The best stretch ceilings in 2020

Stretch ceilings are in great demand when decorating apartments, offices or private houses. With their help, it is possible to make a perfectly flat ceiling, which will have a beautiful design and excellent operational parameters, in addition, its service life is very long. Installation is possible in rooms that have already been renovated.

The installation process itself takes about 2 hours, while there are no wet or dusty processes. Today on the market there are canvases of different colors, textures, there are options with prints and other effects. To choose the right material, know its characteristics, highlight the specifics of the room, and also determine the best stretch ceilings in 2020.

Top manufacturers

When choosing for yourself which stretch ceilings are better, you should understand that the cost of the canvas and its quality directly depends on the company that manufactures the material. Today, consumers have access to products from domestic, Chinese or European firms.

European companies offer a very large selection and occupy major positions in the market. Firms can offer different colors, textures, the surface can be glossy or matte, and the quality of the canvases is the highest. The price of such a product is higher than among domestic or Chinese counterparts. Among the best European firms are:

• French - Barrisol, Extenzo, Clipso;
• Belgian - Poliplast;
• German - Renolit, Lackfolie;
• Italian - Cerutti.

Domestic companies are not so widely represented, due to the weak development of manufacturers. The main leader can be considered the Saros Design brand. The organization was founded in 1996, is located in Moscow and today there are branches in different cities of the Russian Federation and other countries. The company offers a large selection of colors, sizes, you can buy canvases with drawings. Also, customers have the opportunity to order an individual product, and all calculations are made using a computer, actually developed program.

To save money on the product, it is recommended to choose another domestic company. Good budget models can be offered by the Kazan plant and the Ivanovo NIIPIK. The companies offer products up to 1.4 m wide, and the colors are strictly limited.

There is also a large selection among the Chinese options, but it is important to carefully approach the acquisition process. Some manufacturers offer canvases that are no worse in quality and characteristics than from European organizations, but there are also very poor quality fakes. Among the clear leaders are the following firms:

• MSD;
• HALEAD
• Gline.

The described companies are quite high quality and constitute strong competition for global brands, but their cost is significantly lower.

His talk about cost, then it differs not only based on the brand, but also on a number of other indicators. Many clients have a frequent question, which stretch ceiling is better matte or glossy. This choice depends on personal preference and the purpose of the room. Approximate prices for 1 sq.m. installation of the European canvas are:

• woven - 650-1500 rubles;
• PVC - 350-450 rubles;
• with a print - 800-2000 rubles;
• textured - 800-1200 rubles.

The cost is determined by the complexity of the entire structure, the amount of work and the type of paintings. It also includes the number of lighting fixtures, the use of LED strips and other lighting. Of considerable importance for the formation of the price is the coating of the walls themselves, where installation is planned, since the installation of a profile, for example, on a tile is more difficult than fixing it on a simple plastered wall.

The main types of stretch ceilings

This rating will allow a potential buyer to determine which is the best matte or glossy stretch ceiling. The review contains all modern options with their main characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.

Woven ceilings

Cloths of this type are created on the basis of polyester, which is impregnated with polyurethane. Due to the resulting texture, after installation work, it turns out to achieve a perfectly flat surface. Compared with PVC goods, fabric canvases will be 2-3 times higher in price, they are recommended to be used for the most luxurious interiors of premises. The best companies that can offer fabric canvases make products with an antibacterial surface, the ability to repel dirt, there are also soundproof and water-repellent types on sale.

Pros:

• Environmentally friendly materials without odor and emission of harmful substances.
• They are able to pass air.
• A high degree of strength, which protects against mechanical damage, this figure is 20 times higher when compared to PVC ceilings. For example, a hit from a ball or a champagne cork will not lead to holes or other defects.
• High performance in sound isolation.
• The fabric does not burn if the manufacturer impregnates it with a special substance that increases the degree of fire resistance.
• A wide scope of use, which is achieved by the possibility of mounting in a large temperature range. The canvases are able to withstand from -40 to +80 degrees. This fact allows you to install the ceiling even in the country without heating, in the gazebo, on the terrace.
• When using powerful lighting devices, color and shades are preserved, there is no burnout and melting of the material.
• Installation is easy and safe, does not require the use of special equipment.
• The finished ceiling can be painted on your own or painted over and over again without compromising its appearance and characteristics.

Minuses:

• In comparison with PVC, the cost is higher.
• Not the most practical material for the ceiling, since cleaning can only be carried out dry, and any liquid or cleaning agent will leave streaks.
• Not recommended for use in kitchens and other areas where there are odors, as the fabric absorbs them.
• In the event of a breakthrough of water or a heating system from the neighbors above, the ceiling will leak and will not be able to retain the liquid.
• Low elasticity, which does not allow the use of material with a complex structure.
• If the material is dismantled, re-installation will not be possible and a purchase of new material will be required.
• The fabric cannot be welded or glued, which will be inconvenient for large rooms over 5 meters wide. Only mechanical connection is allowed.
• Poor print quality.
• Despite the special processing during manufacture, the fabric should not be used in bathrooms and rooms with high humidity.

Frosted PVC Film Ceilings

The best matte stretch ceilings can diffuse all the sun's rays without glare. There are films on sale that are smooth (satin) or embossed. It is recommended to buy and install such material in living rooms; it is very popular due to its affordable cost and combination with any style.

Pros:

• A high degree of versatility, the film is ideal for any room, regardless of the overall interior and purpose of the room.
• When applying a print, it turns out to achieve a rich color.
• Great for other finishes, including stucco molding and imitation.
• After installation, a comfortable environment appears. The matte surface does not create glare from the sun and light, but also does not darken the room.
• High degree of practicality, the surface is easy to clean with a damp or dry cloth.
• Re-installation is possible after dismantling.

Minuses:

• It is not recommended to put it in the kitchen, even if there is a minimal relief, this is caused by the porosity, which easily absorbs grease and dust, and it is very difficult to clean it. In the case of a very powerful hood, the problem can be partially solved.
• As the film stretches, there are risks of puncture or breakdown of the ceiling with a sharp object. After that, self-elimination of the problem will be impossible, you need to use the services of the masters and even after removing the damage, the place will need to be decorated. Sometimes, it is easier to immediately replace the film with a new one.
• Can only be used in heated apartments and houses.

Glossy PVC Film Ceilings

Such a product is characterized by its surface, which is shiny and similar to the ceiling after opening with varnish. The film has a high degree of mirror effect, the value of light reflectance up to 70%. The best glossy stretch ceilings can visually expand a room, and it is such a film that is presented in a very large assortment. Buyers can choose from bright or pastel colors, designs and other patterns.

Pros:

• Due to the mirror effect, you can make the most unusual and effective lighting.
• There is no electrostatic voltage, therefore the dust practically does not settle, the accumulation of dirt is excluded.
• Perfect for any interior and style.
• With a print, all contours will be bright and clear.
• Allowed for use in bathrooms, kitchens, due to the high level of moisture resistance.
• Excellent elasticity of the material, in case of flooding by neighbors from above, the ceiling will withstand up to 100 liters of liquid per 1 sq.m.
• After dismantling, re-installation can be carried out subject to the harpoon mounting method.
• Does not accumulate unpleasant odors.

Minuses:

• For proper care, you have to learn a little and acquire the skill, otherwise stains may remain on the surface.
• The formation of yellow spots is possible in the case of frequent exposure to ultraviolet radiation or a dense arrangement of lighting fixtures that emit heat.
• If the film is used in unheated rooms in the cold, there are risks of cracking. They begin to develop at temperatures below +5 degrees.
• There is a risk of mechanical damage to the surface in case of hitting a sharp object. Even after restoration, the defect will be noticeable and it is recommended to drag everything over again.

Ceiling "starry sky"

With the help of a suspended ceiling, you can realize different ideas and achieve interesting effects. Thus, a "starry sky" is often made for the nursery. For this, PVC film is used as the main and other materials. In general, the arrangement is expensive, but the method has many fans.

For installation it is necessary:

• Glossy or matte PVC film, dark color.
• Optical fiber.
• Light generator.

Due to the use of fiber-optic fibers, the effect of the "starry sky" occurs. Their diameter should be 0.25 mm. They should be collected in small beams so that the light is different in brightness, after which the threads are brought out through the holes made in the film, trimmed flush or attached from the back.

After installation, the optical fiber is connected to the light generator. The device functions independently and cannot be combined with the general lighting of the room. Modern projectors can create the effect of twinkling, flashing and fading stars.

In addition, a print can be applied to such a canvas, and a separate highlighting of areas can be made. Swarovski stones can be glued onto the "stars" to improve light diffusion and achieve a custom effect. The described option is done on the entire surface of the ceiling or in a specific area, which can be combined with a matte light film.

Soaring ceilings

For this ceiling, PVC film is used and the creation of a "floating" effect will significantly change the appearance of the room, making it exclusive. The main advantage of such work is that there is no additional complexity of installation work, and the process itself does not cause additional costs.

The essence of the technique consists in the formation of a light barrier, due to which there will be a visual separation of the ceiling from the walls and the effect of soaring in the canvases in the air is created. To do this, you need to use a special profile, where there is a groove for installing a diode tape. The rest of the procedures are identical to the classical implementation of a stretch ceiling.

The technique is used for structures with several levels, where matte and glossy PVC films are combined with various colors. Hover can be for the top or bottom element, depending on the flow of light. In addition, different profiles are used, which give the desired angle for illumination. To make a curved line on the ceiling, you need to use flexible polymer baguettes.

The diodes work independently, regardless of the main lighting, therefore, switching on and off is carried out with a separate switch. When buying lighting, you should select tapes of low power so that it turns out to be additional lighting of the room, and not the main one.

Selection features

Expert advice will help you determine which stretch ceiling is best to choose. It is important to consider them before starting to purchase a product. For example, a lot depends on the material used:

• The ability to use the canvas for the ceiling in certain conditions: high humidity, dampness, cold or heat.
• Brightness and saturation of colors in the case of using a print.
• The ability of the material to retain water if there is a breakthrough in the system from the neighbors upstairs.
• Fixation method and the possibility of removing the ceiling with re-assembly.
• Choice of colors and textures.
• Practicality.

When choosing a texture, you need to take into account the general interior of the room. In addition to matte, glossy or woven fabrics, you can find the following options on sale:

• Perforated - products with small holes, which are used for ceilings with interior lighting.
• Metallic is an interesting option that changes colors and shades in a certain light, and in itself has a metallic sheen.
• Suede - a chic ceiling with a small velvet pile, complement the expensive classic styles.
• Silk - has a slight shine, which is characteristic of natural raw materials.
• Marble is an imitation with a smooth surface and a stone pattern.
• Mother-of-pearl is a ceiling with a soft sheen, an overflow similar to pearls.

The ceiling surface itself can be embossed or smooth. The former have a slight relief and look simpler, while the latter are more complex, since they can contain figures, flowers and other images.

When deciding on a color scheme, one must not only take into account personal preferences, but also the design of the room, the presence of day and evening light. The total line should be with a maximum of 3 colors, taking into account the ceiling, furniture and other finishes.

Canvases fastening methods

It is forbidden to use nails or self-tapping screws or similar materials to install the film on the ceiling. In this case, the film or woven fabric may tear. For installation work, special profiles are used, from which the frame is made, after which the canvas itself is fixed to them. Fasteners can be aluminum or plastic. In the first case, it is beneficial to use the profile for a large room from 50 sq.m., since aluminum can withstand strong stress. Plastic is suitable for a medium or small room in area, but aluminum is also acceptable in it.

There are several basic types of stretch ceiling mounts. They all differ in shape, design and distinguish types:

• Harpoon. This option implies accurate calculations of the area; it is necessary to carry out preliminary preparation of the material for tension.A plastic edge - a harpoon is attached to the edges of the PVC film, after which it is fixed in the baguette using a special hole. The method makes it possible to dismantle the canvas and install it again, if required. This type simplifies access to the space under the stretch and main ceiling, which is especially important if there are lighting, generators and other appliances. The film can be removed to remove water after an accident.
• Wedge or bead. The installation methods are very similar. To do this, you need to make a reserve of the film within 8-13%, its edges are inserted into the profile and fixed with a plug. With this technology, parts of the film remain at the edges, which can be hidden or cut off. The installation is quite simple, since the master does not need to prepare the film in advance, and all calculations can be done by eye and do not require high accuracy. The main disadvantage is the impossibility of re-installation after dismantling.
• Clip-on. Suitable for woven fabrics, which will be attached by analogy with a clothespin, where the edges are inserted.

A specialist can determine the exact type of fastening, it all depends on the material and the room.

Selection of paintings for a specific room

Any room in a house or apartment has a specific task and function. When choosing stretch ceilings, you must take into account the operational parameters. To determine which glossy stretch ceilings it is better to understand the characteristics of the room. Glossy options will not always look better, so you should read these recommendations from experts:

• If the neighbors upstairs are not the most prosperous, there are risks of flooding, then the choice should be made on PVC canvases, and the installation should be carried out using a harpoon method.
• For country houses in which there is no constant heating, it is recommended to install a woven fabric, because the material is not negatively affected by cold and heat.
• The bathroom is characterized by constant temperature changes, dampness and high humidity appear. In this case, a PVC ceiling would be an ideal option and it is better to use a glossy coating, which will additionally visually expand the area. The material will easily withstand aggressive conditions, in case of flooding by neighbors, it will withstand the volume of water and will not lead to a breakthrough. After eliminating the accident, it can be quickly returned to its place without compromising its appearance and main characteristics.
• Food is constantly being cooked in the kitchen, and all vapors rise and can settle on the ceiling, in addition, steam can cause increased humidity, and in this case the best stretch ceilings for the kitchen will be made of PVC material with a glossy surface. Such a ceiling is easy to clean from stains and grease, it is water-repellent.
• The living room in any house or apartment is the largest room. Often they spend the most time in it, so the selection of material for the ceiling must be approached responsibly. In general, you can use any canvases, but make sure that the colors and textures complement the overall interior. It is preferable to use light and calm shades that will not pile up. For example, with a general high-tech style, extraordinary options are suitable, you can use metallic.
• The option with a pearl texture will be ideal for sophisticated and luxurious interiors, perfectly complementing large bedrooms.
• Suede or other velvet types are not recommended for the bathroom or kitchen, but for living rooms, bedrooms or children's rooms, they will be great.
• A dark gloss with a large number of lighting fixtures will perfectly fit into living rooms, and will expand it visually.
• For children, you should select the brightest and most unusual ceilings in design. For example, matte fabric options will be characterized by a high degree of strength, they have good resistance to mechanical damage, which is convenient for active children. A big plus will be the perforation, which will allow air to pass through normally, providing ventilation to the room.Glossy looks are not recommended.

Knowing all the features of stretch ceilings, it will be much easier for a potential buyer to make the final choice that will satisfy all needs.