The arrangement of the bathroom is a rather specific task, since this room is characterized by regular changes in humidity and temperature. A separate item in this matter is the selection of finishes for the ceiling, because it is this element of the room that is most susceptible to the influences noted above. This article will discuss whether it is possible to make a stretch ceiling in the bathroom.
Requirements for finishing the ceiling in the bathroom
The main problem, due to which difficulties arise when decorating a bathroom, is the very unstable microclimate of this room. Periodically appearing heated steam, condensate, temperature drops - all these factors indicate that a coating that does not have resistance to moisture will not be able to withstand such operating conditions.
The usual whitewash in such conditions will begin to flake off and crumble after a while. Moisture-resistant drywall, despite the name that speaks for itself, also cannot be called the best option - with prolonged exposure to a large volume of water, it stratifies and loses its operational properties.
Not all is well with plastic panels either. Of course, plastic has excellent resistance to moisture and water - but this has nothing to do with condensation. If there is no or insufficiently high-quality ventilation system, mold will appear on the plastic. Flooding can even cause physical damage to thin and fragile panels.
If you put together all the requirements for finishing the ceiling in the bathroom, you get a list that includes:
- Resistant to steam and splashing water;
- High mechanical strength and long service life under severe operating conditions;
- Possibility of wet cleaning and cleaning of the ceiling;
- Antistatic properties;
- Good decorative properties.
These requirements are fully met by stretch ceilings, which have recently become one of the most popular materials used for finishing the ceiling in the bathroom. That is why the question of whether stretch ceilings are made in the bathroom is irrelevant - many owners prefer just such a solution.
Types of stretch ceilings
Understanding whether it is possible to make stretch ceilings in the bathroom, you first need to find out what types of stretch ceilings exist in general, and only then proceed to the details.
There are two main types of stretch ceiling structures:
- Canvases made of polyvinyl chloride with a variety of textures;
- Polyester textile fabrics covered with a thin polyurethane layer.
Visually, these materials are quite similar, and the main differences lie in technical characteristics - for example, in strength and resistance to moisture. To be able to choose a stretch ceiling for a bathtub for specific conditions, it is worth considering both categories in more detail.
PVC stretch ceilings
Plastic wrap is an excellent option for a stretch ceiling, and it turns out to be most relevant in bathrooms. The canvas itself is a thin polyvinyl chloride film with a perfectly smooth surface (however, the smoothness directly depends on the degree of grinding).
Depending on the polish, PVC canvases are divided into three types:
- Glossy, which can reflect light rays and objects in the room;
- Satin, reflective diffused light;
- Matt, not reflecting light rays.
By and large, there is not much difference between the presented canvases. The main difference is the resistance to dirt and dust. So, glossy canvases are distinguished by the greatest smoothness, therefore, dust practically does not adhere to their surface. Matte ceilings, on the other hand, are most susceptible to dirt, and it is more difficult to clean them. Satin canvases can be called the "golden mean" - they are well protected from dirt, and the appearance of such a ceiling inspires respect.
If we talk about the technical characteristics, then they are absolutely identical - any PVC cloth is completely protected from moisture and can withstand a load of up to 100 kg per square meter. When flooded, water collects at the center point of the canvas and forms a kind of "drop", which allows you to drain all the water without the need to damage the ceiling.
Textile stretch ceilings
Polyester ceilings in bathrooms are used much less frequently than their PVC counterparts. The main disadvantage of textiles is vapor permeability and inability to retain water. The water vapor generated in the bathroom enters the pores of the material, settles in them and after a while forms characteristic spots on the surface of the ceiling. When flooded, water easily passes through the fabric, and the canvas is damaged, which leads to the need to replace it.
Despite the good visual properties, textiles do not have a wide variety of shades and colors. Primary colors are white, gray and pastel. The lack of variety suggests that in some cases it will not be possible to choose the optimal color of the canvas, therefore the interior of the room will not be properly implemented.
Understanding whether a stretch ceiling with a textile cloth is made in the bathroom, we can deduce the rule: such cloths are quite suitable for the bathroom, but only if there is high-quality supply and exhaust ventilation, which will not allow condensate to settle on the ceiling, and also if the possibility of flooding the room is completely excluded.
In general, fabric ceilings for a bathroom are irrelevant - they cost an order of magnitude more expensive than film ones, and at the same time they are distinguished by an obvious lack of performance that is required in specific conditions. Even for dignity in the form of a large width of a standard canvas (up to 5.2 m) it does not work out - in small rooms such dimensions of material are not required.
Advantages and disadvantages of stretch ceilings
Of the positive qualities of stretch ceilings, the following stand out the most:
- Moisture resistance... This quality is especially relevant when it comes to the improvement of the bathroom. In such rooms, the air is rather humid, and this state is not stable. In addition, there is a high likelihood of direct contact of the ceiling with splashing water. Correctly selected stretch ceiling eliminates the impact of these factors.
- Flood resistance... For private houses, this factor is irrelevant, but in apartments such problems arise, and at the most unexpected moment. Flooding can cause both the decoration and the objects in the room to come into direct contact with water. In the best case, characteristic yellow spots will remain on the ceiling, which will then be very difficult to wash, and in the worst case, a fire may occur due to the ingress of water on the electrical wiring. The use of film stretch ceilings allows you to get rid of all such problems - PVC canvases do not allow water to pass through and can hold it long enough to be painlessly drained in the near future.
- Antistatic properties... This parameter indicates that the material does not attract both small particles of various contaminants and condensate. This keeps the ceiling clean and fresh without losing its decorative properties. Due to the anti-static qualities, the ceiling will have to be washed less often, and it will look much better.
- Easy to clean... This advantage is due to both the previous paragraph and the characteristic features of stretch ceilings. Film canvases are easy to damp cleaning. If the contamination is large enough and serious, then you can use a dish detergent - after using it, streaks and a characteristic white coating will not appear on the ceiling surface after other products. It remains only to wipe the ceiling with a soft napkin, and the canvas will take on its original appearance.
- Resistant to mold and mildew... These biological factors primarily appear on loose surfaces that are regularly exposed to moisture. Stretch ceilings are perfectly protected from such factors due to their smooth surface and zero hygroscopicity.
- Durability... The average service life of stretch ceilings varies depending on the operating conditions. In general, with proper installation, the film sheet can last about 15 years, and the technical characteristics and decorative properties will not deteriorate throughout the entire service life.
- Excellent selection of colors and textures... The widest range of film canvases is presented on the market. The palette of colors is incredibly extensive, which makes it possible to use the most daring decisions in the design of the ceiling. In addition to simple colors, you can also consider options for paintings with different effects - for example, a starry sky or a water column.
- The ability to create multi-level systems... One of the solutions that can be applied when using stretch ceilings is the formation of a structure from several levels. Such a system allows you to zone the bathroom, thereby focusing on the most important areas and shading those places where, for example, extremely soft lighting should be. A tiered ceiling can be created regardless of the state of the base floor.
- High installation speed... It takes a minimum of time to arrange a stretch ceiling, but only on condition that all work is performed by experienced specialists. The speed of the process is largely due to the fact that there is no need for long and laborious preparation of the ceiling base. Most of the time during work will be occupied by the installation of insulation and sound insulation.
- Possibility of hidden installation of communications and thermal insulation... The stretch ceiling canvas allows you to hide most of the communications, including electrical wiring, ventilation system ducts and various pipes. In addition, sound and heat insulation can be placed under the ceiling without any problems. In the latter case, the task will be even easier - the canvas can perform the functions of a vapor barrier, so you don't have to fix it separately.
- Good compatibility with any interior... The correct selection of the color and texture of the stretch ceiling allows you to integrate it into any interior, regardless of what materials were used to decorate the walls and floor. In addition, stretch ceilings significantly affect the efficiency and distribution of lighting, which is especially important for small spaces like bathrooms.
- Dismantling possibility... If necessary, the stretch ceiling can be removed and then reinstalled in its place without damaging the material. This quality is used not only for repairs, but also for eliminating the consequences of flooding the apartment by neighbors from above. In addition, it is often necessary to replace or repair ceiling communications, and painless dismantling of the canvas will significantly reduce the cost and speed up the work process.
- Possibility of self-assembly... In principle, stretch ceilings are easy enough to install, which allows you to do all the work yourself. The only problem is the need to use a heat gun or similar equipment - in this case, appropriate experience is needed, so it is better to entrust this stage of work to specialists.
There are also disadvantages, and one cannot fail to mention them:
- Operating temperature... Film stretch ceilings can only be used at temperatures above +5 degrees Celsius. Otherwise, the material becomes covered with microcracks and loses its elasticity. However, in apartments the air temperature almost never reaches this temperature, so there are no particular risks. In private houses with seasonal residence, a similar phenomenon can happen - but there is no risk of flooding, therefore, instead of a film, you can use a textile cloth.
- Low mechanical strength... The stretched PVC fabric is fragile - even a small cut or point impact can damage the material. There are times when the canvas is damaged due to a strong jet of water directed at it. This parameter indicates that the operation of the film stretch ceiling should be very careful and accurate.
- Limited web width... The maximum width of PVC ceilings is 3.2 meters, which does not allow creating seamless canvases in large rooms. However, for bathrooms this does not really matter, since these rooms rarely have such dimensions.
Summing up, we can say that stretch ceilings are an excellent solution, so there is no need to think for a long time about whether it is possible to install a stretch ceiling in a bathroom. There are a lot of positive qualities of such ceilings, and disadvantages appear only in certain situations, and, provided that they are correctly installed and correctly operated, their manifestations can be avoided.
Choosing a stretch ceiling for a bathroom
When choosing stretch ceilings for bathrooms, the following parameters must be taken into account:
- Room dimensions and ceiling height;
- Features of wall and floor decoration;
- Plumbing color;
- Intended type and characteristics of lighting;
- The number and range of ceiling communications.
Having decided whether it is possible to make a stretch ceiling in the bathroom, you can start choosing materials. It is the dimensions of the room that have the greatest influence on the choice, so you need to build on them first of all. The rest of the parameters are secondary, but a lot depends on them - for example, correctly positioned lighting makes the bathroom more comfortable.
- The selection of the material of the canvas is carried out depending on the operating conditions of the ceiling. This is the main parameter - the material must have all the required characteristics for the full performance of its functions.
- You need to choose the texture of the ceiling depending on the size of the room. There are no particular restrictions in large rooms, so the best solution would be a ceiling that visually matches the walls. For small bathrooms, it is better to choose satin or glossy canvases in cold colors.
- The color of the ceiling is also a very individual moment. For a bathroom dominated by straight lines and white plumbing, a white canvas is best suited. If the ceiling is a couple of tones lighter than the wall decoration, then the room will seem more voluminous.
- Multilevel ceilings are more relevant for large rooms with high ceilings. In addition, they are actively used when hidden laying of communications is necessary. However, even in the bathroom, such a solution will be appropriate - for example, you can lower the ceiling above the bathroom and mount cozy lighting on it.
- Canvases with various patterns (for example, floral) are a rather original solution, but they are much better suited for large rooms, so it is better to use simpler finishes in the bathroom.
- Lighting can be made both general and spot. In the latter case, it becomes possible to zone the room using lamps, which allows you to achieve a more comfortable atmosphere in the bathroom.
Summarizing all of the above, we can put it this way - first of all, you need to decide on the required technical characteristics of the material, and after that you can design the design of the room, starting from the parameters and type of stretch ceiling.
Conclusion
The question of whether it is possible to install stretch ceilings in the bathroom has an unambiguous answer - it is not only possible, but also necessary. The installed stretch ceiling is very good both in terms of performance and in everything related to decorative properties, so this solution can be safely used when decorating an apartment.
Finishing the ceiling in the bathroom requires a special approach, because it (the ceiling) is affected by constant changes in humidity and temperature. In recent years, traditional whitewashing and painting are increasingly giving way to modern materials. Such as stretch ceilings.
Requirements for finishing the ceiling in the bathroom
In the bathroom, the microclimate is quite difficult - hot steam, condensation and possible leaks from neighbors on top can ruin non-moisture-resistant coatings. Whitewash and paint become stained and peel off over time.
Moisture-resistant drywall, although it is able to withstand changes in humidity, will stratify and become unusable when flooded. Plastic panels are not afraid of moisture, but condensation quickly forms on them. If ventilation is poor, mold may develop on them. The panels will also not save you from serious leaks - the light and fragile material from which they are made will bend and break under a large layer of water.
Renovation in the bathroom is not a cheap pleasure, so it is better to choose finishing materials that do not lose their decorative properties and a decent appearance for a long time.
A material suitable for finishing a bathroom must have the following characteristics:
- resistance to steam and water splashes;
- strength and durability;
- ease of washing and cleaning;
- antistatic properties;
- beautiful appearance.
Stretch ceilings meet all these requirements, so they are increasingly used in bathroom ceiling repairs. Such ceilings are distinguished by a variety of shades, structures and the ability to create a unique design.
Which stretch ceiling to choose for a bathroom
The materials from which stretch ceilings are made are divided into two groups:
- polyvinyl chloride canvases with a different texture;
- polyester textile fabrics with a layer of polyurethane applied.
Their characteristics are somewhat different, although outwardly the result may be similar. Often their performance properties, such as strength and water resistance, differ.
PVC-based stretch ceilings
PVC canvases are often used in bathroom decor. They consist of a thin PVC film, sanded to varying degrees of smoothness.
Due to the different polishing, three types of PVC canvases are distinguished:
- glossy- such a ceiling reflects not only light, but also interior items;
- satin, which has the property of reflecting diffused light;
- matt that does not reflect light rays.
The characteristics of these materials are generally similar, the only difference is their resistance to dirt and dust. Least of all, dust settles on a smooth, glossy surface, and a loose matte structure is more prone to dirt, it is more difficult to wash. Satin fabrics are resistant to dirt, while they have a pearlescent sheen and look stylish and expensive.
The strength and water resistance of these canvases is the same - they do not allow moisture to pass through and are able to withstand a large column of water in case of leaks (up to 100 kilograms per square meter). In this case, the water is collected in the center in the form of a large drop and it is possible.
Stretch ceiling prices
stretch ceiling
Note! Installation of PVC ceilings is performed by heating the room to 60 degrees using a heat gun. At this temperature, the canvas becomes soft and pliable.
Textile stretch ceilings
Stretch ceilings made of textiles in the bathroom are used less often - they do not have vapor barrier properties and allow water to pass through. Water vapor from a bath or shower penetrates into the micropores of such a canvas, settles there and eventually forms gray or yellow streaks. In case of leaks, they will not hold water, the canvas will be damaged, and the ceiling will need to be replaced.
The palette of textile canvases does not differ in variety and includes white, gray, pastel shades and several saturated colors. It is not always possible to choose them exactly in the desired tone.
Stretch ceilings of their textiles can be used in the bathroom if it has good supply and exhaust ventilation, which excludes the formation of condensation, and also excludes the possibility of flooding.
In most cases, the use of fabric ceilings is unjustified, since their price is higher than PVC films, and their properties are worse. Their only indisputable plus is the width of the canvas up to 5.2 m, but for small rooms this is irrelevant.
Note! Installation of textile ceilings does not require heating. They are mounted at room temperature in baguettes pre-mounted on the wall.
Advantages and disadvantages of stretch ceilings in the bathroom
Stretch ceilings for the bathroom have a number of advantages over other types of finishes, due to which they are gaining more and more popularity among apartment and house owners.
- Moisture resistance. For a bathroom, this is a very important quality, because constant fluctuations in humidity, steam from a bath or shower, as well as splashes of water can ruin most of the finishing materials, leave streaks and stains. Correctly selected stretch ceilings are not afraid of moisture.
- Resistant to water leaks. In city apartments, this is not such a rare situation: as a result of damage to plumbing, washing machine or pipes, water ends up on the floor of your neighbors on top, and a little later on your ceiling. Whitewashing or paint in this case will inevitably be damaged, especially when flooded with hot water. As a result of the erosion of salts inside the concrete slab, after drying, rusty or salt streaks form on its surface, which are difficult to remove and paint over.
PVC stretch ceilings commonly used in bathrooms are highly durable and resilient. When flooded, they will simply collect and hold water, and you will have to drain it on your own or with the assistance of craftsmen. After removing water and drying the ceilings, the ceilings are given their original shape. This nuisance will not affect the appearance of coatings.
Prices for fabric stretch ceiling
fabric stretch ceiling
Stretch ceiling installation
The disadvantages of stretch ceilings in the bathroom are worth mentioning separately. They are based on restrictions on the use of PVC ceilings.
- Ceilings based on PVC material cannot be used at temperatures below + 5 ° C - they are covered with a network of microcracks and lose their elasticity. Such a temperature in the bathroom of a city apartment is unlikely to happen even in emergency situations in heating networks. In private houses and dachas with temporary residence, freezing of the premises is possible, but there is practically no chance of flooding the bathroom. For this reason, it is better to use polyester-based textile ceilings in the country.
- PVC cloth in a stretched state has a rather fragile structure, it is afraid of sharp objects, point impacts, including jets of water under high pressure. Protect them from damage.
- The width of the PVC cloth is no more than 3.2 meters. Therefore, in large rooms, they cannot be made seamless. But for the bathroom, this feature is not so relevant, because the dimensions of this room usually do not exceed the width of the canvas at least on one side.
As you can see from the review of the pros and cons of stretch ceilings, using them in the bathroom is a smart choice. With the help of such ceilings, you can not only create the best microclimate in the bathroom, but also make it a unique and attractive design.
Stretch ceiling kit prices
stretch ceiling kit
Video - Comparison of stretch ceilings in the bathroom with other types of finishes
Note! To avoid high humidity, an exhaust ventilation system must be installed in the bathroom. In this case, ceiling diffusers can be positioned where steam accumulates most, for example, above a bathtub or shower.
How to choose a stretch ceiling for a bathroom: instructions
The choice of material and texture of the canvas is an important step, on which not only the appearance of the ceiling depends, but also its durability.
Designers are advised to consider:
- the dimensions of the room and the height of the ceilings;
- color and texture of wall and floor finishing materials;
- plumbing color;
- planned lighting;
- the presence of communications that need to be hidden behind the canvas.
The choice of texture and material of the ceiling depends mainly on the size of the room and its location. The table shows the preferred materials for bathrooms and toilets.
Table. The choice of material for the stretch ceiling.
| Features of the room | Preferred material | Color spectrum |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom in a private house or in the country without constant heating | Textile ceilings with operating temperatures up to -40 ° С | Any, depends on the main finish |
| Spacious bathroom in a city apartment with a regular ceiling height | Stretch ceilings based on PVC of any texture | Any color and shade, plain or with a print, any effects are permissible |
| Increased ceiling height and large area | Stretch ceilings based on PVC of any texture, including multi-level | Combination of different colors and shades, effects and prints |
| Small bathroom with increased ceiling height | Satin or matte PVC ceilings, two-level structures | Light cold shades are preferred, visually expanding the room |
| Small bathroom with normal ceiling height | Satin or glossy PVC ceilings | Satin ceilings in light cold tones or glossy in combination with shiny tiles on the walls visually expand the room and give a feeling of spaciousness |
Designer tips for choosing a stretch ceiling for a bathroom
- It is necessary to decide on the material of the stretch ceiling, based on the operating conditions. In doing so, you can use the tips in the table.
- The texture of the ceiling is chosen in accordance with its size: for small rooms, satin or glossy canvases of cold shades are better suited. For a spacious bathroom, you can choose any texture and color that matches the wall decoration.
- Any color scheme can be used. The classic white ceiling looks good in rooms with clean lines and white fixtures. The ceiling can be one or two tones lighter than the tiles or repeat the color of the floor covering, while the room visually expands.
- Multi-level structures are usually installed in spacious rooms with high ceilings or when communications need to be hidden. You can lower the level of the ceiling above the bathtub or jacuzzi by installing a cozy lighting in this area.
Do not lower the ceiling level in the center of a small bathroom - it will seem even smaller and lower. A good reception is a combination of linen of different texture in two levels. Along the perimeter, the ceiling level is lowered and finished with a matte canvas; in the center, a glossy canvas with built-in lamps is used. This creates a feeling of endless space.
Prices for stretch ceiling "Starry Sky"
stretch ceiling "Starry sky"
The design of a stretch ceiling depends on your taste, but it is better to choose the texture and material for it, following the advice of professionals. So you will avoid problems during its installation / operation and will enjoy the beauty and freshness of the repair for many years.
Our company cooperates with leading manufacturers of canvases and has at its disposal special equipment that allows us to carry out high-quality and durable printing on most materials.
The installation of stretch ceilings in the bathroom is carried out by qualified specialists. They have a wealth of experience and regularly improve their qualifications.
Installation of the ceiling in the bathroom on tiles
Installation of the ceiling in the bathroom on porcelain stoneware
What kind of stretch ceiling to install in the bathroom?
The choice of material for a room with high humidity should be treated with particular care. Not only must it stretch well, but it must also withstand relatively high temperatures and moisture. That is why the most demanded material for a stretch ceiling in a bathroom is PVC canvas.
The material has a smooth and durable structure that is resistant to mold and pathogens. In addition, PVC fabric has a wide variety of colors and is an excellent material for printing.
What do you need to consider?
- Due to the high degree of humidity, preference should be given to moisture-resistant materials - PVC film.
- Choose strong and durable designs - maintenance-free harpoon technology
- Ceiling structures must be resistant to high temperatures - aluminum profile.
- For this room, you can choose an interesting pattern or color scheme that will delight your eyes while taking a bath.
The special conditions of the bathroom limit the designer's choice of finishing materials. For example, for walls and floors, these are exclusively ceramic or glass tiles of various formats (from large porcelain stoneware 600x600 mm to mosaics with a chip size of 10x10 mm). But there are more possibilities to carry out the "upper" decorative finish of the floor. And one of the most popular options is a stretch ceiling in the bathroom, which seems to be specially created for these conditions.
The only purpose of the stretch fabric is to decorate the floor slab. And if a tile or mosaic at least to some extent protects the walls and floor from direct contact with water and is considered a protective and decorative finish, then there is no such need for the ceiling. 
The main operational requirement is resistance to high humidity. It is this property that distinguishes stretch fabrics from many other materials. In this, only aluminum slatted ceilings or suspended systems with PVC panels can compete with them. Another question is that the polymer film can take over the main part of the leak from above, but this is more of a “side” effect, and not a specially designed property. 
Note. In order not to flatter ourselves about this possibility, the mounting profiles are not tightly attached, and in case of large-scale flooding, water will flow not only through the joint of the floor slabs, but also along the walls and through the pipe risers.
Therefore, protection against leakage can only be provided by reliable waterproofing of the floor of the room from above.
And there are only two materials from which modern stretch ceilings are made: PVC film and polyester fabric impregnated with a composition based on polyurethane. Which is better - more on that below.
Pros of PVC ceiling in a bathroom
In addition to the ability to withstand the weight of several buckets of water (taking into account the reliability of fastening the profiles to the walls), PVC canvas has the following advantages:
Disadvantages of bathroom fabric ceilings
Usually, the advantages and disadvantages of this type of coating are compared with a PVC sheet. Any stretch ceiling in a bathroom has pros and cons. And the following are indicated as the main disadvantages of tissue:
- higher cost;
- limited choice of colors;
- matte surface;
- rough texture that is more difficult to wash.
There is nothing to object to the high price. In addition, the fabric is stronger and more durable than PVC film. 
The choice of color for the fabric ceiling is not so large, but sufficient to select the desired shade in relation to the decoration of the walls and ceiling. For example, the leading manufacturer Clipso, in addition to several pastel shades of the Classic collection (starting from pure white), offers a choice of 25 color options from red to purple, including "second" and "third" levels of Itten's color wheel, plus additional halftones.
A matte bathroom ceiling is more positive than negative. Drops of water after drying on any surface leave some stains, and the gloss only enhances them. If we draw an analogy, then it is enough to remember the mirror in the bathroom, the glass hob in the kitchen or the polished body of the car - they all require constant maintenance.
Note. Therefore, when choosing a stretch PVC ceiling, it is better to give preference to "satin" or matte canvas.
And returning to the rough texture, which is more difficult to wash. The bathroom is not a kitchen, there is no oil "fog" and soot from gas combustion products. But even this argument can be ignored. 
The same Clipso company has special offers in the catalog for each case:
with a stain-resistant coating for kitchens (705 Nostain);
with water-repellent impregnation for bathrooms (705 Nosweat).
Therefore, we can say that the "disadvantages" of the fabric ceiling appear only with the wrong choice (without taking into account the characteristics of the room and its design).
Advantages of fabric ceilings in a bathroom
The obvious advantage of this type of web is a wider temperature range of operating conditions. If we are talking about a bathroom in a country house, which in winter may be without heating (due to the seasonality of living or due to the failure of the autonomous heating system), then the fabric ceiling will withstand the frost test down to -30 ° C, and the PVC film will tear at 0 ° C. 
They react differently to high temperatures. Although the bathroom is not a sauna or a bath, and there are no critical indicators for PVC linen above 50 ° C, the fabric will not sag even for a short time when the room is "saturated" with hot steam - it keeps up to + 80 ° C.
But this is not the main thing - for the polyvinyl chloride film to obtain the necessary plasticity, modifiers are added to it, which, when heated, emit harmful substances. With reputable manufacturers, this effect is minimized (this figure is usually significantly lower than the established standards), but there are quite a few low-quality materials on the market that have a long and persistent unpleasant odor even under normal conditions. 
Note. When choosing a PVC sheet, you must make sure that you have the appropriate documents for the product.
And the benchmark is simple - if the manufacturer has been certified and received permission to use this type of coating in children's institutions, then it is harmless in any premises.
Installation of a stretch fabric ceiling in a bathroom does not create any prerequisites for a health hazard due to poor sanitary and hygienic qualities. Moreover, this species has modifications with an antibacterial coating, and they are approved for use in hospitals and clinics.
Additional arguments for fabric ceilings
These arguments can be divided into two categories: functional and decorative.
Functional benefits
Knitted weaving of fabric threads (and there is a certain contradiction in the name of the material) allows you to carry out "cold" installation without using a heat gun. In addition, this installation method is suitable for any ceiling geometry, including trunking protrusions or installations for washbasins, bidets and toilets. 
The porous structure of the fabric implies its vapor-permeable properties. And although this property is limited by impregnation based on polyurethane, in the standard version, the canvas has a sufficient ability to naturally erode water vapor from the interior of the stretch ceiling. PVC film is practically gas-tight, not to mention the larger water vapor molecules in the air. And this can lead to the formation of condensation on a surface of the floor that is colder than the fabric, which creates the prerequisites for the appearance of fungus and mold on concrete or wood. 
The vapor-permeable properties of the fabric can be "enhanced" by microperforation (about 250,000 punctures per 1 m2). This type of canvas is produced as "acoustic" and its main purpose is to be installed in the ceiling system as a sound-absorbing membrane. But this property is also not superfluous in a bathroom or a combined bathroom.
Decorative virtues
To "raise" the design of the fabric ceiling to the level of its direct competitor, manufacturers offer additional decorative features:
Translucent canvases. Three levels of light transmission (30%, 50% and 70%) make the overhead lighting system hidden and "soft". And the use of a system of LED sources of different colors adds the ability to control the shades of the light background.
Photo printing. Any image from a standard catalog or custom-made can be applied to the fabric. 
As an additional option - from the same materials and with the same images, you can, using lightbox technology, make niche illumination or decorative wall panels.
Pearlescent coating. The soft pearl luster of the surface will make the interior refined and sophisticated. Clipso offers three shades that are perfect for the bathroom: diamond, sapphire and white silver.
Choice of color and design
In the classic version, the ceiling is usually made white or almost white.
By the way, manufacturers of decorative coatings in their product catalogs can offer about a dozen names of samples of different shades of this color.
But there are other options as well. For example, the color of the stretch fabric is chosen to match the flooring, plumbing or wall decoration.
With the help of color and degree of gloss, it is visually easy to adjust the height of the ceiling: light and "shiny" raises it, matte and dark - lowers it. But you don't have to resort to the second method, since the technology itself allows you to do this at the physical level. Therefore, dark shades are dictated exclusively by the requirements of the interior style.
A compromise solution can be considered a new design direction - perforated or carved PVC ceilings. It uses a two-level design, in which both canvases have different colors. Holes are cut on the bottom film, which create a three-dimensional pattern.
If you are going to make a stretch ceiling in a bathroom, you just need to know the pros and cons of this material. Nowadays, they have become a fashionable trend, gaining wide popularity. This is facilitated by both an attractive, original appearance and operational properties. These are good both from an aesthetic and practical point of view.
In general, a stretch ceiling is framed canvas stretched under the ceiling... In the variant under consideration, it is of interest to use it in the bathroom, where there are specific conditions. The design of such a ceiling may differ in size, materials used, the shape of the resulting surface, and texture.
The following pros tensioning systems:
- High resistance to moisture. The moisture resistance of the canvas allows you to protect the ceiling base from high humidity in the room, as well as from flooding from above. The stretch film is able to withstand water accumulation of more than 80 l / m 2.
- Ease of preparation and installation. To install the tensioning structure, no special preparation of the ceiling surface is required. After stretching, the canvas masks all irregularities and defects. The canvas itself does not require special preparation for installation.
- Ease of maintenance during operation. The anti-static properties of the stretch fabric prevent significant dirt and dust. With the help of a damp sponge, it is periodically cleaned.
- Improving the durability of the ceiling. The service life of the stretching fabric exceeds 16-18 years. During this time, it reliably protects the ceiling from sufficiently aggressive influences.
- Appearance and variety of designs. Stretch potolog has different colors and shapes, drawing in the form of photo printing. The design itself may also vary. In particular, ceilings of several levels are used.
Analyzing the possibility of installing the ceilings in question, one cannot ignore some minuses systems:
- Mechanical strength. The big disadvantage of the stretch fabric is its poor resistance to cutting and puncturing. Sharp objects easily damage the material. The danger arises when moving long objects and placing them in the bathroom.
- High price. The price of even the most modest in design ceilings is quite high. However, it must be borne in mind that the increased service life reduces the need for frequent repairs, which compensates for the high initial costs.
- The need to attract specialists to tension the canvas, especially with increased decorativeness and unusual shapes.
- Smell. Within 7-8 days after the installation of the ceiling, unpleasant, characteristic odors are possible, which is especially felt in the cramped space of the bathroom.
- Problems with the organization of lighting. Powerful lighting equipment cannot be installed on such a ceiling. The maximum lamp power is 60 W.
Overall, stretch ceilings in large bathrooms will undoubtedly transform the look. They allow you to create an original design in a modern style. Correct installation and maintenance ensures long and efficient operation.
Requirements
The bathroom belongs to rooms with increased aggressiveness of influencing factors. It is characterized by the following conditions: high humidity, significant evaporation, incl. with impurities of detergents, high temperature and sharp temperature fluctuations, the possibility of splashing water.
The degree of their influence is highly dependent on the availability and efficiency of the ventilation system and the frequency of use. The high risk of flooding from the upstream neighbors should also be taken into account.
The stretch ceiling must meet the specified requirements. The material of the canvas must be absolutely harmless to humans when heated and exposed to steam. In addition, aesthetics and decorativeness are of great importance.
An important criterion for the design of the ceiling is color scheme... It is recommended to use the following requirements in color combinations:
- a typical condition is a combination with the main background of the tile on the wall. In this case, the entire interior merges into a single whole, but there is not enough originality;
- the color of the frieze, if it contrasts with the background of the walls;
- matching the color of plumbing and furniture;
- matching the color of decorative elements that differ from the main background of the interior;
- combination with. This technique visually lowers the height of the ceiling, but expands the room.
When developing a design, one should strive to exclude seams on the canvas. This requirement depends on the size of the bathroom and the model used. When the width of the room is less than 2.5 m, problems usually do not arise, because almost all types of canvases are of this size. If the room is large, higher requirements are imposed on the joint, both in terms of strength and aesthetics.
Selecting the type of ceiling
Stretch ceilings are offered by a number of well-known manufacturers in a wide range. Which stretch ceiling to choose for a bathroom? There are several qualifications that help you choose the right model:
- Canvas class- fabric or textile and film (most often PVC-based) ceilings.
- Mounting method- cold installation and installation using heating devices.
- Mounting method- harpoon and harpoonless panels. They are distinguished by the presence of a special element (harpoon) that fixes the canvas in the frame of the frame.
The choice is made taking into account real conditions, the size of the room, the planned design and financial capabilities. Particular attention should be paid to the ceiling manufacturer.
In addition to domestic designs, it is easy to find German, French, Belgian, Chinese models on the market. Products of German and French companies are distinguished by their increased quality.
What are they made of?
Cloths of film stretch ceilings are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film... They come in several varieties:
- Glossy type. They are available in various colors and have a glossy finish. The mirror effect provides a visual increase in the volume of the room. On such a ceiling, any seams look bad and even small defects are very noticeable.
- Matte type. This is the most common option, attractive for its low price and lack of glare on the surface. Defects in the form of scratches are almost invisible on the canvas. The main drawback is excessive modesty in appearance.
- Satin version. It occupies an intermediate position between the previous types of ceilings. The surface has a slight sheen, but the glare is quite low. Silk-like texture enhances attractiveness.
- Canvases with photo printing. On such ceilings, a drawing with a different plot is applied, which allows you to create an original design.
PVC films refer to the ceilings of the hot mounting method. When tensioning them, special heat guns are used, which requires the participation of specialists.
Textile ceilings
Fabric or textile stretch ceilings have a panel woven canvas... The necessary properties are given by special compounds with which the material is impregnated and coated. The basis of the canvas is, as a rule, high-strength, synthetic fibers, the structure of which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Most often, textile fabric is made of polyester with polyurethane impregnation. The technology is based on weaving a mesh of fine synthetic threads. The surface of this ceiling resembles plaster and has a certain roughness, and therefore it belongs to the matte type.
What's the best for the bathroom?
The question of which type of ceiling to choose will help their comparative analysis:
- Appearance. The surface of textiles is always matte, while for PVC it is glossy, matte or semi-glossy. Color palette and photo printing capabilities provide more flexibility for PVC films. However, it is not dyed, and any pattern can be applied by hand on a texit cloth. Overall, the fabric looks richer.
- Specifications. In terms of mechanical strength, the fabric is 16-17 times superior to PVC film. It is not easy to accidentally cut or scratch it with a sharp object. It is much more resistant to high temperatures and temperature extremes.
- Mounting. The tension of the fabric fabric is provided in a cold way, while the PVC fabric requires heating devices, which complicates installation.
- Exposure to steam. The breathable effect of the fabric is considered a positive property. However, with active evaporation, the attitude to vapor permeability is ambiguous. The polymer film does not allow it to pass through and it condenses on the surface in the form of drops. The fabric passes it through itself and partially absorbs it. As a result, moisture can accumulate both inside the canvas and in the space between the stretch ceiling and the main ceiling.
- Price. The main advantage of PVC ceilings is its low cost compared to the textile version (2.5-3 times lower). Only films with increased decorativeness (photo printing with 3D effect) are commensurate with the cost of fabric ceilings.
Thus, according to the results of the analysis, the following conclusion can be drawn. The textile ceiling surpasses the film counterpart in almost all respects. Some color limitation is compensated by the possibility of coloring.
The choice in favor of PVC ceilings determines only the cost. It is generally accepted that the fabric version is more suitable for ceremonial rooms, and the film version is also quite suitable for bathrooms.
How to install stretch ceilings in the bathroom
To carry out work on the installation of a stretch ceiling, you will need such tool:
- heat gun;
- puncher;
- electric drill;
- screwdriver;
- Bulgarian;
- scissors;
- hacksaw for metal;
- construction knife;
- putty knife;
- screwdriver;
- pliers;
- building level;
- roulette;
- metal ruler.
Installing a stretch ceiling in a bathroom includes the following steps:
- Carrying out the markup. The lowest angle is determined first. Here, at a distance of 10-12 cm from the ceiling surface, a mark is placed. From this point, lines are drawn strictly horizontally to the floor along the adjacent walls. On opposite walls, the lines are connected. The correctness of the marking is best controlled with a laser-type level.
- Securing the frame. It is assembled from metal profiles according to the markings. Fastening to the wall is carried out using dowels with a pitch of 13-15 cm. In the corners, the profiles are not completely cut, but only cut and bent at right angles. The joints are reinforced with a metal tape.
- Electrical wiring and installation of the lamp base. The wires are placed in a corrugated hose and fixed to the ceiling.
- Tension of the blade. It can be produced cold or hot. In any case, at first, the canvas is suspended in the corners of the frame, where it is dragged with a spatula, and then refueled in the middle part. The tension is provided evenly and smoothly. When the PVC film is stretched with a thermal film, it is preheated to 60-70 degrees.
- Installation of a baguette. It is pressed into the profile along the entire perimeter, masking the mount and providing the desired appearance.
The process of installing a stretch ceiling is considered quite complex, requiring certain skills. Any wrinkles, sagging and other imperfections will be immediately visible. It is best to involve specialists with the necessary equipment to install the structure.
Lighting in a bathroom with a stretch ceiling
When forming a lighting system in a bathroom, it should be remembered that a stretch ceiling cannot perform a load-bearing function. Any lighting equipment should be mounted to the ceiling. The outlet of the equipment in the tensioning web must be sealed. Maximum light bulb power - 60 watts
Luminaires are installed in this order. After marking their location on the ceiling, a ring with an internal size equal to the diameter of the plafond is glued to the canvas at the point of exit. After tensioning, the inner part of the ring is cut out, and a spotlight is installed instead.
The stretch ceiling in the bathtub is gaining more and more popularity, which is facilitated by an attractive appearance, durability and operational reliability. With professional installation and the right choice of material, it will delight the eye for a long time and provide comfort.