Not so long ago, multi-level stretch ceilings served as an indicator of an elite expensive repair. Today they settle down almost everywhere. Of course, even now there are expensive designer models with painting, but the variety of finishing materials and technologies makes it possible for everyone to choose a stepped design according to their preference and acceptable cost.
Features of the device of multi-tiered ceilings
Stretch ceilings are continuous suspended systems. They are single or multi-level, resembling, as seen in the photo, stair steps, where the first level (upper canvas) falls below the base floor, the second level is set below the first, etc. d.
The distance between the tiers, the number of levels (steps) and their shape - straight or curly - individually for each ceiling and depends on:
from the conceived design;
room height;
and financial capacity.
A multidimensional design, of course, will cost more, but it is more beautiful, which is why bunk ceilings are in great demand, as the golden mean in terms of such indicators as standard height, aesthetic appeal of ceiling decoration, price.
For example, with high ceilings, the gaps between steps can be made larger, as well as the number of levels, which will make it possible to make the room more comfortable and eliminate the booming echo. But again, if this does not go against the design, since many style directions - loft, gothic, industrial and the like welcome high planes that resemble industrial workshops.
If the ceiling is located low, then the distance between the tiers should be kept to a minimum, and reflective stretch canvases should be used - glossy or fully or partially mirrored, which will help to visually enlarge the room.
A good technique, often used by designers, is the arrangement of multi-level stretch ceilings in small rooms with competently mounted lighting on each tier.
Such multi-level lighting using lamps of various shapes and powers will fill the room with light and make it more spacious.
Pros and cons of multi-level finishing
Modern technical capabilities, as well as a variety of colors and textures, make it possible to embody any stepped structure in the interior that imagination is capable of. Regardless of the configuration, the multi-level ceiling retains all its advantages:
stepped stretch coatings will help to effectively zone the space, which is especially important for the kitchen-living room and studio apartments;
perfectly hide floor defects and ceiling communications;
correct a visually unsuccessful layout and divert attention from the flaws of the interior;
will make it possible to implement the most creative ideas, since they are easily combined with various finishing materials and lighting devices - neon, traditional, LED;
and create an unforgettable beauty spectacle.
In addition, multidimensional constructions:
versatile, since the variety of canvases allows you to use them in the nursery, living room, bedroom or dining room, as well as in non-residential premises - in the kitchen, balcony, bathroom, corridor, office and commercial centers;
due to the specifics of the installation and the aluminum frame, they are strong and durable;
they are distinguished by good acoustic and thermal insulation properties, as well as high wear resistance and water resistance, therefore they reliably protect against flooding;
easy to install, dismantle and maintain.
The disadvantages of multi-level ceilings can be attributed only to the high cost, the lion's share of which falls on the installation work.
And since the assembly of stepped shapes is no different from installing a flat ceiling, then with a limited budget it can be done independently. Moreover, brand manufacturers of stretch ceilings describe in the attached instructions the installation process from "a" to "z".
Types and selection of level ceilings
Tier ceiling cladding in the traditional version is mounted from steps, each of which can have its own configuration and be formed from materials of different color and texture. This allows you to create different coatings, namely:
classic two-level ceilings, which, even at low heights, will allow you to beautifully zone the space;
tension multi-level structures, consisting of 3 or more tiers;
wavy shapes;
arches and wavy transitions;
straight and curved fragments;
and also the cones.
The choice of this or that design depends primarily on the purpose of the room:
Bathroom. High humidity is often present here, therefore, for this room, you should choose European quality stretch fabrics:
moisture resistant;
not susceptible to the spread of mold and mildew;
well withstand temperature fluctuations;
having high strength indicators.
Kitchen. The most controversial room in the house. On the one hand - a favorite place for gatherings, therefore, it should be cozy and warm, and on the other - a cooking zone with high humidity, where steam is often present, soot settles. Because of this, it is advisable to use glossy, in extreme cases, satin films in the kitchen, which are well washed and do not absorb food aromas and burning smell.
Bedroom, nursery, study and living room. Any canvases can be mounted in these rooms:
glossy;
mirrored;
matte;
satin;
fabric;
monochromatic, colored, with a junction of 2 colors in one canvas, using many lamps (starry sky, galaxy), with a 3D effect, painting or photo, which will especially delight the kids if you capture your favorite characters for them in the children's bedroom.
The choice of design and tensioning fabric depends on personal preferences and financial capabilities. Naturally, film coatings will cost less, but fabric ones, due to the silky texture, look richer and more prestigious. In addition, they are installed without heating equipment, which greatly facilitates and reduces the cost of installation.
If, for example, a matte ceiling with a photo print is wonderfully suitable for a children's room, a matte classic design for an office, then in the bedroom it is worth taking advantage of all the advantages of a glossy canvas, and in the hall - fabric, matte or combined, which, together with wide baguettes around the edges, will truly create royal interior.
Self-assembly of multi-level systems
Since installation work is expensive, many consumers are faced with a choice - to invite specialists, while saving on materials, which will undoubtedly affect the beauty of the tension structure, or to assemble multi-level ceilings with their own hands, preferring higher quality and original canvases.
The arrangement of stepped systems is, in principle, a simple process, but before doing it yourself, you need to evaluate your strengths:
measure the room;
make a sketch of the desired ceiling, taking into account measurements and calculate the approximate number of all components;
mark the lines along which the baguette will be attached.
Then you need to prepare tools and equipment:
level, preferably laser;
a heat gun with a gas cylinder and a perforator;
hammer, spatula, screwdriver and sharp knife;
marker and always a stepladder.
Beginners should not immediately take on the arrangement of complex multi-level structures, it is better to start familiarizing themselves with the installation of a two-tier covering in a small area.
Stages of installing a two-tiered ceiling:
Surface preparation. Remove peeling plaster with a perforator or steel trowel. At high humidity, the surface is primed to prevent the appearance and spread of mold.
Wall markings. According to measurements and a sketch, draw the lines for attaching the profiles with a marker. Too curved walls are leveled before starting work.
Checking the geometry of the contour relative to the horizon using a laser level.
Installation of electrical wiring, power supplies, tapes and controllers for LED backlighting, as well as mounts for cornices and lamps, which in terms of power must correspond to the selected canvas, so as not to deform it with an excessively intense luminous flux.
Installing a curly lower level. The desired pattern is applied to the base overlap and wooden blocks equal to the step height are fixed along it. Attach a profile with a connecting lock to the bars, sawing it in the most winding places.
Assembling the upper tier. A baguette is laid along the marking lines, fixing it to the walls using dowels or self-tapping screws. For plastic moldings, fasteners are installed with a pitch of 100-150 mm, and for aluminum profiles - 300 mm. The scout line must pass under the lower plane of the profile.
Tension of the blades. The films are cut by 10% less measurements, since they will stretch under the influence of heat. They are heated to +70 ° C with a heat gun, first heating the room to +30 ° C, and then, carefully pulling them onto the frame, put them into the profiles with a spatula and fix. The fabric, on the contrary, is cut out with a 10-15 cm margin on all sides and without heating, pulling well, tucked into the profiles. Fix in any way and cut off excess. To create multidimensional coatings, professionals advise using the harpoon method of attaching the canvases, as it is more simple and convenient. First, the lower tier is formed. Work alternately with each opposite wall. Start from the corners, moving towards the center of the wall (according to the curtain canopy pattern). After fully stretching the lower cover, equip the upper level in the same way.
Install lamps and decorative cornices, masking the junction of the canvases with the profile.
Multilevel stretch ceilings are installed for many years. Therefore, when choosing a design, you need to focus not on the first impression of the model you like, but on the popularity of the manufacturer and the reliability of materials.
