The easiest way to decorate the ceiling space is with the help of a polymer fabric, membrane film or woven material, for example, install the super popular stretch fabrics, satin, with gloss or matte texture. The market and specialized salons are overflowing with material of various colors from different manufacturers. Special satin for the ceiling appeared relatively recently, the material is clearly innovative, so the demand for this type of decorative finish is only increasing.
What you need to know about stretch satin materials
To a certain extent, stretch satin for the ceiling is a direct relative of glossy canvas. A slight difference is present only in the quality of the surface:
- The glossy material is rolled out on rolling equipment so that a perfectly smooth surface is obtained;
- The canvas for a satin ceiling is the same gloss, on which a special relief is rolled, imitating the interweaving of satin fibers.
In addition, there is a fairly large number of fabric materials for stretch ceilings, in which the front satin surface is made of interwoven synthetic polyester fiber with PVC coating.
For your information! Satin fabric stretch ceilings are much more expensive than a polymer membrane. Sometimes the difference for two types of ceiling finishes can reach 100%.
In order to understand the difference, it is worth remembering what a satin stretch ceiling is. Essentially, this is a monolithic or woven fabric stretched over a supporting frame made from a specially configured profile. Differences in the method of obtaining tension material have virtually no effect on the appearance of the satin ceiling, photo.
The only significant difference is the installation method:
- A fabric-based satin ceiling is installed in a cold way, without heating the tension panel, which significantly reduces the risk of damage to the ceiling finish;
- Glossy and satin PVC membranes have to be heated with hot air; after cooling, the straightened fabric is stretched into a completely flat surface.
Using a heat gun carries a certain risk, for example, if you are going to put white satin on a suspended ceiling, you need to be extremely careful with heating. If the polymer membrane is overheated, the plastic darkens. You may not immediately notice the overheated area on the tension surface; only after a while dark spots appear on the satin ceiling, which are quite difficult to remove.
Design options
There are three main varieties:
- Single level. It is a smooth, seamless surface that fits perfectly with any room style.
- Two-level. Hides ceiling defects, gives the interior individuality and expressiveness.
- Multi-level. They assume the presence of absolutely any shape, are more suitable for large rooms and create a spectacular interior.
The photo shows a multi-level satin ceiling.
The photo shows a white single-level satin stretch ceiling.
Benefits of satin
For example, the results of even a simple visual comparison of satin and matte surfaces, one model and one manufacturer, are clearly not in favor of the latter sample. A matte stretch ceiling looks too rough, and its use in room design is justified only for offices with very high ceilings.
A glossy stretch ceiling does not fit well with a classic or even simple home decor; a decorative ceiling finish with a mirror finish looks good in the dining room or next to the minibar, but nothing more. Gloss is chosen for more active styles such as hi-tech and techno.
Important! A good quality satin fabric, professionally laid on the ceiling surface, looks as if the whole thing is a natural silk or satin finish.
The monotonous pattern of surface texture formed by the interweaving of fibers reflects light almost identically, regardless of the angle of incidence of the light. It is extremely difficult to achieve such a reflection in any other way. With a significant ceiling height, the satin, photo, merges into one coating, but a specific reflection remains.
Therefore, in comparison with glossy and matte films, satin stretch ceilings look more representative and contrasting.
Satin ceiling design
Allows you to change the room and give it a unique style.
Color
A variety of two-color models give the ceiling space uniqueness and style. With this design you can not only create an interesting design in the room, but also visually divide it into several zones.
The photo shows a stretch satin ceiling with a combination of white and red colors.
With photo printing
Satin ceilings with photo printing make the interior truly unusual and original, and become the brightest element of the entire room.
The photo shows a satin stretch ceiling with photo printing in the shape of the sky.
With drawings
Creative prints and patterns can revive and transform any ceiling, add comfort to the room and become its main decorative decoration.
Various shapes
Ceilings made of squares, rhombuses, rectangles, ovals and other extraordinary shapes will adjust the room and, if the dimensions of the room are correctly measured, will look very harmonious.
Carved
Such a delightful design provides an opportunity to uniquely design the ceiling space and create a memorable and effective accent in the room.
Practicality of satin stretch ceilings
Apartment owners who have chosen a shelf finish with a satin texture should remember that fabric and polymer with a relief applied can look completely different in different conditions. Therefore, you should not try to combine fabric tension materials and polymer films in one composite ceiling finish.
Satin fabrics are easy to maintain. You can go over it with a dry cloth every few days or even weeks, and if it is heavily soiled, use a detergent, and most importantly, after washing, the stain or area on the cloth will need to be rinsed several times with clean water without any additives.
It is especially important to monitor the condition of the satin stretch ceiling in white or light shades. Unlike gloss or matte surfaces, dust particles stick firmly to dried soap or ceiling cleaner residues. As a result, dark traces of cleaning in the apartment remain on the white satin of the stretch ceiling, as in an x-ray.
In addition, satin ceilings exhibit increased sensitivity to temperature changes. Any fireplaces, stoves, radiators, and especially infrared emitters overheat the surface above the maximum 90°C. As a result, the facing fabric may sag, and if the ceiling trim is made of polyester fabric, then if it overheats, the material may even tear off or bend the profile from the wall.
Which is better: matte or satin stretch ceilings, reviews of glossy surfaces
Everyone who carries out home renovations wants to know the difference between a satin stretch ceiling and a matte one and which option to choose for the renovation. In appearance, both types of coating are very similar, but nevertheless, satin has a more attractive pearlescent shade, which remains regardless of the chosen color for the canvas.
Satin canvas is also characterized by an attractive, fine-grained structure, which looks great both when using artistic painting or photo printing, and in a single-color version. An inconspicuous shine, unlike a glossy ceiling, will attract attention in any room, so satin canvases are appropriate to install in both bedrooms and children's rooms.
Related article:
Stretch ceilings: photos that will help you choose the best option for each room
How to choose color and design depending on the purpose of the room. What to look for when purchasing. Price range.
In appearance, a satin ceiling resembles natural silk fabric, but it is much cheaper than its silk “sister”. An important difference between satin and matte ceilings is the presence of an unusual shine. When purchasing the first option, it is very important to choose the right lighting, because in different light the surface looks different. It is very easy to use lighting not only to highlight the features of the ceiling, but also to make it less attractive.
Glossy ceiling helps cope with the lack of natural light
Helpful advice! If you choose a white satin or matte stretch ceiling for finishing, the difference will be difficult to notice, but a satin design will cost 10-15% more.
It is quite difficult to give a specific answer to the question of which texture is better to choose, because one must rely on a large number of factors. In a situation where a person categorically cannot tolerate shine of any etiology, one should install matte PVC films or fabric ceilings, which have the same advantages, but are cheaper.
If you want to make the room unusual, festive and attractive, but do not need to visually increase the area of the room, it is better to choose a satin canvas. In a small room with low ceilings, most designers will recommend installing a glossy canvas, which will visually change the geometry of the room.
The difference between white satin and matte stretch ceilings is small, but satin canvas will cost more
Reviews which ceiling is better: matte, satin or glossy
Which ceiling is better - satin, matte or glossy? The type of coverage you choose in a given situation will depend on a large number of factors, including:
- ceiling height;
- room dimensions;
- configuration features;
- the main purpose of using the premises;
- personal preferences of the owners.
Thus, mirror shine can expand the volume of the room, so for a small room the choice of a glossy ceiling is optimal. Smooth canvases are actively used when decorating interiors in a modern high-tech style, which is characterized by the placement of mirror and glossy surfaces.
If you need an imitation of standard plaster, then matte ceilings are the best solution for this.
In this case, the ceiling will harmoniously combine with glossy doors, glass and mirror inserts on furniture facades. In general, designers recommend installing glossy canvases more often in kitchens, living rooms, corridors, and hallways. Some shades can also be used in a bathroom, because due to the smooth structure of the particles, dirt does not accumulate on the surface.
Glossy shine will also help cope with the lack of natural light. In small rooms, it will be enough to correctly install the minimum number of lighting fixtures, which, thanks to the mirror surface, will double the amount of light in the room. The light from the lamp is reflected from the material and spreads throughout the room.
Matte ceilings skillfully imitate standard plaster. Many people are interested in the difference between a matte stretch ceiling and a satin one. As already noted, the main difference is the presence of shimmer on the satin fabric. This makes it the optimal finishing option for a classic style, which is alien to mirror, shiny or iridescent surfaces.
This type of stretch ceiling is harmoniously combined in one room with luxurious and antique furniture, stucco molding, figurines and other decorative elements. If we talk about what is better - a matte stretch ceiling or a satin one in a kitchen, then many are inclined to choose the option of a matte canvas.
Externally, the satin ceiling resembles natural fabric
This happens, firstly, due to easier maintenance, and secondly, due to the absence of the likelihood of stains highlighting when the nature of the lighting changes, as can happen when using satin. The size of the sheet is selected based on the dimensions of the room; the minimum width of a roll of matte sheet is 2.6 meters.
Satin surfaces will look great in children's rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, work areas, for example, in the office. It is in these rooms that it is imperative to create a comfortable and secluded environment, because the right choice will contribute to fruitful work or good rest. Some designers see no barriers to using expensive satin fabric in a bathroom, hallway or other small room.
Brief comparative characteristics of all types of PVC films
For convenience, the table provides a brief comparative description of the materials in order to quickly understand which ceiling is better - satin, matte or glossy:
| Options | Ceiling type | ||
| Matte | Satin | Gloss | |
| Surface structure | Complete lack of shine | Pearlescent shine without mirror reflection | Shine and reflection |
| Possibility of using photo printing, art, drawings | Any image can be applied | Great for printing photos and designs | In most cases, the canvas is simply plain |
| In what rooms is installation recommended? | Spacious rooms with high walls and bright surfaces | Spacious rooms with high light walls | All rooms, but most impressive in small rooms, including those with poor lighting |
| What design does it go with? | Classic and other traditional interiors, almost any design | Strict classic style, as well as minimalism | More suitable for modern interiors, but in practice it is used to create any design |
To make it easier to make a choice, you should pay attention to the advice of designers:
- Gloss is suitable for small rooms, as it visually expands the room.
- For bedrooms, the best choice would be satin fabric, because it will not distract and focus attention. Satin is used in living rooms where ceilings should not attract attention.
- It is recommended to cover the hallway, bathroom and kitchen with matte or glossy canvas, firstly, because of the small square footage, and secondly, because these materials are easier to wash than satin.
Satin fabrics will look great in living rooms, bedrooms and even in the office
Helpful advice! The difference between satin and matte stretch ceilings and glossy canvases is that the latter are categorically not recommended for installation in bedrooms or children's rooms. In addition to the fact that they will reflect light from devices located in the apartment, at night they become a source of unnecessary lighting coming from the street.
Leader in demand - white satin ceiling
Due to possible problems, white satin, it would seem, should be in the least demand of all possible canvas options. Practice shows that it is the white satin stretch ceiling, photo, that turns out to be the most beautiful and organic; the demand for light shades and snow-white material remains traditionally higher than for painted models.
Satin colors
The color scheme forms the main appearance of the room and sets a certain mood for it.
White
Clean, voluminous and airy. Canvases in a milky or classic white shade look simple and at the same time very elegant. They give the room spatiality.
The photo shows a white stretch satin ceiling in the living room.
Beige
This multifaceted color has many shades, such as vanilla, cream, butter. Products in this palette will create a calm, relaxing and cozy interior.
Blue
The stretch version in light blue or dark blue looks creative and exclusive. It acts as an excellent cool background, visually distances the ceiling and creates visual illusions in space.
The photo shows a blue satin stretch ceiling.
Black
A laconic, elegant and very sophisticated color that gives the interior depth and clarity.
Grey
Creates a neutral and calm design. It goes well with various shades, makes the room more voluminous and balances its color scheme.
The photo shows a gray stretched satin fabric.
Green
Light green, like a shade of green, makes the room more airy and light.
The photo shows a light green satin stretch ceiling.
Violet
Deep and mysterious. Tension models in purple color will add chic and luxury to the room.
The photo shows a purple satin ceiling in the dining room.
Brown
Respectable and elegant chocolate shade creates a rich, stylish interior and emphasizes delicate taste.
Universal color for any interior
There are only two reasons why the white satin ceiling enjoys continued success:
- Light satin will easily suit any interior. Even if the style or design of the room changes, there will be no need to make fundamental changes to the design of the ceiling surface;
- White satin stretch ceiling provides the optimal amount of light in the room.
The matte surface, even in light colors, turns out to be slightly gloomy. The gloss is inconsistent; in natural light, the “bunnies” playing above your head are not particularly annoying; if you turn on the lighting in the evening, the reflection on the ceiling surface can cause some discomfort.
In this sense, white satin on a stretch ceiling, photo, can be considered an ideally balanced option.
Even without additional decor, lamps and lighting, the ceiling surface with a very smooth and beautiful reflection looks quite attractive. In addition, satin material, due to its calibrated surface microrelief, is ideal for applying various images, and even, if necessary, completely repainting the surface.
What does it look like in the interior of the rooms?
Satin canvases will perfectly decorate and complement other decorative elements in the room.
Hall or living room
Satin stretch ceilings favorably emphasize the interior and the overall style of the living room, gently reflect and diffuse the light emanating from lighting fixtures and create a calm and comfortable atmosphere.
The photo shows a living room with a white stretch satin ceiling.
Bedroom
The pearlescent shine of satin products gives the bedroom a truly luxurious look. Such models look stylish and modern, and due to their unobtrusive reflection, they visually raise the ceiling.
Kitchen
Tensile structures look impressive and give the room more coziness. They are suitable for both small and larger kitchens.
The photo shows a satin stretch ceiling in the kitchen interior.
Bathroom
Such ceilings are perfect for the bathroom; they do not allow steam to pass through and have good moisture-repellent properties. Models in light colors gently diffuse light, which means they expand the boundaries of the ceiling space, which is especially good for small-format rooms.
Children's
A light silky shine will give the room tenderness, comfort and tranquility. From an environmental point of view, such a ceiling covering will not cause any harm to the health of children, since it is hypoallergenic and odorless.
The photo shows a children's room and a white satin single-level ceiling.
Corridor and hallway
Satin canvases make the hallway elegant and sophisticated. Externally, they look very expensive and, due to their ease of care, are perfect for this type of room.
The photo shows a stretched satin fabric in the hallway interior.
Stretch ceiling layout options
Choosing and planning the design of decorative finishing of the ceiling surface is quite difficult. Especially with glossy and satin ceilings. To understand what a satin stretch ceiling looks like, use a photo of an interior design that is similar in design. In the most difficult cases, you have to glue paper or fabric with a satin sheen to the ceiling. This is the only way to imagine the future design of an apartment with satin overhead.
Advice! If you don’t have practical experience with interior design, then it’s best to start with the smallest room.
The easiest way is to plan the decoration for an office or kitchen. For such premises, a satin stretch finish is chosen without additional decor or complex multi-level transitions.
It will be enough if the profile holding the canvas is covered with a plasterboard box.
For a veranda, a small veranda in the bay window of a house, the installation of ceilings is even simpler. The canvas is simply stretched to its maximum height to provide optimal conditions for daylight to enter the room.
In this case, the supporting frame of the cladding is simply covered with a decorative profile. If the finish seems boring, then you can install several spotlights on the satin surface.
Satin stretch ceilings for the bedroom, photo, ideally are also planned without additional decor.
The best option would be to choose a white or slightly bluish ceiling. This finish goes well with coffee brown, green and beige interior colors. If the bedroom is planned to be decorated in dark colors, then the suspended ceilings will be equipped with lighting or spotlights mounted in a box located around the perimeter of the room.
In the case of decorating a hall and living room, you don’t have to adhere to any standards at all; the choice of design is determined by the furnishings of the room. For example, in the classic version, satin stretch ceilings for the hall, photo, can be without any ceiling decor.
For more complex design rooms, the ceiling surface can be combined, including a peripheral satin finish and a central insert made of glossy tension material.
Kitchen
Kitchens in any apartment are specific rooms with high humidity and the same high air pollution. Therefore, not any type of finish is suitable for decorating walls and ceiling coverings. A dilemma often arises: how not to create problems during operation and at the same time decorate such a room in a designer way.
Of course, reviews about the use of satin stretch ceilings are quite enthusiastic, but they are still not recommended for use in the kitchen . Glossy ceiling coverings are more suitable for these purposes, because virtually no maintenance is required, and visually they beneficially expand the space.
All suspended ceilings are impregnated with fire retardants to prevent fire
White, light shades, green, blue, beige and ivory are popular . Orange colors look fashionable and elegant. Satin is suitable not only for decorating a living space, it will miraculously fit into office interiors. Its classic appearance emphasizes its solidity and reliability.
Reviews from owners of satin ceilings
Vitaly Rybnikov, 25 years old, Tiraspol
It is most convenient to work with satin ceilings; for high-quality installation of ceilings, you only need to conscientiously install the wall profile. We not only sew it on with dowels, but also glue it with Liquid Nails. Everyone really likes satin, there is no smell, it doesn’t smell, and it’s not afraid of leaks from the top floor. I will install only satin material in my home, it turns out cheap, and the service life is guaranteed to be more than 15 years.
Valentina Alekseevna Onishchenko, 60 years old, Melitopol
The ceiling has its drawbacks. I personally don’t like that the material is synthetic and emits odors, especially after heating the room. They put it in white, everyone was afraid, so that there would be less dust. My grandson treated the surface with a spray can, now there is no smell, no dust, not even flies land on the satin.
Roman Petrovich Kurilo, 55 years old, Obukhov
I bought the ceiling two years ago. I didn’t install it myself, installation was included in the price of the material. When the craftsmen finished the work and left, I used a flashlight to check how large the gaps were between the profile and the wall. What a surprise, the largest was 1 mm. I didn’t do anything during all this time, I just wiped off the dust with a rag a couple of times a month. The neighbor has the same satin ceiling; the plaster from the ceiling has fallen off along with part of the slab. We thought it would break off, no, everything worked out. We unfastened it from one edge, cleaned it, collected dust with a vacuum cleaner and returned it to its place. The ceiling is still standing.
Differences between satin ceilings and fabric and glossy ceilings
The different quality of tension materials often raises the question of which coating to choose. To form an objective opinion, it is worth considering the distinctive features of glossy, fabric and satin canvases.
Fabric varieties have greater strength compared to satin, so they can withstand greater mechanical load. At the same time, fabric products are thinner than PVC. The structure itself is also different. The “fabric” is created by weaving natural fibers and then applying polyurethane to the surface. Outwardly, this manifests itself in the absence of mirror gloss, glare, and shimmer.
These two varieties also differ in their temperature optimum. Fabric sheets can withstand large amplitudes - from -40 to +80 degrees. Another discrepancy lies in the material's relationship to water. Fabric can allow water to pass through, unlike moisture-resistant satin.
Glossy “brothers in the shop” are made in the same way as satin PVC canvases. The external difference lies in the mirror-glossy, perfectly smooth surface. This feature leaves an imprint on the care procedure. Glossy coating requires special cleaning methods and extreme care. A common feature of lacquered and satin ceilings is a wide range of colors.
Rules for caring for a satin ceiling
In order for the ceiling to serve for at least 10 years without losing its original appearance, you need to follow simple maintenance rules:
- in order to avoid deformation of the canvas, it is necessary to exclude sudden changes in temperature, overheating and freezing of the room;
- Do not expose the satin ceiling to strong impacts, and do not use sharp objects near it;
- the lampshades of installed lamps should not come into contact with the surface of the canvas; it is allowed to use only low-power lamps to prevent overheating of the material;
- cleaning of satin ceilings is carried out with liquid detergent and a soft sponge; the use of abrasive and aggressive chemical powders is prohibited, since even minor damage contributes to the destruction of the material; to avoid streaks after washing, use a dry non-woven cloth.
By following these simple rules, beautiful and practical stretch fabrics will delight you with their appearance for many years, creating coziness and comfort in your home.
