Experts recommend, or how to choose the right stretch ceiling. How to choose a stretch ceiling depending on the material of manufacture, texture and manufacturer.

Look at the photos of interior designs with stretch ceilings. Beautiful, is not it? I would like to have this fairy tale in my house. And there is nothing strange in this, because in modern repair it is already difficult to refuse such decoration. Stretch ceilings, like plastic windows, become an integral part of a modern home and comfort. Therefore, when building a house or repairing an apartment, be sure to honor your attention with new material. Perhaps this is exactly what you have been looking for. And those who have already decided should stock up on verified information for the selection of quality materials and skilled workers. And it’s worth starting with this article “How to choose stretch ceiling».

1. Types of stretch ceilings.

Nowadays, two types of stretch ceilings are produced: polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and fabric. We will now talk in detail about each of them, their varieties, the pros and cons of each canvas.

1.1. PVC stretch ceilings.

This type of ceiling is made from the thinnest and very durable plastic film. The first advantage is that it can be created for any area, since gluing comes in strips of 1-5 meters of any length. Vinyl film has a very strong structure, therefore, installed on the ceiling, it can withstand even a large flood from above. Stretching goes up to 35% of the length. Even the vinyl ceiling has the largest color gamut, a number of texture solutions. Perhaps the price is a little scary, but even despite this, it is stretch polyvinyl chloride (PVC) ceilings that are the most popular in the world and in particular in Russia. The only significant disadvantage of a vinyl ceiling is its dislike for low temperatures. The room should always be at least 5 degrees, otherwise the PVC will lose its qualities and the ceiling will soon have to be replaced.

As already mentioned, PVC ceilings carry a huge range of colors and textures. The most popular three are glossy, matte and satin.

1.1.1. Glossy stretch ceilings.

Glossy stretch ceiling.

Someone likes matte shades, someone gloss. For the second, this type will be best solution. The advantages of glossy stretch ceilings in the very mirror surface. No one has any doubts that this undoubtedly adds volume to the room, increases the height of the ceilings. So for low and even small rooms, this type is most preferable. Designers also advise using such canvases in bathrooms. Light and brilliance gives even more dazzle to this place of purity and relaxation. The only negative is the visibility of the seams, but this only threatens large areas.

1.1.2. Matt stretch ceilings.

Matt stretch ceiling.

This is a classic, such a ceiling can resemble any of the selected designs of previous years. There is no shine, but the texture can show everything, even a plastered reinforced concrete slab. But a perfectly flat surface will always appear, which is what attracts the new finishing material.

1.1.3. Satin ceilings.

Another subspecies of stretch ceilings is satin. They are similar in appearance to matte ceilings, but are more smooth. If you choose a satin white stretch ceiling, you get a dazzling white light. But if glossy will give glare, then satin is the perfect reflection of colors.

Stretch ceiling with print.

We gave some advice on choosing one or another canvas with PVC, but for a more accurate assessment, you should already consult with designers. It all depends on the room, light, color scheme of the rooms and your preferences. It remains to reveal fabric ceilings, which in many cases outperform vinyl film, although the disadvantages here are also considerable.

1.2. Fabric stretch ceilings.

Often fabric stretch ceilings are called seamless. They come in rolls 5 meters wide, which is already their first plus - the absence of seams, although this is also possible in vinyl versions. The second positive, easy installation. Seamless ceilings do not require heating and are very easy to install. This is facilitated by a smaller stretch, although it also gives a minus. If the neighbors flood from above, the fabric ceiling will not withstand this, it will stretch and have to be changed. But, this type of ceiling can be used in unheated rooms, and low temperatures will not harm it. The last plus is the low cost, fabric ceilings are more affordable. The last difference should be attributed to a too narrow range of colors and textures, so something extraordinary with a fabric canvas is unlikely to be made. But in any case, both types have the right to life, as they carry their positive aspects.

Before continuing, I would like to mention the structure of the seamless web. This look is not made from ordinary fabric, it's just called that. The threads come from polyester with polyurethane impregnation, therefore both fabric and vinyl fabrics for stretch ceilings are plastic, just in one case it is knitted weaving, in the other it is a film.

2. Manufacturers of stretch ceilings.

When you have decided on the type of canvas, color, texture, in general with the design of the room, you need to start choosing a manufacturer. And here the choice is very difficult. Imagine, there are thousands of companies in Russia that sell and even manufacture canvas for stretch ceilings. Prices vary significantly, not to mention the difference in quality. We advise you to immediately discard goods of Chinese origin, they are of poor quality, short-lived and it is unlikely that such a canvas will be changed under warranty. You need to choose goods from trusted manufacturers, although we will not advertise anyone, let's just talk about countries. And there are two ways: average prices and high. If there is no particular budget for repairs or the premises do not require large investments, it is definitely worth taking the goods of Russian manufacturers. When a house is built to last, you want maximum beauty, there are either French brands, or, in extreme cases, Italian ones. France is considered the birthplace of stretch ceilings and it is better to choose the firms of this country. There is both quality and variety.

The highest quality stretch ceilings are made in France.

But even if the choice is for an inexpensive brand, and ordinary colors and textures are needed, the same Russian manufacturers still need to be carefully checked. And this can only be done by checking the company for a certificate of quality.

3. Quality certificates.

Continuing the theme of manufacturers and brands, we note that in the same France there are only 5 enterprises manufacturing stretch ceilings. And another two dozen firms that can mount them. But in Russia? Thousands produce and every second builder can install the whole thing. Sadly, this is what makes it difficult to select quality canvases and install them. I'm afraid I'll have to double-check dozens of well-known companies to find the real one. And the only answer why you should trust is only the presence of ISO9001 and ISO14001 quality certificates. And we recommend buying stretch ceilings only with these certificates.

4. Fixing stretch ceilings.

This is a separate topic of conversation, but we will touch on it a little. In addition to the quality of the fabric of stretch ceilings, it is extremely important to choose correct fastening. In general, the choice of an experienced team immediately eliminates all these installation details, but still. It is believed that only aluminum profiles with grooves for the harpoon are able to properly fix the ceiling. And the choice, for example, of plastic profiles for vinyl film is a fundamentally wrong decision. This will pass with a fabric ceiling, but not with a PVC film, it will not withstand the loads. And there are a lot of such trifles, therefore, in addition to choosing the stretch ceiling itself, we very carefully select the installation team itself. Quality certificates confirming the skills of this type of installation are also important here. If this is not the case, forget about the warranty, according to it no one will replace anything for you even after half a year.

5. Forgotten what?

Stretch ceilings are not only single-level, they can be two-level and even multi-level. For example, to equalize the inconsistencies of different walls of the room or to give interesting curves. You can even take prints of the sea and recreate the waves, isn't it interesting? Or maybe you are interested in sand dunes or mountain ranges? It is quite possible to make such fantasy with the help of modern stretch ceilings.

Multi-level stretch ceiling.

Many people buy canvases with a starry sky to decorate the bedroom and make it romantic. If you wish, you can order your drawing. Whatever you want, the masters will do. Only to live with this is not a year or two, and when choosing a stretch ceiling in any room, be sure to remember this. And the stars for one night can always be recreated with the help of a home planetarium.

There are also specific antibacterial stretch ceilings impregnated with special agents against many types of bacteria and fungi. This is more suitable for medical institutions, but if you suffer from any special types of allergies, this is a good investment in protecting your health. Ask if some kind of know-how type of ceiling for you will be not only aesthetically valuable, but also extremely beneficial for your health. This market is gaining more and more momentum every year, and it is necessary to use modern achievements. Stop living the old way!

Stretch ceilings are always beautiful.

So let's make a small summary. When choosing stretch ceilings, it is important, first of all, to choose a good manufacturer of stretch ceilings with confirming quality certificates, secondly, to hire a professional team for installation and, thirdly, to choose the right colors and textures for the interior. Three things to help make right choice. Start with them.

Only a few years have passed, and stretch ceilings have rapidly gained popularity. Today, their diversity amazes our imagination, they not only have luxurious beauty, but also have a long service life.

However, only high-quality stretch ceilings can be really not only beautiful, but also safe for health. This sometimes confuses us when choosing a stretch ceiling. In this article, we will try to tell you in detail about how to choose the best stretch ceilings and not run into a fake.

PVC or fabric ceiling, what to choose?

The first thing you need to decide is the material of the stretch ceiling. Cloths are made either from polyvinyl chloride or from polymer fabric. Both types of stretch ceilings have their advantages and disadvantages. PVC ceilings make up 90% of the total volume of the offered canvases, we note their main advantages:

1. able to withstand the load of water during flooding, without letting it through, thereby saving furniture from getting wet;
2. a huge range of colors with the possibility of photo printing;
3. variety of textures;
4. possibility of partial dismantling;
5. safety for human health;
6. lack of difficulty in care.

Speaking of fabric stretch ceilings, it must be said that their lesser popularity is due to the fact that they are three times more expensive than PVC films. But thanks to their advantages, they also find their consumer.

In addition, it must be said about what width canvases are produced. Fabric stretch ceilings can be 5.10 m wide, and PVC films up to 3 m, so for large rooms they have to be welded on a special machine. However, no matter what material you choose, both ceilings are afraid of sharp objects. But at the same time, the main disadvantage of PVC ceilings is that they are afraid of low temperatures, and a significant disadvantage of fabric ceilings is not dismantled.

We select a stretch ceiling according to the type of room

When choosing a material for a stretch ceiling, it is worth considering in which room you want to install the ceiling. The most important conditions to pay attention to are:

• Firstly whether the room is heated or not, because on a cold PVC balcony the ceiling is unlikely to last long, as the film will simply crack from low temperatures.
• Secondly, humidity in the room, for example, for a bath or pool, fabric sheets are a less suitable option. While PVC ceilings have properties that reduce the accumulation of condensate, they do not start mold and fungus does not multiply. When flooded, due to the high elasticity, the film will not break through and will retain a large amount of water.
• Thirdly, conditions in the room itself, the presence of odors, etc., for example, in the kitchen, fabric sheets will absorb odors, greasy stains may appear, which are more difficult to remove from fabric ceilings. PVC film is more practical in this regard, it can be washed, just do not clean it with brushes and products containing solid particles and acetone.

In general, any stretch ceilings can be installed in residential premises, it all depends on your taste and wallet. However, for a children's bedroom, preference should be given to fabric canvases from European manufacturers, because they are of better quality and safer. Such ceilings are installed even in medical institutions. In children's ceilings are more susceptible to mechanical stress, so it is better to install a matte fabric cloth than a gloss, which will quickly lose its appearance. Glossy PVC films are best installed in living rooms.

Matte or glossy, or maybe suede or how to choose the texture?

After choosing the material for the stretch ceiling, you need to decide on its texture. In addition to the usual: glossy, matte or satin texture, there are also:

• suede (suide);
• metallic;
• wood;
• marble;
• translucent.

It cannot be said that some texture is better or worse; when choosing, most of all you will be guided by your taste. Also, the choice will be influenced by the style of the interior in the room, so stretch ceilings with wood or marble texture are suitable for eco-style, and matte and satin ceilings in white or light shade will fit well into the classic style. Suede ceilings can most often be found in restaurant halls, billiard rooms or libraries. But you can’t do without translucent stretch ceilings if you decide to design a luminous stretch ceiling.

Of course, from a practical point of view, it is better to give preference to glossy or satin stretch ceilings. Such canvases are less demanding in care. In addition, in the event of a web break, it will be easier to dismantle them and it will look less noticeable. From the point of view of designers, such canvases are also good, because they visually increase the height of the room, and reflections and reflective properties give the room a special atmosphere.

Variety of colors and photo printing

Today, it is very common to find colored stretch ceilings, it enlivens the interior of the room. But choosing a color can be a daunting task. Here you should not forget about the effect that color has on a person, because some colors can contribute to relaxation, while others cause a feeling of anxiety. The modern color palette of stretch ceilings has about 300 shades. Consider some of the popular colors:

Do not forget that when choosing a colored stretch ceiling, it should be in harmony with the walls, floor, furniture. You can combine several colors on the ceiling, or decorate a canvas with photo printing, especially since you can depict everything: nature, still lifes, animals. The main thing is not to overdo it with paints, the impression of a “pressing ceiling” should not be created, but on the contrary, there should be some kind of lightness and airiness.

Traditional ceilings or multi-level structures?

When choosing the best stretch ceiling, you put into this word not only the meaning of quality, but also the best - this is the one that you like. In addition to the variety of colors and textures, you can choose the shape for the stretch ceiling. Of course, classic single-level flat ceilings are the standard solution chosen by many. But those who want to create something individual and impressive in beauty prefer multi-level structures of various shapes.

Multi-level structures are the embodiment of a wide variety of design fantasies. They can be curvilinear, wavy, domed. Such ceilings allow you to zone the space of the room without installing unnecessary partitions, it is enough to beat everything with color and shape. Ceilings with several levels reduce the height in rooms that are too high. Made of PVC film ceilings are not afraid of moisture, which means they will serve you for a dozen years without requiring special care.

Trade marks

Without exaggeration, Europe is the leader in the production of stretch ceilings. European stretch ceilings are of high quality at a corresponding price. A budget and inexpensive option for stretch ceilings can be purchased from Russian or Chinese manufacturers. Most often, preference is given to the following manufacturers of stretch ceilings:

• France - CTN, Barrisol;
• Germany – Pong produces three types of stretch ceilings Lackfolie (glossy), Mattfolie (matte) and Descor (fabric),
• Italy - Malpensa and Cerutti;
• Belgium - Polyplast and Mistral;
• Switzerland - Clipso.

To summarize: general recommendations for choosing the best stretch ceilings

Summing up, we highlight a few main recommendations for choosing the best stretch ceilings in terms of their quality, external design is still a matter of everyone's taste.

1. It is best to order a stretch ceiling from reputable manufacturers, and not from intermediary firms that have just appeared on the market.
2. Be sure to ask about the country that produces the stretch ceiling, when buying a Chinese-made stretch fabric, be more vigilant.
3. Check out all the quality certificates, if they refuse to show them to you, this should alert you.
4. When choosing the texture and type of material, ask for a sample of the canvas to feel it, and not just admire it in a printed catalog.
5. The warranty period for high-quality canvases should be at least 5 years.
6. Ask about all the necessary components, about installation, you should clearly know what you are paying for. In case of any contradictory and doubtful answers, do not risk either money or your nerves.

So, we hope that after reading this article, you will learn something new or important to you. Choosing the best stretch ceiling, of course, you should be very careful, because you want the result to be really liked and, as they say, to the soul. But do not be overly meticulous and do not trust anyone, otherwise you will not get any pleasure. Listen to yourself, and you will surely make the right choice.

Photos of the best stretch ceilings

Stretch ceilings have long moved from the category of novelties to the category of ordinary building material. Although not so long ago they were something expensive, mysterious and accessible only to a few. Now, like plastic windows, stretch ceilings are becoming an integral part of the modern home.

Benefits of stretch fabrics

The main advantage of tension structures is the leveling effect. The canvas creates a flawless surface, while hiding the flaws of the ceiling and engineering networks.

Besides, tension structures have a number of other advantages as well.

In addition, the canvases are fire resistant, easy to clean and environmentally friendly.

Criteria for choosing stretch ceilings

The finishing industry offers a wide range of stretch ceilings. In order not to get lost in this diversity, it is necessary to determine the main selection criteria.

1. Type of stretch ceiling. First you need to understand which canvas material is preferable - film or fabric.
2. Material texture(glossy, matte, fabric).
3. Design. Here the choice is extremely diverse, you can choose both simple white and colored material, apply drawings or three-dimensional images to the canvas.
4. Ceiling construction(one- or two-level, acoustic design).
5. Ceiling manufacturers(European, domestic or Chinese companies).

Types of stretch ceilings

Stretch fabrics are fabric or film(based on PVC). In the first case, a special impregnated fabric is used for the tension structure. It is an elastic material that does not collect dust and has high water-repellent properties. The required coloring of the canvas is achieved by applying a special polymer to its surface. It is lightweight, safe and attractive material. The width of the canvas can be any (up to 5.1 m), and such a ceiling has served for many years.

Vinyl film sheets are particularly elastic, but cannot boast of such strength as fabric structures. However, in terms of moisture resistance, they have no equal. Vinyl ceilings are more finicky than fabric ones, but they differ in a variety of colors and textures (matte, glossy, mirror, satin, suede).

On a note! It is this type of ceiling that is often called "French", since it is believed that the idea of ​​​​creating tension structures first appeared in France.

Table. Comparative characteristics of fabric and film canvases.

Material texture

The texture of stretch ceilings is of three main types:

• matte;
• glossy;
• satin.

Separately, you can select textured canvases under the skin, velvet, stone or suede.

Matte ceiling

The matte texture looks like an ordinary well-plastered ceiling. This finish option is suitable for lovers of the classics. Matte canvases are made from vinyl or polyester textiles. The finishing industry offers a huge number of shades for every taste. White and other soothing shades fit perfectly into the interior of any room. At the same time, the matte canvas leaves a lot of room for fantasies and experiments: the material can be painted and images can be applied.

Glossy ceiling

A glossy or lacquered ceiling has a reflective surface and a characteristic sheen. Outwardly, the gloss looks elegant and original, but it should be borne in mind that it will not always fit into an interior design with a lot of furniture. In the bathroom, for example, a glossy ceiling creates a fabulous and relaxing environment. Gloss visually expands the space. This design option is optimal for small rooms and rooms with low ceilings.

Often lacquer canvases are used as one of the elements of a two-level ceiling. The choice of gloss here is justified and will be an interesting solution, especially if you plan to get a reflective effect not over the entire area, but only in some areas of the ceiling.

Separately, ceilings with an extra-gloss surface are distinguished, having one hundred percent reflectivity. This coating resembles a mirror.

satin ceiling

Satin can be called a kind of compromise between a classic matte surface and a glossy canvas. The structure of this material resembles satin fabric, hence the name. On the canvas there are micro-reliefs formed by interlacing the finest threads.

Thanks to its special reflective characteristics, satin shines with a fabulous mystical light. In the evening, the effect of a pleasant brilliant glow is especially noticeable. Satin texture is well suited for spacious rooms.

Stretch ceiling design

The ceiling covering is selected taking into account the interior of the room. Gloss and light colors will visually enlarge the room, the matte surface is ideal for nurseries and bedrooms. Glossy canvases look good only in illuminated rooms; with a lack of light, the room will seem gloomy and uncomfortable.

Ornaments and patterns on the ceiling are always unique and interesting. But drawings, collages and images are allowed only on matte surfaces. For the bedroom, the ceiling can be decorated in the form of the night sky with many stars and celestial bodies - beautiful and unusual, this design creates a romantic atmosphere. In the nursery, you can distribute images of fairy-tale characters and make unusual lighting.

Stretch ceilings make it possible to create a surface of almost any shape: arches, waves, cones. Cloths can be mounted at any angle and even in different planes. And if we add to this an almost unlimited number of color shades, a variety of textures, the possibility of combining different canvases, it becomes clear that a stretch ceiling allows you to realize almost any fantasy.

Design features

All tension systems are mounted using a baguette - a special profile that is installed around the perimeter of the room. Fastening is carried out by harpoon (only film ceilings) or without harpoon (fabric and film sheets) methods.

single level ceiling

The simplest and least expensive option is a single-level ceiling, when the canvas of the selected texture and color is simply evenly stretched around the perimeter of the room. The design lasts a long time and is easy to maintain. An almost infinite number of shades and patterns allow you to make a really interesting and original version.

Multilevel ceiling

It's already over complex structure, which is created using drywall or special profiles. Typically, a multi-level ceiling consists of various canvases, which may differ both in texture and color. Thanks to interesting combinations, it is possible to get a truly spectacular ceiling design.

The construction of a multi-level stretch ceiling in the section (mounting of the 'harpoon' type):
1 - the upper level of the tension structure;
2 — plugs of separators;
3 - separator;
4 - chipper;
5 - inner frame;
6 - base ceiling;
7 - the lower level of the ceiling;
8 - walls;
9 - wall profile and a plug to it.

acoustic design

This is the best option when you need soundproofing of the room. Ideal for cafes, bars, clubs, studios or just when isolation from noisy neighbors is required. To create an acoustic structure, first, special mineral slabs are laid under the ceiling, and then a sheet of special polyester fiber is stretched.

Starry sky system

This design in your own bedroom will allow you to admire the starlight every night. The system is created on the basis of a fabric or film canvas, most often in dark shades (black, blue, purple, chocolate), imitating the night sky. Lacquer surfaces look impressive: this is how the night sky seems mysterious and boundless.

Stretch ceiling "Starry sky"

Modern technologies make it possible to create such a ceiling in which the "stars" will appear only in the dark. In most cases, the installation of the system is carried out using optical fiber and a light generator. The stars are arranged randomly, in a certain order or in the form of constellations.

Ceiling device "Starry sky" with optical fiber and light generator

Tension fabric manufacturers

When the type of canvas, color and texture is selected, you need to decide with the manufacturer. Consider the most popular companies

France

One of the well-known French manufacturers is the company Clipso, which produces fabric ceilings with special knitted weaving. A wide canvas (up to 5.1 m) is made of polyester and impregnated with polyurethane. The Clipso product line consists of both dazzling white and colored canvases, there are translucent and shiny options. Drawing the image by means of a photo printing or a list is possible acrylic paints. The fastening of the canvases is carried out in a dry cold way using latches-clips - a clean, fast and harmless installation option.

Germany

German ceilings are impeccable product quality. The main manufacturer is the company Pongs, offering a range of 130 canvases of various colors with a width of up to 3.25 m. Within the brand, products are divided into several lines depending on the type of canvas. Pongs produces glossy, satin and matte canvases. All of them are distinguished by high elasticity, expressive color, total absence creases and smell.

Pongs owns a brand Descor, which specializes in the manufacture of fabrics.

Lackfolie- another German manufacturer and market leader in stretch ceilings not only in Germany but also in the world. Eco-friendly raw materials, unique technologies and advanced equipment allow the company to produce durable, beautiful and reliable canvases that are suitable both for decorating residential premises and for decorating a cafe, restaurant, sauna, hospital or trading floor.

Russia

Russian canvases are distinguished by pleasant prices. But compared to European products, domestic canvases do not have a wide range of colors and a variety of textures, but in terms of quality and durability they are not inferior to material from Europe. One important point: Russian stretch ceilings are made of budget material up to 1.42 m wide, the film fades quickly enough and does not have a long service life. But if you need a canvas at a democratic cost, then domestic products will be a good alternative to European material.

China

It is not entirely justified to believe that Chinese products are not of high quality, and their main advantage is their low cost. But the stretch fabrics of the company MSD meet high European standards. Distinctive feature brand is the width of the material exceeding 5 m, which completely eliminates the need for seams. Affordable price and high quality allow MSD stretch ceilings to compete with the leaders of the finishing industry from Germany and France.

Which manufacturer to choose?

French ceilings are a special style and quality. They are aesthetic, strong, durable and environmentally friendly, but they are very expensive. In Germany, excellent tension structures are also made with a wide variety of colors and textures, but the price of the products will please a few.

Russian ceilings are a budget class. Outwardly, the canvases look no worse than European ones, but they differ in a small selection of colors. And the design will last not as long as foreign counterparts from Europe.

Choosing a Chinese manufacturer, the buyer can purchase quite acceptable goods, but it is worth making sure that the canvases have the necessary quality certificates. The composition of the material should not contain phenol-containing components hazardous to human health.

Summing up

When choosing a stretch ceiling, you need to consider several points. First, choose the right canvas, taking into account the design of the room, deal with colors and the texture of the material, take into account the nuances of a particular option. Secondly, you need to choose the right manufacturer. The health of the owners of the premises where the stretch fabric will be installed depends on how high-quality the purchased products turn out to be. It is important to make sure that the material has the necessary quality certificates. Thirdly, take care of the high-quality installation of the ceiling (do it yourself or contact specialists). These are three aspects that will help you navigate correctly when choosing a stretch ceiling.