Stretch ceilings in the kitchen: design photos, optimal design options

A stretch ceiling is a great way to create a beautiful, smart and unique design in the kitchen: with its help you can achieve completely different results, which we will demonstrate today in a selection of photos.

The ceiling in the kitchen is used the least, so it is from it that you can make a real highlight of the interior. Unusual designs of suspended ceilings will perfectly cope with this task - just look at the photo examples! In addition, the canvas can also serve as a tool for dividing space into functional zones and providing the necessary lighting.

Advantages and disadvantages

Why is a suspended ceiling called the best option for the kitchen? At a minimum, due to the fact that there are several types of materials with their own characteristics, you can choose the ideal canvas purely for yourself.

Let us list the positive aspects of all types of suspended ceilings:

Quick installation with virtually no dirt - you can install suspended ceilings throughout your entire apartment within 24 hours.
Quick interior update.
Easy to clean, even if the kitchen has a gas stove.
Fire safety.
Moisture resistance and absence of condensation, and therefore mold.
It will save you from a flood from above - the water is collected in the canvas, from where it is then pumped out by specialists, and the ceiling itself is dried.
Masking an ugly ceiling, communications, unevenness, and so on.
There is no need to level the ceiling.
Wide selection of textures and colors.
No load on load-bearing elements.
Long service life that does not require repairs - about 15–20 years.
Durability - if you don’t throw knives at the ceiling, it’s difficult to damage it.

The most important thing is that thanks to the large selection of designs, the stretched fabric can be selected to suit any kitchen interior.

Minuses

All the negativity from suspended ceilings is most often associated with low-quality material or poor installation, that is, the choice of a company or craftsman must be approached very responsibly. But even professionals cannot get rid of all the shortcomings:

if both sides of the ceiling are more than 3 meters, then seams will have to be made on the canvas - if there is a pattern, then the seam may be noticeable;

ceilings will drop by 5–10 centimeters;
do not tolerate the effects of piercing and cutting objects;
may smell after installation;
Plastering the ceiling will be cheaper;
limiting the power of light bulbs for recessing into the ceiling - this limitation can be easily circumvented by using the most modern LED lamps.

Types of suspended ceilings

The first step is to figure out what suspended ceilings can be. There are two types of canvases.

The first is PVC film .

She may be:

glossy. This fabric creates a perfectly smooth, shiny surface with a reflective effect. The last factor has a very positive effect on the design of a small kitchen - for example, in the so-called “Khrushchev”. The reflective effect visually increases the space, so the room seems more spacious - you won’t even notice these 5-10 centimeters that the installers will “steal”;
matte. This fabric does not shine and has a slightly rough surface. It looks very aesthetically pleasing and looks great in almost any design style. The only negative is that due to its roughness, it is a little more difficult to wash than glossy. This option is optimal because it does not reflect the kitchen set and furniture - if there are too many items, then the glossy canvas can create a feeling of clutter.

As for color, PVC fabric manufacturers offer a very wide variety of shades, so you can choose an option to suit every taste. Canvases with art prints are also popular - they have patterns and various images printed on them. You can even create your own individual material by ordering a photo print of a picture you personally choose.

The second type of suspended ceilings is fabric . There is the same variety of colors here, including art prints. Externally, fabric ceilings are divided into:

matte - the situation is similar to the previous option;
satin - matte, but smoother fabric - because of this, it has elegant shimmers characteristic of natural fabrics. They look very expensive in color versions and are also very expensive.

Fabric stretch ceilings are not the best solution for the kitchen for several reasons:

absorb odor, grease, dirt, moisture;
do not prevent the appearance of mold;
will not save you from the flood;
hard to wash.

Usually these characteristics are enough to lean towards PVC film. Moreover, fabric ceilings are more expensive. However, this is a great option for a bedroom, living room or children's room.

Another disadvantage is that photo printing cannot be applied to the fabric. On the other hand, installation of the fabric sheet does not require the use of a heat gun.

Types of suspended ceilings for the kitchen

Innovative materials and technologies make it possible to hide irregularities, joints of concrete slabs, and disguise electrical wiring. Installation of the frame and canvas takes only a few hours, leaving a minimum of construction waste. But in order for a suspended ceiling not only to decorate the interior, but also to serve for a long time, it is important to navigate its types.

Material

The canvas is made of polyvinyl chloride film (PVC) or polyester fabric with protective impregnation. For the kitchen, the first option is preferable. The advantages of vinyl covering include:

protection against flooding (the film holds up to 100 liters of water per 1 m2);
does not absorb odors, moisture, drops of fat;
does not collect dust;
suitable for installation of multi-level structures;
wide selection of colors and designs;
ease of care - dirt can be easily removed with a cloth soaked in soapy water;
affordable price.

The disadvantages of PVC include susceptibility to mechanical damage and sensitivity to sudden temperature changes. Fabric ceilings give the kitchen a cozy feel, are highly durable and do not form joints. The material is not afraid of low temperatures. However, the fabric absorbs odors, condensation, fat, and allows water to pass through. It is more difficult to remove stains from it. A more practical choice for the kitchen would be vinyl film. With careful handling it will last 10–20 years.
Article: Stretch ceiling for the kitchen - which one is better to choose

Texture

3 types of fabric are used:

glossy;
matte;
satin.

For interiors in a classic style, stretch ceilings without shine are chosen. They do not form glare and softly diffuse light. The matte surface looks expensive and elegant and gives comfort. Satin coatings look noble: the fine-grained texture partially reflects light and creates a light pearlescent sheen. The joining seams are hardly noticeable on the canvas. A glossy ceiling emphasizes the futurism of modern styles, makes the kitchen brighter, and visually increases the space.

The darker the tone of the glossy coating, the more noticeable the reflections on it. The entire interior will be mirrored on the black ceiling. White, blue, and cream shades look neutral and are easier to combine with different design styles. It is desirable that gloss be present in other details of the furnishings: decor, lamps, furniture facades. In a spacious kitchen, a two-level ceiling with a combination of matte and glossy surfaces looks interesting.
Article section: Types of suspended ceilings for the kitchen

Installation method

To install the ceiling around the perimeter of the kitchen, a metal or plastic frame is attached. PVC film is mounted using a heat gun, which heats the material. The fabric sheet is installed in a cold way. There are 3 main installation systems used:

glazing bead;
wedge;
harpoon

The latter is more difficult to install, but the frame can be easily dismantled and reinstalled in the future. A ceiling stretched using the glazing bead or wedge method cannot be repaired. If the canvas is damaged or the electrical wiring is faulty, it will have to be completely replaced.

Number of levels

The peculiarity of suspended structures is that they can be used to create a ceiling of either one or several levels.

Single-level option simplest. The film or fabric is stretched over the entire kitchen area, thereby forming a perfectly flat surface. The result is very neat and aesthetic, and the installation procedure is quite simple.
As for two-level structures , everything is somewhat more complicated. The first level is installed first, and below it the second. Moreover, the latter can be made in the form of some complex figure. Very often, for example, there are elements with a wavy edge - such a ceiling turns out to be very beautiful and interesting.

It’s worth mentioning the pros and cons of this approach right away. The advantage is undoubtedly the originality of the design. Don't forget about the possibility of zoning. For example, if your apartment has a kitchen combined with a living room, then you need to visually separate the living part of the room from the working part.

This can be done with the help of several levels and properly placed lighting. For example, spotlights are usually installed above the work area, and a chandelier is mounted in the living area.

Choosing a lighting system for suspended ceilings

With polyvinyl coatings, LED and energy-saving lamps are used to protect the canvas from overheating. The backlight is set to central, spot, linear. It is also permissible to combine them with each other. It is important to think through the lighting system before installing the ceiling, since it will be difficult to install additional light sources in the future.

Glossy canvases reflect light well, enhancing the brightness of the lamps. For a small kitchen, built-in spotlights are sufficient; massive chandeliers look bulky and reduce the space. Matte surfaces muffle and soften the light, so they require more lamps.

Which suspended ceiling for the kitchen is best to choose depends on a number of factors. It is important to take into account the size and configuration of the room, lighting level, style and design palette. A large selection of colors and patterns allows you to create a unique interior that reflects the character of the owners of the house.

Unusual ready-made design solutions

Despite the fact that the technology of suspended ceilings itself has not been used by the masses for long, designers have already come up with several interesting options that can help you stand out among typical interiors.

One of the latest solutions is a chameleon canvas. This canvas takes on the tones from the furniture and decoration that surround it - such a ceiling will definitely fit into your kitchen.

Imitation

We are already accustomed to stone that imitates wood and wood that imitates stone. Now is the time to surprise with stretch ceilings that are made under:

marble;
gold/silver/copper/brass;
nacre;
tree;
suede;
crumpled paper, etc.

Various combinations of these options open up incredible scope for imagination:

The “crumpled” ceiling will fit perfectly into the avant-garde and add volume to it;
gilding will become an integral attribute of art deco or baroque;
wood will be the finishing touch for a kitchen in Provence or country style.

Such a variety of designs will allow you to create a unique interior in your home.

Perforated ceilings

First you need to evaluate this unusual version of the canvas in the photo.

The principle of creating such beauty is quite simple:

two canvases - one whole, and the other with slits;
special baseboard;
backlight

The most common design is an abstraction created using circular cutouts. But the holes themselves can be anything - even openwork. The unusual appearance is not the only thing that distinguishes this type of suspended ceiling from others:

additional ventilation;
and therefore increased resistance to moisture;
creating a 3D effect.

Of course, there are also disadvantages to this type of decor:

“eats” about 25 centimeters from the height of the ceilings;
dust accumulates between the canvases;
installation is more complicated.

Starry sky

Of course, the starry sky format is not used as often in the kitchen as, for example, in the bedroom. Still, when sitting at the table, you rarely look at the ceiling - you might choke. But if you really want to, then you can implement this option.

There are many ways to create a starry sky in the kitchen:

LED lights;
luminescent paint;
optical fiber;
graphic image;
Starpins pins;
rhinestones from Swarovski;
a combination of the above options.

You can find various starry sky generators on sale. With their help, you can even “observe” the fall of comets and the movement of stars. The advantage of such a generator is that after dinner you can move it to the living room and watch the Big Dipper from the sofa.

floating ceiling

If the issue of ceiling height is simply critical, then you can use a trick and create a floating canvas. The idea is very simple: the canvas is placed on a special profile, next to which LED lighting is installed.

This creates the feeling that the ceiling has risen and is about to fly away - that’s why it was called floating.

But there are also negative aspects: this solution is not suitable for everyone. For example, if there are tall cabinets or a kitchen set that goes up to the ceiling, then the furniture will simply hide the lighting and the floating effect will disappear.

It’s great if you can use a special ceiling cornice for curtains. This will create the impression that the curtains are coming down from the ceiling, as in the example below. This is a very stylish move, but more likely for a living room or bedroom than for a kitchen.

Photo printing

If you want to create a truly unique interior, you can place your own photo on the ceiling. Not the best solution from a design point of view, but unique. You can choose from more classic options, including those with a 3D effect - this will also visually raise the ceilings.

And this was not without difficulties: the choice of designs is so large that it will be very difficult to settle on just one.

Glossy ceilings

look very advantageous in artificial lighting;
visually make even a modest-sized room larger;
stylistically versatile and able to fit into both classic interiors and fashionable art trends;
They stain easily, but are also easy to clean.

A whole scattering of design options for glossy stretch ceilings in the selection of photos below. Some of them seem rather hackneyed, but in general we tried to select those interiors that are distinguished by their versatility and freshness of design.

Lighting

Stretch ceilings also have an impact on lighting, as many new options for light appear. And there should be as much of it in the kitchen as possible.

There are several light scenarios for suspended ceilings:

Central lighting. Chandelier in the center of the room or above the dining table. An economical and stylish classic that provides the kitchen with light. There is still not enough lighting in the corners and work area.
Spotlights distributed evenly across the entire ceiling or just above functional areas. A budget solution that will provide the necessary lighting. Gradually, the fashion for such spotlights is fading, since it turned out to be not so convenient - the bulbs often burn out individually, over time it becomes boring to change them, and the presentable appearance deteriorates. Not as practical a solution as it seems at first glance.
LED strip around the perimeter of the kitchen. LEDs consume very little energy, but have a very bright light, which makes such lighting economical. In addition to the perimeter of the kitchen, the LED strip can find its place under the furniture, in the floor, around the mirror and in any other place.

In any case, it is advisable to use wall lamps, for example, sconces, as an addition.

When selecting lighting for suspended ceilings, we must not forget the features of the latter:
heating of the canvas is not allowed;
warm light will look better in warm colors;
glossy ceilings can increase the amount of light several times; it is not customary to direct chandelier shades in their direction;
The smaller the kitchen, the more important lighting is.

Let's sum it up

When choosing a stretch ceiling, you should take into account all the subtleties discussed above. In addition, the quality of the system will depend on the installation conditions. It’s better and easier when a system is delivered to the site, completely ready for installation. This coating will not require additional processing in the home and will install faster. For the same reason, many choose film rather than drywall. After installing such a system, there will be less construction waste left, which will reduce cleaning time.

Kitchen decoration using a tension system

Example of a two-level glossy ceiling

Illumination of the central zone

Guided by the materials from the article, you can easily choose the best ceiling option for the kitchen.

Small kitchen

In principle, the size of the room cannot in any way affect the possibility of installing suspended ceilings. Moreover, in a small kitchen they will definitely turn out without seams, so this is a great solution.

But we must not forget that the main task when arranging a small space is to visually enlarge it. This will help:

Light and slightly cool colors. White has always been an excellent “expander” of space.
A large amount of lighting on several levels - a chandelier, sconce, lighting in the set.
Glossy surface of the canvas.
Ceiling lighting along the contour.

Another interesting solution is to make the ceiling match the floor if it is light. If the floors are dark, then a stretch fabric of the same tone will turn the kitchen into a small cave. For the same reason, it is better to abandon heavy multi-level systems.

Stretch ceiling in a small kitchen

In a situation where the kitchen room is small in volume, you need to be even more diligent in choosing a palette for its interior.

To visually expand the space, you can use several of the following tools:

Light color palette. Of course, white is the best at making walls appear wider;
Mirrored ceilings combined with matte ones;
Additional lighting along the horizon.

If the floor is made in light colors, then it is better to make the ceiling covering accordingly. But dark tones of the floor and ceiling coverings will make the height of the room smaller.

Owners of small kitchens who are indifferent to gloss are better off choosing ceilings with a floating effect, which visually make the room taller.

Also, to visually enlarge the walls, 3D printed drawings are used.

Prints depicting plants, flowers, a sky-blue vault, geometric images of an abstract nature - such paintings will completely accommodate the lost 10 centimeters of height.

Such illuminated ceilings will attract special attention, will give the kitchen more coziness - you just need to choose a pattern, think about how the lighting fixtures will be located, choose the right lighting color and take a new look at your small but cozy kitchen.

Big kitchen

We are talking about premises with an area of 9-10 square meters. m or more, as well as a kitchen-living room. You need to understand that in such a space you will probably need to glue the fabric together, which means there will be seams. If they are very undesirable, then you should look for companies with the most advanced technologies: they promise fabric up to 6 meters without seams.

If this is not possible, the seams will be least noticeable on a regular white matte canvas. They are most noticeable on gloss, since the seam itself has a matte surface.

If you ignore these minor troubles, you can realize that a large space opens up simply unimaginable scope for imagination and interior arrangement, for example, with two-color multi-level black and white ceilings.

Caring for suspended ceilings in the kitchen

Neither the film nor the fabric require any special care during their operation. The only thing you have to pay attention to is the accumulation of plaque and grease from the stove.

Any soapy product (shampoo, soap, dish soap, etc.) and even ammonia are suitable for cleaning.

Do not use aggressive substances for cleaning:

solvents;
petrol;
turpentine, etc.

Poor quality material can actually turn yellow over time - for example, if there is smoking in the room. The problem may also be the formation of a grease deposit above the stove.

First, you need to try to bleach the yellowed areas with ordinary soapy water, and then move on to more serious means.

What does the price depend on?

Companies usually quote attractive figures of 100–500 rubles per meter. In this case, only the cost of the canvas is taken into account, and only a specialist can give the final figure. The following factors are important:

room area;
presence and number of pipes;
the presence and number of niches or projections;
shape of the room - number of corners;
number of lamps;
number of levels and their complexity.

Reviews

If you are still in doubt about whether to install a suspended ceiling in the kitchen, then read the reviews of those who have already done it.

Svetlana, Voronezh: I definitely knew that there would be suspended ceilings in my kitchen - I was terribly tired of tinting and whitening the ceiling every year. The only thing that bothered me was that I didn’t want to move the furniture. But the craftsmen said that this was not necessary, they covered everything with film, but there was practically no dirt during installation. The kitchen was completely done in 4 hours. There is no grease or soot, although there is a gas stove. I've been happy with everything for two years now.

Alexey, Moscow: One incident happened to me. My wife and I went on vacation at the seaside after working for three years without a vacation (first we saved, then we did renovations). We come back, and the ceiling is up to my wife’s shoulders in the lowest place—a big, dense drop. It turned out that our neighbors' riser had burst and everything was flowing towards us. But all the appliances (hood, refrigerator, expensive coffee maker), furniture, even the wallpaper are in place. The only thing was that I had to pay for draining the liquid, but it was only 4 thousand. But they could fly in for repairs again! After that, tensioners were installed in all rooms!

Yulia, Saransk: And I decided to have fun, so I have 6 colors of stretch ceiling at home - and even black (in the toilet). I also collected all the options for surfaces: matte, satin, glossy. The only thing that upsets me is the glossy ceiling in the bedroom - everything is reflected there and is simply annoying. Everything else has been perfect for 9 years now - even survived two floods.

Which stretch ceiling is better - matte or glossy?

If you just can’t decide which stretch ceiling to choose for the kitchen - matte or glossy, then we recommend choosing the most win-win option - matte canvas. Here are some arguments “FOR” them:

Matte ceilings are practically no different in appearance from perfectly smooth plaster. This finish looks noble and does not draw attention to itself. Matte ceilings are universal and suitable for any interior. Whereas glossy ceilings will fit only into an ultra-modern kitchen.

Matte stretch ceilings are an ideal choice for classic and “rustic” kitchens

If the kitchen is small and low, then a glossy ceiling is contraindicated for it. The fact is that glare and reflections of objects on the canvas fragment the space, creating a feeling of excessive diversity and disorder. As a result, a small kitchen with a glossy ceiling seems even smaller and cluttered.

Contrary to all myths, matte ceilings are more suitable for small kitchens than glossy ones

If you really like the shiny finish of the ceiling, then we advise you to pay attention to satin fabrics. They have a slight shine, reflect light pleasantly and can bring an airy feeling to the interior of a kitchenette.
Matte stretch ceilings are 10-15% cheaper than glossy and satin ones.
On matte PVC ceilings, seams (if any) are less visible.
Glossy ceilings in the kitchen are somewhat more difficult to maintain than matte ones. They show more stains, greasy deposits and dust.

Of course, glossy ceilings also deserve attention, but you need to choose them carefully. Below are several photos of glossy ceilings in the interior.