Rack ceilings in interior design

In the 90s, there was a real Euro-repair boom in our country. It was fashionable, beautiful and expensive. All the elements of the decoration looked very stylish and unusual, and hitherto unseen suspended ceilings stood apart. Very many people have heard about matte and glossy versions, but not everyone knows what rack items are.

Rack ceiling - this is a special type of suspended ceiling, which is a narrow strip attached to a metal frame. Installation of such a system is considered the most simple and does not require any special tools. Similar types of ceiling coatings are used in the design of various premises - from residential to warehouse premises (houses, apartments, catering establishments, medical facilities, offices, hotels,shopping centers, warehouses).

There is a classification of slatted ceilings on several grounds.

By type of panel:

• open - there is a gap between the component parts, suitable for rooms with high ceilings;
• variants with inserts - a variation of the first type, which has special inserts that cover the slits;
• closed - ceiling strips are mounted without gaps due to the special shape of the edge, becoming similar to the paneling;
• solid - are also mounted without gaps, creating the appearance of a solid ceiling covering.

The form of slats are the following types:

• According to the material of manufacture distinguish aluminum, plastic and steel ceilings from the rails.
• Also, the slats themselves are smooth and perforated. It is advantageous to use the latter in rooms with poor ventilation, however, they are hardly suitable for a kitchen ceiling, since they will quickly become clogged with dirt and grease. To wash such a construction is difficult.
• By design can be distinguished matte and glossy panels.

The most important features of suspended ceilings are the appearance and design. The ability to combine matte surfaces with mirror inserts, various textures and shades allow you to create unique surfaces.

The design features of suspended ceiling ceilings open up unlimited possibilities for the design of any room. Due to their durability and reliability, they are also used in facade decoration.

The main advantages of these products are:

• Absolute environmental friendliness - the materials of which the slats are made are safe for human health.
• Universality - they can be installed not only in residential premises, but also in buildings that have special requirements for finishing (facade systems for gas stations and streets, gyms, water parks, swimming pools).
• Durability - these products have such a service life that they will rather bother you than lose their original appearance. Manufacturers promise that such ceilings will last from 25 years or more, because the materials are not susceptible to corrosion, deformation, are not afraid of the effects of direct sunlight.

• Fire resistance - the materials from which the products are made are incombustible and do not emit harmful substances when heated.
• Hygienic - since materials are not susceptible to rotting and moisture-proof, mold does not appear on them. Rinse the ceiling with warm water.
• A huge choice of models - the ability to combine different colors, sizes, surfaces provides an unlimited flight of fancy in the design of the room.

• Opportunities to make slats with a radius rounding.
• Good sound insulation - perforated panels, with all their airiness and “perforation”, perfectly absorb sound.
• High reflectivity - during the day does not require additional lighting, as the light of the sun is perfectly reflected from such ceilings.

• Speed ​​and ease of installation - all installation work takes several hours, since such ceilings do not need preliminary preparation for installation.
• Convenience of the output of the lighting and climate system - they are easily hidden under a layer of rails, they can be reached without problems, since any part of the ceiling can be easily dismantled and installed in place quickly and effortlessly.
• Walls are not affected during installation.
• And, at last, reasonable price, unlike stretch ceilings.

If we talk about ventilated rail facade, they have all the above advantages, as well as a hidden mounting system and the ability to carry out installation in all weather conditions. The main disadvantage of such a ceiling covering is a reduction in the height of the room due to the ceiling being lowered during installation. Also, such a coating may look somewhat uncomfortable due to the prevailing metallic shades.And wooden models are subject to rotting and reproduction of the fungus.

As mentioned above, the main materials for the manufacture of rack suspended systems are:

• aluminum;
• steel;
• plastic (PVC);
• tree.

Aluminum panels are the most popular among these finishing materials, as they are moisture resistant, are not subject to corrosion and deformation, easily tolerate temperature extremes. In addition, they are easy to care for, dust does not accumulate on such a surface. Mirror ceilings are also made of aluminum, more precisely, from chrome sheets.

Such material is more often used in warehouses. It is cheaper than aluminum, durable, well reflects light and absorbs noise. The downside is that steel rails rust over time, therefore not suitable for rooms with high humidity.

Such products look very noble and cozy. Wooden slats or panels covered with natural veneer are used. There are downsides: the tree can catch fire, is afraid of water and humidity, as a result - it is subject to rotting and fungus.

Plastic rack ceiling has the lowest cost, while having all the advantages: not prone to rotting, corrosion, mold, has a wide range of colors, quite durable and flexible. It is easy to take care of him, so very often such a coating is chosen for kitchens and bathrooms, as well as various commercial premises.

Suspended ceiling of the rails have a simple structure consisting of the following elements:

• Directly panel. Their sizes vary from 9 to 20 cm in width and 3-4 m in length. Standard thickness is 0.5 mm.
• Bearing profile (stringer, tire, traverse) - necessary for fastening the rails. Depending on their type (open, closed), certain stringers are produced.
• Wall profile - provides a secure fit of the hinged ceiling to the wall.
• Spring hanger - designed for mounting rails to the profile. It consists of two needles with hooks and springs.
• Decorative baseboard - designed to mask the joints of rack parts with the wall.

The design itself is as follows: the supporting frame is assembled from stringers, suspensions and plinths. The profile looks like a plank with grooves into which the rack elements are inserted. It is made mainly of aluminum or galvanized steel. Suspensions consist of special needles that are inserted into the spring, thus allowing the height of the traverse to be changed.

In narrow rooms, stringers are not used, and the panels are stacked on baseboards. Skirting wear more aesthetic function, covering the edges of the rails along the walls. They are U-shaped or have the form of corners. After the frame is assembled, slats are attached to it. Practice shows that even a novice master can cope with the installation of such a ceiling.

In appearance and design is different cubic ceiling. The profile in this case has a rectangular cross-section, and the finished ceiling looks like a blind. These are variants of designer ceilings that allow more profitable use of space and provide new opportunities in the placement of the lighting system.

Distances between the slats - from 25 mm. The joints are not visible, so if desired, this design can be continued to infinity.Installation of such systems is different from the usual rack, because each panel should not just snap, and lead into the groove. However, the design will be much more reliable and effective.

There is a multi-level design option. It is used when it is necessary to zone a room, close the ceiling or when the owner just wants a beautiful and unusual ceiling. Two-level slatted ceilings are usually made, three levels are found in exhibition centers or in very non-standard interiors. They look very impressive, but very costly and difficult to install.

The principle of installation is the same as in a regular slatted ceiling, it is only necessary to make drawings and hang two levels of the frame. Not suitable for small rooms, because the ceiling will fall quite strongly.

The design of the room and the corresponding ceiling decor - aesthetic question. It is necessary to approach its solution, being guided not only by imagination and personal preferences, but also knowledge of the laws of compatibility of colors and textures.

Rack ceilings amaze with the richness of the range of color palettes. They can imitate tree species, marble, sea breeze.However, white, beige, gray, and brown remain invariably popular colors. Recognized classics have already become ceilings with imitations of wood patterns, which are distinguished by a considerable variety (Milanese walnut, oak selekt, wenge, sonoma oak, etc.).

Immediately attracted the attention of the ceilings, decorated in mirror chrome, gold and silver metallic combined with a glossy surface. For a more strict interior matte panels are more suitable. They do not reflect the light so brightly, so they will successfully fit into rooms with large windows. But there are some nuances: on a matte surface any spot is noticeable, which will be lost among reflections on a mirror one.

Lighter shades are more suitable for darkened rooms, and deeper tones for official offices. A bright accent in the form of a mirrored ceiling with decorative inserts for gold, copper and silver is quite appropriate for the kitchen.

The modern decoration of the ceiling with caissons (beams that form hollows and cells in the ceiling) allows, firstly, to visually expand the space, and secondly, to impart solidity and respectability. Therefore, they are very often used for registration of country residences and offices.Such models can be called the first suspended ceilings, since they came to us from ancient times. The ceiling decor, which combines elements of a rack with caissons, looks unconventional and status.

Choosing a slatted ceiling, take care of choosing a decent manufacturer. Today, there are enough of them, but there are clear leaders.

• The leading producer, according to consumers, is German Geipel firm. In addition to the structures of open and closed type, the company produces special anti-shock ceilings for sports halls with enhanced strength.
• Hailing from the Netherlands Luxalon premium ceilings and Hunter Douglas. Their mirrored ceilings have the best reflectivity among similar models. This is the world's only enameled ceiling curtain.
• Prometal - It is a famous Italian manufacturer that manufactures rack aluminum ceiling.

• Ceiling group - a company specializing in the highest quality metal ceilings from America.
• Famous domestic manufacturers - Cesal ("Caesal"), "Bard", "Omega". Their products are not inferior to foreign ones, and the pricing policy is much more pleasant. Well proven TM TM Artensrelated to the company Leroy Merlin.
• But the French ceiling is so called because of its design and to France is related only in name. The leaders in its production are firms. Cesal, "Bard", "Albes" and others.

If you decide to purchase a slatted ceiling, then there is no universal instruction for choosing, alas.

However, there are a few general recommendations that should be followed:

• Decide on the size of the panels.
• Choose a trusted manufacturer.
• Calculate the required amount of materials - this can be done on the websites yourself or ask for help from a specialist.
• To make special calculations of the lighting system. Not confident in your abilities - entrust this business to a professional.
• It is necessary to highlight areas of illumination (for example, in the living room you will need a dim light and bright for reading).

• If you are making a ceiling with lighting, decide what type of lamps you will need.Rack ceilings combine all types of lighting fixtures, from spotlights to chandeliers.
• Lamps for the ceiling to choose the power, and the spectrum of illumination should be as close as possible to the natural.
• Decide how many tiers you want and how much the height of the “pre-repair” ceiling will allow you.
• Ceiling colors should inherit general trends in the room. There are sites where the recommended combination of colors.
• Texture. Matte options are not so much glare as glossy and mirror. Therefore, any lighting will do. Mirror ceiling is appropriate for creating special accents, it is not suitable for every interior.

For each room there are specific requirements for the ceiling decor:

• For the bathroom, the best option would be a slatted ceiling made of aluminum, since this material is not subject to rotting, oxidation, deformation, and most importantly - moisture resistant. Its mirror surface will increase the space of the room.
• For the hallway and the corridor, which often do not have windows (in apartments), it is worth choosing light shades of panels.It looks more logical matte surface, however, to your liking and design, you can choose and glossy, mirrored options.
• Such a private space as a bedroom is not intended for prying eyes. Therefore, the ceiling here is made on the basis of personal taste preferences of the owner or hostess. Many people like the option of French mirrored ceilings as an additional opportunity to admire themselves. For the room, aged in darker tones, matte finish is perfect.

Two-level ceiling in the bathroom.

Rail in the interior design of the kitchen.

Wide rack ceiling looks very attractive.

Rack ceiling made of aluminum with hidden lighting.

Suspended rack ceiling in the kitchen.

• Rack inserts on the ceiling, moving on to the wall, will become a stylish decor for such a small room as the toilet.
• The hallway will be decorated with a similar ceiling.

• Another non-standard solution for finishing the hallway.
• The cube-shaped ceiling is always the winning design solution for your home.

• Rack ceiling of several sections.
• Insert from laths in an interior of a bedroom.

Raster lamps mounted in a wooden false ceiling, organically fit into the living room.

Insertion of wood panels in the living room.

The combination of wood panels with caissons - luxury and style.

The ceiling, lined with multi-directional wooden panels, looks not only very stylish, but also cozy.

Wooden slats bring emphasis to the strict and minimalistic design of the kitchen.

This option ideally emphasizes the severity and respectability of the office.

Multi-level ceilings look impressive, however, they are appropriate in large premises of shopping centers, pools, spas.

Rack ceiling will be a classic version of the room design, which, however, can give it a zest and uniqueness. Such a ceiling is another way of giving respectability to a home (office) and the opportunity to create a good impression of its owner right from the doorway.

How to assemble a slatted ceiling, see the following video.