White stretch ceilings: the pros and cons

When choosing a stretch ceiling, the most pressing issue is the successful selection of the color of the coating.

White color has a number of advantages in many respects: it is universally suitable for different styles of interiors, improves the room illumination, does not cause irritation, etc.

White color is associated with a number of positive concepts: calmness, clarity, cleanliness, honesty, and others; in addition, it has a number of optical features, which is reflected in interior design.

Thus, white stretch ceilings have the following advantages:

• Do not distract attention. White is perceived by consciousness as a symbol of neutrality.A white canvas does not switch a person’s attention to himself, as a result of which in such a room you can safely do your work without being distracted by an irritant. Also, the white ceiling does not compete with the rest of the interior, giving the opportunity to consider it in all its glory.

• Traditional look. Historically, a certain period of time almost all the ceilings were whitewashed. For people who love consistency, a white stretch ceiling with a matte texture will be a pleasant part of the traditional interior and at the same time will delight with excellent performance characteristics.
• The white color of the ceiling visually increases the space of the room., which in combination with large window openings will increase the openness of the space.
• White stretch ceiling with glossy texture through glare and reflections will make the room visually more voluminous and give a festive atmosphere. The surface of such a product is perfectly smooth, which is practically unattainable for other types of finishing works, such as painting or putty, due to the enormous costs of leveling the plane.
• White ceiling with a glossy texture of PVC film is ideal for creatingcomfortable, peaceful atmosphere by installing lighting equipment below the ceiling surface.

In addition to the general features of white stretch ceilings, there are differences that a certain surface texture brings. The main types are matte, glossy, satin surface.

Outwardly, such a surface resembles whitewashing or plaster putty. White matte surfaces are used in health care facilities, educational institutions, business centers, government organizations, etc.

The characteristic features of such a surface include:

• looks restrained and stern;
• emotionally gives a sense of calm and security;
• fits into most interiors;
• there are no glare of light and reflection of objects that distract attention;
• in a room with high ceilings, matte texture can reduce the visually felt emptiness.

When you first look at the white glossy surface it may seem that it is covered with varnish. In addition, her characteristic of some other qualities.

Glossy texture due to the mirror effect visually increases the volume, in particular, the height of the room. The light from the lighting devices, refracted from the "mirror" surface, spreads throughout the room, filling even the shadow areas.

The glossy surface is created by PVC (polyvinyl chloride) film, which has excellent waterproofing properties combined with inertness, which makes it an excellent solution for the bathroom, where there is high humidity and mold fungus.

A texture that combines both glossy and matte surface properties. Satin looks like a glossy reflecting light, but its luminescence is not direct, but of diffusing type.The canvas lacks the characteristic glare and "mirror effect", than it is similar to a matte texture.

In addition, the following features are peculiar to the white satin ceiling:

1. A specific feature of the texture is the overflow of light when hit at different angles, the “pearl effect” created by the inhomogeneous structure of matter.
2. White satin ceiling gives the room elegance, sophistication and refinement and can be appropriately combined with designer interior solutions.
3. Due to its luminosity, such a suspended ceiling will increase the illumination in the rooms.

The use of white stretch ceilings in interior decoration is quite extensive. First of all, this is due to the fact that the white color, in the absence of stylized repair, almost always fits into the surrounding interior. In addition, in terms of its neutrality and relaxing effect, it has almost no competitors. But it can also be used in rooms that already have a certain specificity.

The interior is made in a classic style, successfully complemented by a white stretch ceiling with a matte texture, emphasizing the regularity and solidity,characteristic of the classics. But the glossy surface with highlights and reflections will be inappropriate here.

White color is perfectly combined with daylight, and the more of it, the more obvious their compatibility in comparison with other shades. But bright colors with too much light become too annoying.

Minimalism is characterized by a minimal amount of decor, in which case a white stretch ceiling with a glossy texture will become one of the main elements of the interior, focusing on the visual effects typical of this type of product.

For lovers of bright rooms in low light conditions, the white ceiling will be a partial solution to the problem, enhancing the brightness of the existing light.

In terms of texture between glossy and matte surfaces, differences are only in taste preferences.Matte is best combined with a single large light fixture, such as a chandelier, while the gloss is well suited to multiple spot lighting.

White stretch ceiling, imitating knitwear, is not recommended for use in the kitchen because of its impregnation with odors and moisture, and besides, evaporating during cooking, food microparticles will settle in its fibers, which will lead to damage to the fabric and structure over time. In the bathroom, although moisture will not destroy polyester, a mold fungus will multiply on such a surface.

Before you proceed to the direct selection of a particular manufacturer of the stretch ceiling, it is worth considering some of the subtleties associated with the products in this segment of finishing materials:

• If the choice stops on the glossy texture, the material of the product is PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Haze is inherent in fabrics made from polyester-based "knitted" material. Visually fabric ceilings look velvety, and film coatings are mirrored smooth and absolute evenness.

• Cloth ceilings are mostly seamless, while film ceilings have only recently begun to be produced in a holistic design and most of the products do not have a seam. It can be noticeable or barely noticeable; a color transition can be used to mask the seam, for example, a black and white zebra ceiling.
• The satin product carries a partial combination of matte and glossy qualities. On the one hand, satin, like gloss, reflects light, but its surface is not specular and the reflection of light occurs in a diffused rather than direct form. This creates a “mother-of-pearl” effect with a pleasing appearance that attracts attention.

• German and French companies belong to the best manufacturers of glossy stretch ceilings; in the area of ​​matte “fabric” products, the highest quality product is made in Switzerland.
• In terms of price, glossy film ceilings are cheaper, the difference in price with matte fabric sheets is about two times. Less availability affects the popularity of ceilings that mimic the fabric.

On the installation of a white stretch ceiling, see the following video.