Fabric stretch ceilings: advantages and disadvantages
Stretch ceilings are well known to all. They are created from different materials, differ in design, textures, colors, shapes and other characteristics. Fabric stretch ceilings - this is one of the varieties that is in high demand. Such designs are not cheap, but their benefits cover all costs.
What it is?
Stretch ceilings continue to gain popularity among users around the world. For aesthetic beauty, they have no equal. One of the varieties of these designs is a fabric stretch ceiling. For such constructions polyester natural fabric is used., which is impregnated with special compositions based on polyurethane polymers. Due to the impregnation, the material becomes durable, elastic, durable and even moisture resistant.
The fabric is tensioned and fastened on a special frame or baguette. It does not need to be heated as a film..
The material is most often produced without seams, but for finishing of wide rooms, structures with a seam are required. Although such methods are used infrequently, because the seam greatly spoils the appearance of the ceiling. Although in this case, you can go to the trick and place a wooden beam on the site of the seam.
Wood and fabric ceiling designs can make stylish compositions.
Advantages and disadvantages
Fabric stretch ceilings are characterized by 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 a true opinion about fabric tension structures.
Fabric ceilings have many advantages.
- High strength and endurance compared to other types of tensioning structure. The strength index is largely determined by the structure of the material. 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, because such a ceiling will not become an obstacle to the movement of air between the main ceiling, the tension structure and the room.There will be no greenhouse effect in the room, as often happens with film ceilings.
- Sustainability is based on the use of natural fibers to create a canvas. A mesh is woven from the fibers, which is subjected to complex processing. Such paintings are absolutely harmless to health, because they can be used in the design of children's rooms and are suitable for people with allergies. This is even reduced opinion of doctors.
- Fire resistance is another important difference between fabric ceilings and film. Natural fibers due to complex, multi-stage processing become non-flammable. Even exposure to open fire, not to mention the high temperatures, does not cause a fire.
- The ability to withstand negative temperatures up to -40 degrees and to maintain its performance.
- Fabric ceilings differ from film high resistance to damage, mechanical stress and the ability to retain external characteristics. The canvas, even after prolonged use, does not become covered with cracks and does not sag.
- Staining fabric ceiling possible using acrylic paints. You can create patterns, apply pictures and photos, change textures.On average, one canvas can be repainted no more than 5 times.
- The durability of the fabric ceiling can be measured in a decade, but for this installation must be performed according to all the rules and with strict adherence to technology. Film ceiling for such a long-term operation is unable.
- Even in installation, the fabric construction is better than PVC. The film can not be set alone; you will have to attract outside help. Everything is simpler with fabric.
Fabric designs are not without flaws:
- Scanty color palette. This deficiency is eliminated by staining. True, the staining process is complex and without specialists is not performed. Otherwise, you can completely ruin the canvas.
- Water flow ability it will be noticeable at the moment when the neighbors from above suddenly want to arrange a flood for you. Here the use of PVC ceilings is obvious. The film allows water to accumulate without harm to the room. Then the water is easy to descend, so the repair costs "little blood." True, now many manufacturers produce a fabric that is able to retain water.
- Ability to absorb odors does not allow to install fabric stretch ceilings in the kitchen and in other rooms with pronounced aromas.
- Lack of antistatic effect does not allow to mount such structures in dusty rooms.
- The need for regular cleaning with a special vacuum cleaner, which will have to buy just for these purposes.
- The impossibility of re-mounting the web. If it was dismantled, then you have to buy a new fabric.
- Lack of stretching ability does not allow the use of fabric to create complex designs and trim 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. Harm to health from fabric ceilings is absent, they are easy to install, but require constant care.
Kinds
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 fast.
At this point there are three types of designs.
- Seamless stretch fabric ceilings - This is the main direction, which is preferential in most cases. Such fabric structures have a width limit of not more than 5 meters, which is an excellent indicator.
- Two-level fabric ceilings - These are complex, but beautiful and original designs. It often combines several colors, adding sophisticated light elements. Such a ceiling will always look original.
- Multi-level ceilings - This is an elite design. They are complex and expensive, but to find two identical ceilings will not work. Each project is unique, considered the height of design ideas.
Eco-friendly materials are always preemptive. For them are willing to pay extra. Eco ceilings are fabric systems. This is one of their main advantages. Created from natural fibers, breathing fabric does not have an unpleasant odor and does not cause allergic reactions. Such properties are typical for all types of fabric stretch ceilings.
No need to choose between beauty and naturalness.
Materials
Fabric tension structures can be created on the basis of various materials. Each of them has its own set of advantages and peculiarities, 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:
- Textured canvas with invisible stamping. This effect is obtained by superimposing two layers on each other. One layer plays the role of the base, it is mesh. The second layer is embossed material.
- Satin ceiling It seems higher due to the nature of the material. The basis of the satin canvas is polymeric material, it has a fine-grained structure, which creates a pearl effect. Such ceilings look spectacular with light elements that add surface sparkle and mystery.
- Print ceilings are one of the varieties of satin designs. Transparent texture and the ability to transmit light allow you to achieve a chic effect. If you place the lamp under the cloth, then the room will be dominated by a soft, mysterious twilight, and the warm light transmitted through the calico will create a romantic atmosphere.
- Suede material for the ceiling on 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 a big role in the process of creating the interior.The right choice of material allows you to beat the advantages of the room, hide its flaws and create an amazing designer ensemble.
Colors
Let the materials for suspended ceilings are available in a limited range of colors, but it can also be painted or applied the desired pattern. This opportunity is actively used by designers and even ordinary citizens.
To alleviate the problem of choosing the color, it is worth considering the main options:
- White color not as simple as it sounds. It has a lot of shades and variations. For example, the Descor company's assortment has two white shades: classic, warm and cold, with an ash tint. The first option is closer to the natural, it gives the design of naturalness and emphasizes other interior items. The second option makes the ceiling flawless, conservative and strict.
- Beige and yellow more material is 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 be a bit like a cinema.
- Glitter optionswhich is created from millions of tiny particles, created for stylish, bright natures. Such materials can be found in the Clipso catalog.Chic, brilliance, beauty - that's exactly what I want to say, looking at these luxurious materials.
- Pastel Ceilings will be appropriate in bright rooms. They will be able to settle the riot of colors, set off the expressive walls and place the necessary accents. Another option is appropriate when the design is created exclusively from light shades. Often in such rooms there is only one bright object: curtains, flower pots, a carpet on the floor or an element of furniture.
- Dark and bright, expressive materials should be chosen for concise spaces. In this case, the ceiling will be the main element that harmoniously fits into the calm interior.
Design
Although fabric stretch ceilings are available in a limited range, yet designers have plenty to choose from. It is necessary to select fabric carefully, taking into account those features which are inherent in this or that design.
- Glossy designs are able to create a spectacular interior with minimal investment. In addition, the glossy surface is able to make the room spacious and spacious. Such ceilings in any interior become the main element that attracts attention.
- Matte designs most of all are suitable for bedrooms and nurseries. The most successful choice would be calm nude shades. The exception is made for children, but still bright colors should be chosen with caution. Otherwise, a long stay in the room will be accompanied by fatigue and an irritable state, and headaches may occur.
- Motley the color is out of place in a small room, because it will seem even smaller than it actually is.
- Dark the ceiling can balance high walls in a small room.
- Light coloured the ceiling will add a few centimeters to the height of the walls.
- Ceiling with photo printing - This is a huge opportunity for designers. Any image can be applied to the fabric, which will make the room with a boring interior unusual and original.
- Flowing surface has found many applications in the field of design. Stretch ceilings did not remain aloof from this trend. You can create amazing illusory designs that will make the room magical.
Brands
Many companies are engaged in the production of fabric stretch ceilings, but not everyone can be trusted with your choice.
- Swiss-French company Clipso is a manufacturer of materials and the owner of several brands. Stretch ceiling structures have no equal in quality even among competitors from Germany. It is easy to work with fabrics from this company, they are elastic and dense. French materials all over the world are recognized as luxury, it’s not a pity to give money for them. The company offers fabrics with different performance characteristics: soundproof, moisture resistant, antibacterial and antistatic. Each material is labeled, meets 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 what Switzerland offers in the person of Clipso. On the fabrics of this brand is also marked. They are smoother than the products of the first company. The brand offers a large catalog of materials, in which there are the usual and original versions, for example, fabric with small sequins. By the way, these fabrics are inexpensive and this is taking into account the high quality.
- Fabric products from firms Cerutti - This is a clear representative of the premium segment. The company uses for the production of a special fabric with polyester-fabric base. The material is subjected to a complex impregnation using a polymer composition, which awards the fabric with water-repellent properties.
- Alloys is a reseller, she herself does not produce fabrics for tension structures. The quality of materials is not worse than those offered by Germany and Switzerland, but the cost often turns out to be higher.
It is better to choose the products of the first two companies. Still, they are already proven, their products are of high quality and well known. It is easy to work with such ceilings, which increases the chances of getting the perfect result.
How to choose?
If you buy expensive material from a famous brand, then you need to protect yourself from fakes. Manufacturers care about their reputation and put a label on the material. Nobody forges this degree of protection, since the costs do not justify the profit. Marking is applied to the edge of the fabric, which is cut off during installation. Marking consists of a trademark and a name.
Lack of marking is a sure sign of a fake.From such a purchase, you must immediately refuse, because you can buy not only a low-quality product, but also get a dubious environmental friendliness.
Such materials may contain harmful components that will cause irreparable harm to the body. Ardent fans of pronounced gloss still do not dwell on the fabric ceiling. He will not be able to provide such a gloss effect that films are capable of. Of course, among the paintings there are glossy options, but they are inferior to PVC films in reflectivity.
Care
Fabric stretch ceilings need to be cleaned dry. For this work, you must 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 on the 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 stains on the surface, which can only be eliminated by staining.
You can resort to wet cleaning only to remove difficult stains. Need to act carefully.Wet cleaning is performed in extreme cases, delicately and carefully. It is better not to use this method at all or to use it extremely rarely.
This process includes the following steps:
- a mild soap solution is made from powder or soap, other means are 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;
- wet area should be wetted with a dry lint-free cloth.
Reviews
After studying the reviews of users of fabric stretch ceilings and analyzing their opinion, 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 can hear complaints about complex care, which requires practice, skills, and the use of cleaning equipment. And problems arise in people who have purchased fake material. In this case, reviews contain complaints of an unpleasant odor that does not erode even after a while, low performance and 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 interior solutions
An ideal bedroom - this is exactly what one wants to say at the sight of such a design in which the stretch fabric ceiling of heavenly color is concisely inscribed. 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 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 the use of canvas with photo printing. The ceiling turned out to be expressive, contrasting, eye-catching and admirable. They can not admire enough, so it is interesting. It is better not to place it in the bedroom, but such a ceiling will look good in the kitchen or in the corridor.
Here you can clearly see how fabric stretch ceilings can be used in public places, particularly in cafes, and not just in an apartment or a house. Despite the large area of problems with the fabric ceiling does not arise.Amazingly beautiful canvas, which is a single part of the composition, places the necessary accents in the design and dilutes the overall atmosphere.
One of many examples of how a fabric stretch ceiling looks in a wooden house. It was originally chosen ascetic, in a sense, even the Scandinavian style. Therefore, the design is so discreet, 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, as it can be chosen for different rooms, and in each case the ceiling will look harmonious - whether it is a bright bedroom, a reserved entrance hall or a guest room with a fireplace and massive furniture.
And again we have an example of using photo printing on natural canvas. Glossy canvas with colorful butterflies is the main element in a complex, multi-level design.
Here you can see a complex lighting system, which consists of lamps of various types. 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 muffled and unobtrusive.
Very beautiful fabric matched for this design. Perhaps the color was given by staining. The texture turned out to be velvet with the effect of natural suede. Deep, non-uniform color, interesting shade, well-chosen chandelier - the designer took everything into account to create a unique interior. The ceiling does not look heavy, it looks noble and elegant.
Very bright and elegant room turned out. Not the last role in the formation of such an interior played fabric stretch ceiling. The whole composition is depicted in the center of the ceiling, which is complex, interesting and absolutely unusual. Such a picture can be considered tirelessly and constantly attention will be focused on the new element, which has not been seen before.
Here you can see a good design for the bedroom. The highlight of the interior is the repetition of the pattern with wallpaper on the fabric stretch ceiling. The design for the ceiling was chosen correctly, otherwise the interior could be overloaded and overly variegated. As a result, the bedroom turns out to be warm, relaxing, moderately bright and with the necessary accents.
Milky-colored clouds are depicted on the sky-blue fabric.The light elements complement the composition: square ones are arranged along the contour of the ceiling, round ones are placed around the area of the canvas. And even if the repair has not been completed yet, it is already clear how gentle and cozy this room will turn out. It can be a living room, a bedroom or a nursery - the design of the ceiling is so universal.
We hope that these samples will help with the choice of a stretch ceiling and design, push on fresh ideas and reveal hidden potentials. It is necessary to take into account the above advice when choosing a canvas, think over the design options well, consider a few ideas and choose the best one.
The installation process of fabric stretch ceiling is shown in the following video.