Material for stretch ceilings: features of PVC film sheets and fabric coverings. Choosing a stretch ceiling: looking for a balance of price and quality Stretch ceiling how to choose quality

In a very short period of time, stretch ceilings have moved from outlandish novelties, expensive, mysterious and affordable units, to the usual finishing material - they have become part of the interior design of an apartment (house). When faced with a problem for the first time, many customers do not know what stretch ceilings are, how to choose high-quality, beautiful and functional canvases suitable for a specific type of room. About this - in this article.

The aesthetic perception of the ceiling and its service life are determined by many factors: the type of canvas, its texture and color, the presence of seams, etc. All this depends on the manufacturer.

Manufacturer

An extraordinary situation has developed on the market of services for the installation of stretch ceilings: next to decent performers, unscrupulous firms have appeared that mislead customers. Unfortunately, there are more and more of them every year. The deception is connected, first of all, with the origin of the tension fabric and, consequently, with the price and quality.

1. Cheap canvas is given out as the products of Russian enterprises from the middle price sector, in particular, the Kazan plant of artificial leather, which stopped the production of PVC in 2012. In fact, Russian enterprises register the brand of linen on the territory of the Russian Federation, and handicraft products are imported from China, which are very cheap.

It is not possible to check the manufacturer - no inscriptions, signs or logos are applied to PVC film and polyester by well-known manufacturers. If they appeared, they were delivered much later and not in production.

Only the company Pongs (Germany), in the fight against forgery, began to label some types of film, and even then, since 2017, it has been doing this irregularly and for certain types of products.

Attention: the inscriptions on the tube or packaging can be anything - manufacturers often do not wind the film into rolls on their own and definitely do not pack it in bags for specific premises. This is done at dealerships or when preparing the material after measurements in special workshops.

2. Medium-priced materials, for example, HALEAD (China), are presented as expensive ones from Europe. In progress are:

Non-existent companies and brands (Belgian POLYPLAST - there is no official website confirming the existence of production, MALPENSA S.R.L. from Italy - films for ceilings are not listed among the types of products);
Certificates of conformity, allegedly confirming the French or German origin of the goods - mandatory certification in Russia has been canceled since January 1, 2010 (the documents presented were obtained at the initiative of the seller (installation company), and therefore their reliability does not always correspond to the true state of affairs, and bearers do not bear any administrative or criminal liability for this);
Sale of products that do not enter the Russian market (German RENOLIT profession or French BARRISOL, which can only be bought via the Internet at a price of 90 Euro/m2).

To protect the buyer from fakes, to suggest which stretch ceilings to choose for an apartment, we present a table with a list of manufacturers, country of origin and some product features.

Company name	The country	Canvas type	Size, m	Peculiarities
PONGS textile gmbh	Germany	PVC film	1.5, 2.2 and 3.0	Premium
DESCOR	Germany	the cloth	5	Suite
CTN groupe	France	PVC	2.2 and 2.7	Reference
CLIPSO	France	the cloth	1.0 to 5.1	Ruler from "Standard" to "Lux"
MSD	China	PVC	1.3 to 5.1	Average price at "Premium" quality
HALEAD	China	PVC	2.7 and 3.2	Good quality with an average price

In Russia, PVC film is produced only by IVNIIPIK, which is of low quality and inexpensive price. Experts do not recommend using such a film in an apartment.

If in terms of product quality, its color and other consumer parameters, stretch ceilings from Europe do not require any comments, then on the canvas from China, it should be said especially. There are two groups of manufacturers here: small handicraft workshops that produce "consumer goods" that can be bought inexpensively and several powerful enterprises that have caught up with and, in some respects, surpassed France and Germany in terms of the quality of the linen. For example, the Chinese company MSD is the only one in the world that produces PVC film wider than 5 m, which does not require welding.

Texture

To achieve the correct organization of space while maintaining the style of the interior, you can use the texture of finishing materials. According to the texture, the surface of all types of stretch fabric can be divided into three large groups.

smooth;
embossed;
perforated (used for special types of lighting located in the space between the ceiling overlap and the stretched film).

Manufacturers diversify the texture, as a result of which the ceiling can be classified into three more groups:

Glossy (PVC film). The reflectivity of this type of surface is 95%, in connection with which the shiny ceiling works like a slightly muted mirror. On the one hand, it visually expands the space, on the other hand, it is difficult to fit into the interior with a lot of furniture. The disadvantages also include the reflection of street light, headlights of passing cars, a working TV, i.e. everything that causes glare that negatively affects the human nervous system;

Matte (polyester, PVC film and fiberglass - a new type of material on the construction market)- a classic design of the ceiling space, suitable for any room size and interior. The choice of synthetic fabric allows you to realize any fantasies - unusually paint or apply an image, use a variety of lamps, beating the room with an unusual light flux;

Satin (PVC with embossed satin fabric)- middle option between gloss and matte finish. It has absorbed all the best from all types of stretch fabric - it creates an atmosphere of comfort and tranquility. Many users on the forums note that under such a ceiling it is best to indulge in relaxation and meditation. Perhaps that is why the satin ceiling is one of the most expensive types of PVC stretch fabric.

Specialists distinguish several additional subspecies:

metallic, with a luster characteristic of metal, changing shades and color saturation under various types of lighting: daylight and artificial;
mother-of-pearl, with overflows characteristic of pearls;
suede - imitates natural leather with very short villi;
marble with a smooth surface and veins characteristic of this ornamental stone;
silk - resembles a natural fabric with a muted pattern.

To figure out which stretch ceilings are better in texture, we advise you to look at the work: "". Here, a comparative analysis of PVC film and polyester fabric was carried out according to consumer parameters.

Number of levels

You can beat the ceiling space and design ideas not only with the texture or color of the stretched material, ceiling lighting, but also with a different number of its levels.

single level ceilings - the most common form of finishing the ceiling space - are easy to install, mounted in absolutely any room. In this case, they can be combined with drywall. Combining with other types of canvas, for example, PVC with a fabric canvas, will not work: you can’t glue them and stretch them on a baguette.

Multilevel ceilings make it possible to combine different materials and lighting designs, play with color contrast, visually change the size of the room in any direction: up, in width or length, divide the room into zones, etc.

Some publications state that not all types of canvas can be used for a multi-tiered ceiling. However, if you look closely at the figure below, you cannot find at least one reason why this cannot be done.

Special mention should be made of the 3D ceiling, one of the variations of the multi-level design of the ceiling space. Its installation is very complicated, and therefore expensive, but the effect covers any costs.

Colour

The color scheme of the ceiling space also affects the completeness of the accepted style of interior decoration - to mask interior flaws or emphasize design solutions, and influence the psycho-emotional state of the apartment owners.

How to choose the right stretch ceiling according to the color scheme? White color visually increases the height of the room, but it does not negatively affect the mental state of a person, unlike glossy ceilings.

It is combined with any style of interior design, from classic to modern. Appropriate in the corridor, hallway, living room, nursery, etc. Applying a picture or photo printing diversifies the appearance of the ceiling, giving it in many cases a weightless airy, “floating” look.

Beige color well suited to the bedroom, if you want a calm emotional tone. To create a romantic mood, psychologists advise choosing various shades of blue and pink. Light brown canvas emphasize the business style of the office.

With in red and its variations need to be very careful. On the one hand, magical properties are attributed to it to cause love and fill the body with energy, on the other hand, it is the color of aggression. As an option - small inserts in canvases of other colors.

Bright colors are well suited for the nursery, kitchen and bathroom: blue purple, orange, green. At the same time, in the nursery they should be muted with white paint, in the kitchen and bathroom - in rich colors. Dark purple, steel and black glossy ceilings look good in high rooms. On the dark blue the cloth in the nursery is very impressive "starry sky".

Canvas type

The service life of a stretch ceiling, its aesthetic perception is affected by the choice of the type of canvas:

polyvinyl chloride film (PVC);
polyester (synthetic fabric);
fiberglass.

Film ceilings, as finishers call PVC sheet, are the most popular among customers. They are made from polyvinyl chloride with a thickness of 0.15 to 0.35 mm, a width of 1.2 to 5.1 m. They have many advantages over other types of canvas:

variety of colors and shades - more than 100;
a large selection of textures: glossy, matte, satin, metal or marble, etc.;
a high level of elasticity, despite the small thickness, according to the passport, they withstand a pressure of 100 kg / m 2;
water resistance - able to hold up to 200 liters of water when flooded from above for 7-8 hours;
versatility - harmoniously fit into any style and room;
effectively combined with other types of ceiling decoration: stucco, plasterboard;
affordable for all segments of the population, with the exception of satin material;
practical - due to the absence of static voltage, they do not attract dust and soot, they are easy to clean;
environmentally friendly - do not emit harmful chemicals;
can be restored when sagging - it is enough to warm up with a heat gun (in fairness, it should be noted that this method is not used in practice, since it does not give a lasting effect).

PVC film also has disadvantages:

requires careful maintenance - there is a high probability of damage to a highly stretched surface;
care skills are needed - divorces may appear, which are very difficult to remove on their own;
afraid of alcohol-containing detergents;
small punctures are closed with subsequent decoration, but the repair will still remain noticeable, the best way out is a complete replacement of the canvas;
the glossy surface negatively affects the psycho-emotional state of a person, therefore its use is recommended in rooms where the presence of people is limited in time;
the presence of seams;
under the rays of the sun or under the influence of powerful lamps, yellow spots form on the ceiling, regardless of the texture and color of the canvas;
afraid of low temperatures, cracking - manufacturers do not guarantee the preservation of consumer properties of the canvas at temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius.

Synthetic polyester fabric, impregnated with polyurethane, is produced with a thickness of 0.25 mm, a width of 1.5 to 6 m. This is a seamless material, only with a matte texture. Among other advantages, it should be noted:

higher strength compared to PVC - about 20 times;
good soundproofing properties;
easy installation - no heat gun needed;
wide temperature range of application, from +80 to -40 degrees Celsius;
does not support open combustion;
let air through (breathe), due to which the formation of condensate is excluded;
ideal for artistic painting and repeated painting;
the possibility of installing powerful lamps.

Among the cons:

high cost (mainly 3-4 times, in some cases several tens of times);
absorb odors, which excludes its use in the kitchen;
only dry wiping from dust and cobwebs - manufacturers do not recommend wet cleaning due to possible stains that are almost impossible to remove on their own;
there is no way to reinstall, unlike PVC film;
does not retain water during flooding from above;
does not stick together and does not weld, and therefore in rooms with a width of more than 5 m, a combination with plasterboard or a multi-level ceiling is needed;
the scarcity of colors due to the matte texture;
in rooms with high humidity (bathroom) special antibacterial impregnation does not always save from mold and fungi.

fiberglass ceilings have high strength, waterproof. Designed for painting after installation. They are very expensive. Rarely found on sale.

Lighting type

Lighting in stretch ceilings is one of the most important elements of interior design of rooms. On our site, separate works will be devoted to him. Here we note only a few points:

the possibility of using built-in lamps and LED strips;
limiting the power of incandescent lamps for a film of 40 W, fabric - 60 W;
for halogen lamps, permitted parameters: 20 W for PVC and 35 W for polyester;
There are no restrictions and recommendations for LED lamps.

Fastening system

The quality of the stretched ceiling and its price also depend on the ceiling installation system. PVC film is stretched using a harpoon - a special device welded to PVC and a wedge. Fabric ceiling only with a wedge-shaped system (no possibility to attach a harpoon). Both systems have varieties:

harpoon gapless;
clip-on (wedge-shaped).

Firms installers are actively promoting the harpoon system, explaining to customers that it is the best and the only real (European). At the same time, the price factor is connected - the installation of the ceiling with a harpoon system is cheaper. But such a message is not entirely conscientious in all respects, including the total cost of the work. Let's figure it out.

Advantages harpoon system:

fabric stretching works are carried out within 3-4 hours, i.е. very fast;
training of workers is carried out in an accelerated manner - 2 weeks are enough, which, in our opinion, is decisive for large companies;
invisible bypass of heating pipes;
the possibility of re-attaching after flooding (unfortunately, the resulting sagging of the ceiling is no longer removed);
the possibility of installation in hard-to-reach places, for example, above cabinets, air conditioning, without dismantling or moving furniture around the room.

Disadvantages:

a long preparatory period associated with cutting the canvas and welding the harpoon - 6-8 days;
more expensive cost of a stretch ceiling as a whole, due to an increase in the price of a canvas with a welded harpoon (stretching work itself is cheaper compared to a wedge-shaped system);
large sag of the canvas after 3-4 years of operation due to the inability to adjust the tension during the installation of the ceiling;
fabrics are not stretched;
a narrow rubber insert does not cover the gaps between the profile and the wall everywhere - very often the elastic band looks wavy in the corners or even falls out of the baguette.

The main problem of the harpoon system is the sagging of the web. There are no technical and technological ways to eliminate the sag. Heating the ceiling with a heat gun restores the level of the ceiling surface, but for a short time (several months). Conclusion: from about the middle of the service life, the ceiling begins to sag noticeably, like a bag.

Advantages wedge-shaped system mounts:

no preparatory period as such. Measurements are taken, and on the second day the ceiling is installed;

lower cost of a stretch ceiling as a whole, in comparison with a harpoon system;
the degree of tension is regulated, and therefore the sag formed during operation is not visually striking;
suitable for all types of canvas;
the insert (plinth) is much wider than the elastic, which allows you to hide all the flaws of the wall - it lies close to it, without gaps and cracks.

Cons of fixing the ceiling canvas with wedges:

requires a lot of experience from workers - they must feel the degree of tension of the canvas with their fingertips;
there is no way to stretch in the narrow spaces between the ceiling and the furniture - it must be moved;
bypass pipes are always noticeable;
does not re-tighten.

The baguette can be plastic, which is cheaper, and aluminum. The service life of a metal fastener is longer and the appearance is better.

Our advice: based on the positive and negative aspects of each type of ceiling installation, it is necessary to order a wedge-shaped system for attaching the web to aluminum baguettes. It is suitable for all types of linen (over time, without changing the baguettes, you can switch from PVC to fabric), it is cheaper, it is installed very quickly (no time is wasted on welding the harpoon), the quality of the ceilings is higher. But this is if the stretching of the canvas is carried out by professionals.

Design

The design of the ceiling space with a stretch fabric allows you to use a wide variety of forms and design methods. It is not possible to consider them all in one work. Let's focus on the most spectacular: photo printing.

This method has no limits for the imagination of the designer or the customer. On the ceiling, you can depict a blooming garden or the sun setting in the sea, beautiful birds or butterflies, various, including fantastic, patterns, copies of famous frescoes from cathedrals and temples, photographs and pictures from a personal archive, and much more.

Modern technologies make it possible to print a high-resolution pattern on seamless canvases up to 5 m from PVC or polyester impregnated with polyurethane. A wider pattern can also be applied to a PVC film, but in this case it will be necessary to connect the sheets by welding. Experienced specialists have learned in such cases both to precisely join the pattern and to hide the seam. All work on applying photo printing consists of three stages.

The fabric is cut in accordance with the measurements of the room - the process is no different from the usual installation of a stretch ceiling.
An image is selected. Its reduced copy is transferred to the canvas that will be installed in the apartment to see how accurate and bright it will look. If necessary, the color scheme is corrected to obtain a high-quality, beautiful picture. In extreme cases, the image changes. Once the printed copy is approved, the most important step is to print the full-scale drawing.
The image is printed using special devices very quickly, after which the canvas is sent to a special dryer. Drying time depends on print depth and color saturation. After that, harpoons are attached to the canvas if it is planned to use a harpoon tension system. If another mounting option is chosen - wedge, the canvas is packed and transported to the apartment for installation.

Drawing is carried out by a special large-format printer in three possible ways:

eco-solvent;
latex;
ultraviolet.

The name "eco-solvent" printing method was due to the ink used: solvent. They are fade resistant and do not fade. Allows you to achieve high detail images. Used for 3D printing. This is the most popular photo printing method.

The method also has a drawback - a slight toxicity. Therefore, drawings applied using this technology are undesirable to mount in children's rooms. Latex printing uses ink that is harmless to human health. Therefore, drawings made by this method can be used in any room: nursery, bedroom, kitchen, and other rooms.

The ink is of such density and contrast that the texture of the fabric is not visible through them, and the image looks bright and juicy, the smallest details of the picture are visible on it. There are no restrictions on the width, except for the size of the room. Photo printing is carried out with special equipment.

When using the UV printing method, there are both pros and cons.

the quality of the canvas does not matter;
colors do not fade in the sun;

the composition of the coloring matter is safe for humans, which allows you to place UV patterns in any room;
can be washed with chemicals.

There is one, but significant, minus - the print width is 2 m. This requires adjusting the pattern, welding the canvases and masking the seam if the image is wider, which significantly increases the price of the work performed. Drawing a picture on a matte and satin texture will cost from 1500 rubles / m 2, glossy more expensive - from 1800 rubles / m 2. It will affect the cost of printing and application technology, but this must be clarified with specific contractors.

The presence of seams

Professionals and customers have an ambiguous attitude to the presence of welds on a PVC sheet (fabric materials cannot have them in principle). Some consider them the main drawback of the entire system - they are visible on monochrome painted ceilings, however, at a certain viewing angle, which spoils the whole view. Others, on the contrary, consider the ability of film ceilings to be welded as their great advantage, allowing:

stretch the canvas in rooms of any width;
glue a film of different colors, achieving a different visual effect - here the seams already act as decorative elements;
increase the strength of the film surface in the middle of the ceiling - it sags less.

For those who consider the weld seam a problem, Chinese manufacturers have supplied the construction market with PVC film with a width of more than 5 m.

Tips for choosing a stretch ceiling for specific rooms

The general principles for choosing stretch ceilings are discussed above. However, each room has its own requirements. Therefore, when determining which stretch ceiling to choose for the hall, nursery, bathroom, etc., it is necessary to take into account various nuances, which we will discuss below.

Hall

The living room is the largest room in the apartment. This is where the family spends a lot of time. Therefore, the design of the ceiling space in the hall should be given special attention - it should not irritate any family member and at the same time harmoniously fit into the environment: floor, walls, furniture.

Suitable for any kind of canvas with any texture. The color scheme should be chosen from calm, neutral tones. Soaring ceilings are very effective and soothing - the squeak of recent fashion.

Bedroom

Here, as in the hall, you can use any kind of material, but the texture must be handled very carefully. Not everyone will like to watch everything that happens in the bed on the ceiling, plus the glare of street light. Therefore, before installing a glossy ceiling, you need to think more than once.

The priority is calm or romantic colors on satin. Photo printing looks very stylish, but the images should be soothing, made in pastel colors.

Children's

In the children's room, it is desirable to stretch the fabric ceiling. There are three pluses here:

polyester is difficult to damage during noisy games;
the canvas breathes, providing natural air ventilation;
bright patterns look spectacular on a matte surface, and besides, the “night (starry) sky” looks beautiful on such a canvas.

Kitchen

What stretch ceilings are best for the kitchen? Here the right choice is easier to make. Only glossy PVC film. It does not absorb odors, is waterproof, does not attract dust and volatile grease, and is fairly easy to clean. The color scheme is bright and saturated.

Bathroom

Bathroom - a small room (if we are not talking about a cottage). Therefore, here the glossy surface of the film will visually expand the scope of the room, allowing you to create bright, cheerful images. Marbled texture looks very respectable. The use of the film also has practical significance:

in difficult conditions, retain consumer properties;
it will protect from the flood, where the risk of flooding is greatest - due to the small size, after the water is drained, the film sags, but you can see this only by looking closely.

Hallway

The entrance hall, with its small size, is the only place in the apartment where you can use all the known ceiling design solutions: a different number of levels, the play of light, any kind of canvas with different textures, the effects of a floating ceiling space, etc. There are only two limitations here: the level of imagination and the financial component.

The choice of the type of stretch ceiling does not mean at all that there will always be a holiday in the soul. Much depends on who and how will do everything.

Choosing a contractor company - pitfalls along the way

Many will probably shrug their shoulders in surprise at what problems can arise when hiring performers. Look, there are dozens of companies offering their services in various advertisements. Do not be lazy and call a dozen. But not everything is so clear-cut here.

In France, with its population of just over 65 million, only about 20 firms install stretch ceilings. In Russia, in a city with a population of about 300 thousand people, there are much more of them. It is very difficult to exist in a highly competitive environment.

Therefore, competing installers use various marketing moves, while not always conscientious, bordering on fraud. Therefore, in the Russian Federation, it is more important than anywhere else to know how to choose a stretch ceiling installation company that performs work quickly, efficiently and without overpayments from the customer?

1. In advertising, as well as in telephone conversations, a very low cost of the canvas is indicated: from 90 rubles / m 2. Here the main task is very simple - to convince the customer to call the measurer to the house. During the measurements of the premises, the representative of the company will very convincingly explain why it is impossible to install cheap film.

Practice shows that this trick almost always works. The most interesting thing in this situation is the following: the company has such a canvas, but it does not intend to install it, even if the customer insists. Under various pretexts, the installer is likely to leave the order.

In order not to fall into a similar situation, we will give the cost of a high-quality canvas from European and Chinese manufacturers. The average quality of the canvas from European companies is:

PVC film - 300-500 rubles / m 2;
polyester (synthetic fabric) - from 600 rubles / m 2 to 6,000-7,000 rubles / m 2;
PVC with photo printing - 800-2,000 rubles / m 2.

Chinese products of well-known companies (MSD, HALEAD) are 20-30% cheaper.

2. The price indicates only the cost of installing the canvas. At the end of the work, it suddenly turns out that it is necessary to pay extra for baguettes and their fastening to the wall. This is a hidden deception of the customer. Unfortunately, it is impossible to prove the fact of fraud in court - formally, the executor of rights. The fault of the customer that he did not fully clarify all the conditions for installing a suspended ceiling.

For your information: the price of a linear meter of a metal baguette is from 180 rubles, a rubber insert is from 120 rubles / m, the cost of fixing a baguette to the wall is from 120 rubles / m. The minimum price of turnkey work is from 700 rubles / m 2.

Yes, we should not forget about lighting. It is also not included in the price.

3. When installing a stretch ceiling in 2 rooms, it is proposed to install a canvas in the third room for free. The key word here is canvas. You will have to pay for the work. And the cost of the film is only 12-15% in the price structure.

4. If there are no Chinese-made products among the offered types of tension material, it is better to refrain from cooperating with such a company. Here, the probability that all the material is from a Chinese manufacturer tends to 100%.

5. It is not advisable to conclude contracts for the installation of films of Russian brands - they do not exist in nature (do not seriously consider IVNIIPIK products as a brand). Some firms register their own trademarks and sell Chinese stretch ceilings under their brand. The authenticity of the material can only be confirmed by quality certificates ISO9001 and ISO14001, and not of Russian origin.

6. Last and most important: never prepay.

Conclusion

In this work, we examined how to choose a stretch ceiling, what types of lighting, fabric fastening, design, etc. are available, which will allow you to choose the most effective and efficient material for your ceiling.

No less responsible should be taken to the choice of the installer company. Almost all the pitfalls along the way are discussed above, which will avoid many troubles. We hope that the time spent reading the material will be of practical use.

However, such a variety gives rise to the problem of choice: material, color, texture, manufacturer of stretch fabric...

We have done a tremendous job and systematized in one article 5 main factors that you need to consider before buying a canvas.

And, first of all, which stretch ceiling to choose, you need to decide on the basis of whether a particular material is pleasant to you and whether its characteristics are suitable for the room.

Here are the conclusions we came to.

1.
2.
3.
4.

1. How to choose the material of stretch ceilings depending on the characteristics of the room?

The most popular materials for the manufacture of stretch ceilings are PVC(PVC) canvas and polymer fabric.

Which material is better to choose depends on:

(a) Indoor climate:

	PVC film	Textile
Low temperature	At temperatures below 5 ° C, it loses elasticity, may warp or crack	Not afraid of low temperatures
Heat	Even with a single heating to 70 ° C and above, it deforms, becomes soft, stretches	Not afraid of high temperatures
high illumination	Will not fade for 10 years or more. The color of the coating under normal conditions lasts up to 30 years	Will not fade for 10 years or more
Humidity	Not afraid of water, therefore suitable for baths, kitchens	When damp, the appearance deteriorates, the canvas can stretch
Draft	On large canvases in a draft or when opening / closing the door, waves can go	On canvases of large sizes, waves rarely form.

Note: high-quality film and fabric ceiling sheets do not support combustion. They lose their shape, melt, but after cessation of contact with the flame, they quickly fade. They acquire this property after impregnation with flame retardants. Cheap materials burn well and are therefore dangerous.

The anti-fire properties of the canvas are confirmed fire certificates. If there is no such certificate, it is better to choose a more expensive canvas.

(b) Room widths

Depending on what kind of stretch ceilings are in terms of width and quality of the material, they are divided into economy and premium classes.

Standard width of PVC ceiling films:

Russian production- 1.4 m. These are glossy, matte, colored canvases of the economy segment, which are produced under the C-light and Eline brands at the Kazan and Ivanovo artificial leather factories.
Chinese made- up to 6 m. There are about a dozen factories of Asian firms in China. In addition, the production facilities of some Belgian and Italian brands are located here, so there is no need to be afraid to buy Chinese canvases. PVC film up to 3.5 m wide belongs to the economy segment, from 3.5 to 6 m - to the premium class.
French production- up to 1.5 m if the film is glossy, and up to 2 m if it is matte. These are Alcor Draka, Extenzo and CTN brands. All film released by the French most often belongs to the premium class (it costs 2-2.5 times more than the economy segment). Holograms from the manufacturer or serial numbers of the canvases are placed on the back of the French-made PVC film.
German made- up to 2.7 m. Cloths of this width are produced by Pongs Textil GmbH. You can distinguish the film produced at its factories by the embossed brand name and the presence of a repair kit decorated with the stigma of the factory. Renolit produces a narrower film - up to 2 m wide.
Belgian production- from 3.6 to 5.6 m. This is the Polyplast brand, which offers glossy, matte and satin films in more than 120 shades.

Please note: all original film and fabric canvases are supplied with quality and fire safety certificates. If there are no such certificates, then you are being offered a fake.

Standard width of fabric rolls for ceiling:

French production- 2.1 - 5.1 m. The Clipso brand is matt stretch ceilings made of knitted fabric, the maximum weight of which is 240 g / sq. m.
German made- up to 5.1 m. This is the Deskor brand, most of whose paintings belong to the economy segment.
Swiss Made- up to 5 m. The premium brand Cerutti produces polyester-fabric fabrics coated on both sides with a polymer composition that protects them from leaks and damage. On top of the polymer coating, a waterproof varnish is applied on the reverse side, and a finishing varnish is applied on the front side, which protects against dirt, dust, splashes. As a result, the tensile structure looks almost like a plasterboard suspended ceiling.

In this case, which stretch ceiling is better - fabric or PVC, depends on the project developed by the designer.

PVC film is used:

in multi-level structures;
to create complex patterns and shapes;
on ceilings that will have to be pulled over time (for example, the owners of the premises often like to refresh the interior);
when installing ceiling structures such as "starry sky", when the ceiling covering is pierced with dozens of LEDs about 0.5 mm thick;
in design with glossy or mirror elements.

Fabric used:

when creating classic interiors;
in rooms with constantly open windows (due to drafts, the film will “play”);
in spacious rooms, when you need to avoid seams on the ceiling;
if the ceiling is mounted in a room from which furniture and other interior items cannot be removed. PVC film heats up during installation, so there is a risk of damaging furniture polish or glass;
in rooms where the temperature periodically drops below 5 - 10 ° C.

(d) Features of the operation of the premises

	PVC film	Textile
Removal of contaminants	Easy to clean with a soft cotton, fleece, microfiber cloth. Under normal conditions (except for the kitchen), you can wipe it once every 3 years with water or a mild detergent solution. Acetone should not be used	Not washable, dirt is difficult to remove. You can use a mild detergent or alcohol solution. Acetone must not be used.
Puncture resistance	Afraid of punctures (with a fishing rod, bullets from children's pistols) and cuts (with a construction knife when cutting wallpaper)	Resistant to punctures and minor cuts
impact resistance	Resistant to blows with blunt objects (reviews on the forums indicate that corks from New Year's champagne do not leave any marks on them)	Resistant to impact with blunt objects
flooding with water	Not afraid of flooding. Withstands 100 liters (10 buckets) of water per 1 sq. m ceiling, without letting water into the room. Restores shape after removal of water	Retains water up to 72 hours. After drying, there are stains from substances dissolved in water (rust, plaster), so the fabric needs to be repainted or changed
The appearance of reflections, glare	Glossy or mirrored PVC surfaces reflect glare from working TVs, monitors	Matte fabric surfaces do not glare

In one of the experiments, a PVC ceiling film with an area of 10.5 square meters. m withstood more than 500 liters (50 buckets) of water.

When the canvas held about 120 liters (12 buckets) of water, several holes appeared, from which droplets began to ooze.

However, the fabric is not torn, but continued to sag under the ever-increasing weight. Stretched like a drum, the film was torn only by contact with an uneven floor surface.

Note: if you are flooded to drain the water, the canvas cannot be pierced. It is necessary to block the flow of water, and then adjust everything that has accumulated to the nearest hole for the lamp. To do this, it is best to call the masters, so that after draining the water, they dry the space between the film and the ceiling with a building hair dryer.

Summary: Which manufacturer is better, for example, Belgium or Germany, can only be decided taking into account the specific project, width, texture and other properties of the canvas.

PVC films protect the room from flooding from above, are easy to clean, are not afraid of being hit by blunt objects, allow multiple installation, are used to create multi-level structures and complex geometric shapes.
Fabric canvases they are not afraid of temperature changes, drafts, do not glare, look expensive (sometimes like drywall), provide seamless installation even in spacious rooms. Both types of high-quality ceiling coatings retain their properties for 10 years or longer, are fireproof and aesthetic.

Now let's look at real reviews of PVC and fabric stretch ceilings.

Let's start with film ceilings. Here is one of the reviews:

But what the master says, who only installs fabric stretch fabrics:

2. We evaluate the seams and texture

Polyvinyl chloride film is hundreds of colors, specular effects, metal, glossy, matte, satin textures, bright images and the ability to create unusual lighting solutions. PVC sheets are solid and welded.

They are welded when:

the width of one strip of film is not enough to cover the required area;
the design involves a combination of two or more colors.

Welded PVC sheets are as strong as seamless ones.. To connect 2 films of different colors, they are superimposed on each other and placed under an electrode that presses on them with a force of 600 kg. A current is passed through the films compressed with such force. Under such conditions, the films are soldered at the molecular level, and subsequently the seam is the most durable place in the PVC ceiling.

Welds visible on monochromatic surfaces when viewed from a certain angle. If you make the stretch ceiling multi-colored, no one will pay attention to the seams, because they will turn into an element of decor.

Fabric ceiling cloth consists of polyester threads impregnated with polyurethane. Simply put, it is a synthetic fabric impregnated with rubber. It looks like ordinary fabric - it seems soft and pleasant to the touch. You can order a canvas with a finished drawing or decorate it with photo printing of personally selected pictures.

Fabric ceilings - usually seamless. The seams on such surfaces are clearly visible, so they need to be passed off as design elements: made symmetrical, hidden by lamps or placed in the middle.

Note: PVC and fabric ceiling canvas with photo printing can be used to decorate walls and openings. It is mounted using the same technology as the ceiling.

Summary: PVC fabrics provide a much greater variety of colors and textures, while fabric fabrics avoid seams. A good seam does not weaken the structure; on the contrary, it is the strongest in this area.

3. How to choose the material of stretch ceilings for different rooms?

To determine which stretch ceiling is better to choose for the kitchen, living room, bedroom and other rooms, you need to remember what happens in this room most often and how this can affect the condition of the ceiling.

	Peculiarities	PVC ceiling	fabric ceiling
Kitchen	Cooking and other kitchen work: oil splashes, increased pollution, moisture from the sink	PVC film can be cleaned of dust, grease, it is not afraid of moisture, so any type of canvas and method of its installation will do.	Pollution is difficult to wash off, prolonged exposure to moisture is undesirable, so the fabric ceiling for the kitchen is not suitable
Kitchen	Separation of the area for cooking and eating	Multi-level design with different types of lighting: above the working area - bright, above the dining area - muted
Bedroom	Calm, relaxing interior	Plain or decorated with photo printing matte or glossy canvas, preferably seamless, you can use mirrored canvases	Satin or silk canvas, plain or photo printed, with imitation of matching materials
Children's	Special "childish" atmosphere, increased likelihood of puncture or rupture	A canvas decorated with photo printing, consisting of several parts. This solution is optimal in terms of replacement - if one part of the canvas is broken, you can only replace it, and not the entire ceiling	Canvas embellished with photographs. If it is damaged, you will have to change the entire ceiling
Living room	The possibility of glare from the TV	Any canvas that fits the design. If the appearance of glare is undesirable, glossy canvases are excluded.
Corridor	Small space, punctures with fishing rods and other objects are possible	Any canvas that fits the design	Any canvas that fits the design
Bathroom, bathroom	Small area, high humidity	The ceiling in the bathroom allows any experiments with textures and colors.	Not afraid of moisture

Since most often stretch ceilings are installed last, when the repair is almost completed, you need to check how the pattern and texture of the canvas is combined with wallpaper or paint on the walls.

You can finally decide which stretch ceiling is better: matte, glossy or satin, only by viewing live samples of materials. Even the best photo can incorrectly convey the shade or texture of the canvas.

Expert advice: a punctured or cut stretch ceiling can be saved. The most important thing is to seal the hole with tape as soon as possible so that the film or fabric does not diverge. If the hole is small (diameter or length up to about 5 cm), the master will be able to cover it with a lamp or a decorative element. If the hole turned out to be large, the canvas will have to be pulled.

Summary: PVC films are suitable for any premises, even with such difficult microclimatic conditions as the kitchen and bathroom. It is better to stretch fabric ceilings in spacious rooms with a “calm” atmosphere in the living room and bedroom. For the bedroom, it is better to choose a seamless canvas.

4. How does the mounting system affect the price and durability of stretch ceilings?

PVC and fabric stretch ceilings are attached in different ways:

Mounting method	For which ceilings is it used	Advantages	disadvantages
Harpoon	PVC	Low price; Easy assembly/dismantling; Can be re-mounted	It will not work to mount a whole insert on curved walls; You need to carefully select the color of the insert
Gapless	PVC	There is no gap between the ceiling and the wall; An insert is not needed; You can join the ceiling canvas with drywall or tiles	High price
wedge	PVC, fabric	budget cost	After a while, the canvas may sag.
clip-on	Textile	You can adjust the tension of the canvas; Can be reused; Easy assembly/dismantling	High price

Note: when installing the ceiling, choose energy-saving fixtures that do not heat up.

The maximum power of bulbs for PVC ceilings is 35 watts.

More powerful ceiling lights will melt the film. It is also better not to overheat the fabric cloth. The light should be directed downward or sideways, and the light bulb itself should be no closer than 10 cm to the ceiling surface.

Summary: saving on fastening materials at the stage of installing a stretch ceiling in the future increases the cost of the structure. More expensive fasteners are more convenient to install and hold the canvas better. When replacing the canvas, it can be reused.

Choose the best stretch ceilings and share your impressions in the comments!

Anton
technical director NikoMax

When we look at a beautiful room decorated in accordance with the latest fashion trends, we rarely think about what materials the ceiling is made of, what the walls are covered with and what the flooring is made of.

Actually, it's pretty important. Not only the amount of money spent, but also our safety depends on whether the material is environmentally friendly, what operating conditions it has and how to properly care for it.

That is why today we will think about the question of what material is better to choose for stretch ceilings. After all, this type of construction is becoming more and more popular today, which means that the chances of buying low-quality and fake material are quite high.

Types of materials

So, oddly enough, but there are only two types of materials from which stretch ceilings can be made:

PVC film;
Fabric coated with polyurethane.

Of course, although there are only two species, there are many varieties of them. Therefore, making the most suitable choice for you is already more difficult.

PVC stretch ceilings

Stretch ceilings made of PVC film have a number of advantages:

They are able to withstand an increased level of humidity in the room, so it is rational to use them in rooms where water leaks from above are possible (negligent neighbors, public utilities poorly repaired the roof).
Also, the canvas does not deform and does not deteriorate under heavy load. That network during a flood from neighbors, your ceiling can withstand up to 100 liters of water per 1m2.
The film is not picky about cleaning, it is easy to care for and clean it.
Unlike fabric ceilings, the film has a glossy surface.

matte- the surface does not overflow. As a rule, it is used to create a classic room interior.
Glossy or lacquered- shiny surface. It is safe to say that the gloss creates an additional source of light in the room.
satin- the material has a slight reflection. At the same time, depending on the viewing angle, the color of the surface changes somewhat. Outwardly resembles a pearlescent glow.
With photo print- you can create an original print of the ceiling, which will fully meet your desires. You can choose a picture yourself, while the brightness and richness of colors do not disappear over time.

Note. Stretch ceiling made of PVC film does not tolerate low temperatures. So it is better not to install it in rooms with poor heating.

Stretch ceilings with a mother-of-pearl surface are not advisable to be installed in the kitchen. Otherwise, the canvas is quickly contaminated with grease and loses its delicate sheen. It is also better not to choose this type of tensile structure in the hall if you prefer a calm atmosphere in a cozy corner.

Fabric stretch ceilings

Fabric stretch ceilings D-Premium (Germany) is environmentally friendly and meets European quality standards. Equally important is the presence of a rich assortment of not only color solutions, but also material textures.

Photo printing on a stretch ceiling

As for fabric stretch ceilings, they have their advantages: Unlike PVC films, they are not afraid of low temperatures and can be easily installed in a poorly heated room. Due to the material from which the fabric sheets are caught, they can be used for rooms with a large area. The material is produced in rolls, 5 m long. They can also be printed with a drawing or painted with art.

Consider the types of fabric ceilings D-Premium (Germany), or as Descor used to be called, there are several main ones:

Advice. Before buying a stretch ceiling, the quality of the material of which needs to be checked, be sure to ask for certificates confirming compliance with the proper European standards.

What to choose?

There is no exact recommendation as to which material is best to use. Here you need to be guided by many factors: in which room you are going to install it, for what purpose, what environment will be in this room and, of course, do not forget about your preferences.

Do not rush to stop at one thing. Look through the different options, the internet is full of ideas for your room. Fabric stretch ceilings will cost you a little more than the PVC option. However, the film will look in some cases much more attractive.

Updated: 09/18/2019 22:30:15

Judge: Boris Mendel

*Overview of the best in the opinion of the editors of the site. About selection criteria. This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Very quickly gained popularity in Russia this type of finish, such as stretch ceilings. Consumers immediately appreciated the ideal surface evenness, durability, high installation speed, minimal inconvenience in terms of rearranging furniture and cleaning the premises. Foreign and domestic manufacturers offer systems from different materials, the variety of textures and colors is striking. It is difficult for an inexperienced buyer to make the right choice, so expert advice will be useful.

How to choose a stretch ceiling

Canvas type. Today, there are three types of canvases on the market for finishing materials. The most affordable and popular is PVC film. It is often used by owners of private houses and apartments to decorate kitchens, baths, bathrooms and some living quarters. Bedrooms and children's rooms are preferably finished with eco-friendly satin fabrics. In large rooms, you can make a seamless ceiling by using a fabric based on polyester and polyurethane. Only the price of such material is quite high.
Texture. Any stretch ceiling has its own texture. Matte surfaces create an imitation of the base, with a perfectly even layer of putty. This texture is best suited for spacious rooms with a classic interior. The modern style of decoration involves the use of glossy stretch ceilings. Such canvases visually enlarge cramped rooms.
Colour. In different rooms, ceiling coverings with a certain palette of colors will look harmonious. The most popular is the white canvas. It is suitable for most interiors, calmly affects the psyche, combined with inserts based on photo printing. For the bedroom, romantic shades such as pink, blue and beige are suitable. But bright ceilings (green, purple, orange, blue) will be appropriate in children's rooms. Dark colors are used in the decoration of offices.
Installation features. The disadvantages of stretch ceilings experts include the fear of high temperatures and sharp objects. During operation, mechanical damage rarely occurs, but at the installation stage it is quite simple to spoil an expensive canvas. Therefore, it is necessary to immediately determine the number and location of lamps, cornices and other interior elements. Another nuance is important to consider at the stage of designing a ceiling finish - this is the gap between the base and the canvas. If you plan to install built-in lights, you will have to sacrifice the height of the room.
Additional features. Stretch ceilings are versatile, but some products have unique properties. Music lovers should take a closer look at acoustic canvases. They combine sound and heat insulation qualities. For tenants with low immunity, antibacterial sheets are best suited. And in industrial premises or laboratories, it is recommended to install moisture- and frost-resistant ceilings with high resistance to pollution.

We have selected in our review the 15 best manufacturers of stretch ceilings. Their products are widely represented in the domestic market. The rating is based on the opinion of the expert community and consumer feedback.

Which ceiling is better - plasterboard, stretch or rack

Type of ceiling finish	Advantages	disadvantages
Drywall	Affordable cost Possibility of self-assembly maintainability You can create multi-level structures	Low moisture resistance; Lengthy installation process
Stretch ceiling	Wide selection of fabrics and colors Quick installation High moisture resistance Minimum furniture movement	Installed by experts only Requires special equipment and tools High price
Rack construction	Easily masked communications Affordable price Easy installation You can change individual elements	Accumulation of dirt in joints Reducing the height of the room Furniture needs to be rearranged

Rating of the best manufacturers of stretch ceilings

Nomination	place	manufacturer	rating
The best PVC stretch ceilings	1		4.9
	2		4.8
	3		4.8
	4		4.7
	5		4.7
	6		4.7
	7		4.6
	8		4.6
	9		4.5
	10		4.5
The best satin stretch ceilings	1		4.8
The best fabric stretch ceilings	1		4.9
	2		4.8
	3		4.7

The best PVC stretch ceilings

PVC film is the most popular material in Russia for ceiling decoration. The canvas has an affordable price, manufacturers offer many colors, there are matte or glossy surfaces. The PVC products of the following brands were highly rated by the experts.

Barrisol

A unique interior in a room can be created with the help of Barrisol stretch ceilings. Experts call the products of the French brand the benchmark in the field of ceiling decoration. The company occupies a leading position in the European market due to the durable and beautiful material. The manufacturer offers 6 texture options, about 90 colors, as well as a 12-year warranty. If we add to this environmental friendliness (A +) and ease of use, then the products become attractive in terms of design and reliability.

Some users may be put off by the high price, but be aware that Barrisol stretch ceilings are easily dismantled and can be reused. The brand becomes the winner in our rating.

Advantages

high quality;
the possibility of reuse;
rich assortment;
environmental friendliness.

disadvantages

high price.

Alkor Draka

An excellent combination of European quality and a rich assortment is inherent in Alkor Draka stretch ceilings. This Dutch company is part of the well-known international holding Vulcan. The history of the company began in 1947, since then the main specialization of the trademark has been the production of PVC film. Employees of the company can boast of rich experience, which is complemented by modern technologies. Experts gave the brand the second place in our rating for excellent quality, ease of care, variety of colors and textures.

Domestic users flatter about environmental friendliness, the film does not absorb odors and does not attract dust. For any interior, it is possible to choose a film that is suitable in color and texture.

Advantages

multistage quality control;
8 invoices;
100 colors;
ease of care.

disadvantages

high price.

EXTENZO

High fashion products include EXTENZO stretch ceilings. They are designed for a wide range of applications, from living rooms to public institutions. Experts identified several important features, due to which the brand got into the top three of our rating. Tension systems do not reduce the height of the room, the gap between the ceiling and the film is only 3 mm. The manufacturer offers over 120 color palettes and 12 types. These are classic options (glossy, matte), and artistic, and antibacterial.

Users have no complaints about the quality of the French PVC film. But the work of the Russian representative office leaves much to be desired.

Advantages

minimum gap between the ceiling and the film;
a wide selection of colors and varieties;
resistance to ultraviolet;
long service life.

disadvantages

the smell lasts for a long time;
there are complaints about the work of the Russian representative office.

Lackfolie

German stretch ceilings Lackfolie are able to add zest to any interior. They will harmoniously fit both into a living space and into a restaurant, hotel or shop. The company is a leader in Germany in the production of PVC film and stretch ceilings. The largest representative offices of the company are located in Switzerland, France and Russia. The manufacturer pays much attention to safety and environmental friendliness, this applies to both the selection of raw materials and the introduction of advanced technologies. To ensure high quality products, strict control is carried out at each stage of production.

A lot of positive feedback from Russian consumers allowed the brand to get into our rating. The disadvantages include the high price and persistent smell.

Advantages

elegant design;
simple care;
high quality;
safety and environmental friendliness.

disadvantages

high price;
The smell does not disappear for several days.

RENOLIT

The German company RENOLIT has been producing PVC films for over 65 years. The brand's products are used in various industries, from construction to healthcare. The company has patented a unique technology for the manufacture of stretch ceilings, it is based on high-quality raw materials and modern equipment. In the manufacturer's catalog, the most demanding consumer will find a suitable version of the stretch ceiling. Only color palettes, there are about 200 pieces. Experts note resistance to burning, lack of smell and defects.

Users are satisfied with the quality of the film, fire and antifungal properties, durability. Only the transfer of production to China upsets domestic buyers somewhat.

Advantages

good quality;
resistance to burning;
bioresistance;
wide color palette.

disadvantages

high price;
Chinese production.

PTCM Polyplast

Compared to other European manufacturers of stretch ceilings, the Belgian company PTCM Polyplast offers affordable prices to the Russian consumer. When choosing films of this brand, some features should be considered. The minimum gap between the ceiling and the film will be from 3 to 5 cm. The installation process can take about 4 to 8 hours. With the help of Belgian systems, it is possible to implement both single-level finishes and multi-level structures. There are also fashionable canvases with a 3D effect in the catalog.

Advantages

wide scope of application;
affordable prices;
variety of films;
moisture resistance.

disadvantages

large gap;
Chinese production.

Pongs

The German brand Pongs has a good reputation in Europe and Russia. The manufacturer has accumulated rich experience over a hundred years of production of PVC films and plastics. The company's factories are constantly upgrading equipment, introducing new technologies. Particular attention is paid to the environmental friendliness of products. The range includes glossy, matte and satin fabrics. The widest film that is supplied to the Russian market has a size of 3.25 m. If the seller offers large overall canvases under this brand, then this will be a fake.

The brand has earned a place in our ranking due to German quality and environmental friendliness. Fire safety is confirmed by the corresponding certificate. There are no complaints about the quality of the material on the forums, but not everyone is satisfied with the price.

Advantages

stable quality;
ease of installation;
good specularity;
simple care.

disadvantages

high price;
film width is limited.

MSD

A worthy place in various ratings is occupied by the Chinese brand MSD. Stretch ceilings of this manufacturer are famous for their high quality at an affordable price. Film materials are absolutely safe, they have an A + environmental class, which is confirmed by the ISO certificate. Some European manufacturers of stretch ceilings order film from a Chinese holding company. Experts note the innovative approach of MSD, it was she who became the first to produce canvases with a width of 5.1 m. The company constantly develops and introduces new lines of stretch ceilings.

Domestic users managed to evaluate the quality of Chinese MSD stretch ceilings. Praise deserves affordable price, environmental friendliness, ease of use and maintenance. Of the minuses, the presence of stains on the canvases can be noted.

Advantages

affordable price;
good quality;
rich color palette;
variety of invoices.

disadvantages

spots on the film.

SAROS DESIGN

The SAROS DESIGN company began its activity with the supply of stretch ceilings from Europe to the domestic market. But already in 2000, the company established its own production. Today, decorative canvases are made not only at production sites in Russia, but also in Estonia, Ukraine, and Germany. Thanks to this approach, the manufacturer managed to reduce the lead time for orders, as well as constantly monitor the quality of stretch ceilings. Experts pay attention to the modern approach to clients, the company has developed a mobile application in which you can create stretch ceiling projects.

Advantages

beautiful designs;
good quality;
attentive attitude to customers;
prompt execution of orders.

disadvantages

bad smell;
installation difficulties.

Ecofole

A rather young player in the market of stretch ceilings is Ecofole. The German manufacturer joined the fierce struggle for the consumer only in 2007. At first, the company produced products for packaging, waterproofing, and renovation of premises. Since 2010, film materials have been used as ceiling decoration. Ecofole stretch ceilings appeared on the Russian market in 2012. Today, there are official representative offices of the brand in 18 cities. According to the manufacturer, about 80% of the audience are buyers from Russia.

Advantages

orientation to the Russian market;
good assortment (3 textures, 64 colors);
stylish design;
acceptable price.

disadvantages

many fakes in the domestic market.

The best satin stretch ceilings

Weightlessness, original texture and rich color - these are the main advantages of satin stretch ceilings. To create the canvas, natural materials such as silk, wool and cotton are used. The fibers are twisted and intertwined, forming a radiant structure. Experts identified one brand that produces satin finishes.

Arridel

Experts call Arridel satin stretch ceilings the standard of reliability and aesthetics. Today in the world no one can reach the level of a French manufacturer. The Russian consumer is offered a wide palette of colors, in which the most demanding buyer will find his own color. Arridel stretch ceilings are suitable for decorating studios, restaurants and living rooms. Due to the fragmentary reflection of light, the ceiling surface looks elegant both in natural light and in the case of backlighting. The material has even a small sound absorption coefficient (0.4).

The brand becomes the winner in this nomination of the rating for durability (up to 50 years), environmental friendliness (A) and high strength. The disadvantages include the high price and narrow canvases (up to 220 cm).

Advantages

noble shine;
durability;
environmental friendliness;
silky texture.

disadvantages

high price;
narrow canvases.

The best fabric stretch ceilings

Fabric-based stretch ceilings are in demand for the effect of a putty surface. The canvas is made of polyester, which is impregnated with polyurethane. The disadvantage of the material is the high price. Experts have identified several brands.

Clipso

Clipso is the world leader in the production of fabric stretch ceilings. The French company began its activity in 1997, its products immediately became popular. Experts note such properties of fabric fabrics as high quality, versatility of use and durability. The manufacturer offers the Russian consumer a wide range of textures and colors. In a classic interior, seamless white surfaces will look harmonious. Shiny or colored materials will help to give the room a uniqueness. For special conditions in the catalog there are antibacterial, moisture-resistant and dirt-proof cloths. Product quality is confirmed by ISO 9001 certificates.

Advantages

high quality;
durability;
moisture resistance;
environmental friendliness.

disadvantages

high price.

Cerutti Next

Cerutti Next fabric stretch ceilings stand out with their originality. The Italian manufacturer pays a lot of attention to multilayer acoustic structures. Seamless multi-layer canvases up to 5 m wide stand out from the acoustic coatings of competitors. On the reverse side of the canvas there is a layer of polymer, and the front side is made in the form of a standard matte finish. According to experts, the brand deserves a high place in our rating for its uniqueness, high moisture and frost resistance, and durability. The device of a stretch ceiling will solve not only the problem of sound insulation, but also reduce heat loss in the room.

Reviews of domestic users prevented the Italian brand from overtaking the leader. They are unhappy with the unpleasant smell of rubber, which the canvas emits for a long time.

Advantages

good sound insulation;
reduction of heat loss;
durability;
moisture and frost resistance.

disadvantages

bad smell.

Descor

The German company Descor produces fabric ceilings that successfully combine an affordable price and excellent technical characteristics. The manufacturer's assortment includes canvases with a width of 3.2 to 5.2 m. In most living rooms, it will be possible to create a beautiful seamless ceiling covering. Experts included the brand in our rating for environmental friendliness and fire safety. The light weight of the material helps to save on the profile. Descor fabrics are anti-counterfeit, the stripes are fringed with "D-Premium Made in Germany" inscription.

The weak side of the German manufacturer is a modest range of fabrics. The Russian consumer is offered only 30 color schemes. Users liked the elasticity of the material, which easily takes on complex shapes.

Advantages

affordable price;
German quality;
environmental friendliness;
ease.

disadvantages

a modest selection of colors.

Attention! This rating is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Stretch ceilings have long moved from the category of novelties to the category of ordinary building material. Although not so long ago they were something expensive, mysterious and accessible only to a few. Now, like plastic windows, stretch ceilings are becoming an integral part of a modern home.

Benefits of stretch fabrics

The main advantage of tension structures is the leveling effect. The canvas creates a flawless surface, while hiding the flaws of the ceiling and engineering networks.

In addition, tension structures have a number of other advantages.

In addition, the canvases are fire resistant, easy to clean and environmentally friendly.

Criteria for choosing stretch ceilings

The finishing industry offers a wide range of stretch ceilings. In order not to get lost in this diversity, it is necessary to determine the main selection criteria.

Type of stretch ceiling. First you need to understand which canvas material is preferable - film or fabric.
Material texture(glossy, matte, fabric).
Design. Here the choice is extremely diverse, you can choose both simple white and colored material, apply drawings or three-dimensional images to the canvas.
Ceiling construction(one- or two-level, acoustic design).
Ceiling manufacturers(European, domestic or Chinese companies).

Types of stretch ceilings

Stretch fabrics are fabric or film(based on PVC). In the first case, a special impregnated fabric is used for the tension structure. It is an elastic material that does not collect dust and has high water-repellent properties. The required coloring of the canvas is achieved by applying a special polymer to its surface. It is lightweight, safe and attractive material. The width of the canvas can be any (up to 5.1 m), and such a ceiling has served for many years.

Vinyl film sheets are particularly elastic, but cannot boast of such strength as fabric structures. However, in terms of moisture resistance, they have no equal. Vinyl ceilings are more finicky than fabric ones, but they differ in a variety of colors and textures (matte, glossy, mirror, satin, suede).

On a note! It is this type of ceiling that is often called "French", since it is believed that the idea of creating tension structures first appeared in France.

Table. Comparative characteristics of fabric and film canvases.

Criteria	fabric ceiling	Film ceiling
Temperature regime	Suitable for rooms with any temperature regime.	The temperature in the room should be in the range of 10-800C.
Web width	Up to 5.1 m	From 1.30 to 5 m.
Waterproof	It has different levels of water resistance. On average, they withstand water up to 72 hours.	Completely do not let water through, they are able to save the room from flooding from above.
Mounting	Cold installation by stretching the canvas on a special baguette.	It is necessary to preheat the room and the canvas itself.
Price	Higher than film sheets.	Different price depending on the manufacturer.

Stretch ceiling prices

stretch ceiling

Material texture

The texture of stretch ceilings is of three main types:

matte;
glossy;
satin.

Separately, you can select textured canvases under the skin, velvet, stone or suede.

Matte ceiling

The matte texture looks like an ordinary well-plastered ceiling. This finish option is suitable for lovers of the classics. Matte canvases are made from vinyl or polyester textiles. The finishing industry offers a huge number of shades for every taste. White and other soothing shades fit perfectly into the interior of any room. At the same time, the matte canvas leaves a lot of room for fantasies and experiments: the material can be painted and images can be applied.

Glossy ceiling

A glossy or lacquered ceiling has a reflective surface and a characteristic sheen. Outwardly, the gloss looks elegant and original, but it should be borne in mind that it will not always fit into an interior design with a lot of furniture. In the bathroom, for example, a glossy ceiling creates a fabulous and relaxing environment. Gloss visually expands the space. This design option is optimal for small rooms and rooms with low ceilings.

glossy stretch ceiling prices

glossy stretch ceiling

Often lacquer canvases are used as one of the elements of a two-level ceiling. The choice of gloss here is justified and will be an interesting solution, especially if you plan to get a reflective effect not over the entire area, but only in some areas of the ceiling.

Separately, ceilings with an extra-gloss surface are distinguished, having one hundred percent reflectivity. This coating resembles a mirror.

satin ceiling

Satin can be called a kind of compromise between a classic matte surface and a glossy canvas. The structure of this material resembles satin fabric, hence the name. On the canvas there are micro-reliefs formed by interlacing the finest threads.

Thanks to its special reflective characteristics, satin shines with a fabulous mystical light. In the evening, the effect of a pleasant brilliant glow is especially noticeable. Satin texture is well suited for spacious rooms.

Prices for satin stretch ceiling

satin stretch ceiling

Stretch ceiling design

The ceiling covering is selected taking into account the interior of the room. Gloss and light colors will visually enlarge the room, the matte surface is ideal for nurseries and bedrooms. Glossy canvases look good only in illuminated rooms; with a lack of light, the room will seem gloomy and uncomfortable.

Ornaments and patterns on the ceiling are always unique and interesting. But drawings, collages and images are allowed only on matte surfaces. For the bedroom, the ceiling can be decorated in the form of the night sky with many stars and celestial bodies - beautiful and unusual, this design creates a romantic atmosphere. In the nursery, you can distribute images of fairy-tale characters and make unusual lighting.

Stretch ceilings make it possible to create a surface of almost any shape: arches, waves, cones. Cloths can be mounted at any angle and even in different planes. And if you add to this an almost unlimited number of color shades, a variety of textures, the possibility of combining different canvases, it becomes clear that a stretch ceiling allows you to realize almost any fantasy.

Design features

All tension systems are mounted using a baguette - a special profile that is installed around the perimeter of the room. Fastening is carried out by harpoon (only film ceilings) or without harpoon (fabric and film sheets) methods.

single level ceiling

The simplest and least expensive option is a single-level ceiling, when the canvas of the selected texture and color is simply evenly stretched around the perimeter of the room. The design lasts a long time and is easy to maintain. An almost infinite number of shades and patterns allow you to make a really interesting and original version.

Multilevel ceiling

This is a more complex design, which is created using drywall or special profiles. Typically, a multi-level ceiling consists of various canvases, which may differ both in texture and color. Thanks to interesting combinations, it is possible to get a truly spectacular ceiling design.

Prices for ceiling lights

ceiling lamp

The construction of a multi-level stretch ceiling in the section (mounting of the 'harpoon' type):
1 - the upper level of the tension structure;
2 — plugs of separators;
3 - separator;
4 - chipper;
5 - inner frame;
6 - base ceiling;
7 - the lower level of the ceiling;
8 - walls;
9 - wall profile and a plug to it.

acoustic design

This is the best option when you need soundproofing of the room. Ideal for cafes, bars, clubs, studios or just when isolation from noisy neighbors is required. To create an acoustic structure, first, special mineral slabs are laid under the ceiling, and then a sheet of special polyester fiber is stretched.

Starry sky system

This design in your own bedroom will allow you to admire the starlight every night. The system is created on the basis of a fabric or film canvas, most often in dark shades (black, blue, purple, chocolate), imitating the night sky. Lacquer surfaces look impressive: this is how the night sky seems mysterious and boundless.

Stretch ceiling "Starry sky"

Modern technologies make it possible to create such a ceiling in which the "stars" will appear only in the dark. In most cases, the installation of the system is carried out using optical fiber and a light generator. The stars are arranged randomly, in a certain order or in the form of constellations.

Ceiling device "Starry sky" with optical fiber and light generator

Tension fabric manufacturers

When the type of canvas, color and texture is selected, you need to decide with the manufacturer. Consider the most popular companies

Prices for the ceiling "Starry sky"

starry sky ceiling

France

One of the well-known French manufacturers is the company Clipso, which produces fabric ceilings with special knitted weaving. A wide canvas (up to 5.1 m) is made of polyester and impregnated with polyurethane. The Clipso product line consists of both dazzling white and colored canvases, there are translucent and shiny options. It is possible to apply the image using photo printing or painting with acrylic paints. The fastening of the canvases is carried out in a dry cold way using latches-clips - a clean, fast and harmless installation option.

Germany

German ceilings are impeccable product quality. The main manufacturer is the company Pongs, offering a range of 130 canvases of various colors with a width of up to 3.25 m. Within the brand, products are divided into several lines depending on the type of canvas. Pongs produces glossy, satin and matte canvases. All of them are distinguished by high elasticity, expressive color, complete absence of creases and smell.

Pongs owns a brand Descor, which specializes in the manufacture of fabrics.

Lackfolie- another German manufacturer and market leader in stretch ceilings not only in Germany but also in the world. Eco-friendly raw materials, unique technologies and advanced equipment allow the company to produce durable, beautiful and reliable canvases that are suitable both for decorating residential premises and for decorating a cafe, restaurant, sauna, hospital or trading floor.

Russia

Russian canvases are distinguished by pleasant prices. But compared to European products, domestic canvases do not have a wide range of colors and a variety of textures, but in terms of quality and durability they are not inferior to material from Europe. One important point: Russian stretch ceilings are made of budget material up to 1.42 m wide, the film fades quickly enough and does not have a long service life. But if you need a canvas at a democratic cost, then domestic products will be a good alternative to European material.

China

It is not entirely justified to believe that Chinese products are not of high quality, and their main advantage is their low cost. But the stretch fabrics of the company MSD meet high European standards. A distinctive feature of the brand is the width of the material, exceeding 5 m, which completely eliminates the need for seams. Affordable price and high quality allow MSD stretch ceilings to compete with the leaders of the finishing industry from Germany and France.

Which manufacturer to choose?

French ceilings are a special style and quality. They are aesthetic, strong, durable and environmentally friendly, but they are very expensive. In Germany, excellent tension structures are also made with a wide variety of colors and textures, but the price of the products will please a few.

Russian ceilings are a budget class. Outwardly, the canvases look no worse than European ones, but they differ in a small selection of colors. And the design will last not as long as foreign counterparts from Europe.

Choosing a Chinese manufacturer, the buyer can purchase quite acceptable goods, but it is worth making sure that the canvases have the necessary quality certificates. The composition of the material should not contain phenol-containing components hazardous to human health.

Summing up

When choosing a stretch ceiling, you need to consider several points. Firstly, choose the right canvas, taking into account the design of the room, deal with the color scheme and texture of the material, take into account the nuances of one or another option. Secondly, you need to choose the right manufacturer. The health of the owners of the premises where the stretch fabric will be installed depends on how high-quality the purchased products turn out to be. It is important to make sure that the material has the necessary quality certificates. Thirdly, take care of the high-quality installation of the ceiling (do it yourself or contact specialists). These are three aspects that will help you navigate correctly when choosing a stretch ceiling.