How to choose a ceiling in the bathroom: 7 spectacular ways to decorate the surface

5 September, 2016
Specialization: Capital construction works (laying of foundations, erection of walls, construction of a roof, etc.). Internal construction work (laying of internal communications, rough and final finishing). Hobbies: mobile communications, high technologies, computer technology, programming.

Many home craftsmen and novice interior designers are interested in the question of what is the best ceiling in the bathroom. After all, the material used must not only be beautiful, but also withstand operation in difficult conditions of high humidity and constant temperature fluctuations.

Today I will tell you about the popular types of finishes that I have used in my own practice. The information provided will help you choose an option that will be good from an aesthetic point of view and from the point of view of performance.

Requirements for finishing materials

I note right away that for painting the ceiling it is necessary to use special paints that tolerate operation in humid air well and do not crack under the influence of high temperatures. I used the following options in my work:

1. Acrylic. A type of water-based paint that is specially designed for painting surfaces that are exposed to moisture. After application and drying, it forms an attractive looking, tough and flexible coating that is durable and easy to care for. The paint on the ceiling will not wash off, even if you rub it with a sponge dampened with a mild household detergent.
2. Latex. These paints are distinguished by the fact that, due to their special composition, they are able to fill small surface defects and are not susceptible to cracking as a result of small displacements of the base. They perfectly tolerate the effects of moisture and are not destroyed by direct contact with water. Latex paint is often used to paint mineral (plastered) surfaces.
3. Silicone. Perhaps the best option for decorating the ceiling in the bathroom. The wide distribution of this paint is limited only by its rather high price. However, the performance characteristics are at a height: the paint is not washed off with water, does not lose its appearance during operation, does not crack and does not fade. Fungi, mold and other microorganisms do not grow on its surface.

It is also an economical finishing option, which, however, allows you to construct a great looking ceiling without time consuming alignment. Moreover, there will be a place to disguise the plastic sleeves with wires and air ducts.

Outwardly, this material is a separate hollow lamella of a certain width (often 25 cm), resembling a wooden Euro lining in shape. They are painted in various colors, the surface is decorated with patterns, and three-dimensional patterns can be applied to them.

Installation of panels is carried out on a crate made of galvanized profiles or wood. It makes it possible to level the surface without using cement plaster and putty (I described this process in detail in one of the articles on this site). In addition, you can easily equip spot lighting or LED lighting.

A few words about other advantages of plastic panels:

1. Water resistance. Plastic perfectly tolerates operation in humid air and does not change its technical characteristics in any way, even in the case of direct contact with liquid. Therefore, the panels can be safely used to decorate the bathroom.
2. UV resistant. The color of the material and its shape do not change when exposed to direct sunlight. This is important when your bathroom has a window.
3. Long service life. The material lasts as long as the tile. At the same time, then from above will not worsen the appearance of the panels. The narrow link is only the rotting wooden frame. However, it can always be replaced with a structure made of galvanized profiles.
4. High reflectivity Glossy plastic ceiling panels reflect light well, therefore visually increase the size of the bathroom. This effect can be enhanced by properly organized lighting using LED lights installed directly in the plastic.
5. Ease of maintenance. Plastic is perfectly washed with a regular sponge and soapy water. The paint from its surface is not washed off, regardless of the intensity of the impact.
6. Cheapness. The cost of implementing such a project fits well within the framework of even a small budget. In some cases, when the ceiling has large defects, the price of a plastic ceiling will be lower than painting measures.
7. Environmental friendliness. Despite some criticism from opponents of this finishing method, plastic panels are completely safe material and do not harm human health. The level of emission of harmful substances is much lower than the norm.

The only disadvantages can be attributed to the accumulation of dust and dirt in the seams between the individual lamellas. However, if a thorough cleaning of the bathroom is carried out in a timely manner, this trouble can be easily avoided.

In conclusion, I would like to draw your attention to the difference between wall and ceiling plastic panels. The former have a more durable surface, but also more weight. Ceiling lamellas are more fragile, but also lightweight, so you don't need to construct a powerful frame to hold them.

If plastic slats are too simple for your sophisticated taste, you can install another structure in the bathroom - a suspended ceiling made of PVC.

Method 3 - Stretch ceiling

I must say right away that multi-level gypsum plasterboard structures do not need to be installed in baths with low ceilings. In addition, it is useful to know about several other disadvantages of such a solution:

• after installation, drywall requires additional decorative finishing - filling and painting;
• despite the moisture resistance, the material does not withstand direct contact with water, therefore, then from above it will force you to restore the destroyed structure;
• to maintain the appearance of the ceiling, you will have to tint it from time to time.

However, in my opinion, drywall is the most versatile way to decorate a bathroom. Although there are more exotic options, which will be discussed below.

Method 5 - hanging tiles

Finishing type Peculiarities Lime whitewash This method was used to decorate the ceilings of sanitary facilities during the Soviet era. And your grandparents can say that its quality and reliability have been tested for more than one decade of operation. But in terms of its operational properties, whitewash completely loses to modern decorative materials. In addition, it has to be updated from time to time, which in itself is laborious and messy. Chalk whitewash This option has all the disadvantages of the previous one. In addition, chalk is an excellent breeding ground for various microorganisms, so do not be surprised if soon your perfectly clean ceiling is covered with a layer of mold and mildew. Oil paint Please note that we are talking specifically about oil paint, which does not tolerate operation in humid air. Such a department will not last long and after a few months it will begin to lose color, become covered with cracks and, finally, begin to crumble. Wallpaper The option is not the best and very commonplace. If you nevertheless decide to wallpaper the ceiling, use special materials that can be operated in conditions of high humidity and temperature (I wrote about them in a separate article). Ordinary paper wallpapers will deteriorate very quickly and fall on your head. Suspended ceiling Here we are talking about structures made of ordinary (gray) drywall, as well as glued wood sheets (OSB boards, plywood). Very quickly, such a surface will warp as a result of moisture, which will force you to rebuild.

But I think that the options that I described above are enough to satisfy the needs of even the most fastidious buyer.

Before making the final decision on what kind of ceiling to make in the bathroom, let me give you a few tips that will facilitate this difficult choice.

First of all, in my opinion, you need to take into account the stylistic solution of the bathroom and apartment. The most neutral option is a white ceiling (although, to tell the truth, I've also seen a radical black one).

And it doesn't matter what material the surface is finished with. It can be a suspended PVC sheet, a multi-level gypsum plasterboard structure, or just a plastered floor slab.

However, the pristine white color should be organically combined with bright shades in the design of walls, plumbing fixtures or floors. Otherwise, the bathroom will be too dull and boring.

Another way is to “play” not with color, but with textures and materials. Here tiled or rack options will come to the rescue. Plus they are also that you can vary the height of the room, making it, if necessary, a little lower. The pronounced texture of aluminum or plastic plates helps to diversify the design of the room.

Bulky multi-level structures look organically only in large bathrooms with high ceilings. If this is your case, then I advise you to combine the shape of the bends on the ceiling with the shape of a bath or other plumbing fixtures. For example, you can make a circular structure on the ceiling that is exactly the same size as. Combined with spectacular lighting, your plumbing room will become a role model and the envy of everyone you know.

When cost plays a decisive role in choosing the right finish for the ceiling, pay attention to plastic panels or stretch ceilings. Their use makes it possible to abandon the leveling of the surface, and the service life and practicality leaves all the finishing materials listed above far behind.

Summary

The instructions presented to your attention above will allow you to choose a ceiling covering that will delight you, arouse the envy of guests and will last until you decide to start renovating the bathroom again. You can read about how to do it yourself in the articles posted on this site.

Leave your opinion on the information provided in the comments below.