Two-level stretch ceilings in the interior: design features

One of the most popular methods for finishing ceilings has become a stretch version made of PVC film. The technology of its design is simple and allows you to implement any design ideas in rooms with different functionality.

The structure of a stretch ceiling is a PVC or fabric canvas and a profile frame on which it is attached. The main feature is the high-quality installation of the product so that the surface is smooth, has no visible seams and other defects.

Manufacturers offer two types of finishing materials: woven or vinyl.

The frame is performed in the following ways:

• Made of plastic or aluminum fittings. A plastic profile costs less and is only wall-mounted. Due to its flexibility, it hides the curvature of the walls and is mounted with a step width of 10 cm. Aluminum rails are attached to any plane: to a wall or ceiling, and therefore are used for installation in hard-to-reach places. Since the profile is more rigid, it is used for large areas (over 30 square meters). Mounting pitch - 50 cm. The design using guides made of plastic or aluminum is lighter and more moisture resistant. Available in visible and invisible mounting options. The first, in addition to their direct function, also perform decorative: they decorate the perimeter of the framed surface, are appropriate for complex shapes in the form of arches, waves and vaults.

• From drywall. If necessary, a reinforced upper tier is made of gypsum plasterboard or gypsum plasterboard. The option is appropriate if you have a heavy chandelier, plaster moldings or other decorative ornaments.

Three types of systems are used for fastening:

1. wedge or disposable;
2. harpoon makes it possible to unfasten the canvas, perform the necessary actions (installation of lighting or drain water during flooding) and install it back;
3. spatula - a tension fastening tape is used for it

Two-level ceilings of complex shape are the object of decoration with tension materials, since PVC film is plastic and allows you to get excellent results with low labor costs.

Bunk stretch ceilings have the following advantages inherent in any model of this class:

• Aesthetic appearance due to the variety of shapes, colors, textures. The multi-stage design allows you to mount various design "chips" in tiers. Zoning visually changes the geometry of the space.
• The ability to hide irregularities in the ceiling or elements of communications with a minimum amount of time.
• An alternative to traditional lighting in the form of hidden backlighting.
• Long service life.
• Strength and ductility.

• Waterproof. Protection against flooding of the apartment by the neighbors from above. Quick and painless elimination of the consequences.
• Anti-static and associated dust resistance.
• Low thermal conductivity means no condensation.
• Versatility. Can be installed in any room. Any shape is available.
• Easy maintenance.

The disadvantages include the following characteristic features:

• Fear of interacting with sharp objects that can cause deep scratches or punctures in the film.
• Under the influence of low temperatures, the vinyl material is destroyed, therefore, such stretch ceilings should not be installed in residential premises that are not heated during the cold season. Better to use fabric options.
• Caution when installing lighting fixtures. The norms of thermal susceptibility of the film should be taken into account.
• Buying two-level ceilings requires certain costs, but over a long service life, they will pay off more than once.
• Installation of several tiers takes up to 15 cm in height, therefore it is appropriate only for high living spaces.

According to the type of material from which the canvas is made, there are several types of stretch ceilings.

PVC provides a smooth surface with no visible blemishes at a lower cost than fabric. One square meter of material can withstand about 100 liters of water, which provides lasting flood protection. In addition, when draining, the film takes on the same shape without deforming. In the event of a fire, the ceiling does not burn, but melts. The cloth impregnated with special antistatic compounds does not attract dust. The service life of the product is from 10 to 15 years.

Experts pay attention to the following negative factors:

• Installation is carried out hot using a burner or heat gun, therefore, during installation work, an unpleasant odor may occur. It disappears over time.
• The material is airtight, therefore the room must be regularly ventilated.

The fabric ceiling is a knitted fabric made of polyester threads, additionally impregnated with polyurethane. Unlike PVC, it does not require surface heating for its installation. The canvas is able to withstand high mechanical loads, after a time it does not sag under its own weight. Ceilings in unheated structures are mounted only from fabric materials, since they are not afraid of low temperatures. Unlike plastic, the material does not emit unpleasant odors, performs the functions of noise, heat and waterproofing. The fabric is fireproof. Manufacturers guarantee a service life of about 25 years. There is only one significant drawback of fabric stretch ceilings - high cost, but with so many advantages, it is justified.

By the type of surface, stretch ceilings can be classified as follows:

• Glossy They are distinguished by a mirror shine, which visually increases the space. The degree of reflection is up to 90%. Designers warn that gloss must be used correctly in the interior, otherwise the opposite result can be achieved. For example, a dark glossy ceiling is appropriate in high rooms, and a light one in narrow or low ones.
• Matte tension surfaces are visually similar to flat plasterboard ceilings. Their reflectivity is low. The range of colors is varied. They are practical to use, they do not glare.
• Satin the canvases are matte surfaces with a soft shine. The fine-grained structure of the fabric gives a silky feel. The product looks great in any color. Satin stretch ceilings are recommended for the design of complex curves of multi-level shapes.
• With photo printing. Patterns, ornaments or paintings are applied to the canvases, different in scale, color and texture.

Steps are the simplest straight line design. It is more often used to hide communications that cannot be transferred to another place. Designers offer different interpretations using stepped stretch ceilings, for example with a lower center section or with emphasized interior corners.

Carved stretch ceilings differ from other structures in that the canvas is made up of several pieces. Moreover, only the main detail has artistically cut patterns in the form of figures, elements of flora and fauna, and other ornaments.Round holes, squares or triangles with sharp corners are popular.

The design features are as follows:

• The tiers are installed parallel to each other, the perforated layer is at the very bottom. The main canvas is usually white or pastel light colors; a colored film is mounted above it.
• The shape of the holes and their size depends on the invented design. Symmetrical patterns are popular, created from geometric shapes in the form of spirals or randomly located elements.
• For perforation, special tools are used, with the help of which the edges of the pattern are given an even and neat look.
• The material is stretched evenly, eliminating sagging and folds.
• The carved two-level ceiling is made of canvases with different surfaces to emphasize the depth. The lower layers are usually glossy, while the upper ones are matte, which creates a 3D effect.

The structure of the two-tier waves is based on an aluminum frame. Carriers made of this material are lightweight, flexible, durable, which makes it possible to experiment with wavy shapes. PVC film is used as a material for the canvas. The water surface at different ceiling levels looks especially impressive in rooms with high walls. However, this does not mean that such structures cannot be mounted in narrow spaces. For example, U-shaped corridors can be extended with shear waves.

In "Khrushchevs" the ceilings of small rooms are decorated with double-sided or one-sided wavy options. In the first case, the bends of the frame are mounted along two opposite walls, and in the second, along one. As a rule, a contrasting two-level wavy design serves to emphasize any projections on the floor or walls, highlighting interior elements. For example, a "wave" over windows using backlighting will visually expand the room, while in the kitchen it will add light above the work surface.

In a rectangular type of construction, the lower tier is mounted along the walls along the perimeter of the room. The width of the level is about 60 centimeters, and lighting devices are built into it. If it is necessary to emphasize the transition between levels, a niche is mounted into which the LED strip is embedded.

Often irregular shapes are used when decorating the ceiling:

• Semicircle. The design is designed to lower a certain part of the ceiling over any piece of the interior. For example, above the bed in the bedroom, above the sofa in the living room, above the table in the kitchen.
• Chandelier podium. The shape is always individual and depends on the lighting fixture. The installation principle is the same for everyone: the level at which it is planned to install the main lighting is raised higher. This is one of the most economical options for a two-level stretch ceiling.
• Spiral it is rarely used in registration, since it is expensive. In addition, this shape looks good only in the case of spacious rooms.
• Stripes. Previously, drywall, frosted plexiglass and linear lamps were used to obtain luminous paths on the ceiling, now manufacturers offer options with stretch canvases. For the installation of the frame, aluminum guides are used.
• Other options. Designers offer other non-standard shapes, but they are made on an individual basis, respectively, their price is higher than standard ones.

Gapless stretch ceilings are in demand lately. The modern market of finishing materials offers a wide range of models: glossy, matte, mirror, satin, with a metallic or pearl sheen, with photo printing, color, contrasting, with a 3D effect.

For clear photo printing, it is better to use light-colored textile fabrics. The material must be perfectly aligned to eliminate any distortion in the design. Application technology will preserve the image for many years. An indisputable advantage is the ability to change the geometry of the floor, to zone functionally different areas of the same room.

As a rule, finished rolls are produced up to 5 meters wide. Decorators draw attention to the fact that sometimes the canvas area is not enough, so experts get out of the situation by combining several types of material, creating plasterboard forms, and lighting around the perimeter. Changing the dimensions of the picture must be approached competently, since during the installation process the canvas can lose its decorative effect and distort its perception.

Classic elements in the interior can be created with a three-dimensional photographic image in the form of artistic modeling or painting with gilded details. Avant-garde trends will emphasize contrasting abstract stains in bright colors. The now popular loft will be decorated with a print imitating brick or concrete, in addition, it will save you from large-scale repairs.

Models with a 3D effect are also popular. To create a three-dimensional picture, designers use two main ways:

• By applying a three-dimensional pattern to the ceiling. A picture with a 3D effect can be obtained using photo printing on a regular stretch ceiling. And if you correctly install the lighting elements between the layers of the two-tier canvas, the image will become more original. Interesting visual illusions are obtained with geometric patterns and glossy surfaces.

• Give real volume to the whole structure. The method is more difficult to execute, but more effective for perception. Its peculiarity lies in the design of the frame, which is given various forms in the form of bends, ledges, waves. Experts warn that such compositions can only be performed in rooms with high ceilings.

Any 3D designs will look more spectacular if you additionally integrate backlighting into them. The most popular example is the "starry sky" stretch ceiling type. Built-in lighting fixtures in this case add realism to the picture, create volume and give depth.

Carved ceilings are a wonderful decorative element both in residential premises and in offices. Patterns in the form of animals and birds look spectacular in the children's room. If you additionally install built-in lighting, the combination of unusual shapes and lighting will make it possible to get an interesting design. Perforation in the form of circles will suit a high-tech interior, simple geometric shapes - for minimalism, graceful subtle ornaments - for classics.

Tiered wavy surfaces in the interior look very impressive. The shape depends on the frame and can be smooth, steep, chaotic, symmetrical. Built-in lighting will enhance the feeling.

Contrasting double tiers, as a rule, serve for space zoning. Their main feature is winning color combinations that visually change the geometry of the room.

Podiums of different shapes will help to beat interiors of angular format, highlight individual elements, for example, original chandeliers or ornament on the floor.

The mirrored ceiling enlarges the walls and looks impressive in modern styles.

Textile patterns are inherent in fabrics. To obtain an ornament, the flocking method is used, which consists in applying a velvety material to the fibers. Due to this, the image is three-dimensional. Designers suggest enhancing the effect by adding recessed lights.

In this case, it is important to evaluate the area of ​​the canvas and the size of the applied pattern. Experts advise using such stencils so that the dimensions of the image are not more than one third of the entire ceiling area. The larger the size of the template, the higher the likelihood of smearing the pattern, especially if you intend to work alone.

When choosing them, it is recommended to take into account the following features:

• corner ornaments will visually make the room more voluminous, but provided that their dimensions are not too large, otherwise you can get the opposite result;
• the ornament around the chandelier will highlight it, the main thing is that the pattern is not wide, otherwise the lamp will "disappear" against its background;
• in children's rooms, designers suggest using stencils of fairy-tale and cartoon characters;
• for the living room, it is better to choose decor in accordance with the general style of the room, in most cases they use floral, geometric or abstract images;
• in the recreation area, small decorative patterns in soothing colors are appropriate.

Fluorescent ceiling designs are one of the latest fashion trends. In order to add an element of romance, mystery or a fairy tale to the interior, it is enough to apply patterns on the canvas with special paint that glows in the dark in the presence of an ultraviolet lamp.

The psychological perception of color has been proven by scientists, therefore, the choice of shades must be approached carefully. It has been proven that red causes aggression, blue - negative, deep purple - depression. However, if you combine and combine them, you can get cheerful combinations.

White color - standard and most practical. It is suitable for decoration of any premises.

Glossy black surface looks noble, while matte can serve as a background for an original chandelier made of crystal or with gilded details. When installing, it must be borne in mind that black color visually lowers the ceiling, but in a glossy version this drawback can be avoided.

The combination of white and blue tones is appropriate for any room.

Brown goes well with beige, coffee, milk, terracotta.

Unique color options: purple, orange, blue, create a mood.

Combined multicolor models designed for space zoning. When using contrasting colors, stretch ceilings can visually change the geometry of the room.

Monochrome drawings on the ceiling material will add color and bright details to the interior.

Proper lighting emphasizes the beauty and decorativeness of stretch ceilings. This is especially true for multi-level structures, in particular, two-level ones. It is important to properly mount the wiring in order to exclude the possibility of a short circuit.

For stretch ceilings, special types of lamps are produced. These include spot, LED, fiber optic, fluorescent and chandeliers. They do not overheat the material of the tensioning web and, as a rule, have a special fastening mechanism.

Depending on the type of installation work, stretch ceilings are divided into three groups:

• perforated have holes for spotlights, which can be changed at any time;
• with fixation on the frame - lighting devices in the form of a tape are mounted on a frame basis;
• with a plasterboard base - first, the lighting is mounted, then the frame is closed with sheets of plasterboard.

Backlighting allows you to create a unique design in the interior. Spotlights are not able to provide normal lighting, for this you need the main light source - a chandelier. However, as a decor, they are quite appropriate. For example, the illumination of a two-level ceiling makes it visually light, elegant and refined. The wide range allows you to choose different options: light strips, neon lamps, multi-colored, white or daylight.

The choice of model depends on the preferences of the owner, as well as on the functionality of the room.

Modern trends in interior fashion make it possible to decorate small-sized studio apartments as effectively as possible with the help of two-level ceilings. They allow you to divide the total area into several different zones. For an original design, experts suggest paying attention to unusual frame shapes, playing with color and be sure to use backlighting.

For the bedroom, you need to create a feeling of relaxation, so the shades should be calm, slightly muted, soft. An abundance of contrasts is excluded. Designers advise the following photo printing options: "starry sky", various space options, the effect of flowing silk fabric, soft floral or geometric motifs. Instead of a night light, it is proposed to consider the option of using built-in lamps that allow you to adjust the light intensity. Additional flickering LEDs will look spectacular and pacifying.

Children's rooms and play areas are particularly positive. They cannot be decorated in dark colors. Designers recommend using bright drawings, photo printing, decorative elements and multi-colored lighting. Ceilings in the form of a sky with clouds, with flying birds, stars are relevant.

In offices and libraries, photos with maps on one of the ceiling levels look great. Simple geometric shapes, numbers or letters are appropriate as drawings. The color scheme should not distract from work. As a safe option, combinations of beige and brown or white and blue are distinguished. Crisp lighting lines help you concentrate.

In the kitchen, it is most often suggested to use color contrasts, but using no more than three shades. Multi-tiered structures will delimit the space, and skillful lighting will enhance the effect. Usually, the ceiling above the working area is made in one color, and the rest and the walls in a different shade. It is better to use PVC film, since it is more stable when removing various types of contaminants.

In the bathroom, of course, the theme of water is appropriate, for example, sea. A combination of two or three shades without drawings is possible. The levels should not have an excessively large run-up between each other. Since the chandelier in the bathroom looks cumbersome, the designers suggest using flat lighting fixtures or installing built-in lighting instead of the main source.

If it is decided to use a ceiling with photo printing for the hallway, then it is better to limit yourself to a partial print. In this case, it will not seem overwhelmed. When decorating the ceiling in a small dark corridor, it is better to give preference to light colors. Options with low walls do not imply the installation of a two-level stretch canvas.

In a private cottage, stairs to the second floor are not uncommon. The ceiling above the stairwell is usually complex, but the plasterboard frame allows for double structures in this case.

The living room and dining room are the perfect place to embody unusual designs. Two tiers will look good with the right choice of lighting and colors. If the luminaires are placed on the outside of the second level, the ceiling will become more voluminous. If illuminated from the inside, it will literally float above the floor. And if the interior is supplemented with a photo print on the tension part, then the ceiling will look even more interesting.When using a colored ceiling, you should carefully choose the shade of the backlight, as some combinations tend to distort the visual perception of color.

An attic in a private house, as a rule, is a challenge to designers, since it is located under the roof and has complex wall configurations. The ceiling is also no exception, therefore experts advise using frame structures for installing stretch ceilings.

The ceiling in bedrooms, children's rooms and living rooms is rarely dirty, so it is enough to clean it once a year. In the bathroom and kitchen, the care of the stretch fabric becomes more difficult, especially for glossy coatings. Drops of evaporating liquids settle on their surface, so it is better to carry out preventive cleaning at least once every six months.

Cleaning types:

• Dry. It is carried out with a vacuum cleaner. You will need a lint-free brush for this procedure, as the bristles can damage the film. Cleaning is also possible in a non-contact way by increasing the suction power. The vacuum cleaner will help get rid of dust or cobwebs that accumulate in the corners and at the joints of the tiers. You can use a long-handled soft bristle brush or wrap it in a soft cloth. The main thing is that they are made from natural materials, since synthetic materials contribute to the accumulation of static electricity. Dry cleaning can often be done as a preventive measure.
• Wet cleaning has a general character, therefore it is carried out infrequently or in emergency cases. For its implementation, it is better to use soft microfiber napkins, a sponge, a mop with a foam-rubber washing surface. You can use the usual one, then it will have to be wrapped in a non-rigid cloth.

With a thorough cleaning, the types of cleaning are combined: first, the surface and corners are vacuumed, and then wiped with a damp cloth.

Experts recommend the use of specially developed preparations for the care of tensioned surfaces. They can always be purchased from companies that are engaged in installation work on the installation of the ceiling, as well as from manufacturers.

Do not use cleaning powders. They are the strongest abrasives that can scratch the canvas. It will be impossible to return the appearance of the ceiling later.

Also banned are formulations that contain acids, alkalis or acetone. They corrode the canvas, leave permanent stains or change the color of the product.

Household chemicals for washing windows and dishes should not be used, because when in contact with the ceiling material, the product may change its color or other technical characteristics. According to user reviews, if the composition is diluted in water, then use is possible, but it is preliminarily recommended to test the mixture on a small area of ​​the surface.

Washing powder, completely dissolved in water, is allowed for cleaning stretch ceilings.

A 10% solution of ammonia is also used to care for the canvas. It is especially effective for glossy surfaces.

Before use, it is recommended to check all home remedies for chemical perception by the material, for which it is applied in a place invisible to the eye, for example, in a corner or at the inner junction of tiers.

If the kitchen ceiling is covered with a glossy cloth, then to eliminate traces of grease, soot and water, you should purchase specialized detergents. It is better to purchase a professional cleaning polish from the company that installed the structure. In the bathroom, to remove streaks, in addition to special compositions, you can use liquid soap, several tablespoons of which are previously diluted in water. It is important to wipe dry after wet cleaning.

Cleaning fabric ceilings can be done with a steam mop, provided the steam temperature is set to the lowest. If you additionally use special nozzles, then hard-to-reach places will become easier to clean. When wet cleaning, do not use window and mirror cleaners. These compounds are corrosive and can damage the fabric, such as discoloration.

Experts recommend using special detergents for fabric stretch ceilings. But as an economy, it is allowed to use liquid soap diluted in water. The owners of such coatings are advised to first check the effect of the soap composition on the fabric in a secluded place.

The lamps must be turned off before cleaning, and in the case of wet cleaning, it is recommended to completely turn off their power. If cleaning is done using a ladder or other means of climbing to a height, it is safer to have someone belaying you from below.

In order for the double ceiling to become a decoration, it is necessary to think over all the elements of the interior.

It's no secret that teenagers, especially those who are fond of science, prefer elements related to the exploration of outer space. Therefore, when decorating the interior in a room, designers suggest taking advantage of the effect of presence. To do this, select a stretch ceiling with a photo print and install a backlight. This option is also suitable for sleeping or sitting areas.

The design of the children's room depends on the age of the child. For small children, light rainbow colors are appropriate, cartoon characters, elements of flora and fauna are possible. For teenagers, the options for stretch ceilings will depend on their hobbies: sports topics, various maps, a marine theme.

An original stylistic solution is the use of a two-tiered suspended ceiling in a study or library.

The design of a space with a flight of stairs when using two-level stretch ceilings will benefit and shine with new colors.

Recently, designers are increasingly offering options with carved stretch ceilings. They are great for large rooms, so they can be found in the interiors of restaurants, hotels, salons, hotel lobbies. As for patterns, models with simple shapes are popular. For apartments, designers offer interesting combinations of ornaments on the floor, ceiling and walls.

The classics will never go out of style. In light of the latest trends, a black stretch ceiling is widely used in classic, gothic or minimalist living rooms. It should be borne in mind that in this case, you need to carefully consider other interior details: wallpaper, lamps. For example, a white niche around the perimeter with built-in lamps will expand the room, and furniture made of fine wood will create a harmony of taste and elegance.

Nowadays, the kitchen is not just a place to prepare food. It is sometimes a place for rest and gathering of the whole family.Therefore, everything here must be thought out to the smallest detail, including the ceiling. For fans of minimalism, black, gray or white stretch ceilings with a glossy surface are suitable. The classic style is characterized by clear shapes in soothing colors with a matte or satin finish. Avant-garde is associated with bright gloss. With high-tech and other modern interior styles, translucent glossy stretch canvases of all shades of white will be appropriate.

You can watch the installation of a two-level ceiling in the form of a wave in this video.