of the varieties that are in high demand. Such designs are not cheap, but their benefits cover all costs.
What it is?
Stretch ceilings continue to gain popularity with users around the world. They have no equal in aesthetic beauty. One of the varieties of these structures is a fabric stretch ceiling. For such structures, polyester natural fabric is used., which is impregnated with special compounds based on polyurethane polymers. Due to impregnation, the material becomes strong, elastic, durable and even moisture resistant.
The fabric is stretched and attached to a special frame or baguette. It doesn't need to be heated like a film.
The material is most often produced without seams, but for the decoration of wide rooms, structures with a seam are required. Although such methods are rarely resorted to, since the seam greatly spoils the appearance of the ceiling. Although in this case, you can go to the trick and place a wooden beam in place of the seam.
Wood and fabric ceiling structures can be stylish compositions.
Advantages and disadvantages
Stretch fabric ceilings have both advantages and disadvantages. It is necessary to dwell on each of them in more detail in order to get a complete picture, to form the correct opinion about tension structures made of fabric.
Stretch fabric ceilings have many advantages
- High strength and endurance compared to other types of tensile structure. The strength index is largely determined by the structure of the material. And yet, fabric ceilings are superior in this indicator to other options.
- Air permeability is an important characteristic that is inherent in fabric ceilings, which cannot be said about other materials, such as PVC. The fabric is able to breathe, therefore such a ceiling will not become an obstacle to the movement of air between the main ceiling, the tension structure and the room. The room will not have a greenhouse effect, as is often the case with film ceilings.
- Sustainability is based on the use of natural fibers to create the canvas. A mesh is woven from the fibers, which is subjected to complex processing. Such canvases are absolutely harmless to health, therefore they can be used in the design of children's rooms and are suitable for allergy sufferers. This even boils down to the opinion of doctors.
- Fire resistance is another important difference between fabric ceilings and film. Natural fibers become non-combustible due to complex, multi-stage processing. Even exposure to open flames, let alone high temperatures, does not lead to a fire.
- The ability to withstand negative temperatures down to -40 degrees and at the same time maintain its performance characteristics.
- Fabric ceilings differ from foil ceilings in high resistance to damage, mechanical stress and the ability to maintain external characteristics. The canvas does not crack or sag even after prolonged use.
- Painting the fabric ceiling is possible using acrylic paints. You can create patterns, apply pictures and photographs, change textures. On average, one canvas can be repainted no more than 5 times.
- The durability of a fabric ceiling can be measured in a decade, but for this the installation must be carried out in accordance with all the rules and with strict adherence to technology. The film ceiling is incapable of such long-term operation.
- Even in installation, fabric construction is better than PVC. Installing the film alone will not work; you will have to attract outside help. With fabric, everything is easier.
Fabric structures are not without drawbacks:
- Scarce color palette … This disadvantage is eliminated by staining. True, the staining process is complex and cannot be performed without specialists. Otherwise, you can completely ruin the canvas.
- The ability to pass water will become tangible at the moment when the neighbors from above suddenly want to arrange a flood for you. Here the benefits of PVC ceilings are evident. The film allows water to accumulate without harm to the room. Then the water drains easily, so the repair costs "little blood". True, now many manufacturers are producing fabrics that are capable of retaining water.
- The ability to absorb odors does not allow the installation of fabric stretch ceilings in the kitchen and in other rooms with pronounced aromas.
- No anti-static effect does not allow such structures to be mounted in dusty rooms.
- The need for regular cleaning with the help of a special vacuum cleaner, which you will have to buy for these purposes.
- The impossibility of re-mounting the canvas … If it was dismantled, then you will have to buy new fabric.
- Lack of stretch ability does not allow the use of fabric for creating complex structures and finishing wide ceilings. The maximum width is 5 meters, otherwise you will have to make a seam on the fabric, which will greatly spoil the appearance.
Summing up, we can say the following. There is no harm to health from fabric ceilings, they are easy to install, but require constant maintenance.
Views
It is difficult to keep track of the emergence of new varieties and trends in the world of fabric stretch ceilings. This industry is developing so rapidly.
At this point, there are three types of designs
Seamless fabric stretch ceilings - this is the main direction, which is predominant in most cases. Such fabric structures are limited in width - no more than 5 meters, which is an excellent indicator
Duplex fabric ceilings Are complex, but beautiful and original designs. Several colors are often combined here, complex lighting elements are added. Such a ceiling will always look original
Multilevel ceilings Are elite constructions. They are complex and expensive, but finding two identical ceilings will not work. Each project is unique and is considered the height of design ideas
Eco-friendly materials always come first. They are ready to pay extra for them. Eco ceilings are fabric systems. This is one of their main advantages. Made from natural fibers, breathable fabrics are odorless and non-allergenic. Such properties are typical for all types of fabric stretch ceilings.
No need to choose between beauty and naturalness.
Materials (edit)
Fabric tensioning structures can be created on the basis of various materials. Each of them has its own set of advantages and features, therefore the choice of material must be approached responsibly.
It is worth considering the main options in which textile fabrics for stretch ceilings are produced:
The textured fabric has a secret embossing… This effect is obtained by overlaying two layers on top of each other. One layer plays the role of a base, it is mesh. The second layer is the embossed material
Satin ceiling seems taller due to the nature of the material. The satin fabric is based on a polymer material, it has a fine-grained structure, which creates a pearlescent effect. Such ceilings look spectacular with light elements that add sparkle and mystery to the surface
Chintz ceilings are one of the varieties of satin designs. The transparent texture and the ability to transmit light allows you to achieve a chic effect. If you place the lamps under the fabric, then a soft, mysterious twilight will reign in the room, and the warm light transmitted through the chintz will create a romantic atmosphere
Suede material for ceilings, the texture is very close to natural suede. The soft texture dims the light and distributes it throughout the room. Interiors with suede stretch ceilings look elegant, noble and expensive
As you can see, the composition of the fabric plays an important role in the process of creating an interior. The correct choice of material allows you to advantageously beat the advantages of a room, hide its flaws and create an amazing design ensemble.
Colors
Let the materials for stretch ceilings come in a limited range of colors, but you can also paint or apply the desired pattern. This opportunity is actively used by designers and even ordinary citizens.
To ease the problem of choosing a color, it is worth considering the main options:
White color not as simple as it seems. It has a lot of shades and variations. For example, in the range of Descor there are two white shades: classic, warm and cold, with an ash tint. The first option is closer to natural, it gives the design a natural look and sets off other interior items. The second option makes the ceiling flawless, conservative and austere
Beige and yellow the material is more chosen for the kitchen space, dining area and bathroom
The black the ceiling is mostly appropriate in halls and corridors. A hall with such a ceiling will slightly resemble a cinema
Glitter options, which is created from millions of tiny particles, created for stylish, bright natures. Such materials can be found in the Clipso catalog. Chic, shine, beauty - that's exactly what I want to say when looking at these chic materials
Pastel ceilings will be appropriate in bright rooms. They will be able to settle the riot of colors, shade expressive walls and place the necessary accents. Another option is also appropriate, when the design is created exclusively from light shades. Often there is only one bright object in such rooms: curtains, flower pots, a carpet on the floor, or a piece of furniture
Dark and bright, expressive materials should be chosen for laconic rooms. In this case, the ceiling will be the main element that will harmoniously fit into the calm interior
Design
Although fabric stretch ceilings are available in a limited range, designers still have plenty to choose from. You need to choose the fabric carefully, taking into account the features that are inherent in this or that design.
Glossy structures are able to create a spectacular interior with minimal investment. In addition, the glossy surface is able to make the room voluminous and spacious. Such ceilings in any interior become the main element that attracts attention
Matte designs are most suitable for bedrooms and children's rooms. The most successful choice would be calm nude shades. Children are an exception, but bright colors must be chosen with care. Otherwise, a long stay in the room will be accompanied by fatigue and irritability, and headaches may also occur
Motley coloring is inappropriate in a small room, since it will seem even smaller than it actually is
Dark the ceiling can balance tall walls in a small space
Light coloured the ceiling will add a few centimeters to the height of the walls
Ceiling with photo printing Is a huge opportunity for designers. Any image can be applied to the fabric, which will make a room with a boring interior unusual and original
Flowing surface has found many applications in the field of design. Stretch ceilings have not stayed away from this trend. You can create amazing illusionary designs that will make a room magical
Brands
Many firms are engaged in the production of fabric stretch ceilings, but not everyone can be trusted with their choice.
Swiss-French company Clipso is a material manufacturer and owner of several brands. Stretch ceiling designs are unmatched in quality even among competitors from Germany. It is easy to work with fabrics from this company, they are elastic and dense. All over the world, French materials are recognized as luxurious, and it is not a pity to give money for them. The company offers fabrics with various performance characteristics: soundproof, moisture resistant, antibacterial and antistatic. Each material is labeled and complies with sanitary and epidemiological standards
The highest quality German ceilings are created by Pongs Textil (Descor). The material from this company is slightly inferior in characteristics to that offered by Switzerland represented by Clipso. The fabrics of this brand are also marked. They are smoother compared to the first company. The brand offers a large catalog of materials, in which there are common options and original ones, for example, fabric with small sequins. By the way, such fabrics are inexpensive and this is taking into account the high quality
Fabric products from by Cerutti Is a clear representative of the premium segment. The company uses a special fabric for production with a polyester fabric backing. The material is subjected to complex impregnation using a polymer composition, which rewards the fabric with water-repellent properties
Alloys is a reseller, it itself does not produce fabrics for tensioning structures. The quality of materials is not worse than those offered by Germany and Switzerland, but the cost is often higher
It is better to choose the products of the first two companies. After all, they are already proven, their products are of high quality and well-known. Such ceilings are easy to work with, which increases the chances of getting a perfect result.
How to choose?
If you buy expensive material from a well-known brand, then you need to protect yourself from fakes. Manufacturers care about their reputation and label the material. This degree of protection is not faked, since the costs do not justify the profit. The marking is applied to the edge of the fabric, which is cut off during assembly. The marking consists of a trademark and a name.
Lack of marking is a sure sign of a fake. You should immediately refuse such a purchase, since you can buy not just a low-quality product, but also get dubious environmental friendliness.
Such materials may contain harmful components that will cause irreparable harm to the body. Ardent fans of pronounced gloss should not stop at the fabric ceiling. It will not be able to provide the glossy effect that films are capable of. Of course, among the canvases there are glossy options, but they are inferior to PVC films in terms of reflectivity.
Care
Fabric stretch ceilings must be cleaned dry. For this job, you need to buy a special vacuum cleaner. You can do with the usual analog, but you need to set the minimum power and change the usual nozzle to a brush with a long, soft bristle. During cleaning, the brush should not touch the fabric.
Wet cleaning is not carried out on fabric stretch ceilings … Water can leave stains and streaks on the surface, which can only be removed by staining.
You can only use wet cleaning to remove tough stains. You need to act carefully. Wet cleaning is carried out in extreme cases, delicately and carefully. It is better not to resort to this method at all or to use it extremely rarely.
This process includes the following steps:
- a weak soapy solution is made from powder or soap, the use of other means is prohibited;
- it is better to check the reaction of the material on a piece that could remain after installation;
- the place of contamination is treated with a soft sponge dipped in soapy water, movements should be light, without pressure;
- the wet area must be blotted with a dry, lint-free cloth.
Testimonials
After studying the reviews of users of fabric stretch ceilings and analyzing their opinions, it is worth making a number of important conclusions. Most consumers are satisfied with their choice, noting the environmental friendliness of the material, aesthetic characteristics and surprisingly simple installation.
Many people complain about difficult cleaning that requires practice, skill, and the use of cleaning techniques. And problems arise for people who have purchased counterfeit material … In this case, there are complaints in the reviews about an unpleasant odor that does not disappear even after some time, low performance and the fragility of the material. In some cases, the fabric sags, in others it loses its color and saturation.
Similar problems also arise with original materials if mistakes were made during the installation process.
Beautiful solutions in the interior
An ideal bedroom - that's exactly what you want to say at the sight of such a design, in which a celestial stretch fabric ceiling is laconically inscribed. The light gloss, which is characteristic of the canvas, looks moderately bright and speaks of the delicate taste of the owner. The ceiling does not seem to be overloaded, it successfully emphasizes the design of the room. It is pleasant to be in such a bedroom, it disposes to rest and solitude.
And here is a vivid example of using canvas with photo printing. The ceiling turned out to be expressive, contrasting, eye-catching and admirable. It is impossible to admire them enough, he is so interesting. It is better not to place it in the bedroom, but in the kitchen or in the corridor, such a ceiling will look good.
Here you can clearly see how fabric stretch ceilings can be used in public places, in particular in a cafe, and not only in an apartment or house. Despite the large area, there are no problems with the fabric ceiling. An amazingly beautiful canvas, which is a single part of the composition, sets the necessary accents in the design and dilutes the overall atmosphere.
One of the many examples of how a fabric stretch ceiling looks in a wooden house. The ascetic, in some sense even Scandinavian style was initially chosen here. That is why the design is so restrained, light, without unnecessary elements and decor.
It is clearly seen here that stretch fabric ceilings can be mounted at a certain angle, consist of several parts and be combined with various materials, natural and artificial. This design is universal, since it can be chosen for different rooms, and in each case the ceiling will look harmonious - whether it is a bright bedroom, a discreet entrance hall or a guest room with a fireplace and massive furniture.
And again we have an example of the use of photo printing on a natural canvas. A glossy canvas with multi-colored butterflies is the main element in a complex, multi-level design.
Here you can see a complex lighting system that consists of different types of luminaires. This example clearly shows the glossy effect that fabric ceilings have. It is not as pronounced as in the case of the film, it is muted and unobtrusive.
A very beautiful fabric was chosen for this design. Perhaps the color was given by staining. The texture is velvety with the effect of natural suede. A deep, heterogeneous color, an interesting shade, a well-chosen chandelier - the designer took everything into account to create a unique interior. The ceiling does not look heavy, it looks noble and sophisticated.
It turned out to be a very bright and refined room. A fabric stretch ceiling played an important role in the formation of such an interior. The whole composition is depicted in the center of the ceiling, which is complex, interesting and completely unusual. Such a drawing can be viewed tirelessly and constantly attention will be focused on a new element that was not noticed before.
Here you can see a good design for the bedroom. The highlight of the interior is the repetition of the wallpaper pattern on the fabric stretch ceiling. The drawing for the ceiling was chosen correctly, otherwise the interior could turn out to be overloaded and excessively colorful. As a result, the bedroom turns out to be warm, inviting to rest, moderately bright and with the right accents.
The sky blue fabric depicts milky clouds. The composition is complemented by light elements: square ones are located along the contour of the ceiling, round ones are placed along the area of the canvas. And even though the renovation has not been completed yet, it is already clear how delicate and cozy this room will turn out to be. It can be a living room, a bedroom or a nursery - the chosen ceiling design is so versatile.
We hope that these samples will help you with the choice of stretch ceiling and design, will push you to fresh ideas and reveal hidden potentials. It is worth considering the above tips when choosing a canvas, think over design options well, consider several ideas and choose the best one.
The process of installing a fabric stretch ceiling is shown in the following video.