How to finish the ceiling in an apartment: selection of materials and installation, features of wallpaper, polystyrene panels, suspended ceilings and plasterboard. How to decorate a ceiling in a residential area: a review of current solutions and methods for their implementation How to decorate a ceiling in a apartment

In this article you will find many interesting ideas ceiling design with photos and descriptions. Find out why you can’t use drywall everywhere, and how suspended ceilings will help you avoid floods from your neighbors!

Having decided to start a renovation, you will have to choose the color palette of the room, choose the method of finishing the walls, ceiling and floor, find the optimal combination of practicality, aesthetics and, of course, price. If you explore the possibilities modern finishes, you can save the lion's share of the family budget, since everyone is well aware of how unplanned alterations can lead to huge, irrational waste.

Choosing a ceiling design option

Any redecorating starts from the ceiling, its completeness, design and construction largely depends on the whole. Today there are a huge variety of ceiling finishing options. They are selected based on the preferences of the owners, the purpose of the premises and, of course, cost. When the issue of saving is acute, classic budget finishing options are chosen - painting and whitewashing, or polystyrene foam boards. Suspended ceilings are relatively inexpensive, but also more practical and aesthetically pleasing. And, of course, when the question of the cost of repairs is not so pressing, the choice may fall on elite stretch ceilings.

We will try to describe each type of finish in detail to help you choose best option.

One of the most ancient, labor-intensive and dirty methods, requiring a perfectly flat ceiling surface with neat joints ceiling tiles. Everyone remembers how much whitewash you have to wash out from the floor and furniture after painting or whitewashing the ceiling. In addition, it is quite difficult to achieve an ideal uniform surface without streaks using chalk mortar or ceiling paint.

On the other hand, painting and whitewashing has been and remains the most budget-friendly repair option. And one cannot help but admit that a high-quality reconstructed painted ceiling looks quite neat and aesthetically pleasing. Plus, at your discretion, you can tint the white color with other shades.

This is a less “dirty” and labor-intensive method than whitewashing, but just as inexpensive, especially along with hanging and tension systems. There are a huge variety of design options, from combinations of wallpaper of different patterns to painting them in any color.

If you use special ones for the ceiling (ideally, liquid wallpaper), they will retain their original appearance for a long time. It is not recommended to use them in the bathroom or kitchen. In addition, ceiling tiles are unlikely to smooth out the unevenness of the ceiling, so the surface to be pasted over should be as smooth as possible.

Pasting with expanded polystyrene boards

This finishing option is very similar to wallpapering, so we won’t dwell on it for long. The only thing, unlike wallpaper, ceiling tiles made of polystyrene foam can resist moisture and smooth out small flaws in the ceiling surface.

Finishing with plastic panels

A good option for finishing the ceiling are PVC panels. They are durable, strong, have good sound insulation and are resistant to moisture and high temperatures. The latter allows them to be used with LED and halogen spotlights. PVC panels perfectly mask uneven ceilings, pipes and wiring. In general, this is a budget alternative to more expensive false and suspended ceilings.

Plasterboard ceilings

This is a universal and inexpensive suspended ceiling that allows you to bring all kinds of design ideas to life, hide any surface defects, unevenness, lighting, electrical wiring, etc.

Perhaps the only disadvantage of drywall is that it is susceptible to moisture, so it is not suitable for the bathroom. Otherwise, drywall is an almost ideal finishing material.

Advantages:

Covering any surface, even untreated;
The ability to hide wiring, pipes, ceiling seams and other irregularities;
Obtaining an absolutely flat and smooth surface;
Creating a multi-level ceiling;
Carrying out a built-in lighting system;
Excellent thermal insulation and the ability to maintain an indoor microclimate;
Safety;
Heat resistance and non-flammability;
Low cost compared to stretch ceilings.

Unlike previous finishing methods, you will have to tinker with the installation of plasterboard panels - install the frame, mount the slabs, carry out subsequent decorative finishing. Depending on the unevenness of the ceiling and the volume of hidden wires and communications, you can lose 5-10 cm of height. On the other hand, these are minor disadvantages, since as a result you get a beautiful, inexpensive, perfectly flat ceiling of the design you like.

If you are interested in finishing ceilings with plasterboard, be sure to read!

In addition to the above-mentioned plasterboard ceilings, false ceilings can be made from fibreboards(Fibreboard) and MDF. These are durable, safe, moisture resistant finishing coatings, huge color and texture variety.

MDF and fiberboard boards can imitate wood, tiles, untreated brickwork or a natural stone. The surface of the slabs is easily painted with enamel and oil paints, covered with film, decorated with slats and other elements, thereby creating an imitation of beams. Such a false ceiling will allow you to create the “effect of an expensive ceiling” and implement many interesting design solutions.

Dropped ceilings

The most popular type of ceilings is medium price category. A suspended ceiling is a design where a wooden or metal carcass various finishing materials are fixed. With its help, you can easily hide all the flaws and unevenness of the ceiling, wiring and communications, you can install a climate control ventilation system, and install built-in lamps.

There are:

Cassette ceilings are durable, strong, moisture-resistant and fireproof steel or aluminum plates (cassettes), often used in public spaces - restaurants, hotels, offices, medical institutions, etc.
Armstrong type ceilings – a budget option finishing, which has become widespread, both for administrative premises and home rooms. These are easy to install, inexpensive, aesthetic slabs made of pressed mineral fiber, which have thermal insulation, fire resistance and increased light reflectivity, which allows you to save a lot on lighting.
Slatted ceilings are very durable, impact-resistant, moisture-resistant and fireproof metal ceiling. It does not require meticulous care, is not subject to rotting, and does not accumulate dirt and dust.
Mirrored ceilings - allow you to create a rich, spacious and stylish design with plenty of light and depth of space.

The last type of ceilings is luxury modern fashionable stretch ceilings. In addition to the fact that this type of design looks very expensive and stylish, it is also a rather practical way of finishing the ceiling.

Stretch ceilings create absolutely perfect surface, hide asymmetrical shapes of the room, cover all irregularities and communications;
Stretch ceilings hold a lot of weight, in case your neighbors decide to flood you;
The material does not allow moisture to pass through, which allows it to be used in all rooms without exception.
A very wide variety of designs - from the choice of color or texture (matte, glossy or satin) to the application of photo printing, glitter, decorations and more.

Unfortunately, the installation of suspended ceilings will not be without its drawbacks:

This is the most expensive type of finish;
They can only be installed by professionals using special equipment ( gas gun);
The canvas is afraid mechanical damage, sharp objects, easily pierced.

Stretch ceilings are not installed in cold rooms without heating or with temperatures below +5; they lose their technological properties.

Choosing a ceiling design depending on the room

Now you know the features of each type of finish and can make a choice.

But remember that the choice of ceiling finishing material greatly depends on the location. You cannot wallpaper the ceiling in the bathroom and hope that in a month the appearance of the ceiling will remain in its original form. Most likely, yours will come off in streaks, if not come off at all.

In the living room

In the kitchen

- this is a place with constant fumes, temperature changes and special hygiene requirements, so the kitchen ceiling must be moisture-resistant, fireproof, environmentally friendly and easy to clean. Whitewashing and painting the ceiling in the kitchen, as well as wallpapering, are a thing of the past, due to their fragility. Stains and stains quickly appear on such ceilings, they crumble, peel off, and due to the large accumulation of steam, they become an excellent breeding ground for fungi.

If there is a question of price, then it is better to use laminated polystyrene tiles or relatively inexpensive PVC panels.

For large uneven areas, the best solutions would be gypsum, suspended or stretch ceilings.

In the bathroom

The requirements are the same as for the kitchen. Because of large quantity fumes, the risk of accumulation of fungi and pathogenic bacteria, the need for regular cleaning of surfaces, plasterboard ceilings, ceilings covered with wallpaper or trimmed with chipboard and fiberboard panels without special impregnation are absolutely not suitable for the bathroom.

Few people can boast of a large bathroom area, so the ideal option would be suspended slatted and mirrored ceilings, which will expand the space and add more light and shine.

Plus, they are quite easy to care for; they are perfectly cleaned from stains and plaque.

A more expensive alternative is a suspended ceiling, which is also ideal for the bathroom.

Choosing a ceiling for the house

For Khrushchev

The low height of ceilings in Khrushchev, unfortunately, is not a myth, but a harsh reality. Their maximum height is 2.40 m or even less if the apartment has had the floor replaced and screeded. Naturally, in such conditions it is quite difficult to install a suspended or suspended ceiling, which will steal from the already small height of 5-10 cm. But it is still possible if the actual surface of the ceiling does not have too large transitions, and the ceiling can be installed with minimal loss of space .

For a modern new building

Unlike Khrushchev, choosing a ceiling for a new building is much simpler. Here the ceiling heights are higher and the quality is newer, so you can choose almost any type of finish. It should only be taken into account that within 2-3 years, the new building will shrink a little, which may affect the geometry of the premises. Therefore, finishing materials, especially for the ceiling, should be installed with some reserve. All types of suspension and tension systems are ideal for new buildings.

For a private home

In a private house, the issue of thermal insulation is acute, so the ceiling material must retain heat well in the house. Since the external covering of the ceiling must also take into account a layer of insulation (expanded clay, mineral wool or polystyrene foam), it is best to use frame structures - suspended and suspended ceilings.

For suspended ceilings, first a frame is assembled to attach the external ceiling (cassettes, plasterboard, etc.), and then a layer of insulation is laid in the space between the profiles. For suspended ceilings, on the contrary, they first create a frame from bars for insulation, lay it, and only then stretch the outer fabric.

The choice of lighting source and the correct placement of light determines what kind of room you end up with - small and dark, large but cold, or warm and cozy.

Chandeliers and lamps

The classic lighting option is a chandelier in the center of the ceiling. It gives a lot of warm light, fits perfectly into almost any type of interior, and gives the room an elegant coziness.

Remember the weight of the lamp! It is not safe to mount a heavy chandelier on lightweight drywall, it is better to mount it to concrete base ceiling.

Unfortunately, this type of lighting is not very suitable for modern suspended and suspended ceilings, so it is gradually being replaced by built-in lighting.

Spotlights

They allow you to create the necessary lighting around the perimeter of the entire ceiling and make a certain pattern out of it, if this is provided by the designer;
Easy to install lamps and replace light bulbs;
Safety. Spotlights do not heat the ceiling;
Rotating models allow you to change the direction of lighting as needed;
It's comparative inexpensive way lighting.

LED strips

A very non-standard and non-trivial approach to lighting rooms is LED strips. You can not only choose an unusual lighting color, but even create a real light show at home, thanks to dynamic lighting effects - smoothly changing colors, light music, waves, etc.

Modern trends in ceiling design

Light neutral tones make the room more spacious, brighter, taller. If you decide to use patterns or bright colors– accentuate them in one small place so that the room does not become tacky.
Multi-level ceilings allow you to perfectly divide space into zones. For example, a protruding section of the ceiling will perfectly focus attention on the bed in the bedroom.
Glossy, mirror and varnished surface scatters light, creating the effect of 3-dimensional space.
A plain light color is ideal for a low room. plasterboard ceiling with LED strips located along the edges. This illusion will visually raise the ceiling.
The ceiling, covered with wood or wood paneling, together with light-colored furniture, gives the interior naturalness, richness and comfort.
The glossy finish on the bathroom walls goes well with the matte ceiling.

The eternal question of repairs is whether to do it yourself or leave the work to professionals. In fact, many of the above methods for decorating the ceiling are not particularly difficult and can be done independently. You can easily whitewash or paint the ceiling yourself, cover it with wallpaper or polystyrene foam boards. With some skill and studying video tutorials, you can install a plasterboard or MDF panel on the frame.

The only type of ceiling whose installation is recommended to be entrusted to specialists is a suspended ceiling. Firstly, because installing it requires at least a little practice. Secondly, because the canvas is stretched using a special expensive gas gun, which is not practical for you to buy for one repair.

We offer several video tutorials on how to decorate ceilings yourself, and you can decide whether these methods are within your power.

Apartment renovations traditionally begin with finishing the ceiling. There are many ways to give your ceiling a fresh and stylish look, so choosing the type of finish can sometimes be difficult, especially if this is your first time renovating. Understand the features different materials Our article will help.

Repair and decorative finishing of the ceiling

Repair work should include sealing cracks, seams and joints, plastering and puttying the ceiling and leveling it. Depending on the type of further decorative finishing, the scope of repair work may vary.

Methods for decorating the ceiling can be divided into several groups according to finishing technology. The choice of materials for each group is quite wide, and the sequence of work is generally similar.

Ceiling repair technology

Repair work is carried out to preserve the heat and sound insulation properties of the floors, as well as to prepare the base for further decorative finishing. The table describes the ceiling repair technology with a description of each stage. The need for each operation should be assessed after selecting the decorative finish.

Table 1. Ceiling repair before finishing work begins.

Stages, illustrations	Description of actions
	Ceiling repairs traditionally begin with the complete removal of the old coating. In new buildings with rough finishing, this stage is skipped. Whitewash and paint are removed from the ceiling using a spatula, angle grinder or special remover. Clean the ceiling down to putty or plaster, and if its adhesion is poor, down to concrete. Wallpaper and ceiling tiles are removed and any remaining adhesive is removed. Hanging or hemmed structures dismantled. The ceiling is washed with water and detergent.
	Stains often appear on the ceiling, for example from leaks. If you plan to paint the ceiling or cover it with light-colored wallpaper, the stains must be removed. For other types of finishes, this step can be skipped. Rust stains usually appear when the reinforcement of a concrete slab is close to the surface. They are cleaned with a solution of weak acids, and later they must be puttied to eliminate the possibility of wetting the metal during finishing. Grease stains can be easily removed with dishwashing detergent or slightly alkaline solutions - soda, laundry soap. Apply the solution to the stain, wait a while and wash off with water. Salt stains are removed using whitewash remover or table vinegar.
	To repair ceiling defects using plaster, it is necessary to open up the seams and cracks to a solid base. To do this, you can use a spatula or a hammer drill with a special attachment. Old plaster and putty are removed from the seams, and crumbling edges in cracks are cleaned. Check the strength of the plaster in the corners between the wall and the ceiling, and if necessary, also embroider them.
	Deep and wide seams and cracks must be foamed using a foam gun. To do this, after jointing, remove dust from them, moisten them with a spray bottle and fill them with foam to 1/3 of the depth. Once expanded, the foam fills the entire crack. Excess is removed after the foam has completely dried - no earlier than a day later.
	If the seams and cracks are shallow, they are sealed using plaster or putty mixtures. Cracks are carefully treated with a primer deep penetration, dried, then filled with a plaster composition based on cement or gypsum. Fill the defects with the solution using a narrow spatula and level the surface of the ceiling with a wide one. Sometimes it is necessary to apply several layers of putty, while maximum thickness each of them depends on the selected mixture and is usually indicated on the packaging.
	This stage of ceiling repair is carried out before painting or wallpapering. For leveling, a finishing fine-grained putty based on gypsum is used; in wet rooms, a moisture-resistant putty on a cement or polymer base is required. The putty is applied to the pre-primed ceiling surface using a wide spatula, carefully leveled and rubbed with a trowel or fine-grained sandpaper after each layer has dried.

Video – Do-it-yourself ceiling plaster

Painting and whitewashing the ceiling

An accessible, cheap and very common method, suitable for any room, including a bathroom and a balcony. Painting does not affect the height of the ceilings, so it is often used in old-type apartments - “Khrushchev” and “Brezhnevka”. The durability of the finish, depending on the chosen paint composition and type of room, ranges from 2 to 10 years.

Popular formulations:

chalk and lime whitewash;
water-based paint;
interior paints based on acrylic and latex.

Whitewashing compositions are distinguished by their low price and good environmental performance. Chalk and lime are natural materials and have positive influence on the microclimate in the apartment. Whitewash is not scary high humidity, the coating does not support combustion and is odorless after drying. The solution can be tinted in any shade.

Unfortunately, this is where the list of advantages of whitewashing is exhausted. The durability of bleached ceilings is short: in rooms from three to five years, and in the kitchen - no more than two. Chalk whitewash afraid of water leaks and pollution - this creates stains that can only be washed off together with a layer of chalk.

Lime is more resistant; it can be gently wiped with a damp sponge, but difficult stains cannot be washed off. Over time, the whitewash turns yellow and peels off, and the ceiling repairs have to be done again, including labor-intensive preparation of its surface.

To prepare a ready-made whitewash solution from quicklime, it is quenched with water. This process requires compliance special measures precautions, as it may be accompanied by a violent reaction, boiling water and splashing of the mixture.

- a more durable composition, it can be washed carefully and minor stains can be removed, otherwise it is no different from whitewash. The water-based emulsion also turns yellow over time and becomes stained due to leaks, peels off and crumbles after several years of use.

Modern interior paints based on acrylic and latex are more expensive than whitewash, but they allow you to get a fairly resistant and durable coating. The paint can be tinted in any shade, you can choose a matte or shiny composition. Using various rollers, the paint layer can be given the desired texture.

Before you begin applying paint or whitewash, you must complete. It includes removing the old coating, sealing cracks and joints, leveling and puttying. Otherwise, the surface will turn out uneven - the paint does not hide the defects of the ceiling, and in some cases even emphasizes them.

Whitewashing and painting the ceiling – great option for inexpensive repairs. For rooms it is better to choose compositions based on water based, for the bathroom and kitchen - latex, they absorb moisture and odors less and allow wet cleaning.

Pasting the ceiling with wallpaper or fabric

Another finishing method that does not affect the height of the ceiling, which is why it is used during repairs standard apartments with small dimensions. used in dry rooms - from high humidity Wallpaper peels off quickly.

Preparing the ceiling for wallpaper must be very thorough: you need to remove old paint, seal seams, cracks and prime the surface to remove dust. The durability of such repairs depends on the chosen wallpaper; for cheap paper wallpapers it is 3-4 years; non-woven and vinyl wallpapers can last more than ten years.

Types of materials for ceiling cladding:

paper wallpaper;
vinyl wallpapers;
non-woven wallpaper;
silk or satin fabric.

Paper wallpaper is the cheapest on this list and can have a smooth or embossed texture and almost any shade or pattern. Thanks to their light weight, they stick well to the ceiling and are easy to stick. However, their durability is low; after a couple of years, the paper coating fades and loses its appearance. In addition, thin paper wallpaper is unable to hide even small irregularities and defects, so the preparation of the ceiling for it must be very careful.

Vinyl wallpaper is produced on a paper or non-woven basis.

Two types of vinyl wallpaper are suitable for finishing the ceiling:

silkscreen printing- refers to smooth vinyl wallpaper and has a shiny smooth surface imitating natural silk;
foamed vinyl- wallpaper with a relief pattern that repeats the texture of different finishing materials - wood, stone, tile or plaster.

Vinyl wallpaper has good moisture resistance and can be gently wiped with a damp sponge to remove dust and stains. Due to its denser structure, vinyl hides minor ceiling defects.

Non-woven wallpaper can be either colored or white. Colored ones are used as an independent decoration, plain white ones are used to give the ceiling a relief pattern; they are painted with any interior paint using a roller or spray gun. The advantage of such wallpaper is that it can be repainted up to seven times without extra costs time and finances.

Pasting the ceiling with natural silk or satin is not very common due to the high price of these materials. At the same time, finishing with fabric allows you to create a unique stylish interior, so this method deserves attention. The fabric can be combined with other types of finishing, for example, with interior paint, covering individual areas or niches with it.

Note! In order for the wallpaper to stick well to the ceiling, you must use glue designed specifically for this type of material. You can also use universal glue, diluted according to the instructions for of this type coverings.

Ceiling tiles

– budget look finishing, allows you to get a washable ceiling covering, smooth or with a pattern. Ceiling tiles can be either white or colored, usually pastel shades, and their surface is rough or laminated. Due to their moisture resistance, the tiles can be glued in the bathroom and kitchen, as well as on the balcony. The durability of polystyrene tiles is from 2 to 10 years, depending on operating conditions.

Surface draft ceiling Before tiling, the area must be cleaned of old coating and dust. Cracks, defects and small irregularities do not need to be repaired; the tile completely hides them. If the differences are significant, a leveling frame is built under the tiles from wooden slats or use plaster.

Glue the tiles with special glue - “Moment”, “Titan” - or use liquid nails. When installing and adjusting, the tiles can be easily cut with a knife. The joints of the ceiling and walls are additionally decorated with ceiling plinths to complete the finish. You can also use elements that imitate stucco - they will give the ceiling originality.

Note! Polystyrene is a flammable material; the use of tiles increases the fire hazard of the room. Therefore, when applying the sticker, you need to pay attention Special attention quality of electrical wiring and lamps.

In you will find detailed instructions on tiling the ceiling! Tiling is one of the most popular ways to finish a ceiling. It is economical and provides the room with an excellent appearance. At the same time, gluing tiles is not difficult, and you can cope with the task on your own.

False and suspended ceilings

The main feature of this type of finishing is installation facing materials on a special frame fixed to the ceiling. The false ceiling frame is attached directly to the floor slab using anchors or self-tapping screws. Suspended structures are mounted using guides installed around the perimeter of the walls and suspensions fixed to the ceiling at a certain pitch.

Preparing the ceiling for this type of finishing is quite simple: you need to remove the flaking elements and seal them large gaps, to save soundproofing properties floors. The level of the finished ceiling when installing false ceilings changes by 2-5 cm, suspended ceilings lower it by at least 10-15 cm. The durability of the finish depends on the material and is at least 10 years.

Materials for installing suspended ceilings can be different, but the most popular are:

tree;
decorative panels;
drywall;
metal slats;
Armstrong type tiles.

How to make a frame for a false ceiling

Suspended ceilings are usually mounted on a frame made of metal profiles designed specifically for this purpose. Profiles are classified according to their purpose into guides, ceiling and wall. They are connected using self-tapping screws or special clamping devices. The price of the finished frame is quite high, it is commensurate with the cost of the finishing material itself.

In some cases, it is easier and cheaper to assemble a frame from a wooden block. The latter is used when finishing balconies and loggias, as well as when installing the frame directly to the ceiling. For the frame you need a block of dry wood with a cross-section of 40x60 or 50x50 mm, as well as wood screws and dowels.

Step-by-step instruction frame installation is shown in table 2.

Table 2. Step-by-step instructions for making a frame for suspended ceilings from a wooden block.

Stages, illustrations	Description of actions
	Marking is necessary to ensure that the finished ceiling is strictly horizontal. The easiest way to do this is with a laser level. It is fixed in one of the corners and a line is drawn on the walls along the light beam.
	Holes are drilled in the block in increments of 40-50 cm, and the distance from the ends of the block should be 5-7 cm so that it does not crack when fastened. The diameter of each hole is 2-3 mm; the wood screw with which you will attach the block should be firmly screwed into it (the hole). Apply the block horizontally to the wall, aligning its lower edge along the drawn line. Using an awl, mark the fastening points through the drilled holes. Holes for dowels are drilled in the wall, they are hammered in and the block is secured to the wall with long self-tapping screws. If the walls are wooden, the block can be secured using self-tapping screws without drilling.
	The guides on the ceiling are parallel to the short wall. The pitch of the guides is usually chosen within 50-60 cm, while the joints of panels or boards should lie on the block. If necessary, the step can be reduced. Mark the position of the bars on the wall guides. Measure the distance between the wall guides. It is better to do this locally, and not with a tape measure - this way the accuracy will be higher. Cut out the bars of the required length, apply them to the ceiling and draw a line. Drill holes on this line in increments of 50-60 cm and attach a U-shaped drywall hanger.
	Place the block inside the suspension and check the horizontal position using a hydraulic level; if there are unevennesses, level it, after which the block is secured in the suspension using self-tapping screws. Thus, all the guides are secured and the horizontalness of the frame is checked again. Wall and ceiling guides are connected using corners and self-tapping screws. The free ends of the U-shaped suspension are trimmed or bent so that it does not interfere with the installation of the suspended ceiling. Thermal insulation mats can also be secured using hangers.

After installing the frame, you can begin final stage finishing - installation of a false ceiling from the selected material.

Wood finishing

Headliner natural wood more often used in the country or in country house, but it can also take pride of place in an apartment. Wood planks and panels can be used as independent finishing or in combination with other materials.

Advantages of wooden ceiling finishing:

environmentally friendly material;
high decorative properties;
simple installation;
can be painted with any type of paint;
durability more than 10 years;
When using special impregnations, it can be used in damp rooms and on the balcony.

Flaws:

flammable material;
Wood is susceptible to rotting and fungal attack and requires regular treatment.

The wooden frame is mounted on a timber frame or directly on the floors. The boards are secured with self-tapping screws or nails; the fastening points are later rubbed with special mastic or covered with planks.

MDF and plastic panels

Quite a popular material for finishing kitchens, bathrooms, hallways and balconies. The range of decorative panels is quite large. They can be plain, colored, patterned or imitating natural materials - wood, stone, mosaic or stone.

Advantages of ceiling panels:

plastic panels are highly moisture resistant;
the panels are easy to clean;
a large selection of colors allows you to choose the appropriate decor;
they can be installed at any level through the use of wall profiles;
allow you to hide electrical wiring and ventilation ducts, as well as install built-in lamps.

Flaws:

low-quality panels emit foreign odors;
plastic is flammable and releases toxic substances in case of fire;
The panels are quite fragile and can be easily damaged.

The panels are mounted on a frame or special guides located along the perimeter of the walls. They are connected to each other using a tongue-and-groove system, which makes the joints almost invisible. The service life of the panels is from 5 to 10 years.

Drywall

One of the most popular materials for suspended ceilings. With the help of drywall you can create bold designs and shapes, make multi-tiered shelves with built-in lighting and others decorative elements. After covering with plasterboard, the ceiling is puttied and painted with interior paint or covered with wallpaper.

Advantages of drywall:

natural material, it does not have a harmful effect on the microclimate in the apartment;
with its help you can quickly and efficiently level the ceiling without unnecessary dirt and dust;
under the finished ceiling you can hide any communications, as well as sound and heat insulation materials;
you can make complex built-in lighting and backlighting;
moisture-resistant types of drywall can be used in the bathroom;
No complex tools are needed for processing and installation.

Flaws:

the material is quite fragile and cannot withstand impacts;
afraid of leaks, when wet it delaminates and collapses;
For the installation of complex structures and further finishing, painting and finishing skills or the help of specialists are required.

Sheets of plasterboard are mounted on a frame made of a bar or metal profile, fixed to the walls and ceiling using self-tapping screws. Further finishing consists of two stages - putty and application. decorative covering. The service life of plasterboard ceilings depends on the type finishing, the structure itself can last at least 25 years.

A suspended ceiling made of metal slats is a good choice for a loggia, kitchen or bathroom, as well as other rooms subject to changes in humidity and temperature. The slatted ceiling consists of aluminum slats mounted on guides. The planks can be single-color or interspersed with decorative inserts; built-in lamps can be installed in them.

Advantages slatted ceilings:

high resistance to moisture;
aluminum is not subject to corrosion and does not lose its appearance for a long time;
the light weight of the structure allows it to be used for any type of floor;
slatted ceilings are easy to clean;
You can assemble the slatted ceiling with your own hands.

Flaws:

the design of slatted ceilings is quite monotonous and does not fit into any interior;
If one of the strips is damaged, the entire ceiling will have to be dismantled to replace it.

The ceiling is assembled from individual slats on special traverses - strips with grooves for fastening. The traverses are attached to the ceiling using adjustable hangers. The ends of the slats are inserted into guides fixed to the walls - they cover the end cut. The service life of slatted ceilings is at least 10 years.

Armstrong ceiling

It consists of individual tiles laid on a metal profile frame. Armstrong ceiling tiles have a standard size of 60x60 cm and can be made from light organic materials, and from metal, glass or wood panels. Using this technology you can create complex designs with built-in lighting, mirrors and stained glass windows.

Advantages of Armstrong ceilings:

do not affect ventilation and air exchange;
provide good thermal insulation and protection from acoustic noise;
a large selection of slabs with different textures, colors and properties;
the frame elements are equipped with standard fasteners, making the ceilings easy to install;
it is possible to dismantle and replace individual plates;
easy access to elements built into the ceiling for repairs and maintenance.

Flaws:

Armstrong ceilings are difficult to install in rooms of non-standard shape;
the design does not protect against leaks, and organic tiles can get wet and fall, so Armstrong should not be installed in the bathroom;
significantly lowers the ceiling level.

The Armstrong ceiling frame consists of profiles with standard fasteners, making it quick and easy to assemble. The frame is attached to the ceiling using spring hangers, and to the walls with self-tapping screws. The tiles are brought inside the frame and simply placed in cells. Due to the simplest design, Armstrong ceilings will last you more than 15 years, and replacement individual elements can be completed in a matter of hours.

Note! All suspended ceilings successfully hide unevenness and defects in the ceiling, communications and electrical wiring. Sound and heat insulation materials can also be hidden under them.

Stretch ceiling

One of the most popular ways to repair a ceiling is to stretch a special fabric over a pre-assembled frame. The result is an absolutely flat, smooth surface with the right shade and texture. Stretch ceilings are durable and easy to use, they are suitable for any premises, you only need correct selection canvases.

Canvases for suspended ceilings are:

based on PVC film;
fabric, made of polyester with polyurethane coating;
from natural fabrics.

The latter type of suspended ceilings is rarely used due to the high price and complexity of installation. But ceilings made from specialized fabrics are easy to install and operate. Which material should you prefer?

PVC canvases have a number of features, the list of advantages is quite large:

absolute moisture resistance and the ability to hold hundreds of liters of water in case of leaks;
due to antistatic properties, they do not absorb dust and odors;
not prone to condensation;
A wide selection of shades and textures from matte to mirror allows you to choose the canvas to suit any interior.

They also have a number of disadvantages, as well as installation restrictions:

PVC sheets do not tolerate sub-zero temperatures, they crack and collapse;
they are easily damaged by sharp objects;
the width of the canvases is not large and is no more than 3.5 m;
installation requires special equipment.

Unlike PVC sheets, fabric ceilings:

allow you to create a seamless ceiling up to 5 meters wide;
are not afraid of temperature changes.

Disadvantages of fabric ceilings:

cannot hold a large volume of water and collapse in case of strong leaks;
absorb odors, so it is better not to install them in the kitchen;
the color palette is much smaller, and the texture resembles woven fabric.

Installation of stretch ceiling

Stretch ceilings can be single-level or multi-tiered and, at the customer’s request, combined different colors and textures of paintings. Sometimes additional effects are used - photo printing, imitation of the day or night sky, water and others. The service life of suspended ceilings is from 10 to 25 years.

Having chosen the method of finishing the ceiling, it is worth studying in more detail the technology and features of the material you like. In most cases, ceiling repairs can be done without the involvement of specialists, creating comfort and coziness in the house with your own hands.

Video - Repairing the ceiling in an apartment

When decorating a modern home interior, special attention is paid to finishing the ceiling surface. Finishing materials for the ceiling are offered to consumers in the building materials market in a variety of options. color range, texture and performance characteristics. Can the ceiling be repaired? in the classic way(by attaching drywall to the main structure), plaster well, perfectly level and whitewash or wallpaper. Can you quickly create smooth surface by attaching modern finishing films and panels to the suspended frame. The main requirement when choosing a material is that it must correspond individual style home and fit harmoniously into the overall interior design.

Paint solutions

This type of finishing materials includes chalk, slaked lime, and all kinds of painting compounds. When decorating the surface, there is no need to install a profile frame that reduces the height of the ceiling in the room. And their price is low. However, there is a significant drawback - when installing lamps and ventilation air collectors, you will need to drill deep grooves and holes in the base ceiling structure.

Chalk and lime mortar

This inexpensive building material is sold at any hardware store. The chalk is sifted and applied to the plane in the form of an aqueous solution consisting of the following components:

chalk - 3 kg;
water - 5 liters;
wood glue - 30 grams;
household blue – 20 grams.

The water is heated to 40 - 50 degrees, then a portion of wood glue and chalk is introduced into it alternately. The solution is thoroughly mixed. Dry blue is poured into a linen bag and lowered into a container with water. After complete dissolution and coloring of water in Blue colour, it is poured into the chalk solution to the desired shade.

Lime mortar is prepared from the following components:

slaked lime - 3 kg;
table salt - 3 tbsp. spoons;
water - 10 liters;
household blue – 10 grams.

Add slaked lime, blue-tinted water, and salt into a bucket of water and mix.

Before applying a solution of lime or chalk to the ceiling, it should be filtered through a thick cloth to remove undissolved particles and lumps.

Water-based paints

The most common materials for finishing ceilings are water-dispersion paints. There are several types of coloring solutions on sale, differing from each other in their characteristics:

Acrylic latex paints. Quick-drying paint has high level whiteness, forms a deep matte layer. Used for finishing ceilings in dry rooms or rooms with moderate humidity. If necessary, it can be tinted with universal pastel colors.
Silicate paints. They are used to paint mineral surfaces, for example, plaster or previously treated with lime or cement mortar. The silicate coating has vapor permeability, moisture resistance and antibacterial properties.
Silicone paints. They form an elastic, vapor-permeable and moisture-resistant film. Like silicate solution, it is used for any type of mineral surface and does not require the use of special antiseptic additives.

Pasting building materials

With the help of pasting materials, you can adequately decorate the interior without large financial investments. They are quite simple and quick to install. This type of coating includes wallpaper and ceiling tiles.

Wallpaper

The ceiling can be decorated with four main types of wallpaper:

Non-woven wallpaper. Two-layer material, one layer of which is coated with polyvinyl. It has a wide color palette or texture with patterns for painting. They are moisture-resistant, fire-resistant, washable, with a dense base, thanks to which they can hide minor defects on the surface. Thanks to the pressed structure, they allow air to circulate freely. When sticking to the ceiling, they do not need to be impregnated with glue. It is enough to treat the basic structure with adhesive. In addition, they are twice as wide as paper ones, which helps reduce the time for gluing them. They do not fade in the sun, do not accumulate dust and can last for many years.
Vinyl wallpapers. A variation of non-woven wallpaper with a two-layer texture. The base is made of non-woven fabric or paper, on which a layer of polyvinyl chloride is applied. They are made using two methods: hot stamping and without stamping. The most popular type of vinyl canvas is silk-screen printing, which has a smooth and pleasant-to-touch surface. Their heavy base masks unevenness well, and the varied colors create an unusual decorative impression on the ceiling.
Fiberglass wallpaper.

They are woven from glass fibers with different densities and thicknesses. They are given stability by impregnation with modified starch. Glass wallpaper can be painted with water-based or latex-based paints. Such materials for finishing ceilings are durable, resistant to fire and ultraviolet rays;

Wallpaper on tissue based. Double layer material with paper base. WITH front side coated with synthetic or natural materials:

flax;
cotton;
wool;
velor;
silk, etc.

When making such a coating, the fabric is impregnated with compounds, as a result of which the material acquires antistatic properties and does not fade in the sun, retaining its color and appearance for many years. The elegance of the textile covering will add to the interior home comfort and extra warmth.

Liquid wallpaper.

They contain cellulose and textile fibers, as well as a binder - carboxymethylcellulose. They are characterized by high adhesion to any surface, elasticity, vapor permeability, sound insulation and thermal insulation properties. Liquid wallpaper well masks small defects on the surface, does not fade and does not accumulate dust. Disadvantage - not suitable for ceilings in rooms with high humidity levels.

Ceiling tiles

Ceiling tiles not only decorate the ceiling, but also insulate the apartment, create sound insulation, hide minor irregularities, and also visually increase the size of the room.

It is made from various materials:

expanded polystyrene;
wood;
metal

Expanded polystyrene tiles, in turn, differ in their manufacturing technology:

Stamped tiles. It is made from foam blocks by pressing. Thickness finished product is 6 - 8 mm. The tiles are very fragile, hygroscopic, and have a loose outer layer that is not recommended to be washed.
Extruded products. The manufacturing material is extruded polystyrene foam, which has a fine-grained structure. It has a smooth and dense surface covered with a water-repellent film. Such tiles are durable, easy to clean and can restore their shape after deformation. This type of ceiling finishing material has a wide color palette with or without a printed pattern.
Injection tiles. Obtained by high-temperature processing of polystyrene foam raw materials. The product with a thickness of 9–14 mm has a shape with clear geometric lines. Durable injection tiles do not accumulate moisture, are fireproof, environmentally friendly and have good thermal insulation characteristics. The smooth edges of the product can be tightly joined together and thus made absolutely seamless coating. The surface can be white for painting, colored or imitating other materials: wood, ceramics, fabric or marble.

Wooden tiles are highly durable and can withstand physical and mechanical stress. Dry wood is used to make it:

oak;

mahogany;
aspen;
pine trees;
lindens, etc.

Each type of wood has its own texture and a product made from it makes it possible to uniquely decorate the interior of a living room or kitchen in an antique style. The outer side can be smooth, structured or decorated with carvings.

One of the most expensive finishing materials for the ceiling in the house is metal tiles.

Its surface can be:

concave;
convex;
matte;
mirror;
smooth.

It is made from of stainless steel and additionally cover the surface with a protective moisture-resistant layer of polymer. It is very durable, lightweight, does not burn and can withstand temperature changes.

Building materials with fastening to suspended structures

Finishing the ceilings in the apartment is possible with modern materials, for which it is necessary to install profiles in advance. Allows you to mask all surface defects, as well as hide utility lines and secure recessed lamps.

Hemmed ceilings

They require pre-assembly basic design a frame made of metal profiles or a wooden block, onto which finishing panels will subsequently be attached. You can hem the ceiling with different types of material:

gypsum panels;
chipboard panels with laminated front side;
fiberboard panels coated with plastic;
MDF panels;
plastic panels.

Stretch ceiling

The structure of the stretch ceiling is made under the influence of high temperatures from sheets of elastic materials: polyester fabric or ultra-thin PVC films. With their help, they create absolutely smooth ceiling surfaces, allowing you to hide all the unevenness of the base structure and fit perfectly into any interior design. The product is resistant to moisture, corrosion and ultraviolet radiation. Has a wide range color solutions and textures. Stretch ceilings can have:

Matte surface. It has a seamless rough texture that looks like plaster. They don't reflect glare artificial lighting And sun rays, will not tear when flooded, will not crack or change bright shade over time. Matte products will fit perfectly into any classic interior.
Glossy sheen. A glossy stretch ceiling is able to accumulate and reflect light, thus making the room brighter and visually higher.
Texture reminiscent of satin or chintz. They are produced mainly in milky, light cream, soft green, pink and white colors. Bright hues satin stretch ceilings visually expand the dimensions, making the space more voluminous.
Applied photo printing or artistic drawing. Photo printing and art painting applied to a matte or satin stretch ceiling, reflecting your imagination and taste.

You can also install any type of lamp or a combination of several types of light sources in the canvas, thus visually expanding the space of the room or focusing attention on a certain part of the interior.

Each of these options has its own advantages and disadvantages. It is important to decide in time which of these materials can be used to decorate the ceiling so that it is in harmony with the overall interior design and does not go beyond the budget.

The main point of the article

Ceiling finishing can be done with various materials, including, in addition to traditional plaster and subsequent painting with chalk, lime or water-based compositions - plastic, polystyrene foam and polystyrene foam, fabrics and wallpaper, PVC films, wood or metal.

Modern options are stretch and suspended ceilings, creating a unique interior design.

Uneven ceilings with crumbling whitewash and cracked plaster are a thing of the past. Today's ceiling repair options allow you to get a fairly smooth coating with any result.

The most difficult thing is to choose the best option from a variety of methods and settle on one of dozens of finishing materials.

When choosing, you should take into account almost everything: room humidity, room height, interior design style, as well as the renovation budget.

Wallpapering

There are different options for decorating the ceiling with your own hands, but wallpaper has not lost its popularity even today. In fact, any type of this material is inexpensive, and preparing glue and gluing canvases can be done by an inexperienced craftsman.

When you work with wallpaper, you need to consider the following facts:

Their advantage is a wide range in comparison with whites and paints. You can choose wallpaper with the desired color and structure. In addition, photo wallpaper will help you apply a variety of images and paintings to the ceiling.
In order to quickly change the design of a room, you can buy wallpaper that is not afraid of paint. This will create a real canvas on the ceiling where you can depict virtually anything. These types of ceilings in apartments are very popular today.
You should not use paper wallpaper, because there are many problems with it even when covering walls. The ceiling always complicates the process itself significantly. The best option for wallpapering the ceiling is non-woven material, which is much denser than paper and is not afraid of moisture.
If you want to use some unusual variations in the design of the ceiling in your apartment, you should think about liquid wallpaper for the ceiling. The latter are applied to a pre-dried surface with a special gun. Then they are smoothed out, creating a special relief. On the other hand, the patterns will be of the same type, and dirt is the eternal companion of this option.

Paper wallpaper

This material is used very rarely. A ceiling decorated with paper wallpaper will not last long, but it will take a lot of time and effort to arrange it.

Currently, this wallpaper is used to decorate children's rooms and other rooms where frequent cosmetic repairs are necessary.

Paper wallpaper hides significant defects in the ceiling, is cheap and does not “steal” excess space.

Disadvantages:

Short service life.
The need for careful preparation of the ceiling surface.

Liquid options

Liquid wallpaper hardens very quickly, is easy to apply, and does not fade when exposed to the sun. In addition, they are highly wear-resistant. In addition, it is possible to replace any damaged area without completely removing the entire coating. This makes them very popular.

It should be remembered that all these properties relate only to materials that are manufactured using precise technology. Various handicraft wallpapers may not have them. The key disadvantage is the high price. Also, this coating is very poorly resistant to moisture.

Textile

How can you currently decorate the ceiling so that it is completely different from everyone else? For all lovers of the original, there are the following ceiling finishing options: chintz, silk, linen, tapestry and special furniture fabrics. In addition, even burlap is suitable for finishing the ceiling.

These ceiling design options will appeal to all creative people who will choose their own combinations, patterns, colors, and so on. And if you involve professionals in the matter, the price of the project can turn out to be quite high. The key advantage is the exclusive appearance.

Flaws:

Short service life.
The fragility of this coating.

Stretch ceiling

Stretch ceilings are a structure whose main element is the canvas. The latter is mounted directly under the ceiling on plastic or metal profiles. Options for stretch ceilings: films made from PVC (matte canvas, glossy or satin ceilings), as well as fabric canvases.

Characteristics of modern stretch ceilings:

Excellent hydro- and thermal insulation. With this ceiling, a flood suddenly caused by neighbors above is no longer a problem at all, since the coating will retain water, which can then be drained.
They don't take up too much space. Therefore, the height of the room will not be affected.
You can choose shapes and colors to suit every taste.
They are afraid of any sharp objects.
High price.

Whitewash

The very name of this type of finish already says a lot. Whitewashing is the decoration of ceilings with a lime or chalk composition, which gives the ceiling a snow-white texture (provided the base is properly prepared).

The key words here are “prepared base”: before starting such ceiling finishing, it is necessary to do a number of labor-intensive and troublesome works (plastering, leveling), the quality of which will certainly affect the final appearance of the coating.

Advantages:

Low price of materials.
Technological simplicity of all work.

Flaws:

Labor intensity.
The need for good protection during whitewashing the walls of furniture, as well as one’s own person.
Quick loss of beautiful appearance of ceiling finishes in direct contact with water (if the neighbors above make a splash own apartment flood, then you will have to refinish the ceilings).

Painting

This method of decorating ceilings is very familiar to the eye. The painted ceiling looks attractive, and the cost of finishing it is low. In addition, you can paint the ceiling in a variety of colors, guided only by its harmonious participation in the interior of the room, as well as your own tastes.

Advantages:

Low price of materials.
Practicality of the coating in everyday life.

Flaws:

The dependence of the decorative effect of the coating on the professionalism of the finisher.
Tendency to cracks.
Fragility (service life - no more than two years).
Labor intensity of preparatory work.

Dropped ceilings

This ceiling design option has gained popularity due to its simple installation system. During installation, fastening profiles must be used, which are fixed to the ceiling surface and walls. Therefore, no preliminary leveling is required, and the work proceeds quite cleanly.

Plasterboard

Finishing with plasterboard is the most popular type of ceiling design in an apartment. Using gypsum board slabs you can make not only an ordinary ceiling, but also an amazing multi-level structure or niche. Plastic of this material allows you to create the strangest and most bizarre shapes for different interiors.

Among the advantages, it is necessary to note the ease of installation - even an inexperienced person can sheathe the ceiling with plasterboard. In addition, the material is inexpensive.

The main disadvantage is the “fear” of water. When exposed to moisture, such a ceiling quickly collapses. Before covering the ceiling with plasterboard, it is necessary to consider the thermal insulation layer and lighting system. Another drawback is the need for subsequent finishing of the coating with putty and paints.

Tiled

This method of finishing the ceiling is one of the most affordable and budget-friendly. That is why it is often used in hospitals, office premises and other buildings where practicality is a priority, but attractive appearance is not necessary.

The installation of the material is carried out as follows: a special frame made of mesh is fixed on the main covering, where sheets of mineral fiber of various shapes are fixed.

The main advantage of this type of ceiling design in an apartment is the ability to disguise all utility lines under the slabs. In addition, the product is very easy to replace if damaged. Tiles today are produced in large assortment. Therefore, finding the right texture and color is very simple.

Disadvantages:

Not the most beautiful appearance.
Fragility of the material.
The tiled construction reduces the height of the walls.

Cassette

This type of ceiling design is similar to the previous one. True, instead of fragile mineral sheets, durable cassettes made of plastic or metal are used here. The advantage is that there is insulation between the metal sheets. Due to this, the entire installation does not last long. The disadvantage is the price.

Rack and pinion

If a difficult dilemma arises about what to make ceilings from in the kitchen or bathroom, it is advisable to pay attention to this option. IN in this case It is no longer tiles that are installed on the frame, but special long slats made of wood, plastic or galvanized aluminum. The result is a beautiful imitation of lining, although this finish costs much less.

Another advantage is the quick installation and easy repair of the material. Among the disadvantages is the rather short period of use of the coating - usually five years.

Combined

Currently, when creating a project for a home, designers often use several design options and two-level ceilings. Stretch and suspended ceilings are often combined. Sometimes a mirror is installed in a niche of a plasterboard structure, or suspended ceiling as a border, and the main surface is leveled with plaster and then painted.

Glued ceilings

Here we are talking about a ceiling that is covered with tiles with one adhesive side. These products are very easy to install and have good moisture resistance. Because of this, they have gained popularity among Russian user. In addition, using adhesive tiles You can save a lot on expensive stucco molding.

The main disadvantage of this ceiling design option is the need for careful leveling of the coating. In addition, such tiles are very fragile.

Ceilings made of natural materials

IN Lately natural options Ceiling finishes are becoming increasingly popular. Every year, more and more new methods of impregnation and processing of products are invented, increasing their performance characteristics.

Wooden lining

Wooden lining – thin wooden boards, or MDF boards. The latter are attached to the frame using self-tapping screws, clamps or nails.

The main advantages of these materials:

Attractive appearance.
Environmental friendliness.
Durability and strength.

Flaws:

Limited color range.
The need to use wood impregnations.

Timber ceiling

This type of ceiling is more suitable for a country house or cottage. It will look somewhat out of place in an apartment. However, some lovers of natural materials find use for it here too. The timber has all the characteristics of lining, but lasts much longer and is particularly durable.

Flaws:

Quite a complicated installation.
The need for ventilation.
Before finishing the ceiling with such material, it will have to be impregnated for a long time with special compounds.

Cork covering

Cork ceilings, alas, are not widely used. However, this material has certain advantages: the presence of a wax coating reliably protects the surface from the deposition of dust and water, and also increases its service life.

Disadvantages:

Difficult installation.
High price.

Plastic lining

When finishing the ceiling on the balcony, it is advisable to pay attention to PVC lining. The resulting coating will be durable and strong enough; a thermal insulation layer and utility lines can be hidden under it.

In addition, the material is available in a wide range, it is resistant to the development of fungi, mold and bacteria, as well as ultraviolet radiation. At the same time, this ceiling is very fragile and can be easily damaged by light mechanical impact. There will definitely be a special smell in the room for a couple of days after installation.

Multi-level structures

This ceiling can be decorated using any of the finishing materials listed above. However, it differs in its installation technology. In this case we are talking about various suspended structures, which will be installed at different distances from the ceiling surface, multi-level stretch ceilings, plasterboard niches and their combinations with plaster and paints.

In order to choose the right finishing method, you first need to think carefully about the overall concept of the interior of the room, and then think over the budget for purchasing materials and paying for the work.

As for choosing a supplier, it is advisable to work with proven and reliable companies that can confirm their business reputation with numerous positive reviews their clients.

Conclusion

We really hope that this article was useful to you and significantly expanded your knowledge about possible options for finishing the ceiling in an apartment or house when renovating it. By applying the important knowledge gained here, anyone will be able to choose one, the most optimal and suitable only for them, method of finishing the ceiling of their home.