Two-level stretch ceilings: types and all the subtleties of choice

Modern technologies allow a new look at the design of the home. Take at least the design of stretch ceilings: PVC film gives a lot of possibilities for design. The uniqueness of this material lies in the fact that no other material has the same qualities for finishing the ceiling. Consider the most popular type of design: two-level stretch ceilings; we will study their types, advantages and disadvantages, as well as all the subtleties of choice.

Two-level stretch ceilings are a construction of metal profiles with a PVC film belt attached to them. Installation is carried out by adding to the design of drywall, which sets the desired design and size of the tension inserts. The technology of these systems can be seamless (when the width of the coating is sufficient and is about 5 m) or suture (3.5 m), in which the panels are joined by welding.

In contrast to single-level constructions, plasterboard forms are used here rather than baseboards and moldings to impart bulkiness and relief.

Such ceilings are easy to install. Having on hand a detailed step-by-step instructions and the necessary materials, you can install them in no more than a couple of days. At the same time, the result of the finished work will differ little from the work of experienced craftsmen. This allows you to significantly save the budget, paying more attention to the purchase of quality material and simple inventory, if it is not available.

The installation process is the attachment of bearing profiles to the base (ceiling) to form the necessary lines, which are initially marked with maximum accuracy in the drawing, indicating the dimensions. Buying tension fabric is carried out only after measurements, in some cases, it is acquired after the set profiles. It is cut out and sewn up to the box itself or to the frame, ensuring a high density of the profile’s abutment to the two-level structure. This factor determines the longevity of a two-level stretch ceiling.

The cloth is fixed in several ways (wedge, staple or harpoon). More often for fixing they use the latter method, welding special hooks for stretching the material and attaching it to the frame to the edges of the cloth. Sometimes for fastening apply a special tape. A feature of the installation of tension structures is the heating of the panels by means of a special hair dryer or heat gun.

When heated, the material becomes elastic. First, it is fixed in one corner, then in the opposite, and only after that in the two remaining ones, correcting irregularities. After this, the edges are fixed to a profile or baguette with a step of 8 cm. Technological slots are masked with a flexible tape.

The main component of the tension structure is the canvas. More often it is a polyvinyl chloride film, less often fiberglass and polyester textiles are used to decorate the ceiling. Fabric differs in thermoshrinkability: it is mounted without preliminary heating, it is capable to absorb moisture partially.The texture resembles ordinary textiles, eliminates the possibility of re-assembly. It is used to combine glossy and matte panels in different levels of two-level designs.

As fastening systems use profiles made of metal or plastic. These systems allow you to place the tension fabric at different distances from the base. With their help, you can hide various communications, if they are located on top. If shtapikovaya technology is provided, use plastic inserts. In other cases, the gapless mount.

A characteristic feature of such designs are the limitless possibilities of design: drywall allows you to perform a variety of fancy lines and shapes in which the tension insert look in a special way. These designs are recognized as the most aesthetic and comfortable type of ceiling decoration of a modern home. They can have a different surface texture, which allows you to choose for decoration of any room type with the desired effect. Consider the nuances of each type of coverage.

This material is one of the popular paintings to decorate modern interiors. It is especially harmonious when it is necessary to demonstrate the synthetic base of raw materials and gloss. It is characterized by the presence of reflectivity, due to which It is used to visually increase the height and width of the walls of small rooms.

An interesting nuance is the increase in reflectivity with increasing saturation and darkness of color. In addition, among these coatings there are mirror options that, along with the expansion of space, introduce an imbalance in its perception, doubling the room with details. In addition, such an invoice attracts attention, which forces us to think over each element of its decor, starting from the drawing and ending with the lighting. However, it is not so easy to maintain, because often after a wet cleaning of the surface on it are visible stains.

Such material is relevant in different directions of interior design, so it can support any style or become its highlight, without interrupting the overall concept of the interior. Matt surface type in two-tier structures is used in combination with glossy coatings, as it is able to soften the sharpness of the gloss. Matte film is perfectly combined with different illumination and allows the performance of complex compositional techniques, when both built-in and external illumination are used to impart volume and depth.

This film is easy to clean and allows the use of a damp cloth, vacuuming for cleaning. Due to the antistatic, it repels dust, so the coating almost always looks neat. This type of texture helps to create a cozy atmosphere, so it can be used in any room of the home.

This material is another type of film coating. Its distinctive feature is that it is frost-resistant and can be used in unheated premises (for example, in the design of a cottage ceiling).This type of coating is rendered into a separate group due to the pearlescent reflection of the surface, which is not characteristic of matte or glossy types.

In its operational characteristics, this material exceeds the first two analogues. It looks more expensive, aesthetically more attractive and able to successfully fit into any interior design, regardless of the creativity of its direction. This canvas is expensive, provides for the decoration of the surface of any decor up to the picture. It does not compete with decorative elements and lighting.

Two-level design stretch ceilings have a lot of advantages. Denote the most relevant.

• The ceilings are durable. With compliance with the installation technology, careful care of coatings and proper cleaning of the surface, they will serve for more than 10 years.
• Due to the lightness of the components of the structure, they do not create a large weight load, so they do not harm the overlap of the premises, which allows them to be used in every room of an apartment or house.
• They are distinguished by the possibility of self-selection of the height of the ceiling, which is convenient if you need to disguise the height difference of the walls.
• All types of material used are harmless to health and do not cause allergic reactions, so that such structures can be installed in children's rooms.
• They are not limited in colors, which allows you to decorate the ceiling space according to your own taste preferences.

• The material used does not change its properties long enough, while the texture remains resistant to temperature changes, the formation of fungus and mold.
• Tension cloths are not exposed to sunlight, so you can decorate the ceiling with rich colors of the color palette, not worrying that they fade.
• Depending on the chosen color, they are able to increase the size of the room, fill it with light, depth and lightness.
• They involve the use of modern diverse lighting, which in most cases can adequately replace the central lighting.
• Such ceilings can unobtrusively zone the space by means of inserts and forms of different shade, texture, create a clear organization of each functional area of ​​the room.
• The sheets are resistant to moisture, in case of leakage from the apartment from above, they stretch without bursting. After drying, in most cases they return to their original form.
• The materials used provide for external and internal illumination, any design of the ceiling can be made special.
• Two-tier ceiling versions allow you to embed the backlight in such a way as not to create unnecessary holes on the stretch canvas.

The list can be continued for a long time, however, along with the advantages of two-level stretch ceilings, there are also disadvantages. We note the main ones:

• No type of material is designed for significant mechanical damage and possible punctures. The appearance of defects is usually accompanied by the dismantling of the tension fabric.
• Bunk constructions conceal the height of the walls (from 10 cm and more), so their use in the premises of small apartments (Khrushchev and Brezhnevka) is not always possible.
• The design of small rooms requires a special approach in order not to visually overload the interior.
• Two-level stretch ceilings are more expensive than their single-level counterparts.At the same time, it is almost always necessary to create a design project for specific dimensions of the room for them, which forces them to contact the designer, and this entails additional expenses.

• When performing curly lines will have to observe identical width, which will require greater concentration of attention. In addition, it is difficult if the ceiling has a height difference.
• The canvas must be cut out very precisely, otherwise it may be expressed in its sagging or lack. If it is easier to cope with right angles, sharp and gapless design elements at double levels can be difficult for a non-professional.

The palette of shades of tension structures with two levels is multifaceted. If necessary, you can perform a two-level design in several shades of the same color, differing in different degrees of saturation. This technique allows, without violating the integrity of the composition, to give any room organization. Conventionally, all types of paints can be divided into several scales:

• neutral;
• pastel;
• natural;
• dynamic;
• dark.

White remains a favorite among tones: it is able to bring a positive to any interior, make the room visually easier, fill it with air, soften the perception with an abundance of dark tones, create balance.However, if it is used with a black tone, the perception changes: the absence of live (color) tones deprives the space with the black-and-white ceiling of joie de vivre.

Therefore, white color often takes the desired color due to the contrast, which it is customary to complement it. For example, if you add light gray and beige to it, it will already look different.

Pastel shades look better than others in the design of stretch ceilings in two rows. They are perfectly combined with white color and allow you to bring comfort to the room. Some tones (for example, delicate turquoise, caramel, mint, light peach, ivory and pink) are selected according to an individual project, starting from the general concept of style.

In this case, you can build on the color of the wall decoration, furniture, or certain significant accessories and even photo wallpaper.

The use of natural (natural) tones often does not depend on the chosen style, so they are oriented so that it fits different designs, because the wallpaper changes more often. In this case, it is important that the tone is not dark and expressionless. The most popular color is beige of different degrees of saturation. It can be light, bright, while it is important that the color does not match the tone of the furniture. Other tones include brown, which is more often used in glossy paintings.

Saturated paint try to apply metered, combining with light shades or white color. This is due to the fact that the bright tones pull all the attention to themselves. If there are not many of them, it makes light colors expressive. When saturated contrasts dominate, a color imbalance of the entire interior is created. In this group today the most in demand are purple, violet, yellow, wine and burgundy. The complex in the work include blue, bronze, orange.

The lighting of two-level structures of stretch ceilings is of great importance. That it is able to pull out any design, including concise design options. Conventionally, it can be divided into two types: built-in and external. In the classic version, these are chandeliers on pendants or other fixtures or flat panels of the surface type.The ease of form often differs from the usual models of central luminaires: they have many small luminaires of high power.

Typically, the lighting of such ceilings use a modern type of light sources - LEDs. In their technical characteristics and performance they are in many ways superior to any known types of lamps. But this is only on the condition that they were bought in a reliable store of a certain manufacturer, tested by time and marked by a mass of positive reviews.

In the process, they consume a minimum of electricity, almost all of it is converted into light, so they almost do not heat up when switched on.

The main types of built-in lighting are spotlights (spotlights), spots (lighting with adjustable angle), cord and flexible LED strip. The unusual solutions used mainly for decorating stretch fabrics of translucent and transparent type are fiber-optic threads. When mixing their thickness create realistic effects, highlighting the ceiling from the inside (for example, the effect of twinkling stars).

The tape is distinguished by the ability to clearly repeat the shape and any bend, while it is easy to install and allows fixing to the eaves. These light sources are harmless, do not contain mercury, do not emit toxins, shine with an even and directional light. Therefore, in order to exclude dark unlit areas in the interior, it is often necessary to locate them at the same distance from each other along the perimeter of the box or along the figured line of drywall. Their design is almost always laconic, but successfully fits into the design of any conceived idea.

The spots are remarkable in that they can be mounted on beams or other projectionsprovided for in the design of two-level tension structures with drywall.

The complexity of the two-level structures of stretch ceilings, as well as the use of a certain texture, depend on the chosen direction of the interior design. If these are decisions that are related classic, neoclasic, classicism, italian styleIt is important to show the elements of the palace solemnity. The basis can be taken white or light beige. It is allowed to combine matte and glossy textures, making U-shaped levels.This may be a certain lacquer accent of a geometric shape, located in the center of the room (for example, square, oval).

It is desirable that the design provided for symmetry: this is the calling card of classical trends. To add luxury, you can decorate the design with gilded elements or imitation plaster moldings or choose a satin canvas, decorating it with, say, photo printing in the form of gilded lace around the edges.

If we are talking about modern directions, they are divided into two types: minimalist (minimalism) and elegant (modern, hi-tech, brutalism, bionics). At the same time, both categories are characterized by the functionality and demonstration of modern technologies, including through the selected texture. Here it is important to show a synthetic component, with which a glossy type of coating, adorned with ergonomically shaped lamps, will perfectly cope.

Lines of structures are more often figured, although quite often the ceiling space is decorated with plasterboard elements of a round shape, which accentuate the central part of the ceiling.

If the idea is based on a certain vintage direction that can immerse in the desired epoch, then you will most likely have to beat the design with matte stretched panels, choosing angular and simple shapes for decoration, if this is the style of French villages. For luxurious interiors, which include Baroque and Rococo, it is worth looking at the ceilings with a satin sheen and plaster ornaments.

It should be noted creative style, for example, popular styles loft and grunge. In this case, it is undesirable to demonstrate the gloss surface of the ceiling. Since the appearance of the interior should resemble the lived-in industrial object, it is better to take a matte texture as a basis. At the same time drawing drawing with imitation of even concrete is allowed. The main thing in this case is the right choice of luminaires, which can be beaten by means of spots with imitation of communication systems.

An interesting design decision today is the use of photo printing. The process involves applying to the surface of the image of any color and size. You can choose it from the catalog or order it at will using a high-quality and sharp picture for decoration.

A popular story today is the heavenly theme. These are daytime motifs depicting the sky, clouds, sunlight, and the mysterious cosmos. Riding design art can be called a two-level composition with the theme of the starry sky, which is created using composite lighting, embedding it inside the tension structure and leading to the network.In this case, for realism, you can use the desired image, selecting for the effect of greater realism, fiber-optic fibers in places where the stars are drawn.

Of great importance in the design of the ceiling double design is the purpose of the room. From this depends on the color and type of texture of the material. Consider several options.

There are often no windows in these rooms, which makes them uncomfortable. The main task is to fill the lighting. At the same time, the design of a two-level structure should not be massive, otherwise you can create a negative perception of space.

If there are few things in the hallway, or they are hidden in the closet, it is appropriate to use a glossy texture for the decoration. This will allow to visually beat the lack of light and the lack of footage, which is usually inherent in the hallways. If the corridor is part of an open plan, you can select it through a separate box or a curly line of one of the levels.In this case, you can combine two different shades or play with the texture using a matte and glossy type of the same white color.

Dynamic colors are relevant here. Contrasts may be the most unexpected. For example, the original look will be a mix of light gray with a contrasting inset of wine color, selected for different areas of the kitchen. To the combination of tones was not sharp, you can choose an imitation of natural material, embodying it in a gray shade through the figure.

Receiving versatility using two tones is also appropriate. You can decorate the ceiling with a glossy canvas of pale green color and emphasize it with a more saturated tone. To design did not look boring, shades should be diluted with white. So in the kitchen and lightness is not broken, and the freshness will be felt. The complexity of the two-tier design will depend on the size of the kitchen: if it is combined with the living room or dining room, you can make the transition with curly line,unobtrusively dividing two functional zones.

This room is the heart of any home, so we pay special attention to it. It should be comfortable. Therefore, the priority is glossy and satin versions of the panels: they will add elegance to the interior, a certain amount of elegance and will not allow the design to be boring. To create comfort, it is preferable to choose warm and light shades of the color palette: they will suit all households, will not have a negative energy.

If this is the apartment of a young family, you can add in the design purple, yellow, sand color. In addition to this, let's say a blue tint mixed with purple due to photo printing of a pattern, say, a star nebula. If elderly people live in the house, such tones are undesirable for them: they will cause depression to develop, even if there will not be many of them in the design. The perception of the young is different: it will seem to them that the room is filled with freshness.

All will suit beige tones, the use of white, light peach, milky color. It is undesirable to decorate the bunk ceiling design of the living room with a pink tint: this color creates discomfort in men.The same applies to lilac.

It should be mixed matte canvas with satin or glossy. It will look beautiful. If possible, emphasize different levels of spotlights: so tier systems will become more elegant. As a backlight, use light sources with a warm hue of the light flux. If you want to change the perception, design one of the tiers with an RGB-type LED strip. Optionally, you can change the shade of glow from white to purple, varying the color of the mood.

The bedroom interior needs light colors and a relaxing atmosphere. Matte and satin coatings are applicable here. The first will allow maximum rest, the second will bring luxury to the interior. To make the design look unusual, you can make a slight accent with the help of photo printing, making the transition of the tension fabric to the wall at the headboard. If you choose a matte texture, you can decorate it with simple patterns. Such an accent will clearly mark the sleeping area, set the basic mood for the design.

To enhance the harmony of the design of the ceiling and the interior, repeat the elements of the lighting on the walls or on the facade of the cabinet. You can use the dressing table, highlighting its identical spots or cord.

The matte texture looks good in the nursery. It contributes to a better perception of space. However, for zoning, you can use a small contrast insert, making it in the working area of ​​the room. In this case, the material should be selected in such a way that the reflectivity is not largeotherwise it may be distracting, which is especially undesirable for schoolchildren.

The color of the stretch fabric can repeat, for example, the finish of the rack. In this case, you can perform a separate illumination of each area of ​​the room, using small spotlights.

We note the basic principles of selection of tension structures and their design. This will allow you to decide which option is more appropriate in a particular case.

• If you want to save money, you can buy the film yourself in a specialized store: they are sold in rolls, which is convenient for transportation. When buying, consider the width of the material so that you do not think about welding the seams in the future.
• If you have conceived a certain design, entrust it to professionals: order a specific pattern that will bring the desired mood into any space. In this case, give preference to matte or satin varieties: photo printing on them looks better and more expressive.
• If you want to decorate a two-tier design of the attic, try to focus on the matte texture of the surface, diluting it with a slight accent of the glossy finish.

• To translate complex creative ideas worth thinking about combining with drywall.By themselves, matte and glossy canvas look easier.
• For kitchen and bathroom are good film materials. They are easier to clean. Try to pick up a cheerful tone and texture with a small reflectivity.
• If you need to design a ceiling in a room with a staircase leading to the attic, choose a design that will allow you to beat the doorway leading to the rooms on the upper floor.

To appreciate the role of decorating the space of different rooms of a dwelling, Let us turn to examples of photo galleries, considering the various examples of design 2-level stretch ceiling.

• An example of emphasizing a sleeping area is a concise, but stylish design with a satin texture of the material.
• Dilution of lilac and brown tones of the interior through the construction of white matte texture with separate illumination of each functional area.

• An example of using warm blue with a white contrast of drywall demonstrates the lightness of the design.
• The contrast of white with light beige conveys a homely atmosphere. Light chandelier is a stylish accent tension structure.

• The ceiling with a triangular asymmetrical black inset with a mirror effect adds complexity to perception, while it successfully divides the open-plan space.
• The use of a glossy canvas with an air chandelier in the guest area of ​​the room is successfully combined with the finishing of the box for a small dining space in the form of a bar table with chairs.

• The original design of the combined type with drywall, made in strict geometric shapes, is successful for the design of a spacious living room.
• Laconic solution of a child teenager with the use of a glossy coating of warm white color, the use of different lamps: panels for the working area and spot lights on the opposite side.

• Stylish ceiling decoration with a gloss of fashionable today yellow color. Emphasizing dining space with the transition of material to the wall.
• Design of the living room in a classic style with the use of a stretch ceiling of a glossy texture, decoration in the form of a luxurious chandelier and solemn lamps of a similar style of small size.

• A good move in creating a bright contrast: the use of gray and wine tones makes a special mood in the kitchen interior.
• This design will be appreciated by the twins: a small glossy insert with a sky pattern in the shape of a circle, decorated in a ring with light, fits well into a room made in beige and blue tones.
• The combination of white and brown tones fits well into the situation with a lot of bright details of furniture.

To learn how to install a two-level stretch ceiling correctly, see the following video.