What ceilings are best for an apartment?

Apartment renovation is divided into several important stages. One of them is the ceiling decoration. A couple of decades ago, all finishing consisted of whitewashing the rough surface. Today there are many more opportunities.

The most effective solution for finishing ceilings in apartments and houses is suspended ceilings.

Lining made of wood and plastic, aluminum slats, polyurethane foam tiles, decorative plaster or plasterboard structures - all these options are also possible in the apartment. I will tell you about each of the popular design methods, their pros and cons of using them in an apartment.

Finishing the ceiling in an apartment: options with photos

With the advent of numerous materials on the shelves of construction hypermarkets, original options began to appear in the apartments of our compatriots. Their appearance is noticeably different, usually aimed at maintaining the basic style of the room.

Among the proposed finishing methods there are expensive as well as budget options.

Tension fabrics

In my opinion this is the most popular way to decorate the ceiling in a room. And this is explained by the main advantages of suspended ceilings:

• installation speed;
• no need to level the rough surface;
• the ability to hide pipes and wires under the structure;
• moisture resistance;
• ease of care;
• durability;
• attractive appearance;
• large color palette, textured fabrics.

The only disadvantages include instability to sharp objects and temperature changes. This parameter is important if the ceilings in the apartment are too low and you can accidentally touch the canvas.

Supporters of environmentally friendly materials oppose such finishing. They insist that the paintings contain harmful substances. In fact, modern production has practically abandoned the presence of harmful components in films. They are released in a minimal amount, which does not harm the body of residents.

One- and two-level plasterboard ceilings

GKL sheets, unlike stretch fabrics, are an absolutely environmentally friendly material. They are a kind of sandwich made of thick sheets of cardboard and plaster between them. I note that it is a very flexible material with great potential.

Using plasterboard you can construct semicircular arches and complex multi-level ceilings.

In a standard-type apartment, it is advisable to create single-level or two-level ceilings so as not to reduce the free space. However, you need to understand that the structure will definitely reduce the height of the ceiling, since it is attached to a pre-fabricated frame. The installation procedure is complex and requires certain skills.

After the installation is completed, you will have to putty the joints and fastening points, as well as apply several layers of paint, glue wallpaper or cover with decorative plaster. As you can see, The installation scheme is very complicated and requires some repair skills.

The advantage of ceilings made from gypsum plasterboard sheets is the ability to “hide” communication pipes and numerous wires. Such ceilings will be a good decoration for a bedroom, living room or children's room. But in the kitchen and bathroom it is better to give preference to plastic ceilings or tension structures. Due to increased humidity and temperature changes, gypsum board sheets may become deformed.

Painting or decorative plaster

A labor-intensive and expensive finishing method. Painting requires additional leveling of the rough surface “along the beacons”. It means that all corners and the ceiling itself must be perfectly flat and symmetrical.

The paint is applied in a thick layer, often in several layers. This way it will be uniform and no gaps will appear. The advantage is the ability to choose from a wide palette of colors or create your own shade. In addition, painting is an environmentally friendly finishing method that does not harm the body.

Decorative plaster is an expensive type of repair. It is better to turn to professionals who have the skills to work with such material. The composition is applied to a plasterboard structure or a pre-leveled rough ceiling. This design looks expensive and attractive.

PVC panels, aluminum slats

Plastic is one of the most budget options. Standard size panels are easy to calculate and install. Installation is simple and does not require construction skills. They have a convenient fastening and fit well together.

Slatted ceilings made of aluminum slats are an attractive way to decorate an apartment. Typically this option is used for the bathroom, toilet and kitchen area. The panels are attached at a distance or tightly to each other. The resulting decor is easy to clean, it is smooth and can hide unevenness on the rough ceiling.

How to cover the ceiling in a private house?

A country house or dacha involves the use of natural and environmentally friendly materials, giving a feeling of harmony with nature. But sometimes owners prefer to decorate a familiar modern interior outside the city. In this case, there is a place in the house for suspended ceilings or even plastic panels.

The choice of finishing method directly depends on the design idea. The ceiling should become a skillful addition to the interior.

Multi-level gypsum board ceilings

Drywall meets environmental requirements and is quite inexpensive. Plus, the material possibilities are endless. Original, curved and smooth lines are a reality. This is important for a large house where you want to realize your plans.

I propose to consider several popular types of plasterboard finishes:

• flat surface with imitation of the starry sky;
• level figured ceilings with different colors and spotlights;
• arched vaults and imitation stucco for a classic interior in the spirit of palace decoration;
• in tandem with inserts made of tension fabrics;
• multi-level structures with inserts of photo wallpaper or mirror panels.

There are many possibilities, and all of them are worthy of implementation in a private home. However, such excesses cost much more than other options. But believe me, the result is worth the cost.

Tensile structures

A less environmentally friendly, but no less attractive finishing option.Thanks to the capabilities of modern production PVC films and fabrics create textured, different colors and even with different prints.

In a private house, where it is proposed to design the ceiling height in advance, multi-level structures are provided. In the case of tension fabrics, this is easy to do. Spotlights, luxurious chandeliers and LED strips complement the elegance of the finish.

Shadow and floating ceilings are very popular. They add mystery and depth to the design.

The wide palette of colors presented by manufacturers suggests the implementation of even the most striking projects. At the same time, the installation is done very quickly, professionally, and the result pleases for many years.

Wooden clapboard or boards

A logical and popular way to decorate the ceiling in a country house. This is especially true for eco-style interiors. Natural wood is environmentally friendly and looks extremely attractive and easy to install. Some designers prefer to use raw wood to decorate rooms.

If the cottage is made in the style of a Swiss chalet, the idea with an untreated board becomes especially attractive. Scandinavian style is at the peak of popularity today. All family and friends will definitely love this way to decorate their home.

Plastic or aluminum slats

A less popular option for suburban housing. However, such designs are indispensable for bathrooms and utility rooms. They low maintenance, easy to install and will last for many years, maintaining its original appearance.

For a budget house outside the city - an ideal option.

Manufacturers today offer color solutions that are bright and unusual.Thanks to this, it is easy to diversify the chosen design, as well as add uniqueness to the home. Slats with a print will help to play up the overall atmosphere of the rooms in the house in an original way.

In my case, when the question arose about finishing the ceilings in the apartment, the option with stretched fabrics was chosen. Firstly, the height did not allow the creation of complex multi-level structures. Secondly, I wanted simple and aesthetic decor, as well as a quick solution to the problem. And I haven’t regretted my choice at all over the past 5 years.