On this issue there are different opinions. That is why it is worth noting right away that in terms of reliability, durability and ease of care, there are no fundamental differences between glossy and matte stretch ceilings - they are absolutely identical in terms of their operational characteristics. Differences manifest themselves under slightly different evaluation criteria, but all of them are mostly perceived purely subjectively.
Naturally, the personal preferences of a person play a decisive role in acquiring a variety of material, and they sometimes do not coincide with the opinion of a professional designer. In addition, there are some other factors (the peculiarity of the use of the premises, the age of the owners and a number of others) that need to be paid attention to. We’ll deal with all this, and which stretch ceilings to choose - at the discretion of the reader.
"Pros"
Such a ceiling reflects light like a mirror. This creates the effect of greater illumination of the room, visually increases its size. Even a small room will seem more spacious and bright, there will be a feeling of something festive.
In addition, to give the room originality, a unique style, the material of the glossy canvas allows you to apply any pattern (but not photographic) to it. It all depends on the imagination of the owner.
Thanks to the translucent surface, lighting fixtures can be installed in the space between the canvas and the ceiling slab. If there are several of them, and they are well located, then the effect is amazing.
"Minuses"
Purely practical - rarely in what room is it possible to “cover” the ceiling with a single piece of PVC. This is due not only to the standard sizes of glossy paintings (as a rule, their width is 2 m), but also to the geometry of the room (various niches, ledges). Therefore, when installing stretch ceilings, individual parts are welded together. This seam on a glossy surface can be noticeable, sometimes quite distinctly.
For example, with improperly selected lighting, a peculiar arrangement and large dimensions of window openings, ceiling height, “inconvenient” installation of lighting devices, and so on, seams can be visible. Matte products do not have this drawback.
In addition, the smallest spots, stains, pollution are clearly visible on such a surface. Therefore, it requires a more careful attitude.
Selection of the shade (color) of the canvas in advance is difficult to do. This is determined only directly in the room, after its installation. Therefore, it often turns out on the principle of "guessed - not guessed."
Another disadvantage of the “gloss” is its “tenderness”. He does not like negative temperatures, so there is no sense in installing such canvases in rooms that may not be heated in winter (for example, in a country house).
Features
Today, there are many different variations in the design of ceilings. A large palette of colors allows you to realize any stylistic fantasies. One of the classic and "ageless" options is a matte stretch ceiling. It can be made from PVC film or from more expensive thermal materials that resemble expensive fabrics.
From the point of view of psychology, matte color gives a person peace of mind, creates a cozy atmosphere. Today, it is a white matte ceiling that is the most popular solution for an apartment. It is worth noting that this option is very popular not only in Russia, but also in Europe and America.
Stretch ceiling coatings often have a mirror effect, which is not always attractive and convenient. Matte canvas damps the reflection of light. It allows you to experiment with styles and design. In addition, even if the ceiling hangs at an angle, the matte color due to the absence of reflections will create the effect of evenness of the surface.
The white matte surface looks beautiful and stylish in almost any style. The snow-white stretch ceiling is ideal for decorating a living room, bedroom or children's room. It will decorate the office space.
The density of the matte stretch fabric provides a long service life, and also perfectly retains heat inside.
Popularity
The main advantage of white opaque stretch ceilings is an excellent appearance, thanks to which the apartment can give some zest. Such ceilings are also very popular due to the quick installation, perfectly flat surface and, of course, the lack of mirror effect, which have glossy options. Besides the fact that they have advantages over other stretch ceilings, they are still superior to drywall options.
Due to its design they are not at all afraid of cracks and various deformations, from which plasterboard ceilings suffer.
Appointment
White matte ceiling coverings harmoniously look in almost any style of the room. They have an unrivaled appearance, emphasize harmony and turn the room into a cozy place where you can relax and enjoy your stay in it. In addition, due to the properties of the matte shade, the ceiling eliminates defects throughout the room.
The matt option is a good solution in the interior of any room. It looks great both in the spacious living room and in the small bedroom.
The white matte ceiling has many shades, due to which it harmonizes with various colors in the interior design. Installing such a ceiling is easy. An experienced master will quickly and efficiently complete the installation of the tension web. The matte ceiling is made from high-tech PVC film.
It not only quickly mounts, but also has other advantages, among which it is worth highlighting moisture resistance, so the apartment is protected from mold and mildew, which a more expensive version of drywall cannot boast of.
Advantages
All types of building and finishing materials have their advantages and disadvantages. This design is no exception.
White matte stretch ceilings have many advantages, namely they:
- moisture resistant, which makes it possible to install even in the bathroom,
- elastic and resistant to large amounts of water. If you are flooded with neighbors from above, then the canvas will simply be filled with water, thereby protecting your furniture and flooring from damage,
- easy to install, since the entire structure is installed within 4-6 hours,
- fireproof, because the material is protected from ignition,
- eco-friendly, since no harmful or hazardous materials are used in the manufacture of the web. Such a canvas can be used for any room, including a children's room,
- represented by a wide range of shades, which allows you to translate into reality any design fantasies.
Care Rules
Any design requires maintenance. The matte stretch ceiling is unpretentious in leaving. It has a presentable appearance even after a long time of operation. However, so that he retains his pristine appearance and serves you for a long time, he must also be looked after.
It is worth noting that you need to do this carefully and accurately.
Experts recommend adhering to certain rules.
- The ceiling should be cleaned at least once every two weeks. This should be done with a soft, damp cloth.
- Before wiping, make sure that the fabric is clean and free from dust. A stretch coating always attracts attention, every speck of dust will be clearly visible on a white matte surface.
- There is a huge assortment of cleaning materials, so choosing a material to care for the stretch fabric will not be difficult. Microfiber or a regular soft sponge is ideal.
- The stretch ceiling coating, although it has a long service life, cannot be called heavy-duty. It is very fragile and can suffer from a simple scratch. Before wiping the ceiling, it is advisable to remove all the jewelry from your hands. In addition, it should be wiped very carefully, without pushing through the surface.
Wet cleaning
On dull white suspended ceilings, stains may remain after wet cleaning. To prevent this, a hardware store should buy a special detergent. Now there are a lot of such funds.
In no case should you use aggressive detergents, for example, for washing dishes or cleaning compounds. Chemical harsh detergents can damage and deform the tension coating.
If you do not have a special detergent for suspended ceilings, you can wash it with soapy water. Baby soap or shampoo is best for this.. The fact is that their structure is not rigid and will not damage the surface at all.
Some experts advise using detergents such as ammonia, acetone or alcohol to clean such ceiling coatings. For some stretch ceilings, these funds do not carry a threat, however, the white matte version is made of a material that is immune to the above funds.
Ammonia, alcohol and acetone can completely ruin the presentable appearance of the ceiling, after which you just have to change it.
Dry cleaning
People are used to the fact that if there is a web on the ceiling, then it can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner during the cleaning of the apartment. However, if you have a suspended ceiling, then this method must be forgotten forever. The surface of the ceiling is very soft and can be deformed by the influence of concentrated air. Therefore, a simple vacuum cleaner can ruin the entire ceiling. It is better to use a soft brush or rag to wash the stretch ceiling.
To care for the stretch ceiling, it is better to use a high step ladder so that you do not reach for the ceiling. Do not use a mop, as it can cause great harm.
Beautiful examples in the interior
The white opaque stretch ceiling can be mounted quite easily by yourself. This color looks harmonious in many interior styles. This option is perfect even for the design of a children's room. This ceiling coating has a perfectly flat surface and is suitable for the embodiment of a classic or modern style. It is worth noting that objects in the room will not be reflected.
A matte stretch ceiling is a really good solution for any home. It has many advantages that will allow you to implement the most complex design decisions.
For more information on the matte stretch ceiling, see the next video.
Film material
White matte stretch ceiling made of film is the best choice for rooms with specific functions. For example, it can be installed in the bathroom, kitchen. The fact is that this type of canvas has several advantages. Many people may be scared that the canvas is white, since we are used to the fact that it is difficult to remove stains from white. But in this case, all these problems are eliminated by the material.
The film cloth is easy to clean, does not require special care. The film repels moisture, dirt, dust. Due to the structure of the material, it does not absorb stains, so they are easy to remove. In addition, this version of the canvas tolerates high humidity, temperature changes, is not susceptible to mold. In general, a white matte stretch ceiling from a film is perfect for people who want to make their ceiling exactly white, but are afraid that it will be difficult to care for.
Fabric material
Fabric white matte stretch ceiling is a more moody option. The fact is that the fabric base has a number of advantages, but disadvantages are also present. In addition, the disadvantages are significant. If you are a fan of naturalness, the fabric material of the ceiling coating will suit you. Manufacturers made sure that fabric stretch ceilings looked natural, were environmentally friendly. In this case, all concerns regarding the difficulty of maintenance and cleaning are justified.
The fabric material itself is finicky in care, especially white. The fabric has a weave structure as a result of contamination is difficult to remove. The fabric cloth tolerates high humidity, temperature extremes. But the natural look and environmental cleanliness cover all the disadvantages.
Steps for installing a white matte stretch ceiling
Installation of this type of coating practically does not differ from the installation of other types. It all depends on the material. The film web must be heated for installation. This requires the presence of a special gas gun.
- remove all furniture, interior items from the room,
- clean surfaces from dust and dirt,
- mark the distance from the ceiling to the structure, about eight centimeters, around the perimeter,
- fasten the profile along the marking line,
- mark the placement of the fixtures,
- lead the wiring to the marked places,
- make a base for plywood fixtures,
- fix the base on the ceiling with special metal legs,
- fasten the canvas in the corners,
- heat the canvas
- you need to fill the canvas, starting from the center of the wall, heading to the edges,
- after you have fixed the canvas around the perimeter, let it stand,
- fasten the rings to fix the lamps in the marking places,
- cut the inside of the rings,
- withdraw wiring through the space inside the rings,
- connect the wires to the lights,
- lock the lights.
Installing a fabric stretch ceiling is practically no different from installing a film ceiling. Just the fabric does not need to be heated. Otherwise, the installation process proceeds in the same manner.
The price of a white matte stretch ceiling is pleasantly pleasing. This is one of the budget options.
Advantages of stretch frosted ceilings.
Stretch ceilings opaque most often use in a classical interior. At first glance, they can not be distinguished from the usual whitewash. But practicality and durability exceed expectations. A perfectly flat surface adds luxury to such ceilings.
Matte colored stretch ceilings are also interesting, although their color scheme is poorer than glossy counterparts. There are pastel colors, which allows you to create restrained luxurious interiors. Glitter does not strike the eye, and the reflected diffused light gently spreads over the surface of the ceiling.
You can highlight the following advantages of suspended ceilings:
- perfectly flat surface
- safe for health
- quick installation
- hidden ceiling communications and wires,
- service life - 25-30 years with careful care,
- price,
- moisture resistance.
Stretch ceilings do not absorb moisture. If you are flooded with neighbors, the water does not break through the surface of the ceiling, but accumulates in the form of a bubble. The volumes of water that the film can withstand are impressive - up to 100 liters of water per 1 square. surface meter. In this situation, you need to urgently call a specialist who will drain the water and restore the surface of the stretch ceiling.
At first glance, the price of a stretch ceiling may seem high. But if you hire a team to align the ceiling, install drywall, plastering and painting - the total cost of the work will be much more expensive. And the deadlines will drag on for weeks to months.
Disadvantages of stretch frosted ceilings.
Matte stretch ceilings made of PVC film may contain weld seams. The maximum width of the film is 3m. If you have a larger room, you will have to make a seam or use a matte fabric material, the width of which can reach 5 meters.
The matte ceiling does not withstand sub-zero temperatures. This should be taken into account when choosing a ceiling for unheated rooms and balconies, as well as country houses that are not always heated in winter.
On a matte surface, more than glossy, various impurities may be noticeable. But they are easily washed off with a damp sponge. It is better to use a special tool for cleaning stretch ceilings without abrasive particles. Such wet care is not possible, for example, for whitewashing.
Another drawback that must be considered when choosing a stretch ceiling for a child’s room is instability to mechanical damage. Any dart or arrow can damage the surface.
General recommendations
For rooms with insufficient natural light, it is better to choose glossy ceilings. They are best installed in relatively small rooms when it is necessary to visually increase their volume. "Gloss" is good for the living room, hallway. By the way, many consider it a shaded version as the best choice for a bathroom. In principle, anyone who is accustomed to following various fashion trends with the help of a glossy ceiling will be able to give any room a peculiar, stylish look.
Matte canvases are better suited for a formal, business atmosphere - office space, classrooms, libraries, and so on.
It is necessary to focus on the environment of the room. If the choice fell on a glossy canvas, then it’s nice to add mirrors and furnishings with metal parts to the interior.
In heavily lit rooms, in rooms with a large number of window openings, it is better to mount frosted ceilings. They are also great for kids and bedrooms.
If everything “rests” on the financial side of the problem, then arranging a matte finish will be cheaper. Less seams - lower the final cost of the job.
One of the disadvantages of the “gloss” is its “tenderness”. He does not like negative temperatures, so there is no sense in installing such canvases in rooms that may not be heated in winter (for example, in a country house, in a cold outbuilding). But for frosted ceilings, small subzero temperatures are not the "final sentence".
The most important thing is to trust your own intuition. You need to imagine how such a ceiling will look in a particular room, with its decor, size, arrangement of windows, lamps. If a feeling of discomfort arises implicitly, it becomes uncomfortable, it is better not to listen to the recommendations of specialists, but to do it your own way. After all, we will have to live with such a ceiling in the house, and not outsiders, even if they are professionals. You can read about how to install a chandelier on a stretch ceiling in this article.
PVC Ceilings
Stretch ceiling - a cloth that is mounted on a profile made of plastic or metal. The coating itself is welded from PVC sheets from one to five meters wide. When installed, they are heated using special devices and fixed to the profile element. Cooling down, the film stretches and turns into a perfectly smooth surface.
Stretch ceilings are up to five meters wide. If the size of the room does not go beyond these parameters, then mount the canvas seamlessly. In large rooms, the material is welded from several cuts. The seam itself with proper installation is almost invisible. It should be borne in mind that film structures reduce the height of the ceiling by several centimeters, and when installing lighting devices, the canvas drops even lower.
Cloths made of PVC film - it is always practical, versatile and beautiful. Stretch ceilings are satin, matte and glossy. Each of them has its own characteristics:
- Satin - canvas with a light reflecting effect and a pleasant iridescent shine,
- matte - a classic material that creates the impression of a quality painted or whitewashed ceiling,
- glossy - texture with a mirror effect.
Satin ceiling
Satin stretch ceilings has a slightly shiny surface. This allows you to achieve the desired light play and create a particularly cozy atmosphere in the room. Satin texture is suitable for rooms where it is necessary to emphasize a calm atmosphere. The material is used to decorate residential and office premises: in this regard, it is very versatile.
The satin ceiling is neither matte nor traditional bleached. On its surface are not visible grains characteristic of a dull canvas. It has no reflectivity like gloss. But still it reflects a little light. In a variety of lighting, the shade of the surface varies. Daylight makes it somewhat colder with a more distinct shade. In the evening, the satin ceiling becomes darker, a pearly shine appears.
Matte ceiling
Matte stretch ceiling is a classic, relevant for any room. No special comments are needed here. Such coatings do not lose popularity, despite all the novelties of finishing materials offered by manufacturers. Classic options never go out of style, so when solving a problem, which ceiling is better: satin or matte, many prefer the latter coating. Matte textures are in harmony with any options for finishing floors and walls, furniture and interior elements.
White stretch ceiling is appropriate in a room for a variety of purposes: bedroom, kitchen, living room, nursery. Fans of custom design solutions will appreciate the diverse range of colors of paintings that can realize any fantasy.
Glossy Ceilings
Let's talk about glossy ceilings separately. Owing to their reflective ability, owners of small apartments with low ceilings often give preference to them. If there is a desire to visually expand the space, the room is decorated with mirrors. The gloss expands the space, it seems that the ceilings are higher than they really are. It is magnificent both in classical white color, and in bright variations. On the glossy stretch ceilings, sparkles and lights look good, which with their sparkling surface make the ceiling look like a stunning sky or a pacifying sea.
If you have a choice between matte, satin or glossy stretch ceilings, then you can give preference to the latter option in interiors made in trendy and original styles. They are well suited for decoration of night clubs, bars, entertainment centers.
Their obvious drawback is a noticeable seam when it comes to installing such ceilings in large rooms. But this problem is easily solved by installing multi-level surfaces using additional finishing materials or suspended ceilings.
Recommendations of specialists
Matte or satin stretch ceiling: what to choose? From a technical point of view, they are equivalent:
If such a criterion is determining, then only personal preferences should be taken into account.
When installing the ceiling in the living room, where it is planned to spend quiet family evenings, matte paintings will be a good solution, although satin is also suitable. Both materials will create a calm environment where family members can relax after a long working day. Both matte and satin coatings do not irritate the eyes and dim the light well.
When creating a strict interior, it is better to give preference to matte canvases. They do not seem pretentious and will make the room truly cozy. Such paintings look more modest where other ceilings seem pompous.
Satin is indispensable in rooms where light play is important: the ceiling surface will have different shades under different lighting conditions.
Gloss is suitable for small rooms and corridors, it is ideal for creating multi-level structures, but such a coating loses its appearance much faster than other materials. The glossy surface is relevant for an extravagant and unusual interior.
What to stop at?
It seems that satin and matte coatings are similar, but they have quite significant differences. Satin does not require additional decorative solutions. It looks self-sufficient in the interior, adding a touch of luxury to the decor. Matte ceilings are modest and restrained. They are ideal in the following cases:
- in an interior that does not have bright and shiny elements,
- to complement a classic design with no fanciful details.
Visually, as already noted, the ceilings are different. Satin is characterized by a calm reflection of light fluxes. A small play of light, born on a satin canvas, occurs due to the special structure of the material. The perception of the coating is determined by the angle of incidence and the direction of light. Satin with its softly shimmering color will be a great addition to futuristic interiors.
An opaque ceiling reminds usual whitewashing - it is an embodiment of a classic interior. He organically fits into rooms where there is no hint of extravagance. It does not reflect light; it is evenly illuminated over the entire surface; there is no color play on it.
