Fabric stretch ceilings: what are they?

Types of fabric ceilings

First of all, it should be noted that this coating is well suited for spacious rooms - the characteristics of the material make it possible to produce a large seamless fabric.

For production, different companies use almost identical materials. Therefore, the main differences between each canvas are in width.

There are three main types:

• The French manufacturer Clipso is known for fabric strips for ceilings ranging from 2.1 to 5.1 meters wide. Matte canvas in the mid-price segment is of high quality and is very popular.
• Economic canvases from the German manufacturer Descor have a budget price per 1 m2. Their standard width is up to 5.1 meters.
• Cerutti fabric ceilings belong to the premium segment. For their manufacture, a special polyester fabric material is used, impregnated with a water-repellent polymer composition.

It is impossible to unequivocally answer the question of which company’s fabric ceiling is better - for each individual case there is its own solution. Therefore, consult with builders and designers - they will suggest the best option for your premises.

Important point: If you like a glossy texture, it is better to abandon the fabric covering. Due to their composition, they cannot shine so brightly, so they only come in matte or satin.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages and disadvantages of fabric ceilings are almost identical to conventional PVC materials. However, there are also some nuances: many manufacturers exaggerate the advantages of their products and are silent about the disadvantages.

We have debunked most advertising myths in a separate article. We think you will find it very interesting to read.

However, there is one significant advantage related to the eternal question: “What is better to buy: fabric stretch ceilings or PVC?” By the way, we also devoted a separate article to a detailed comparison of these materials.

So here it is. Thanks to the texture of fabric ceilings, they look more elegant than film ceilings. This helps make the interior visually more expensive.

However, the characteristics of the material also have a disadvantage - the variety is slightly lower than that of the alternative type of coating.

This does not at all interfere with the scope of design ideas - we will show you a selection of photos that clearly show how a fabric ceiling can decorate rooms for various purposes.

Advantages of fabric stretch ceilings

Before purchasing a fabric stretch ceiling, it is important to evaluate all its pros and cons. Among the obvious advantages of this finishing material are:

1. High strength and reliability. The material is not afraid of mechanical influences, with the exception of strong impacts from sharp objects.
2. Resistant to sudden temperature changes. The tension fabric does not lose its qualities in the range from -40 to +80 degrees.
3. Breathability. Due to the presence of microscopic gaps, the coating is able to allow air to pass through. This prevents mold from forming.
4. Fire safety. The material does not support open fire and does not cause smoke in the room.
5. Ease of installation. When stretching fabric, a heat gun is not used, and therefore you can do the work yourself.

An undoubted advantage of a fabric ceiling is its environmental friendliness. It does not release toxic substances into the air.

The stretch ceiling canvas can be coated with acrylic paint. This is done solely out of a desire to change the interior, without updating the finishing material. The product itself does not change its original appearance over many years of use.

Such structures are easy to maintain. The product is easy to clean without the use of aggressive chemicals. It can also be vacuumed without fear of tearing the tension covering. In addition, an antibacterial layer is created on the surface of the material, preventing the growth of bacteria or fungal infections.

In the interior of the living room

For a hall, this option is almost ideal. Exquisite elegant texture, soft shimmer of fabric and a wide variety of colors. You can choose the appropriate type of design for almost any type of interior. Let's look at examples with photos?

A universal option for the living room is a white fabric ceiling. Unlike glossy PVC coatings, it does not have mirror properties. Therefore, you can choose a beautiful curly chandelier without fear of a not-so-nice reflection.

This covering looks quite simple, so you can choose beautiful painted wallpaper for the walls. In addition, “white goes with everything” - this rule is true not only for choosing clothes, but also for decorating rooms.

Whatever style you choose for your room, this canvas will decorate and complement it.

A two-level fabric ceiling decorated with a futuristic chandelier is an excellent choice for a high-tech living room. Choose shades that harmonize with the main interior.

It is not necessary to use the same colors: the main thing is that they combine with each other. This example features a brown insert that serves as a decorative element to complete the design.

A good way to decorate a living room is a fabric canvas with an art print. In some ways, this method is similar to printing on PVC film, but different paints are used, and the technology is slightly different.

The drawings look very natural, they are durable and beautiful. An excellent option for those who are tired of simple plain ceilings. It is better to choose an image that fits into the style of the room.

As an option, you can order canvas with abstract patterns - they look great in any interior. The main thing is to choose the right scale and make sure that the colors are in harmony with each other.

A rather unusual method of decorating a living room is a fabric stretch ceiling with hidden lighting. You will need to install lighting under the canvas. Therefore, this technique is not entirely suitable for low rooms - it will have to be lowered, which will slightly reduce the height of the walls.

This technique looks especially impressive if you apply a beautiful abstract pattern to the coating.

Fabric stretch ceilings. Description, features and types of fabric stretch ceilings

Description and features of suspended ceilings

An important element of the decor of an apartment, cottage or country house is the ceiling. And it is not surprising, because it is precisely this detail of the external appearance of the home that catches the eye of the owner and cannot hide from the gaze of the guest.

Unlike the walls and floors of a room, the imperfections of which can easily be covered with furniture, paintings, decorative fixtures and carpets, the ceiling in the house, no matter how you hide it, is always in the most noticeable place.

But this is for the better! A tastefully selected, successful ceiling design will certainly become the pride of the owner, as the most important decoration of the interior.

What is the best way to cover the ceiling? Nowadays, there are a huge number of options and materials available. But it is all the more difficult to make a choice, especially for craftsmen who are accustomed to decorating a house without the help of professionals, with their own hands.

Why not pay attention to fabric stretch ceilings ? Decorating the tops of rooms with fabric has been used since ancient times. This method is also often mentioned in ancient manuscripts, and later in the novels of famous writers.

Carpets were used in Assyria and Babylon, silk was preferred by the ancient Romans, and tapestries adorned the palaces of Europe in the Middle Ages. Rich nobles could afford to see the ceilings of their own houses made of brocade, velvet and lye. Poor people decorated their homes with chintz.

Nowadays, a whole range of synthetic coatings are used, created on a textile basis, the outer layer of which repels dirt and does not allow moisture to pass through. It is also advisable to cover ceilings with fabric for environmental reasons. This material perfectly allows air to pass through, and treatment with antistatic agents allows it not to attract dust.

When decorating a room in Art Deco and Art Nouveau - styles chosen for decorating high-status interiors and celebrity boudoirs, you can safely take advantage of the benefits of fabric drapery.

Matter inspires the observer with spatial depth, especially if the designer strives to successfully use combinations of light and color and the play of shadows when planning. You can see this in the photo of fabric stretch ceilings .

Fashion dictates its own laws. In the current period, a combination of shiny and matte fabrics, contrasting in texture, is considered a manifestation of good taste. This affects the effect of light reflections.

Thanks to this creative solution, the appearance of familiar rooms can be transformed overnight, striking with the novelty of their appearance and arousing the interest of visitors to the house.

Installing fabric suspended ceilings in a room helps the sun's rays entering the room through the windows to be dissipated differently. Regardless of the angle of their incidence, they are reflected chaotically, creating a feeling of mystery and volume of space.

Such a creative solution is suitable for buildings of any type, be it a residential apartment or a country house, a cottage or an office, where in this way you can decorate rooms for various purposes: bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms, children's rooms, toilets and baths, hallways, balconies and loggias.

Fabric drapery will look great in rooms reserved for cafes and restaurants. This will solve any decorative and functional problem.

And ideas will be brought to life by the huge selection offered by manufacturers in the quality of material, colors and textures, as well as the variability of existing samples.

Fabric ceiling drapery provides additional opportunities for choosing design solutions and creates the basis for the introduction of unique schemes for installing a lighting system.

Types of fabric ceilings

The quality of suspended ceilings is undoubtedly an extremely important detail, so when choosing materials you should be careful and protect yourself from fakes.

Respecting the rights of their customers, manufacturers of ceiling fabrics apply the name and trademark along the edges of the material. When purchasing, you should check the labeling to make sure that you purchased exactly the product that you originally wanted.

A number of European countries currently supply high-quality products of this type. Among them, France occupies a leading place. This country is a trendsetter in many directions; it also holds the lead in producing the best fabric stretch ceilings .

This product is distinguished by its strength; sound-absorbing, dirt- and water-repellent properties; resistance to high and low temperatures. Switzerland and Germany are also famous in the market.

Manufacturing companies worthy of consumer attention and at the same time owners of trademarks are Pongs Textil and Clipso. These brands currently have an impeccable reputation, are distinguished by excellent quality, and are constantly expanding their range, having no analogues in the world.

The quality of clipso fabric stretch ceilings , their five-meter width and water resistance is a big plus for their use in finishing swimming pools, while the seamless ceiling of the room visually increases its size.

Acoustic stretch ceilings are perfect for music studios, restaurants and cinemas. Antibacterial coatings made from translucent fabrics are used for hospitals, clinics and medical centers.

Also impressive are the excellent multi-level ceilings, with excellent photo printing applied to them, which also helps to hide utilities and wires to maintain aesthetics.

Fabric stretch ceilings descor , which are the brainchild of the German industry, comply with all design tastes and standards accepted in the world, meeting hygienic and technological requirements.

Produced on the basis of high-quality Trevira CS fiber, these materials are highly resistant to temperature increases due to the structure of their molecular structures.

This is important to protect the room where they are used from possible fires. The company's products are environmentally friendly, which allows, without harming people's health, to decorate the halls of industrial and commercial buildings, as well as office rooms, with these coatings.

When solving the dilemma: which fabric stretch ceiling is best suited for the room being renovated, will become a successful design element and ensure its functionality, you must first understand the types.

1. The matte finish, due to the lack of glare on it, will provide rest to the eyes, a comfortable atmosphere and coziness in the room. Such a ceiling is suitable for rooms intended for relaxation, for example, bedrooms. This coating will also be a good solution for the design of a children's room.

2. A glossy ceiling will come in handy in the living room, as it has the ability to perfectly reflect light. It visually stretches the space, creating a mood of lively fun for those in the room - a spirit that should hover in the air of a room for receiving guests.

3. Multi-level ceilings will give the interior of any building an original look, while allowing you to add light to the design of the room. Such an interesting solution can radically change the interior of rooms and halls, in which it becomes possible to place lamps that match the appearance and correspond to its purpose.

4. Satin coating only gives the external impression of this material, but in fact it is not such. The appearance of a place with such ceilings becomes very attractive. In addition, this material has the necessary environmental properties, perfect for living rooms and bedrooms.

5. Ceilings with photo printing allow you to decorate the top of the room with any drawing, photograph or image of the owner’s choosing. A similar design element is suitable for decorating the interior of any building, no matter whether it is residential, business or industrial.

6. “Starry Sky” - a ceiling pattern created using original and unique technology. Thanks to this, right in the room you can place above your head an exciting, philosophically attuned and at the same time calming 3D picture that will fit the universe in a single room.

Pros and cons of fabric stretch ceilings

Fabric decor, as can be concluded from the above, has many advantages. The choice of this type of coating is quite successful. The canvas for suspended ceilings is made taking into account the dimensions of a standard room (maximum width 5.1 m), which is very convenient and makes it possible to decorate the ceiling without seams spoiling the appearance.

During production, artificial or natural starting materials that are safe for health are used. The technology involves impregnating nylon threads, woven in a complex way, with a special solution.

This is what guarantees the manifestation of many valuable properties that were mentioned earlier, ensuring stability, strength and impermeability. The outer layer prevents electronization of the material without absorbing static charges.

As a result, dust is not attracted to the ceiling, which makes it difficult for fungi and mold to grow on the surface. Fabric coverings on the ceiling provide insulation from extraneous sounds and retain heat.

And a room decorated in this way has excellent acoustics. In this case, sounds travel freely, and there is no echo effect.

Thanks to special technologies, drapery acquires a fantastic, sophisticated, original appearance due to the fabric structure and relief surface.

If the owner wishes, it is possible to apply up to four layers of acrylic paint on the existing base. The latter is an undoubted advantage over film ceilings, the structure of which deteriorates after such a procedure.

The advantage over PVC film, which becomes cracked even at 0°C, is also manifested in the extreme frost resistance of the fabric material, which helps to qualitatively equip poorly heated country houses and cottages, as well as terraces, verandas, balconies and loggias. Such ceilings do not deform over time and do not sag; they are difficult to damage, even on purpose, with a sharp object.

All this is an important characteristic of fabric stretch ceilings , the pros and cons of which, in some way, are inseparable, since the advantages of this type of coating also contain certain disadvantages.

The dimensions established during the manufacture of such material are usually sufficient. But if the width of the room turns out to be more than five meters, fabric drapery becomes difficult, since there are no possibilities for high-quality connection of the fabric with such a finish.

The disadvantages of coatings of this kind include the impossibility of dismantling. And if there is a leak from above, the low elasticity of the material does not allow moisture flows to be retained inside, and water begins to seep down.

Installation of suspended ceilings

The service life of the described coating is much longer than that of wallpaper and plaster. And another positive feature of this type of finishing is the ease of installation of fabric stretch ceilings .

It is produced without tedious measurements of the surface used, which otherwise requires high precision. It is better to stock up on fabric coverings in excess, since the excess is simply removed during the work process. It is also unnecessary to preheat the materials and the room, as when using PVC film.

The necessary steps involve installing the baguette and the canvas itself in a sequence whose steps will be described below.

The fabric around the perimeter of the room is stretched onto a frame made of baguette. In this case, an aluminum U-shaped profile is often used; fastening with a clothespin, which is cheaper and easier; and the universal method for installing a German stretch ceiling is considered to be clip fastening.

The baguette rises to the ceiling and is secured there with self-tapping screws. In this case, the fastenings are located in increments of about 10 cm. At this distance, holes of suitable size should be drilled into which dowels of sufficient strength are inserted.

Price and reviews of stretch ceilings

A significant disadvantage of fabric decor for renovated premises is the high cost of materials and installation. The Descor and Clipso products described are estimated to be one and a half to two times higher than PVC film. Prices for fabric stretch ceilings , of course, vary, and are often negotiable.

The approximate cost with installation can be expressed in the following figures placed in the table.

Studying reviews about fabric stretch ceilings , you can read many laudatory and enthusiastic comments. There are other opinions. Owners of premises who have used this type of finishing material say that their hopes were not justified.

To avoid disappointment, you should initially understand some of the subtleties.

By environmentally friendly material we mean the absence of harmful fumes and unpleasant odors that occur when heated. The fabric, in most cases, is made of polyester and impregnated with polyurethane.

The fabric covering, being waterproof, can withstand only limited flows of water when flooded. With high pressure, the ceiling material breaks out of the fastenings under the influence of high pressure, and moisture seeps into the room in abundance. Exposure to water causes the fabric to change color, which spoils its appearance.

Covering with fabric in the final form makes the ceiling look like a carefully plastered, smooth surface. Owners of premises who like this type of decoration can, without hesitation, use this element to decorate their home.

In the bedroom interior

If you want to decorate your bedroom in an original and elegant way, you can install the canvas so that it forms beautiful fabric folds. This installation method has its own nuances, so it is better to trust the professionals.

Article on the topic: Beautiful stretch ceilings in the bedroom interior.

However, the result will exceed all your expectations. Most often, rooms in a classic style are decorated in this way. However, it all depends on the color and texture of the material - perhaps you can harmoniously fit it into a modern interior.

High fabric ceilings are also not easy to install. However, there is no denying that their appearance is simply stunning. True, they are not suitable for all rooms - it is difficult to imagine them in a small, low bedroom.

A more universal option is a single-level canvas illuminated with LED strips around the perimeter. There is no need to give up chandeliers - on the contrary, in such a frame a beautiful figured lamp will look appropriate.

Installation

To install suspended fabric ceilings, you do not need a heat gun, as is necessary when installing a film ceiling. There is no need to warm up the room - the fabric will lie on the surface without it. This “cold” installation method is, without a doubt, much safer, more convenient, environmentally friendly and more economical.

There are two ways to install a fabric suspended ceiling: either using a U-shaped aluminum baguette, or using a clothespin profile. The first technology is called wedge technology, and the second is called clip technology. They have significant differences.

Read also about how to attach plasterboard ceilings.

Video installation of a fabric stretch ceiling with your own hands:

Wedge technology with baguette

• This is a cheaper and faster way to install a ceiling and does not require precise calculations and careful measurements.
• The downside is that during installation the lighting fixtures may move and the ceiling fabric may stretch unevenly. This happens especially often if the master does not yet have sufficient experience.
• Short service life. A ceiling installed this way does not last long enough.

Clip with clothespins

• This installation method is much stronger. But one person cannot cope here - two workers are needed.
• The ceiling is attached using durable plastic clip fasteners. During installation, there is no deformation of the fabric; this method has no flaws. The ceiling lasts a long time and has no complaints during operation.

Conclusion: if you want the ceiling to serve for a long time and flawlessly, it is better to give preference to clip technology.

On video of fabric stretch ceilings descor or clipso:

In the interior of the kitchen

In the kitchen, such ceilings are used less often - they are more difficult to maintain than PVC film. In addition, they can absorb the odors of cooking food.

Article on the topic: Is it worth installing suspended ceilings in the kitchen?

However, if this doesn’t bother you or you bought material impregnated with a special protective compound, we can offer you a couple of interesting design options.

The covering with patterns looks beautiful - it will suit a spacious room. However, if you reduce the scale of the picture, you can find a harmonious solution for a small kitchen. Not sure about your decision? Order printing from professional designers.

A simple white or beige canvas with spotlights looks simple, but it will harmoniously complement almost any interior. In addition, such a ceiling will not reduce the height of the walls - important for small apartments.

To decorate the room, order art prints of thematic drawings. For example, an ornament made of vegetables and fruits is simple, but very beautiful.

In the interior of the nursery

When choosing a fabric covering for a child's room, think twice. It can tear quite easily during active games, which will make it necessary to replace the coating.

If children do not like noisy pastimes or have already entered adolescence, you just need to decide on the design.

A beautiful option is a canvas going down onto the wall. Put a stamp on it that your child will like. For girls, you can choose flowers or fairy-tale scenes; for boys, sports motifs or cartoon or comic book characters are more suitable. It all depends on the taste of the owner of the room, so it is better to consult with the children if you do not want to disappoint them.

Article on the topic: Options for suspended ceilings in a child’s room for a girl

Bright patterns look great, but make sure they blend in with the rest of your decor.

You can also try ethnic motifs - they will be especially appreciated by teenagers who are unlikely to like cartoon stories. Ornaments or abstract patterns are universal decor, unlike pictures.

Fabric stretch fabric has fewer disadvantages, but they do exist:

• the fabric is not rich in colors, the color palette is poor, but drawings and patterns can be applied to the canvas
• inconvenience when changing colors. Decoration and painting on the finish are possible only after the ceiling has been installed, which is not very convenient. Sometimes you have to call a specialist for these purposes, which is expensive
• possibility of leakage. The tension fabric is porous and water is not retained when flooded by neighbors, a flood cannot be avoided. Exposure to moisture on the canvas will lead to leaks and ultimately deterioration of the quality of the material. You need to choose quality material. Cerutti has proven itself well
• difficulty in cleaning. The fabric quickly absorbs odors and accumulates dirt, since there is no antistatic effect, but PVC film is better in this regard. It is not recommended to install the canvas in the kitchen, where there are a lot of odorous substances, or in rather dirty rooms, since vacuuming is problematic, not every technique can cope with such a task. For rooms where allergy sufferers live, such a ceiling is simply contraindicated
• impossibility of re-installation. Dismantling the tension fabric is not possible, the only option left is to buy a new ceiling
• overpriced. Unlike film materials, fabric fabric is difficult to produce. In the production of canvases, only natural materials are used, which of course is reflected in the price
• the impossibility of giving the ceiling a new shape, since the fabric is not elastic. The scope of application is limited, the material does not stretch, and is also not suitable for wide spaces. When sewing the canvases together, seams will remain and the overall appearance of the ceiling will be spoiled.

Fabric ceilings, unlike PVC, can only withstand small amounts of water

In the interior of the office

As was said at the beginning of the article, fabric ceilings look more expensive than their film counterparts. Therefore, they are often used to decorate home offices - especially if business partners are invited there and you need to impress them.

A traditional design option is to use geographical patterns. A schematic image of a globe or a map of the earth, designed in monotones, never goes out of fashion.

This canvas fits well with the classic type of interior, looks elegant, but does not distract too much attention. A reliable, time-tested option.

Animal prints are also suitable for the office - stylish and unusual, they decorate the room and serve as an additional decoration. However, you need to take into account that such a coating is very demanding - you will have to refuse to use other decor, as it will distract attention and make the room overloaded.

Another interesting option is to apply a reproduction of a classic painting to the fabric. It is more difficult to implement, and the price is unlikely to be low. However, we do not recommend saving here: the final result depends on the quality of the print.

Carefully consider the main interior of the room: the slightest discrepancy will kill the whole idea and turn a beautiful ceiling into inappropriate kitsch.

In the bathroom interior

It is impossible to unequivocally answer the question of whether it is possible to use fabric in the bathroom. On the one hand, it tends to become saturated with water vapor and therefore deteriorate. On the other hand, modern hydrophobic impregnations promise that this problem will not arise.

Therefore, a lot depends on the manufacturer and the size of the room - in small rooms it is still better to choose PVC coverings.

For larger ones, you can use either a beautiful plain canvas that harmonizes with the color of the walls, or order a fabric ceiling with a print.

Most often they use drawings on a marine theme or anything associated with water. However, there is always the opportunity to deviate from the standards: who said that you can’t choose a beautiful exotic flower as decoration?

Spotlights of unusual shapes can also serve as decoration - for example, in the form of ordinary or starfish.

Comparative analysis of fabric and polyvinyl chloride ceilings

It is easier to discover the pros and cons of fabric sheets if you compare them with polyvinyl chloride ones. If you think that after flooding by the neighbors above, the textile ceiling will have to be completely changed, as well as pieces of furniture, this is not so. There will be stains on the canvas, but other interior items will not be affected. Fabric, like polyvinyl chloride sheets, retain water. The only difference between the film is that it remains resistant to damage.

In this case, the film construction implies the formation of seams. They are the result of welding parts of the canvas. The fabric eliminates this, so over time, defects will not appear on it.

Photo of a fabric ceiling with unusual patterns in the room

Fabric canvases provide more possibilities for individual design. In addition to photo printing, which is also available for stretch ceilings made of PVC film, artistic painting by hand is allowed. This becomes possible due to the fact that the material resembles a canvas on which it is convenient to draw.

There will be no difficulties during installation. Everything is done quickly and easily if you know the installation algorithm. Ceilings made of PVC film require a heat gun and heating of the room. If you neglect this, the result will be holes in the canvas that you cannot get rid of.

Aesthetic white fabric in a cozy room

The use of fabric sheets is allowed in any room, even in the bathroom. They are resistant to moisture and steam. Ceilings made of polyvinyl chloride are not intended for installation in medical institutions and children's rooms. This is explained by their insignificant ability to release toxins, which can negatively affect the health of young children or sick people.

In addition, any manufacturer of fabric stretch ceilings is able to provide fire and hygiene certificates. In the case of PVC film, this is not possible in all cases. But the latter are distinguished by their affordable price; fabric canvases are more expensive.

In the corridor

But for the hallway they are suitable without any reservations. Both the texture and installation features are perfect for both narrow small corridors and spacious rooms.

A light, monochromatic canvas will be perfectly complemented by unusual antique-style pendant lamps. With a bright gloss they will not look very appropriate, but a satin or matte finish looks stylish and organic in this combination.

Do you want a two-level design? Supplement it with hidden lighting around the perimeter - it will emphasize the structure of the material and make the ceiling visually higher.

We hope you are convinced that this coating is almost universal and can be used in any interior of almost all rooms. If you are interested in installing fabric in an apartment or private house, we suggest you save money - find out how to install it yourself without contacting construction companies in the next section.