Stretch ceilings

Monotony in an apartment — similar walls, ceilings — gradually becomes boring, and there comes a time when you want to bring a fresh note into the interior of your living space. Such an update that improves the appearance of any room usually takes the form of a stretch ceiling. So when I started thinking about this issue, I heard a friendly recommendation concerning stretch ceilings. I was told so many positive things about this interior element that I simply could not ignore the suggestion.

Stretch ceilings are a waterproof, elastic and fairly durable polyvinyl chloride film. These ceilings are mounted not on the original ceiling but at any desired distance from it. This makes it possible to hide various defects of the original ceiling from prying eyes, and can also help to conceal the utilities run through the apartment.

We are all used to seeing ceilings flat and painted white, and simply cannot imagine other appearances. But stretch ceilings vary so much in construction and color shades that they completely change this established view. There are ordinary ceilings that do not attract much attention, and there are unusual ones that reflect the entire interior of the room like a mirror. Some types of ceilings imitate the appearance of marble, mother-of-pearl, or expensive and rare types of wood. All this provides excellent opportunities to design unique and striking interiors. There are sloped stretch ceilings, multi-level, domed, arched and wave-shaped ceilings. Nowadays many companies help their clients not only to install high-quality stretch ceilings in their apartments, but also to assist in creating a unique and original interior.

The design options offered to me amazed me with their variety and colorfulness. I found the mirrored-surface ceiling and the ceiling with photoprinting very interesting. But the greatest impression was made by the option in which a pattern imitating a night starry sky was applied to the stretch ceiling membrane. It is not surprising that this wonder was called the "starry sky." It seemed I could lie for hours under this special sky and admire the beauty of the endless celestial space dotted with thousands of twinkling stars.

There are several ways to achieve such an unusual appearance. In one of them the "starry sky" effect is achieved using optical fiber, which is mounted in a special plastic or plywood molding and a special generator. This frame is placed between the stretch ceiling and the original ceiling, allowing light to emerge through the stretch ceiling in specifically designated spots. The special generator creates a twinkling effect for the stars, and light filters allow the stars to have different color shades. Brightness is adjusted by the intensity of individual points on the stretch ceiling membrane. Because no electrical wiring is used in creating the "starry sky" stretch ceiling, there is no risk of short circuits or fire caused by wiring.

Another method involves a special control unit and various LEDs that are mounted on the stretch ceiling membrane in pre-prepared holes. This option makes it possible to achieve the most realistic effect. In addition, you can create auroras or meteor showers on the ceiling. Amazingly, the control unit even allows the "starry sky" to be used as a music-synchronized light show.

To make the stars appear more voluminous and bright, special tips made of crystal are used. These crystals are called Swarovski crystals and are often used on velvet or satin surfaces of stretch ceilings.

Stretch ceilings are manufactured according to precise, pre-taken measurements. I decided on a stretch ceiling using optical fiber. I ordered the fabrication and installation from the same company to save time and money. The installation of a "starry sky" differs significantly from standard installation and requires high precision and care from the installers. Stretch ceilings are installed at the end of all renovation work. I was very pleased that it was not necessary to clear the room of furniture for the ceiling installation, and there was practically no construction debris left after the work.

Thanks to the material from which the stretch ceiling is made, it is practically resistant to wear. Warranties provided by companies usually reach up to ten years, but the actual service life of the ceilings is many times longer. Cleaning the ceiling amounts to wiping it with a damp cloth or sponge when necessary; cleaning agents may be used, but under no circumstances abrasive cleaners. If you decide to make changes to the room's interior, for example, replace a chandelier, you should contact professionals who will perform the work without risking damage to the stretch ceiling surface.

I was satisfied — my ceiling is reliable, beautiful, not afraid of moisture, will not crack over time, and will not require constant repairs year after year. Probably the main, or perhaps even the only, drawback of stretch ceilings is their fairly high cost, but if you put all their indisputable advantages on the other side of the scale, the balance will undoubtedly be in the positive. When I looked at how the "starry sky" stretch ceiling appeared in catalogs, I could not imagine that in reality it would be much more beautiful and unique than on paper. Now I can admire the constellations in any weather without leaving my apartment.