Two-level stretch ceilings: features and installation. Features of construction and design: two-level stretch ceilings Two-level stretch ceilings as

A two-level stretch ceiling is a simple and convenient option for zoning a room. It helps to disguise utility lines and provides sufficient lighting in the room. In addition, suspended cladding is an extremely bright and very beautiful interior decoration.

In this article I will tell you in detail how to independently install a two-tier ceiling made of PVC film. I will not forget to remind you about the mistakes that you will need to avoid.

How to choose a canvas?

Stretch ceilings are made from a film made of polyvinyl chloride. Moreover, it can have different textures: matte, glossy, satin. The colors and patterns on the film are also varied. It is fixed to a frame made of metal profiles.

After installation, the material forms a flat, smooth and seamless plane. However, in fact, this polymer coating consists of several firmly welded panels.

Two-level ceilings look especially good in large and high-ceiling rooms. In them you can not restrain your imagination and arrange a covering of a complex, bizarre shape.

Important benefits

1. Recreating a flat ceiling surface. In most cases, the floors in apartments are uneven, with significant differences in height.
   To get rid of this problem using the usual method - by plastering and puttying the ceiling, you will spend a lot of time and effort. A stretch ceiling will perfectly level the base surface. At the same time, you don’t have to spend money on additional building materials and remove mountains of garbage.
2. Labor costs when installing a tension covering with your own hands are relatively small. In addition, such finishing has such an important advantage as speed of installation. You will spend one or two days on it.
3. The ability to hide communications: electrical wiring, telephone, television cables, ventilation ducts, etc.

1. Highly aesthetic appearance. This beautiful finish appeals to most people, regardless of differences in their tastes and preferences.
2. 2nd level stretch ceiling is universal. You can choose a variety of shapes and colors to suit any interior style.

1. Moisture resistance and flood protection. In apartment buildings, accidents are common, resulting in those living above flooding their neighbors below. By installing a two-tier ceiling structure, you will protect the room from such danger.

The polyvinyl chloride film will retain water and will not allow it to pass through. All you have to do is drain the liquid into a basin or bucket through a small puncture. And then re-stretch the sagging fabric using a heat gun.

Disadvantages that need to be mentioned

1. Comparative fragility of the coating. If you touch the panel with any object with sharp edges, you can damage it - pierce or scratch it.
2. I do not recommend installing ceilings made of polyvinyl chloride material in country houses and cottages. But provided that you live there seasonally and there is no heating in them in winter. Under the influence of low temperatures, the polymer fabric will become unusable.

In this case, I can recommend you to use a fabric version of the stretch ceiling. Textiles are not afraid of the negative effects of extreme temperatures. Therefore, it is the optimal solution for cladding ceilings in an unheated house.

1. Quite a high price. A tensile structure, and especially a two-tier one, is far from cheap. However, the significant cost of such cladding is compensated by its long service life and high level of aesthetics.

If you assemble such a coating yourself, you will significantly reduce its price.

What to consider when designing a two-level suspended ceiling

It is the film stretch ceiling that is best suited for arranging complex two-tier structures. The polymer fabric is flexible and plastic. Therefore, it makes it possible to implement the most daring design solutions.

When thinking about what your 2nd level stretch ceilings should be like, consider two determining factors.

This is your desired aesthetic and stylistic outcome, as well as the functional features of the coating.

1. With the help of a two-level ceiling, you will be able to hide uneven ceilings, as well as provide the room with effective and impressive lighting.

1. You can zone the space of a room without much expense. For this purpose, you will use a combination of different shapes, colors and textures of the polymer sheet. This way you will be able to divide the room into separate functional areas, as well as visually expand it.

1. When choosing the color design and configuration of a two-tier suspended ceiling, take into account the overall style of the room's interior.
   For example, if it is minimalist in layout, design and colors, you should not install a bright ceiling with a complex configuration, elaborate waves and curls. This design will “crush” the room with its appearance, as it will look much stronger than the other elements of the interior.
2. Separately, I would like to say about panels with photo printing and 3D images. I don’t argue – such a design looks impressive and original.
   However, excessive emphasis on a ceiling with an unusual shape and bright color design will draw too much attention to it. This situation may be advisable only in large and high-ceiling rooms.

If you want to use a stretch fabric with a pattern, be sure to take into account the ability of the glossy coating to glare, that is, to strongly reflect light. Try, whenever possible, to mount the material with images on the upper level of a two-tier ceiling.

Preparing for work

The suspended ceiling should be installed at the final stage of construction, when all the dusty and dirty stages are completely completed.

Requirements to consider

Before installing a suspended ceiling, consider:

1. Frame profiles can be attached to brick, concrete, wood, plaster and ceramic tiles.
   Make sure the base ceiling is strong. If it crumbles, sand it first and then prime it.

1. It is not forbidden to install a two-tier film ceiling in a room with household equipment, furniture and other room utensils. However, please take into account that the gap from the ceiling covering to the top of the interior items should not be less than 0.7 meters.
2. Be sure to draw a diagram of the electrical wiring, installation of lighting fixtures and communications where the suspended ceiling will be installed. This will be useful for subsequent repairs.
3. High-quality installation of a film structure is possible only with a certain heat transfer from electrical devices built into the coating. The equipment should not heat up too much.

The same requirement applies to climate control, fire extinguishing and ventilation systems.

Do not use light bulbs that get very hot in lamps.

They can cause the film to sag and even melt.

1. The maximum permissible power level for incandescent light bulbs and fluorescent analogues is 60 W.
2. For 12 Volt halogen light sources, the maximum power should be 35 W. For analogues at 220 Volts, this figure should be 20 W.
3. To install 12 Volt LED spotlights, use 11.5 Volt step-down transformers.

Necessary tools

Before work prepare:

• hammer drill for fixing frame profiles to the walls;
• screwdriver for screwing in self-tapping screws;
• gas or electric heat gun for heating the room and PVC sheet;
• pencil, marker and building level (laser, bubble or hydraulic) for marking the structure;
• step ladder for high-altitude work;
• special spatulas and spatulas for tensioning and fixing polyvinyl chloride film in baguettes.

Materials needed

Below are the basic materials and design elements you will need.

1. Aluminum or plastic molding of ceiling, wall or connecting type. It is needed to fix the canvas to the frame or ceiling.
2. Tension fabric, already cut to the size of the ceiling (and reduced by 7 percent for tension). If you choose the harpoon method of installing the coating, then it should be bordered around the perimeter with a flexible plastic harpoon.
3. Decorative strips that mask installation gaps between the film and the walls.

1. Metal profiles for arranging the frame of the second tier.
2. Drywall, if you are going to make an additional level out of it.
3. Plastic dowels and screws.

Installation of a two-tier ceiling

Before installing the suspended ceiling, you should install a frame for it from metal profiles.

Frame arrangement

Please note that the plane of the stretch ceiling must be exactly horizontal.

1. Using a laser level, place marks in each corner of the room. Next, beat off a solid line along them using a cord and pigment. It will indicate the level of installation of the frame for the second tier of the ceiling.

1. Attach U-shaped profile strips along this line using dowels and a hammer drill. Mount the same guides along the ceiling along the previously marked line.
2. The configuration of the box can be straight or wavy, curvilinear.

To fix the profiles along a curved path, their shelves must be trimmed with metal scissors in increments of 4 centimeters. Do this so that the bar can be bent to the desired curvature.

1. Screw the lowers made from pieces of rack profiles to the guides fixed on the ceiling. The lower ends of the racks should be located with the wall planks at the same level (horizontal).
   Together, these profiles form the lower plane of the two-tier structure. Attach the racks in increments of 0.25-0.3 meters.

1. Mount a box from a couple of pieces of rack profiles and guide strips. Screw them with self-tapping screws for metal, so as to form a structure similar to a pipe with a rectangular cross-section.
2. Fix this box to the already mounted lowers. Carry out fastening work with small self-tapping screws (they are called “bugs”) using a screwdriver.
3. Fix this structure to the wall profiles with a load-bearing (wide) profile.

Be sure to maintain an exact correspondence between the verticals and horizontals of the frame. Check the angles using a bubble level.

1. As described above, assemble the entire supporting structure around the perimeter of the room.
2. You will then screw the mounting baguette for the PVC film onto the box.

I want to warn you that the polymer fabric, as it cools, will create a strong tension. Based on this, the frame design must have a high level of strength sufficient for such a load.

Installation of plasterboard level

The next stage of installing a two-tier ceiling is laying the electrical wiring necessary for installing lighting and lining the frame with gypsum plasterboard sheets.

1. Cut pieces of drywall to the required size and mount them on the box. Fix the gypsum board to the frame with self-tapping screws.

1. Once you have installed all the drywall, reinforce all corners using perforated corners. You can fix them using gypsum-based putty.

1. Next, fill all joints and screw holes. When the putty has dried, sand the plasterboard layer with fine sandpaper.

1. Then mark the locations of the built-in lighting fixtures. After this, cut holes for them using a drill bit - a “crown” or “ballerina”.
2. Next, prime the surface of the tier and cover it with the paint of your choice or cover it with wallpaper.

The second level of the suspended ceiling is ready. Next, you can begin installing the tension fabric.

Fixing the film

Now let’s talk about how suspended ceilings are installed. The panel itself can be attached to baguettes using three methods: glazing bead, wedge and harpoon.

The last types are the most common:

1. The harpoon fastening system is the most popular due to its ease of installation and the need for special skills to work with it. In this case, a harpoon hook is factory welded around the perimeter of the canvas. It serves to tension and fix the film in baguettes.

Since the harpoons are attached during the production of the panel, it is very important to accurately measure the dimensions of the ceiling. I recommend that you take into account that you need to order the film in dimensions that are 7-10 percent smaller than the overlap area.

1. The wedge method of fixing the panel is more technologically complex.

It requires certain work skills:

• however, the method has one important advantage, namely versatility, since there is no harpoon around the perimeter of the film. Thanks to this, you do not have to adhere to the exact dimensions of the canvas. It is possible to retighten it many times, change the tension, cut off the excess;
• you can quickly remove and return the tension covering, fixed using the wedge method, during repairs or in case of leaks;

• When choosing a wedge fastening system, the film often has an area larger than the ceiling itself. Based on this, first measure the canvas accurately and, after stretching it, trim off the excess.

The glazing bead system for fixing the coating is similar to the wedge method. But here the canvas is attached to the baguettes using a special tape. This method guarantees good film tension.

Below are my instructions for installing stretch film, that is, the first level of a two-tier ceiling. Please take into account that competent installation technology for such a structure requires the preliminary drawing up of its exact drawing.

It should show the dimensions of all its elements.

The film should be cut and sewn only after measuring the room:

1. When fixing the tension material to the frame or plasterboard box, ensure that the baguettes are securely fastened. The tightness of fit of the profiles to the structure being installed must be high. Please note that the appearance and durability of the suspended ceiling will depend on the fulfillment of these conditions.

1. Before installing the PVC sheet, it must be heated to +60-70 degrees. Do this with a heat gun or a large hair dryer. When heated, the film will become more elastic and can be stretched.
2. The room itself in which the tension fabric will be installed must also be heated. But up to a temperature of +40-45 degrees.

1. When the panel heats up, first secure it with a spatula in one of the corners of the room. Then secure it on the opposite side. And only then attach the film to the remaining corners.

I warn you right away that in the last of them it will be the most difficult to fix the canvas. However, do not be nervous, do everything carefully and do not damage the film.

1. Next, tighten the covering into baguettes. Do this in increments of 8-10 centimeters. Thus, fix the panel with a spatula around the perimeter of the entire ceiling. At the same time, pull it evenly.
2. Trim off the excess film if you chose the glazing bead or wedge fastening method.
3. Warming up the panel with a hairdryer, straighten out all the folds and wrinkled strips on it.
4. When the film cools to natural temperature, it will stretch. Thanks to this, the coating will be absolutely smooth and even.

1. Next, along the perimeter of the tier, mask the technological gaps with decorative tape.

1. Lastly, cut holes in the film for the lighting fixtures. To protect the canvas from heated lamps, stick thermal insulation rings onto the holes.

If the lamps are placed inside the space between the base and suspended ceilings, then they will not touch the film. Therefore, she does not need to be protected from them.

Conclusion

As you understand from the article, it is quite possible to install a two-level stretch ceiling yourself. With relatively low labor and time costs, you will decorate your home with a beautiful coating that will hide all the imperfections of the ceiling. The video in this article continues this theme. And you can ask questions in the comments.

Modern technologies allow us to take a fresh look at home design. Take, for example, suspended ceiling designs: PVC film provides a lot of design opportunities. The uniqueness of this material lies in the fact that no other material for finishing the ceiling has such qualities. Let's consider the most popular type of design: two-level stretch ceilings; Let's study their types, advantages and disadvantages, as well as all the subtleties of choice.

Peculiarities

Two-level stretch ceilings are a structure made of metal profiles with a PVC film sheet attached to them. Installation is carried out by adding drywall to the structure, which specifies 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 connected by welding.

Unlike single-level structures, to give volume and relief, plasterboard forms are used here primarily, rather than plinths and moldings.

Such ceilings are easy to install. Having detailed step-by-step instructions and the necessary materials at hand, 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 your budget by paying more attention to the purchase of high-quality material and simple equipment if it is not available.

The installation process involves attaching supporting profiles to the base (ceiling) to form the required lines, which are initially marked with maximum accuracy in the drawing, indicating the dimensions. The purchase of tension fabric is carried out only after measurements have been taken; in some cases it is purchased after the profiles are installed. It is cut out and sewn to the box or frame itself, ensuring a high-density fit of the profile to the two-level structure. This factor determines the durability of a two-level stretch ceiling.

The panel is attached in several ways (wedge, glazing bead or harpoon). More often, the latter method is used for fixation, welding special hooks to the edges of the panel to tension the material and attach it to the frame. Sometimes a special tape is used for fastening. A special feature of installing tension structures is heating the panels using 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 remaining two, correcting the unevenness. After this, the edges are fixed to the profile or baguette in increments of 8 cm. Technological gaps are masked using flexible tape.

If you need to build in lighting, holes are made on the canvas, not forgetting to protect the film from powerful lamps using a thermal insulation ring. This way the light sources will not touch the film.

Material

The main component of the tension structure is the canvas. More often it is polyvinyl chloride film, less often fiberglass and polyester textiles are used to decorate the ceiling. The fabric is heat-shrinkable: it can be installed without preheating and is capable of partially absorbing moisture. The texture resembles ordinary textiles and eliminates the possibility of re-installation. It is used to combine glossy and matte panels in different levels of two-level structures.

Metal or plastic profiles are used as fastening systems. These systems allow you to place the tension fabric at different distances relative to the base one. With their help, you can hide various communications if they are located on top. If glazing bead technology is provided, plastic inserts are used. In other cases, the mount is gapless.

If special shapes are needed, use plasterboard, which, if necessary, can be painted or wallpapered in the same style as the tension panel.

Kinds

A characteristic feature of such structures is the endless design possibilities: plasterboard allows you to create a variety of fantasy lines and shapes in which tension inserts look special. These designs are recognized as the most aesthetic and convenient type of ceiling decoration for a modern home. They can have different surface textures, which allows you to choose a variety with the desired effect to decorate any room. Let's consider the nuances of each type of coating.

Glossy

This material is one of the sought-after canvases for decorating modern interiors. It is especially harmonious when you need to demonstrate the synthetic base of raw materials and gloss. It is distinguished by the presence of reflectivity, due to which it is used to visually increase the height and width of the walls of small rooms.

However, despite the aesthetics of such a surface, such a material creates emotional tension, so it must be used carefully in the design of a two-level stretch ceiling structure.

An interesting nuance is that reflectivity increases with increasing color saturation and darkness. In addition, among these coatings there are mirror options, which, along with expanding the space, introduce an imbalance into its perception, doubly cluttering the room with details. In addition, this texture attracts attention, which forces you to think about every element of its decor, from the design to the lighting. At the same time, it is not so easy to clean, because often after wet cleaning of the surface, stains are visible on it.

Matte

This material is appropriate in different areas of interior design, so it can support any style or become its highlight without interrupting the overall concept of the interior. The matte type of surface in two-level designs is used in combination with glossy coatings, as it can soften the harshness of the gloss. Matte film goes well with different lighting and allows complex compositional techniques when built-in and external lighting are used simultaneously to add volume and depth.

This film is easy to care for and can be used with a damp cloth or vacuum cleaner for cleaning. Due to its antistatic properties, it repels dust, so the coating almost always looks neat. This type of texture helps create a cozy atmosphere, so it can be used in any room of the home.

This is especially facilitated by the fact that the appearance of condensation on its surface is impossible; this allows it to be used in rooms with a high percentage of humidity.

Satin

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

In terms of its performance characteristics, this material is superior to the first two analogues. It looks more expensive, is aesthetically more attractive and can successfully fit into any interior design, regardless of the creativity of its direction. This canvas is expensive and provides for decorating the surface with any decor, including a design. At the same time, it does not compete with decorative elements and lighting.

Advantages and disadvantages

Two-level suspended ceiling designs have a lot of advantages. Let us indicate the most relevant ones.

• The ceilings are durable. If you follow the installation technology, carefully care for the coatings and properly clean the surface, they will last more than 10 years.
• Due to the lightness of the structural components, they do not create a large weight load, therefore they do not harm the ceilings of the premises, which allows them to be used in every room of an apartment or house.
• They are distinguished by the ability to independently select the ceiling height, which is convenient if you need to mask the difference in wall heights.
• All types of material used are harmless to health and do not cause allergic reactions, so such structures can be installed in children's rooms.
• They are not limited in color schemes, which allows you to decorate the ceiling space taking into account your own taste preferences.

• The material used does not change its properties for a long time, while the texture remains resistant to temperature changes, the formation of fungus and mold.
• Stretch fabrics are not exposed to sunlight, so you can decorate the ceiling with rich tones of the color palette without worrying that they will fade.
• Depending on the chosen color, they are able to increase the size of the room, fill it with light, depth and lightness.
• They provide for the use of modern, diverse lighting, which in most cases can adequately replace central lighting.
• Such ceilings can unobtrusively zone the space through inserts and shapes of different shades, textures, and create a clear organization of each functional area of ​​the room.
• The panels are resistant to moisture; in the event of a leak from the apartment above, they stretch without bursting. After drying, in most cases they return to their original shape.
• The materials used provide external and internal lighting; any ceiling design can be made special.
• Two-tier ceiling types allow you to integrate lighting in such a way as not to create unnecessary holes in the tension fabric.

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The list goes on for a long time, but along with the advantages, two-level stretch ceilings also have disadvantages. Let's note the main ones:

• No type of material is designed to withstand significant mechanical damage and possible punctures. The appearance of defects is usually accompanied by the dismantling of the tension fabric.
• Two-tier structures conceal the height of the walls (from 10 cm or more), so their use in small-sized apartments (Khrushchev and Brezhnev buildings) is not always possible.
• Decorating small rooms requires a special approach so as not to visually overload the interior.
• Two-level stretch ceilings are more expensive than their single-level counterparts. Moreover, their creation almost always requires a design project for the specific dimensions of the room, which forces you to contact a designer, and this entails additional expenses.

• When making curly lines, you will have to maintain an identical width, which will require greater concentration. In addition, this is difficult if the ceiling has a difference in height.
• The canvas has to be cut out especially precisely, otherwise this may result in its sagging or shortcomings. While right angles are easier to handle, sharp and gapless design elements on double levels can be difficult for a non-professional to complete.

Colors

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

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

White remains a favorite among tones: it can bring positivity to any interior, make a room visually lighter, fill it with air, soften the perception of an abundance of dark tones, and create balance. However, if it is used with a black tone, the perception changes: the absence of lively (color) tones deprives the space with a black and white ceiling of cheerfulness.

Therefore, white color often takes on the desired color due to the contrast with which it is usually supplemented. For example, if you add light gray and beige to it, it will look different.

Designers pay attention to the importance of adding white color to the design of a double ceiling structure with tensioned fabric.

Pastel shades look better than others in the design of suspended ceilings in two rows. They combine well with white and add coziness 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 the style.

In this case, you can start from the color of 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 guided so that it suits different designs, because wallpaper is changed more often. In this case, it is important that the tone is not dark and inexpressive. The most popular color is beige of varying degrees of saturation. It can be light, bright, but 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 canvases.

They try to use saturated colors in doses, combining them with light shades or white. This is due to the fact that bright colors attract all the attention. If there are few of them, it makes light colors expressive. When rich contrasts dominate, a color imbalance is created throughout the interior. In this group, the most popular colors today are lilac, violet, yellow, wine and burgundy. Difficult to work with include blue, bronze, and orange.

Lighting

Lighting of two-level suspended ceiling structures is of great importance. It is this that can pull out any design, including laconic 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 fastenings or flat panels of a near-surface type. They are often distinguished from the usual models of central lamps by their lightness of form: they have many small lamps of high power.

Typically, modern types of light sources - LEDs - are used to illuminate such ceilings. In terms of their technical characteristics and performance qualities, they are in many ways superior to any known types of lamps. But this is only provided that they were purchased in a reliable store of a certain manufacturer, time-tested and marked with a lot of positive reviews.

During operation, they consume a minimum of electricity, converting almost all of it into light, so they hardly heat up when turned on.

The main types of built-in lighting are spotlights (spotlights), spots (lighting fixtures with the ability to adjust the angle of inclination), cord and flexible LED strip. Unusual solutions used primarily for decorating translucent and transparent stretch fabrics include fiber optic threads. When mixed, their thicknesses create realistic effects, illuminating the ceiling from the inside (for example, the effect of twinkling stars).

The tape is distinguished by its ability to clearly repeat the shape and any bend, while it is easy to install and can be fixed to the cornice. These light sources are harmless, do not contain mercury, do not emit toxins, and shine with an even and directional light. Therefore, in order to exclude dark, unlit areas in the interior, it is often necessary to place 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 fits well into the design of any conceived idea.

Spots are notable for the fact that they can be mounted on false beams or other protrusions provided in the design of two-level tensile structures with plasterboard.

Style and design

The complexity of two-level suspended ceiling structures, as well as the use of a certain texture, depend on the chosen direction of interior design. If these are decisions that include classic, neoclassical, classicism, Italian style, it is important to show the elements of palace solemnity. You can use white or light beige as a basis. It is allowed to combine matte and glossy textures and create U-shaped levels. This could be a certain lacquer accent of a geometric shape located in the center of the room (for example, a square, an oval).

It is desirable that the design include symmetry: this is the hallmark of classical trends. To add luxury, you can decorate the design with elements with gilding or imitation gypsum stucco, or choose a satin canvas, decorating it, say, with photo printing in the form of gilded lace around the edges.

However, with visible luxury, the design should not be pompous: it is important to leave this role to the display of furniture and accessories.

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

The design lines are often curly, although the ceiling space is often decorated with round plasterboard elements that accentuate the central part of the ceiling.

If the idea is based on a certain vintage direction that can immerse you in the desired era, then, most likely, you will have to play with the design using matte stretch 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’s worth taking a closer look at the ceilings with a satin sheen and plaster decorations.

If in simple compositions it is appropriate to decorate the ceiling with matte lamps with a simple design and a single shade, chandeliers on pendants will look better here.

It is impossible not to note the creative style, for example, popular styles loft and grunge. In this case, it is undesirable to show the gloss of the ceiling surface. Since the appearance of the interior should resemble a lived-in industrial facility, it is better to take a matte texture as a basis. In this case, it is possible to apply a pattern simulating even concrete. The main thing in this case is the correct choice of lamps, which can be played out through spots with imitation of communication systems.

If you want more creativity, you can finish it as an accent in a light gray or white lime color, making the transition to one of the walls or to a partition separating different functional areas. This design will be memorable and impressive.

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

However, in order for the image to be successful, they try to select motifs in positive colors, as well as drawings without perspective, which creates a negative effect (for example, huge flowers and birds, a view of a person from below, military equipment are undesirable).

A popular theme today is the celestial theme. These are daytime motifs depicting the sky, clouds, sun rays, as well as mysterious space. The pinnacle of design art can be called a two-level composition with a starry sky theme, which is created using composite lighting, embedding it inside a tension structure and connecting it to the network. At the same time, for realism, you can use the desired image, selecting fiber optic threads in places where stars are drawn for the effect of greater realism.

Place

Of great importance in the design of a double ceiling design is the purpose of the room. The color and type of texture of the material depends on this. Let's consider several options.

Hallway and corridor

These rooms often have no windows, which makes them uncomfortable. The main task is to replenish the lighting. At the same time, the design of a two-level structure should not be massive, otherwise a negative perception of space can be created.

Ease of design is welcome, for example, it is enough to emphasize a small part of the ceiling space with a stretch fabric, softening the design with white color and a single-color coating.

If there are few things in the hallway, or they are hidden in the hallway closet, it is quite appropriate to use a glossy texture for decoration. This will allow you to visually play up the lack of light and the lack of footage, which is usually inherent in hallways. If the corridor is part of an open plan, you can highlight it with a separate box or a curly line on 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.

Kitchen

Dynamic colors are appropriate here. The contrasts can be the most unexpected. For example, a mix of light gray with a contrasting wine-colored insert, chosen for different areas of the kitchen, will look original. To prevent the combination of tones from being harsh, you can choose to imitate natural material, embodying it in a gray shade through a pattern.

However, when choosing extraordinary solutions, it is important to understand that for harmony in combination they must be repeated in the details of the interior composition. This could be a rare vase of an unusual shape, a curtain or another small element of decoration (down to a flower or the color of a panel design).

The technique of 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 prevent the design from looking boring, the shades should be diluted with white. This way, the lightness in the kitchen will not be disturbed, and freshness will be felt. The complexity of the two-level design will depend on the size of the kitchen: if it is combined with a living room or dining room, you can make a transition with a curly line, unobtrusively separating the two functional zones.

Living room

This room is the heart of any home, so we will pay special attention to it. It should be comfortable. Therefore, glossy and satin options for panels are a priority: they will bring 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 household members and will not create negative energy.

If this is the apartment of a young family, you can add purple, yellow, or sand colors to the design. In addition, we can accept a blue tint mixed with purple due to a photographic print of a picture of, say, a stellar nebula. If elderly people live in the house, such tones are undesirable for them: they will cause the development of depression, even if there are not many of them in the design. The perception of young people is different: they will think that the room is filled with freshness.

Everyone will be pleased with beige tones, the use of white, light peach, and milky colors. It is not advisable to decorate the two-tier ceiling structure of the living room with a pink shade: this color creates discomfort in men. The same applies to lilac.

Avoid red and black colors in the design of stretch fabrics: they carry a negative load and are sources of irritability.

It is worth mixing matte canvases with satin or glossy ones. It will look beautiful. If possible, highlight different levels with spot lighting: this will make the tiered systems more elegant. For backlighting, use light sources with a warm shade of luminous flux. If you want to change the perception, decorate one of the tiers with an RGB LED strip. If desired, you can change the shade of the glow from white to purple, varying the color according to your mood.

Bedroom

The bedroom interior needs light colors and a relaxing atmosphere. Matte and satin finishes are applicable here. The former will allow you to relax as much as possible, the latter will bring luxury to the interior. To make the design look unusual, you can make a small accent using photo printing, making a transition of the tension fabric to the wall at the head. If you choose a matte texture, you can decorate it with simple patterns. Such an accent will clearly define the sleeping area and set the main mood of the design.

To enhance the harmony of the ceiling and interior design, repeat the lighting elements on the walls or cabinet front. You can use the dressing table by illuminating it with identical spots or a cord.

Avoid large patterns: they are inappropriate here. Monochromatic contrasts with a predominance of white look better in the bedroom. Use warm colors, they promote relaxation.

Children's

The matte texture looks good in a child's room. It promotes a better perception of space. However, for zoning, you can use a small contrasting insert, placing it in the work area of ​​the room. In this case, the material should be selected in such a way that the reflectivity is not large, otherwise it may distract attention, which is especially undesirable for schoolchildren.

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

Do not overload the design by selecting unimaginably complex designs based on two tiers. In this case, you should rely on pleasant tones and hobbies of the child. For example, for a teenager you can choose an option in the form of a spaceship window, depicting the emphasis of this theme.

How to choose?

Let us note the basic principles of choosing tension structures and their design. This will allow you to decide which option is more suitable 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 purchasing, consider the width of the material so as not to think about welding the seams in the future.
• If you have a specific design in mind, entrust it to the professionals: order a specific pattern that will bring the right mood to any space. At the same time, give preference to matte or satin varieties: photo printing on them looks better and more expressive.
• If you want to decorate an attic with a two-level structure, try to focus on the matte texture of the surface, diluting it with a slight accent of a glossy finish.

Avoid dark colors on the attic floor: there is often not enough light here.

• To implement complex creative ideas, you should think about combining them with drywall. Matte and glossy canvases themselves look simpler.
• Film materials are good for kitchens and bathrooms. They are easier to care for. Try to choose cheerful tones and textures with little reflectivity.
• If you need to design a ceiling in a room with a staircase leading to the attic, choose a design that will complement the opening leading to the rooms on the upper floor.

Beautiful examples and options

To evaluate the role of decorating the space of different rooms of a home, let’s turn to examples from the photo gallery, looking at various examples of the design of a 2-level stretch ceiling.

• An example of emphasizing the sleeping area with a laconic but stylish design with a satin texture of the material.
• Diluting the lilac and brown tones of the interior through a white matte structure with separate lighting for each functional area.

• An example of using warm blue with white plasterboard contrast demonstrates the lightness of the design.
• The contrast of white with light beige conveys an atmosphere of home comfort. A light chandelier is a stylish accent to the tension structure.

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

• The original design of a combined type with plasterboard, made in strict geometric shapes, is suitable for decorating a spacious living room.
• A laconic solution for a child’s room using a glossy finish in warm white color, using different lamps: panels for the work area and spot lighting on the opposite side.

• Stylish ceiling design with a glossy yellow color that is fashionable today. Accentuating the dining space with the transition of material to the wall.
• Decorating a living room in a classic style using a stretch ceiling with a glossy texture, decorated in the form of a luxurious chandelier and small-sized formal lamps of a similar style.

• A good move in creating a bright contrast: the use of gray and wine tones brings a special mood to 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 backlit ring, fits well into a room made in beige and blue tones.

A two-level suspended ceiling with lighting is understood as a hanging system for decorative purposes. It consists of profiles made of metal or plastic, decorated with elastic fabric.

Purpose

Two-level stretch ceilings have enormous potential for creating a unique atmosphere in the finished room. With their help, you can implement numerous design ideas. Modern systems of this type may generally contain fabric or PVC film. For reliable fixation of the material, a frame structure is provided, consisting of a durable aluminum or plastic profile.

Thanks to the two-level ceiling, it is convenient to achieve the effect of expanding space when zoning rooms. By using satin and glossy fabrics, your home can be made lighter and more comfortable. Despite their versatility, two-level stretch ceilings are used most often in the hall.

Installation work

Installing a two-level structure will require some experience in construction work.

Preparation

The advantage of any suspended ceiling system is the ability to hide irregularities and flaws in the rough foundation. Unlike painting or wallpapering, in this case there will be no need for careful leveling of the concrete floor.

Preparatory activities are carried out as follows:

1. Freeing the room from unnecessary things. Any ceiling decoration requires free access to its entire area. The ideal option is to completely remove all furniture from the room. Objects that are too bulky to remove can be moved to the center by covering them with waterproof film. Also, chandeliers, lamps, cornices and all other elements need to be removed from the ceiling surface.
2. Cleaning the base. If whitewash or paint was used as an old finish, it is advisable to remove it. The fact is that further shedding of small particles can damage the tension fabric. Ideally, you should clean everything down to the concrete slab. This procedure is carried out with a durable scraper.
3. Sealing joints. In some houses, the ceiling does not consist of one solid slab, but several. The connecting sections between them begin to crumble over time. The same goes for corners. All these areas must be sealed with a new solution, after removing the old one. It is most convenient to use a starting putty such as Rotband or Isogypsum as a mixture. The tools you will need here are a set of spatulas and a plastic mixing container.
4. Applying primer. The impregnation used forms a moisture-proof layer on the ceiling, which subsequently prevents the development of fungus and mold. Deep penetration acrylic primers have proven themselves to be excellent in this regard: the liquid is poured into a plastic bucket and applied with a brush or roller. If there are already traces of mold on the ceiling, additional treatment of the affected areas with a special antiseptic is carried out.
5. Laying communications. It should be taken into account that upon completion of the installation of the two-level stretch ceiling structure, access to the rough base will be closed. Therefore, all necessary electrical work on laying wires and cables must be carried out at the preparation stage.

During this procedure, a lot of dirt and dust usually arises, so it is advisable to additionally protect the walls, floors and windows with plastic film. You should also ensure that you have work clothing and breathing protection.

Development of an installation diagram

During the preparatory activities, a diagram of a two-level stretch ceiling is drawn up. The main task is to determine the installation points of the lamps.

Considering the specifics of the system, it is best to use two levels of backlighting:

1. Main. Includes traditional chandelier and light fixtures.
2. Local (hidden). Organized using LED strips and built-in spotlights.

System arrangement

Installation activities may only begin after the primer and sealed areas have completely dried. To speed up the drying procedure, it is recommended to use ventilation. The humidity level in the room should not exceed 75%, with an average air temperature of +24 degrees. It is this microclimate that most contributes to the correct straightening of the stretched fabric, preventing its shrinkage. While the room is drying, you can start developing a sketch of a two-level ceiling, with a clear indication of the configuration of each level and the location of the main lighting.

The finished drawing of a stretch ceiling in two levels is transferred from paper to the base. To apply curved lines, it is best to use a plastic profile. This design detail can be easily bent, without compromising smooth transitions. Having completed the process of creating a drawing for setting levels, you need to decide on the height of the lower level of the stretch ceiling. The optimal figure is at least 15 cm.

If there are unevenness and differences on the ceiling, it is most convenient to use a laser level. With its help, each of the walls is marked with marks for the attachment points of the profile, over which an elastic fabric or film will be stretched. The areas where lamps and chandeliers are located are equipped with wooden pads, allowing you to adjust the level. Upon completion of the installation work, holes for the lamps are made at these points using a soldering iron. To install them, special brackets are used, and decorative inserts are used to close the holes.

Plastic frame

Installation of a frame for a two-level stretch ceiling includes several stages:

1. Fixing wooden blocks on which the future profile will be attached. Dowels are used as fastening elements. Strictly speaking, we are talking about a simplified version of the frame. There is a possibility of using metal U- and C-shaped profiles to create it, but in this case you will need some experience working with such elements. Beginners are recommended to choose wooden blocks, when installing which a step of 20-30 cm is used.
2. Installation of plastic profile. The previously applied markings serve as a guide. For fixing to wooden blocks, ordinary wood screws are used. Connection of profile ends The system includes special plastic adapters, which are also fixed to the pads. To close the plastic profile from below, use a corner flexible perforated insert. It is fixed with polyurethane glue. Thanks to this, the lower plane of the system is free of sharp protrusions, which often cause tears in the elastic fabric.
3. When installing a two-level stretch ceiling structure, any damage to communication lines or fire alarms should be avoided in every possible way. Cable channels are used to protect the wiring. There is also an option for fixing the wiring to the ceiling using special brackets. The sections of the frame that come into contact with the cable are equipped with small cutouts.
4. The task of the plastic profile is to determine the height of the lower level of the system. Its fixation should be as reliable as possible (the normal point load is at least 15 kg). Such a safety margin can even withstand flooding from above, which sometimes happens in multi-story buildings.
5. In areas of contact between the plastic and the wall, the corner parts of the profile must be cut off. For this, a grinder with an emery sheet or a regular file is most often used. This ensures a smooth slope towards the wall. It is very important to achieve a smooth contact point: rough transitions must be avoided. The contact point is equipped with a metal profile with a harpoon - this line will also be formed with a tension fabric.

Metallic profile

Upon completion of the installation of the plastic elements, they move on to the metal profile. The place of its fixation is the perimeter of the walls at a previously specified height. A laser level is used for this. You only need to use the profile that is included with the stretch ceiling. This element is specific in that there is an elastic pressing insert inside it (in other words, a harpoon). Thanks to the insert, the edges of the fabric stretched over the frame are secured. Dowels are used to fix the profile to the wall.

Another metal profile is equipped with a plastic element on the side where there are no bars. After this, all prominent fastener heads are masked using light-colored masking tape. If this is not done, they will be visible against the background of a white two-level stretch ceiling. This is especially true for bright sunny days, or when all the lamps are on.

Selecting a canvas

The design of two-level stretch ceilings suggests the possibility of using two types of fabric:

1. PVC film. A durable material characterized by elasticity, moisture resistance and low cost. In case of contamination, the film can be washed with a sponge and soapy water.
2. Polyester fabric. Inferior to film in terms of moisture resistance, surpassing it in decorativeness. No heating is required during installation (unlike PVC). The fabric allows air to pass through, so the effect of a closed space does not occur. It is mainly used in two-tier stretch ceilings in the hall.

Two-level systems can be equipped with several materials at once. It often happens that a glossy PVC film is used to furnish the first level, thereby achieving a visual expansion of the space. The 2nd level stretch ceiling can be decorated with textured satin-like fabric. This combination looks very beautiful, which explains its popularity when implementing design ideas.

The final choice of material for the canvas depends on the taste of the customer. In specialized stores you have the opportunity to independently evaluate the parameters of materials, deciding on shades and texture. It is possible to order photographic film based on an individual design. Depending on the complexity and quality, the cost of production is determined.

As for the combination of a two-level stretch ceiling and a plasterboard base, this solution is not very practical. The exception is the forced zoning of premises of a large area. In this case, the rigid base must be equipped with an aluminum frame made of C-shaped profiles.

Installation of tension material

First of all, the lower level of the structure is arranged, and then the upper one. Let's figure out how to stretch a stretch ceiling and what the sequence of actions is.

Installation procedure for a 2-level stretch ceiling:

1. The straightening of the PVC sheet is accompanied by blowing with a gas heat gun. When using polyester fabric, this procedure is not necessary.
2. The straightened canvas must be fixed at a height of 1.5-2 meters with special rubber clothespins. To achieve complete removal of all folds, the film from below is once again blown with a gas gun. Despite the increase in air temperature in the room, opening windows is prohibited.
3. The tightening procedure must begin from the plastic profile, from the corner section. In this case, you will need a plastic spatula as a tool. The edges of the material are put on the protrusions, pushing into the harpoon. Reliable fixation of the canvas is ensured by special inserts. Proceed in a similar manner in each of the corners. This is followed by another blowing with a heat gun.
4. After waiting for the film to cool, it is attached along the perimeter of the two-level stretch ceiling. It is important to achieve uniform tension, otherwise ties will appear. The areas where the canvas is fixed to the plastic profile are decorated with reinforced tape: in these places, the profile for the upper level of the stretch ceiling is attached to self-tapping screws.
5. The installation of the second panel is completely identical.

Two-level ceiling lighting

To determine the points of the holes for the lamps, press the canvas with your hand, feeling for bars or plastic rings. Cutting is not suitable in this case: burning is necessary. To do this, you can use heated rounded reinforcement. The main thing is to achieve melting of the edges, otherwise the film will tear. Cutting can only be used in combination with a special plastic thermal ring glued to the site of the future hole. To cut a hole along the inner contour of the ring, there are usually no problems.

After this, you can begin fixing the lamps using hangers. Decorative inserts are used to disguise attachment points. If necessary, power supplies and circuit breakers are attached to the floor slab. During the implementation of this procedure, the voltage on the electrical panel is turned off. There is an option for illuminating a stretch ceiling using LED strips installed behind the ceiling cornice. Such lighting allows the use of color changes and a remote control unit.

Several advantages and disadvantages of these tension structures.

What material can be used?

There are two main types of materials:

• PVC film. Such models do not allow water to pass through and have a huge number of colors and textures. They can be matte, glossy or mirror.
• Fabric. It is environmentally friendly and has a pronounced structure. It looks quite expensive and impressive. The cold installation method is used for them.

Texture of multi-level canvases

The most popular surfaces of suspended ceiling models:

Matte

They look discreet and not flashy, do not reflect or glare. They are considered the most common and optimal option for ceiling decoration.

The photo shows a bedroom with a matte two-level ceiling structure in white and green.

Glossy

They create the effect of depth, increase space, perfectly reflect light and make the luminous flux more intense.

The photo shows a glossy two-level stretch ceiling in the living room.

Satin

They have a pleasant and soft pearlescent shine. Unlike glossy surfaces, they have a more unobtrusive and calm reflective effect.

The photo shows a two-level tension black and gray satin structure.

Ceiling colors

The appearance of the entire room depends on the color scheme of the ceiling space.

White

Neutral, achromatic color that goes well with various styles. White gives the space additional volume, spaciousness and significantly enlarges the room.

The photo shows a living room with a two-level white ceiling.

Grey

Noble gray always looks very elegant and stylish, and emphasizes good taste.

Violet

Light shades of purple create a delicate, flowing and romantic design, while darker shades add mystery and mystery to the room.

Black

It looks rich and adds volume to the room. Despite such a gloomy color, it creates an oppressive effect.

Forms of suspended ceilings

Various shapes give the room originality and create interesting visual effects.

Square

The most popular form used to decorate the ceiling. Square tension structures enliven the interior and make it very expressive.

Rectangular

Strict rectangular shape, looks modern and stylish. This ceiling model unites all the elements of the room with each other and gives it a complete and solid look.

The photo shows a two-level rectangular stretch ceiling in the living room.

Oval

An oval, ellipse or semicircle shape will raise the ceiling, smooth out the corners in the room and allow you to create unusual lighting in it.

L-shaped

A podium wavy ledge or an L-shaped drop is a fairly traditional and sought-after design solution for aesthetic interior design.

Complex curved structures

Complex forms always remain at the peak of popularity.

Wave

It will add individuality and originality to the interior. A curvilinear tension pattern like one or two waves will undoubtedly attract all the attention.

Flower

It will be a wonderful addition and decorative element to the room. A flower-shaped design, combined with or without a chandelier, will never go unnoticed.

Design options for two-tier ceilings

A bright design will transform and emphasize the ceiling space.

With photo printing

Canvases with flowers, butterflies or other colorful images form a very delicate, beautiful and sensual design.

The photo shows a white and pink two-level ceiling with photo printing in the form of butterflies.

carved

Perforated, patterned, artistic ceilings perfectly perform not only an aesthetic function, but also a practical one.

The photo shows a two-level stretch ceiling with a carved pattern.

Starry sky

These designs look simply amazing and become a real decoration of the entire interior. Two-level ceilings with a picture of a starry sky create a feeling of open space above your head.

With central beam

They look organic and are a key detail of the room, which attracts the main attention and unobtrusively complements the overall design.

The photo shows a two-level tension structure with a central beam in the kitchen interior.

Convex center

Convex central details, in the form of a square inside, an oval in the middle or a circle in the center, will be a dynamic accent of the entire room.

Color combinations

The most common color combinations.

Black and white

They create amazing contrast and transform any room. Two-level two-color ceilings, made in black and white, always look very stylish and original.

White-brown

A multifaceted, very harmonious and attractive combination. Brown perfectly sets off the white color, making this tandem more balanced and soft.

White with beige

They create a status, luxurious and noble design. This combination is considered classic and is an ideal solution for decorating any room.

Green and white

They look airy and gentle, bringing freshness and extraordinary lightness to the atmosphere.

The photo shows a bathroom and a two-level stretch ceiling with a combination of white and green colors.

Design options for internal corners

Several design options:

• Right angle.
• Sharp corner.
• Rounded.

Examples in various interior styles

These designs can harmoniously fit into many interior styles.

Classic

Satin and glossy surfaces will add even more gloss, radiance and shine to a classic interior. Ceiling models in subdued colors, in combination with stucco molding, baguettes or baseboards, will look elegant and create comfort and coziness in the room.

High tech

Glossy canvases without plasterboard, which have high reflective properties, are especially suitable for this style. They perfectly highlight the futuristic design and help in creating interesting light compositions.

Modern

Various geometric shapes, combined with proper lighting, will fit perfectly into a modern interior. Various color combinations will also be appropriate in this style.

The photo shows a two-level tension structure in the living room in a modern style.

Stretch 2-level ceilings with lighting

Lighting solutions with green, orange, yellow, white or red lighting make the ceiling structure more sophisticated.

LED strip around the perimeter

Hidden ice lighting not only gives the ceiling an unusual appearance and creates a floating effect, but also sets a certain lighting mood for the room.

In the photo on the right is a ceiling with a niche for a cornice, illuminated with white lighting.

With a niche for lighting

It looks original, beautiful and very aesthetically pleasing. A niche with blue, purple or turquoise lighting gives the ceiling space a special mystery.

With chandelier

Two-level tension models in combination with a chandelier create an interesting play of light and visually make the room much taller and wider.

The photo shows a kitchen combined with a living room with a two-level ceiling combined with a chandelier.

Contour

This lighting is located along the contour of the ceiling elements. It illuminates both the entire surface and certain halves of the ceiling, and at the same time gently diffuses the light.

Ideas in the interior of rooms

Ceiling models should fit organically into the design and create a mood.

Living room

Two-level ceilings are a fairly practical solution for the living room. They allow you to bring the most daring design ideas to life.

Kitchen

Such designs allow you to visually divide the kitchen into functional zones and focus attention on certain details of the room.

The photo shows a small kitchen and a two-level white-green ceiling.

Bedroom

This type of stretch fabric can diversify the design of the bedroom and decorate it with unusual decorative lighting.

Children's room

Canvases decorated with various photo prints or drawings will not only set the mood for the nursery, but will also help to visually delimit the space and divide it into a study area, a relaxation area or a play area.

The photo shows a two-level stretch ceiling that divides the children's room into two parts.

Bathroom

Gloss is an ideal option for bathroom decor. It creates the impression of additional space and highlights the shiny chrome surfaces of the sanitary ware.

Hallway and corridor

Matte or glossy canvases with a curve, with all kinds of steps and transitions, will allow the hallway or corridor to sparkle with new colors.

The photo shows a two-level stretch white-brown ceiling in the hallway with a staircase.

Toilet

Glossy or matte textures in light beige, blue, white or pink shades are perfect for the bathroom, which will increase the space.

Photo gallery

Two-level stretch ceilings are perfect for decorating almost any room. They allow you to turn your ceiling space into a real masterpiece and give it a chic and more impressive appearance.

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