Duplex ceiling in the kitchen

A beautifully decorated ceiling drastically changes the appearance of the room. More and more people, making repairs, opt for a two-level ceiling in the kitchen. It consists of a main surface and a contrasting geometric shape (or several) located in the center or along the perimeter.

A two-level ceiling is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also functional. You can change the proportions of the room, highlight zones within the room, install built-in lighting, hide the imperfections of the ceiling and communications. Modern materials and technologies make it easy to bring these ideas to life.

Suspension system design

In order to make a multi-level ceiling in the kitchen, frame structures are most often used. A metal profile is attached to the wall and ceiling: the frame is fixed around the perimeter, and to the ceiling it is attached to suspensions so that the surface can be leveled horizontally. Plasterboard is mounted on the profile, then they are decorated as desired: with water-based paint, whitewash, washable wallpaper, plastic or ceramic tiles, putty.

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An alternative are slatted ceilings. The panels are fastened to metal slats made of steel or aluminum. To obtain the second level, the slats are bent at the desired angle.

The main advantages of multi-level ceilings include the ability to hide exhaust structures, wires, gas pipes. Moreover, where these communications pass, the ceiling level will turn out to be lower (they occupy an average of 30 - 40 cm), in other zones the level will drop by only 5 - 10 cm compared to the initial one. So, for example, you can make a ledge above the hood and kitchen unit, and save precious centimeters of height in the rest of the room.

Installation of two-level stretch ceilings helps to differentiate parts of the kitchen that are different in terms of functionality: to highlight the dining table area, to focus on the work area. If the kitchen and dining room are combined, divide them conditionally, create a different emotional atmosphere.

Types of multi-level ceilings

There are many types of two-level stretch ceilings in the kitchen. Until recently, the most common option was drywall. Stretch ceiling is gaining popularity now.

Technically, it is possible to perform any design: the shape of such ceilings is limited only by the limits of a person's imagination and the height of the room. The repetition of the perimeter, as well as the circle, ellipse, rectangle in the center, enlarges the room in perception. Waves, multi-level cascades are more suitable for spacious rooms.

Stretch ceiling

This is a perfectly flat canvas without seams, hides under itself any surface defects (cracks, irregularities), installation is carried out quickly. The two-level stretch ceiling in the kitchen is made of PVC or fabric.

A huge variety of materials in color and texture distinguish PVC from other materials. You can choose a monochromatic canvas of any color or apply an image to PVC. The material does not fade from exposure to sunlight, does not absorb odors, and is resistant in a humid environment. Serves 10 - 20 years with good care. Once a week, it is recommended to wipe the dust with a dry cloth, and once a month to clean it up with a damp soft cloth. Do not use aggressive detergents, objects that can mechanically damage the stretch ceiling.

Polyester is used for fabric stretch ceilings. It is a durable material that is temperature resistant. When stretch two-level ceilings for the kitchen are made, you can close both levels with a canvas, including the transition between them, or only one.

Plasterboard suspended ceiling

Two-level plasterboard ceilings in the kitchen are an inexpensive option that can be implemented without the involvement of specialists. Drywall is light, it is easy to mount any conceived shape from it: smooth lines, a wave, a semicircle, regular geometric shapes. The advantages of this material include fire resistance, durability, it does not require special care. For the kitchen, it is better to take drywall with a moisture-resistant surface.

From plastic panels

To decorate a two-level two-level ceiling in the kitchen, plastic is used in the form of tiles or panels. This material is resistant to high temperatures, does not attract dust, and fungus does not develop on it in a humid environment. Performs the role of thermal insulation. Most detergents can be used for cleaning. Plastic comes in different colors, smooth or embossed. The downside is that when heated, some types of plastics emit harmful substances.

The tiles are fixed with glue to the surface. An important condition is the preliminary elimination of unevenness in the ceiling. It is also advisable to maintain symmetry when laying.

The panels are fixed to the ceiling profile using self-tapping screws. A metal or wooden frame runs along the perimeter of the ceiling and across the room across the panels.

Combined

The most common combination of plasterboard and stretch ceilings. The kitchen with a two-level ceiling differs favorably, when the upper level is a glossy stretch canvas, the lower one is a matte finish on drywall.

Considering that plastered ceilings breathe well and absorb moisture, the following combination is good for the microclimate of the kitchen: most the surface is covered with plaster, possibly decorative, and the other level is decorated with wallpaper, tiles, stretch fabric, wood and even stone.

Surface options

The choice of coverage is determined by the general interior of the kitchen, financial capabilities and the desire of the owners. You can pick up materials of different texture for a two-level ceiling in the kitchen. For small rooms, glossy, metal or mirror elements are preferable. There are PVC ceilings under suede, Venetian plaster, almost transparent.

Wooden panels (lining) are often used, but it must be protected from moisture by covering it with varnish. When decorating the ceiling with laminate, a frame is not needed, the room does not lose height.

Glossy

Such a surface immediately attracts attention, especially if it is bright in color. Interior items, lighting devices are reflected in the gloss. The glossy ceiling additionally creates the effect of increasing the height of the kitchen.

It is important that the reflected rays do not hit the eyes directly and do not cause fatigue. With a glossy ceiling, it is better to choose a lamp with shades directed downward. There are models with spots, when the light flux can be changed at will by turning the lamp.

Matt

The matte surface looks more restrained, similar to a painted ceiling. But at the same time, it is absolutely flat, without the slightest defects. With such a ceiling, the kitchen becomes more comfortable. The seams are practically invisible on the matte finish, therefore, with a large ceiling area, when it is impossible to use a solid material, it should be preferred over gloss.

Satin

The surface has a slight gloss, less reflectivity than gloss. Light sources on satin are duplicated, but interior items are not. The ceilings look unusual and attractive; they change shade under different lighting conditions.

DIY ceiling decoration

Stretch ceilings are difficult to do without special equipment and skills. But you can transform the kitchen ceiling space yourself with the help of slatted or plasterboard coatings.

From above, the box can be painted, wallpaper or tiles can be glued on it. There are modern paints containing latex and silicone. This surface is easy to clean if necessary. Paint with a roller, it is better to apply 2 layers, carefully so that the paint does not drip.

Wallpapers are used for ceiling or ordinary, for walls. It is better to glue end-to-end, and the seams are less visible if their course coincides with the direction of light from the window. Often the wallpaper is painted on top to prolong its life. With significant surface irregularities, textured wallpapers look better than smooth ones. Liquid, vinyl and non-woven wallpapers can be washed well, therefore they are suitable for the kitchen. But it is very important to correctly assess your capabilities and choose such a finishing option that will be within your power.

Custom kitchen solutions

With the development of photographic printing technology, images are becoming more and more realistic. Recently, all kinds of drawings for the design of a multi-level ceiling have been in great demand. For the kitchen, plant motifs, pictures with fruits, a sky with clouds are well suited. The most impressive are 3D pictures. For a kitchen with modest dimensions, it is better to choose not a large drawing in the center, but small images along the periphery.

Sometimes wooden beams are mounted on the ceiling, which completely transform the room. Such a solution will be successful for a country-style kitchen, Provence. It is important that all this is in harmony with furniture, walls, floors, lamps and other interior items.

Color spectrum

The ceiling is often made, choosing different colors for the levels. The bolder the idea, the more contrasting they can be: red, blue, brown are combined with white, beige, gray. And then the ceiling attracts all eyes, becoming the main accent of the interior. Usually, the upper level is decorated with a bright color to match the kitchen set. This solution is suitable for high-tech, modern style. In the classic version, restrained tones are used.

Color strongly affects the emotional state of a person:

• orange enhances appetite;
• red excites, energizes;
• green adds a bit of nature and harmony to the home environment;
• white visually enlarges the room;
• beige is good if the interior already has bright color accents;
• gray, elegant and noble;
• black has a space-reducing effect. To prevent the room from becoming cramped and gloomy, you should add bright lighting.

Backlit kitchen ceiling design ideas

In the presence of a two-level ceiling, overhead and built-in lamps are often used, which complete the zoning of the room. Above the dining table, if the height of the room allows, you can arrange a pendant chandelier in a classic or modern style, install spotlights over the stove, sink.

The line along which the lamps are located can follow the contours of the ceiling structures. If the spotlights are located on the lower level, they visually bring it closer. The opposite effect is provided by lighting on the upper level: it "pushes" the ceiling further. If you place a light source in depth, the emphasis is concentrated on the unusual shape of the ceiling, and a so-called. floating effect. For this, you can additionally use LED strips with white or colored light.

For low ceilings, light sources that do not take up much space are suitable. Incandescent lamps get very hot during operation, so they should not be used with a PVC false ceiling. Otherwise, darkened circles may form above the shades.

LED lamps are economical, they practically do not heat up, and provide non-blinking light. They are often built into multi-level structures, thanks to which it is possible to illuminate the work surface, the area near the table or bar, and the rest area. In many modern models, you can adjust the brightness of the lighting, which is especially convenient for the kitchen. After all, it is both a place of work and a place of rest, eating.

So, making a multi-level ceiling in the kitchen is not so difficult. The choice of materials is large. You can come up with a design of any shape that will hide the imperfections of the room, make the atmosphere in the kitchen pleasant and unique.