Usually suspended ceilings are mounted in living rooms, sometimes in the kitchen and corridor, but in the bathroom they can be seen infrequently. This is explained by the fact that the area of the room is small and there is a high probability of flooding from the top floor. Those who say so do not understand that it is the small dimensions of the room and the waterproof canvas that are the best conditions for this type of decoration. Let's try to figure out whether to do a suspended ceiling in the bathroom, and why.
Applicable Materials
For the installation of suspended ceilings, two types of material are used: woven fabric and PVC film. Already by name you can understand their structure. It should only be added that the fabric is made of polyester fibers that are resistant to moisture, but the woven fabric itself is able to pass air, and, therefore, water, which, in case of flooding, will not hold water.
It is better to mount a polymer film on the ceiling in the bathroom. Changes in temperature and increased humidity do not spoil the film web, and in the event of flooding, it will reliably hold water without letting it into the room. Condensation drops do not leave marks on the surface after drying and do not change the color of the finish. However, the technology of mounting a PVC film requires its heating, and, therefore, practical skills and a special tool.
Benefits of Stretch Ceiling in the Bathroom
Among the advantages of using a film ceiling coating in a room with high humidity are:
- water resistance and ductility;
- ability to restore its original form;
- resistance to moisture and temperature extremes;
- durability and environmental safety;
- immunity to the formation of fungus and mold;
- beautiful appearance and a wide selection of color shades;
- quick installation;
- easy care.
Installing the canvas at a small distance from the floor slab allows, if necessary, to provide a hidden laying of communications with the possibility of access and repair. With traditional wall chipping, this is difficult and expensive.
Disadvantages of using stretch linens in the bathroom
PVC film ceilings have a number of disadvantages that should be taken into account when deciding on this type of finish. It:
- the need to contact professionals to complete the installation;
- the probability of accidental mechanical damage during the cleaning process;
- inability to use at temperatures below + 5 ° C;
- the need to use special lights;
- the presence of smell in the first time after installation (if the canvas is of high quality, no more than a couple of days);
- loss of room height (we wrote more about this here);
- relatively high cost (if you do not take Chinese paintings as an example).
In addition, the stretch ceiling canvas can be attracted to the floor slab, disrupting the shape of the original horizontal plane. This happens when the air temperature behind the film is lower than in the bathroom. As a result, a pressure difference is formed, the ceiling is bent. This can be avoided if a hot water or heating pipe is laid on the floor slab.
Summing up the pros and cons of the suspended ceiling in the bathroom, we can say that the positive aspects are much more significant and there are more of them (approx. Ed. - as a person who worked for many years in the field of suspended ceilings, I can confirm that the cons are really more than " nominal ").
Recommendations for choosing a stretch ceiling
When choosing a material for decoration, it is necessary to consider:
- bathroom area and ceiling height;
- the availability of stable heating;
- type of finishing materials used for floor and ceiling;
- placement of lighting devices;
- color of furniture and sanitary ware;
- the need for hidden communications.
Surface structure
The polyvinyl chloride film may vary in type of surface structure. In this regard, according to their ability to reflect light, distinguish glossy, satin and matte canvases. Since they are all made from the same raw materials, the characteristics of the films are identical, except for resistance to pollution and dust settling.
Less dust is deposited on the smooth, glossy surface of the dust particles, and it is easily washed. Matte texture is more susceptible to dust accumulation and requires constant care. As an optimal option, you can recommend the choice of satin fabric that can reflect diffused light, but does not have a mirror effect.
Temperature in the bathroom
Polyvinyl chloride film has a serious limitation in use. At air temperatures below + 5 ° C, microcracks appear on the stretched surface, which can lead to a change in appearance and even destruction of the material. Therefore, when decorating country houses where a periodic shutdown of heating is possible, instead of a PVC film, you will have to install a textile fabric that can withstand temperatures up to -40 ° C.
Area and ceiling height
Depending on the overall dimensions of the room and the method of wall decoration, the following recommendations can be made:
- a small room with the usual height of the ceiling - glossy or satin PVC film of light tones, combined with shiny ceramic tiles;
- medium-sized room with a high ceiling - two-level design with satin or matte film canvas;
- a spacious bathroom with a normal ceiling - any texture and color, it is acceptable to have a picture and additional color effects;
- increased height and large area - a multilevel surface made of PVC film with a central pattern and peripheral lighting;
- country house without constant heating - textile canvas and decoration option depending on the area.
These simple tips will help you determine the overall style of your bathroom. The final version you can choose only yourself.
How to choose the color and lighting
Experts say that in a small room it is best to use bright plain coatings. Dark and bright canvases will attract attention, introducing disharmony in the overall perception of the situation. In a small bathroom, the general style of decoration is better to form on the surface of the walls, and the stretch ceiling should be used as a beautiful matching complement.
Color selection
The offered assortment of ceiling paintings is characterized by a wide variety and allows to solve any design tasks. The color scheme can be performed in one of three options:
- in the color tone of the tiled wall;
- contrasting design;
- neutral white or light beige canvas, suitable for any style.
The last type of finish will enhance the intensity of lighting, veil minor defects in the finish and create a relaxed atmosphere. In addition, white ceilings combine perfectly with light faience of plumbing. Drawings on a multi-level surface look good only in large areas.
Lighting organization
It is best to use recessed lights. Suspended structures are more difficult to install and will cost more. It should be borne in mind that glossy surfaces reflect light more strongly and require the installation of lamps of lower power.
Polymeric webs are sensitive to heat. Therefore, for lighting, you should choose "cold" energy-saving heat sources, LED or halogen.