During the renovation of an apartment, a variety of work is undertaken: plumbing is replaced, walls are finished, floors are laid and, of course, the ceiling is decorated. There are many options: suspended or suspended ceiling in the living room, covering with plastic panels or metal slats, wallpapering.
A suspended ceiling in the living room is the most modern, most versatile solution. This option is exceptionally decorative and diverse: there are at least 6 types of suspended ceilings based on texture type alone. And there is no way to list the color variety.
In addition to the fact that stretch ceilings are very attractive, they are practical, very durable and extremely unpretentious.
Stretch ceiling - what is it?
A stretch ceiling or structure is a canvas made of different materials that is stretched over the ceiling. It is secured around the entire perimeter using metal profiles. Recently, metal has been replaced with plastic, but this does not affect the durability of the structure.
The materials from which canvases are made are very different. But PVC film is considered the most popular. It can also be replaced with synthetic textiles.
Hall lighting ideas
There are three main types of lighting - a central chandelier, built-in spots and LED strip. They are used both separately and together. In the latter case, you can vary the lighting, increasing or decreasing the brightness, and highlighting areas for work and relaxation.
Chandelier
It is important to choose the right central device so as not to damage the canvas. Incandescent light bulbs and metal bases are not suitable. This causes the ceiling to melt.
Fortunately, there is a wide selection of chandeliers for LED and energy-saving lamps. When purchasing, take into account the texture of the canvas: the varnish surface will need less light.
Spots
These devices are available built-in and surface-mounted, in different colors, shapes and materials. In most cases, they choose a shade that matches the ceiling or a design reminiscent of a chandelier (if the spotlights are used together with it).
Spot lighting is located:
- evenly across the entire ceiling (then you can do without a chandelier);
- clusters in a certain area (above the sofa or table);
- in two-level structures - along the boundaries between levels;
- The spots are made up of straight and curved lines or various patterns.
LED Strip Light
She has several accommodation options. For example, a floating ceiling. Using special baguettes, a small gap is created between the canvas and the walls. The tape is placed in it. As a result, it seems that the canvas is not adjacent to the walls, that is, the ceiling seems to be hanging in the air.
Sometimes LEDs are placed between the levels of a two-tier structure. Here it seems that one of them is floating, and the difference in height seems greater.
The entire ceiling can glow if you choose a translucent film for it. But more often the insert is designed this way. It looks like a window in the ceiling.
Another interesting design technique is luminous lines. They can be smooth, fold into a pattern, drawing or even a word. Such finishing usually has only a decorative effect.
Main types of suspended ceilings
The design of suspended ceilings in the living room can be different. The shade and pattern are chosen based on the basic design concept of the entire room.
Canvases are usually divided into types according to the material from which they are made. They come in: Matte; With photo printing; Glossy; Fabric; Satin. We will consider each type in detail.
Appearance
The design of the top is chosen taking into account the height of the walls. This is the main criterion that determines the type of structure. For small apartments, single-level varieties are best suited. For apartments with a modern layout, you can choose a two-level option. It is customary to use ceiling levels to divide a room into functional zones or to emphasize the geometric features of a room.
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If height allows, you can choose a suspended structure made of plasterboard. The shape of the box depends on the characteristics of the room: rectangular, round or arbitrary.
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Soaring models are at the peak of popularity. They look unusual and fascinating. In terms of installation, they are not much more complicated than traditional types. A gap is left between the ceiling cornice and the wall where the LED strip is placed. Its light separates surfaces, causing them to “float”.
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LED Strip Light
- Ceiling
How to make a stretch ceiling with lighting: useful tips and 72 photo examples
Matte stretch ceilings
This type is great for small rooms. The smooth matte surface allows you to visually enlarge the ceiling and choose any form of room lighting.
Matte stretch ceilings are great for decorating a living room in a classic style. The surface is perfect, without seams or any irregularities.
Perception of the interior depending on the texture of the ceiling
The surface of a stretch ceiling can be:
- glossy;
- matte;
- satin;
- imitating various materials;
- translucent.
The gloss is smooth and reflects light well, due to which the boundaries of the room are blurred and the ceiling visually becomes higher. This texture has the most color variations. But you should be careful with the lighting, as the light reflects off the film.
The matte finish resembles a painted surface. This is a great way to create a level surface. Bright colors become more saturated. But the ceiling looks lower. This option is best chosen for high rooms. The matte surface is available not only in film, but also in fabric, which allows you to create seamless ceilings. And in PVC fabric this texture is cheaper than others.
The satin surface resembles fabric in appearance, but belongs to PVC fabrics. It has a soft shine that adds air and space to the room. But there will be no reflection of the surrounding environment in the ceilings. The cost is more expensive than matte and gloss.
Textured canvases resemble expensive finishes - suede, leather, various types of stone, metal. The effect is obtained through a combination of microrelief and pattern. It’s not cheap, but it allows you to create a luxurious interior.
Translucent film is used to implement unusual types of lighting. Diodes are placed above the film. Depending on the location of the tape, the entire ceiling, an insert on it, or individual lines glow.
Glossy
In this case, lamps on the suspended ceiling are not needed. The film reflects any lighting. Therefore, lighting fixtures can be hung on the walls.
This type of ceiling is also called mirrored. It is suitable for small and dark rooms. This will allow you to make it lighter.
But if you decide to place the lamps at the top, then the effect will pleasantly surprise you, because they will create the effect of a starry sky.
Choosing lighting for the living room
The selection of the type of lamps intended for tensile structures must take into account the fact that PVC film softens when heated and can stretch. The priority here should be embedded LED systems.
It is also acceptable to use gas-filled energy-saving lamps with cold or warm shades of light. You can use chandeliers without regard to this factor, since they do not have a direct heating effect on the ceiling material. The next question is: how to place certain lighting devices.
Satin
Quite a popular option. Experts consider a satin ceiling to be something in between. The color of the stretch ceiling in the living room may vary. It depends on the color of the wallpaper and furniture. For example, a light tone is perfect for small rooms.
It will make the room brighter and increase the ceiling height. Satin coverings are suitable for creating a homely atmosphere and additional comfort.
Classic colors for the hall and their combinations
One of the most common is white, which suits almost all styles. For example, the classic one uses a matte texture, often with a figured baseboard. For minimalism, it is better to choose a glossy surface, and for the Scandinavian style, complex configurations are possible. Lacquer texture is used in modern directions. White goes with any color combination, both light and dark.
A radical solution is black ceilings. It is better to make them glossy so that the surface does not hang over your head. In this color the reflective effect will be most pronounced. The rest of the furnishings are kept light so that the living room does not become too gloomy.
Brown shades have a similar effect. But the room turns out to be more comfortable and warm. Blue and purple look elegant and noble, however, sometimes they create a too cold environment.
If you want to install a colored ceiling, but are not ready to experiment, it is better to stick to light colors. Beige is often chosen - warm and delicate. It has several shades to suit different environments. Another common neutral color is gray. May be pale, close to white, or dark. The hall will become strict and solemn.
Pastel colors look gentle and elegant - pink, cream, light green. Blue is reminiscent of the sky and sea.
For suspended ceilings, bright colors are also chosen, for example, red, orange, yellow, green. But it is better to use them fragmentarily, in a small area or in a drawing. Otherwise, the surface will become too flashy, and it will be uncomfortable to be in the living room.
The combinations of shades with each other look interesting. There are several successful options for two-color combinations:
- White matches any others (for example, black and white).
- A dark or bright color with a similar, but very diluted shade (for example, brown and beige) looks good.
- Pastel colors are combined with each other.
For the ceiling you should not choose more than two or three colors. Then it will be harmonious and not colorful.
Fabric stretch ceilings
This type is very practical and convenient. Fabrics are not afraid of temperature changes and excessive moisture, which is why they can be installed not only in an apartment, but also in a country house.
It is much easier to install than other types. After installation there are no seams, and no special heating equipment is required.
Levels
Mounting systems for suspended ceilings allow installation at several levels. This option makes it possible not only to hide communications, but also to arrange multi-point lighting. However, for low ceilings, you should stick to a single-tier layout so as not to further reduce the height of the room.
For rooms with high ceilings, two-level and multi-level systems can be used. The first option is the most common, as it does not complicate the design too much and at the same time makes the room more original. This method allows you to use fabrics of different textures or colors, visually changing and enlarging the space.
Complex options with several tiers can only be used in large living rooms.
Stretch ceiling with lighting
Backlighting allows you to create additional lighting. If you decide to install an LED strip, then you can completely abandon the wall lamps and chandeliers.
This type of decoration of suspended ceilings is the most common. Relief ceilings look especially advantageous. The luminous tape emphasizes the advantages of such a ceiling and creates the effect of weightlessness. If you don't look closely, it seems as if the curtains are hanging in the air.
Standard lighting layout options
Central position . A chandelier in the geometric center of the room provides general lighting. It is usually used in conjunction with floor and wall lamps.
Point layout . Lamps are placed in different parts of the living room in accordance with the zoning of the room. They use energy-saving or LED lamps with low heat transfer, protecting the canvas from deformation.
Contour layout . The LED strip is located zonally or along the perimeter. Remote control allows you to change the brightness and color of the light.
Combining these options in one or another combination allows you to create convenient, functional and visually attractive lighting schemes, individual for each house or apartment.
Modern suspended ceilings combine a huge variety of types, styles, and layout options in the living room. Their choice is due to quality and high technology. Nevertheless, many find it difficult to choose: tension systems or the good old classics.
Photo of a stretch ceiling in the living room
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With photo printing
Modern interiors are often complemented by ceilings with prints made using photo printing techniques. This idea allows you to transfer any motif specified by the customer onto the canvas. It could be a blue sky with clouds, starry space, a picture from a famous fresco, etc. Any bold idea can easily be transferred to a suspended ceiling and become a highlight...
