Loft-style ceiling: the best materials, the right decor, design options for different rooms

The ceiling is one of those elements that we think about least when arranging an apartment. As a rule, much attention is paid to the decor of walls and floors, the choice of furniture and accessories. Most often, indoor ceilings are painted white. However, you should know that with a little effort, you can decorate the ceiling in a creative and interesting way, adapting its appearance to the style in which the interior is decorated.

Today, loft interiors that are associated with an industrial style are becoming increasingly popular. Their decor is dominated by elements taken from production workshops. They are the main decoration of the ceiling. These could be ventilation grilles, pipes, wires, etc. An interesting solution for a loft arrangement is the use of raw concrete ceilings. How to make a concrete ceiling, what materials will help achieve the desired effect, how to cover a concrete ceiling to ensure its durability - this will be discussed in this article.

Concrete ceiling in the interior of an apartment is the basis of an industrial style

The modern industrial style emphasizes not only the urban character of the premises, but also the lifestyle of its inhabitants. It is characterized by the use of harsh and cold industrial finishing materials such as glass, metal and concrete. Stylish concrete ceilings are perfect for industrial or loft interiors, as well as Scandinavian and Japanese minimalist styles. They have become a desirable element in many modern homes. This material completely changes the interior of the apartment.

The appearance of concrete will be emphasized by the colorless varnish on its surface, which will enhance the effect of severity and coolness, desirable in modern interiors, and will also protect the wall from damage or moisture in a practical way.

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Untreated concrete walls and ceilings are not always a good solution for a living room, so it is better to use imitation concrete. In order to maintain an industrial style, we can use various materials:

• decorative plaster that perfectly imitates concrete surfaces;
• decorative paint;
• modular slabs made of architectural concrete with special impregnation;
• decorative panels for concrete effect.

Features of a loft-style ceiling

The loft style is a relatively new trend that appeared in America after the Great Depression, when industrial premises began to close due to lack of demand and they began to be converted into residential ones. A complete reconstruction was impossible, and even undesirable, because it was the characteristic “production” features that formed the loft. It is characterized by a deliberately rough finish, high ceilings, large windows, a minimum of decor, and a moderate color scheme.

Photo: Instagram loft_interior

The ceiling in a loft-style interior should give the impression of being minimally processed. Any material appears almost in its original form: unpainted wood, untreated concrete, etc. In fact, the finishing is certainly present, but it is hidden. Initially, the ceilings of industrial premises were equipped with beams supporting the floors. They have been preserved in modern lofts, but as a decorative element.

Photo: Instagram l0ft24

Another characteristic feature is communications laid directly on the surface of the ceiling: air ducts, electrical wires, pipes, etc. They are also deliberately untreated, but at the same time they are made of stylish stainless steel, noble copper and similar materials. The color scheme of the ceiling in the loft style is not rich. The most popular solutions: shades of gray and white and black.

Photo: Instagram my_dom_

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Advantages

The use of this solution in the interior is becoming increasingly popular, which is why it is useful to learn about its positive and negative sides. Interestingly, if used skillfully, the inconspicuous rough material will become an excellent decorative element of the room. Among the advantages of this solution are the following:

• environmental Safety;
• availability;
• moisture resistance;
• fire safety;
• resistance to fungi and mold.

Among the most significant disadvantages is the inability to use in any interior. For such a ceiling there must be appropriate wall design, furniture, and accessories.

Note! It would seem that raw concrete is not an option for a modern person who has a lot of possibilities for finishing. But this is a huge misconception, because such a design makes the room strict and at the same time elegant.

Spacious studio apartment in industrial style

Wooden ceiling in loft style

The simplest option for decorating a loft ceiling with wood is to use lining of various widths. Wood can be treated with protective compounds and coated with clear varnish or painted. In the latter case, white is most often chosen. Moreover, they do not always achieve a uniform tone—deliberately rough textured strokes look good. You can also choose artificially aged wood for the ceiling.

The lining planks are mounted close to each other or at some distance. The latter option allows you to visually raise the ceiling. Wood finishing can be independent or become the basis for additional decor: beams, mesh, etc. Dark beams look especially good against the background of lining painted in light colors.

Photo: Instagram db_workshops

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Decorative paints imitating concrete

An interesting option for creating an original texture can be special mineral dispersion paints. These compositions contain modifiers that allow the pigment to spread unevenly and smoothly on the wall, forming numerous stripes, darker and lighter, reminiscent of a damp cement surface.

You can also use a special spatula to apply streaks and dents.

Mineral paints form a fine structure. This paint is applied using a roller. The first layer can be immediately smoothed to the grain thickness with a steel trowel. The second layer can optionally be applied using a spatula to form cavities.

The shape of the patterns and indentations will depend on the tool used. When the layer is dry, it can be smoothed using a spatula or sponge to give it the appropriate texture. This decorative coat of paint will also require the application of a finishing coat, such as clear or colored varnish or wax.

How to choose a ceiling color

You will have to forget about bright colors. The loft style assumes only calm tones for painting the ceiling. The most popular of them:

• white;
• grey;
• terracotta;
• beige;
• black.

All possible shades of these colors are used. Metallic, imitating a metal surface, is also in demand. Terracotta is usually found in brickwork, beige in untreated wood. Gray tones are characteristic of concrete. All these colors become a good basis for subsequent decorative finishing with details of contrasting tones.

Photo: Instagram loft_wood_life

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Color design

America, 40s, Great Depression. Melancholy shades, grayness, and fadedness reign not only on the streets, but also in souls - people transfer this atmosphere into their homes, preferring calm tones and dim shades. Metallic color is especially in demand: with its help, modern designers imitate metal surfaces. Terracotta color is very popular: it is present in brick walls, so it fits perfectly into this interior. The beige shade is reminiscent of untreated wood; it is also particularly popular among designers when creating a loft. The gray color of the ceilings harmonizes perfectly with the concrete walls.

For those who like to combine the incongruous and shock guests, we suggest hanging a luxurious chandelier on a brutal concrete ceiling. This is the main advantage of a loft: you can combine all possible styles against the backdrop of rough, unfinished surfaces, creating an uncompromising, but stunningly stylish look.

If the room has already undergone routine renovations, but you want to add a little loft, you can resort to light or even white ceiling coverings that will fit into any interior. Instead of interweaving communications and pipes, you can place lamps, leave part of the ceiling untreated, or leave exposed fittings or beams. If the design of the room uses elements of brick cladding, then false ceiling beams in the color of old wood can be added to the white ceiling. You can leave the ceiling primed or plastered, or simply paint it in shades of concrete.

Black color

One of the simplest and most accessible ways to create a loft style image is to use a ceiling surface painted in dark colors in the design of a room. Among all the shades, preference is given to simple black. For example, if you use glossy black stretch ceilings in combination with untreated wooden beams and terracotta brick wall decoration, you can give the apartment a stylish and brutal look.

Black ceilings based on plasterboard cladding or stretched fabric are ideally combined with red-brown walls. In this case, you will have to change the direction of the lighting to make the loft as realistic as possible. For example, you can shade the top of the wall, giving the apartment a more “industrial” look. For those who do not like this option, you can opt for a simple black ceiling in combination with walls lined with brickwork. At the same time, the room remains well lit, but more comfortable, cozy and bright. Furniture and interior elements in the loft will fit perfectly into a room with black ceilings: hand-made craft furniture, wooden baguettes, sofas and chairs from pallets.

Without finishing

It has long been impossible to surprise anyone with perfectly smooth plasterboard ceilings or elaborate stretch ceilings. Finding an original way to decorate ceilings is not easy, but for loft lovers this is just another step towards creating a stylish interior.

Even though the ceiling remains unfinished, it will still have to be treated. If you leave the surface untreated, concrete dust will inevitably appear on the surface, and over time various cracks and other defects will appear.

The first thing you should do if you decide to leave the ceiling untreated is to clean the entire surface. The ceiling should be wiped with a damp cloth, removing all existing dirt. If the surface can be primed, be sure to perform this step. We entrust the wiring to an experienced electrician and carefully relay the cable.

Loft-style ceiling in the interior of a spacious room

The brutal loft style involves large volumes. It is designed for high, spacious rooms where it looks most advantageous. We suggest some interesting tricks for large rooms.

• Rhythmic compositions from large details . Shiny metal air ducts, dark beams, contrasting color wiring. They can make very interesting compositions, which are placed in a certain order on the ceiling. This technique gives the interior dynamism.
• Broken lines. The so-called broken ceiling looks very stylish in combination with wooden beams and ceilings. Lines can be straight, but broken lines are more effective.
• Unusual combinations . To implement them, you can choose companion items, such as ceiling fans and metal pipes, or you can choose “incompatible” things. This could be a luxurious chandelier surrounded by distinctly industrial design elements.
• Suspended multi-level ceiling . It makes it possible to zone a room in an original way, focusing attention on certain areas of the room.

These are just a few possible design options. You can use them unchanged or try to combine them and get a beautiful original solution.

Photo: Instagram laroof_studio

Modular architectural concrete slabs

Until recently, concrete in the interior did not have too many supporters. Most often it is associated with a cold environment in which it is uncomfortable to live. Meanwhile, it is currently experiencing a renaissance. This material is very characteristic, easy to use, elegant and noble.

Modular concrete slabs can be used for finishing. They can have different sizes. Their cost depends on the size and type. Installing such slabs will be a challenge for the average person, but an experienced master will not have any problems. Any impregnation does not change color, but serves primarily for easy cleaning. In addition, impregnation reduces water absorption. Thanks to this, concrete slabs can be used even in conditions of high humidity, for example, in a bathroom. Concrete slabs can also be protected with a thin layer of clear resin.

Lightweight architectural concrete panels are used on the ceiling.

Today, industrial style interiors are still associated with freedom, extravagance and urban artistry, making them ideal for an industrial style apartment.

Loft-style ceiling in a small room

If desired, you can decorate even the smallest apartment in a loft style. Here are several ceiling options that can be used in this case.

• Single color smooth ceiling . This is the best solution. The ceiling surface is leveled, primed and painted in light shades of gray or white. The shade should be lighter than that of the walls. A dark ceiling in this case is contraindicated.
• Use of decor . Various fittings, meshes and beams can be fixed to the ceiling. But provided that they are small. Massive wide beams will significantly reduce the already modest ceiling height.
• Brickwork. An unusual technique that “opens up” the space is brickwork on the wall, smoothly transitioning to the ceiling.
• Wooden ceiling . It is advisable to use narrow lining, fixed at some distance from each other. It is best to paint the wood white. Aged paint will look unusual.

In a small room, it is best to make the ceiling light. It is advisable to choose bright lamps and place them around the perimeter of the room, directed towards the center. It is better to avoid massive decor.

Photo: Instagram olegbyshevsky

For standard apartments

Recreating the charm of old America in a typical apartment is a very difficult task. But adding elements of this style and getting as close to it as possible is quite possible. We have already said that Americans were forced to convert production and warehouse premises into apartments - that is why the classic loft implies high ceilings. The most important limitation in urban environments is the height of the ceilings. As a rule, in a typical apartment it does not exceed three meters; in addition, loggias and balconies with a low ceiling height steal natural light.

Everything can be changed if architectural standards allow it. For example, if it is possible to attach balconies and loggias to rooms or combine a corridor and a living room, it’s worth the risk. Visually the space will become larger, creating the effect of high ceilings.

Typical apartments, as a rule, consist of small rooms, the area of ​​which rarely exceeds 20 square meters. meters. In such cases, a plain ceiling in gray or white is best. The surface is leveled and then covered with a layer of primer.

Designers advise avoiding dark shades, as they make the room visually smaller.

In order not to clutter up an already not too spacious typical apartment, preference should be given to small lighting elements. It is best to place the lamps around the perimeter of the ceiling, and if you decide to install a chandelier, then you should opt for medium-sized models without unnecessary decor.

Kitchen ceiling

Here you don’t have to think about finishing the ceiling space. The best option is concrete slabs in their original form. For high rooms, the design can be supplemented with false beams and metal parts: pipes and air ducts or mesh. In low, small rooms, a suspended ceiling would be the ideal solution. Matte concrete gray or glossy white, visually expanding the space.

Photo: Instagram kuhnev.ru

Making formwork

By the way, this is a fundamental point in the work. According to its execution, the installation of the entire building is dependent and error-free.

Important: Before installing the formwork, you should make sure that it will support the full weight, including the reinforcement. To do this, it is better to consult a professional in this field.

Gain

This is the use of iron grating to fill the ceiling. This significantly increases the strength of the floor. It must be performed:

Frame installation

Important: When laying reinforcement, it must be inserted into the brickwork no less than 15 cm. If you are making a home ceiling where there is already a roof, and not in a new building, then to install the reinforcement you need to make holes in the wall using a punch.

Type of reinforced grating

Important: When installing logs, it is necessary to take into account the load on them. Place components perpendicular and firmly to the ground. When loaded, the rack can be pulled to the side and then the whole system collapses

Method for increasing frame rigidity

Pouring concrete

After the frame has been installed, you can order concrete or create it yourself. To do this, you need to prepare a place for unloading or install a kneading tub.

Pouring concrete using a pump

Important: Whatever pouring option you choose, it does not have to be stopped until the formwork is completely filled. You need to work instantly and together.

Bedroom ceiling

It is a good idea to choose a wooden ceiling for the bedroom. It will help make the brutal industrial style softer. A narrow lining, painted in light colors or imitating aged wood, can be a good solution. Both exposed floor beams and metal air ducts would be appropriate. Velvety gray concrete with unusually shaped lamps also looks good.

Photo: Instagram loftmakers

Black color

A universal color used in various styles: from classic to modern. Let's get acquainted with the idea of ​​decorating the ceiling completely in black and consider the advantages of this design.

Pros:

• Black color looks impressive. It adds chic, sophistication and sophistication to the decor.
• Looks harmonious with other colors and shades, regardless of their saturation.
• The room takes on an original appearance. This color will not go unnoticed.
• A ceiling painted black is ideal for any room in the house, be it a kitchen, bedroom, living room, hall or hallway.

What to consider when decorating:

• This design option is only suitable for ceilings with a height of 3 meters and above.
• It is not advisable to use in rooms with narrow windows.
• If there is a lack of lighting, it is necessary to install a sufficient number of lamps.
• For greater expressiveness, frame the ceiling around the perimeter with white or any other light paint. This will help get rid of the gloomy effect.
• Before you start painting the ceiling black, you need to carefully read the rules for using this technique.

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Living room ceiling

The choice of options here is unlimited. A concrete surface decorated with mesh, beams or pipes will look organic. Wood and metal are also quite appropriate. It is in the living room that you can install “broken” ceilings with different finishing options. If space allows, of course. For small rooms, choose a flat, light-colored ceiling without a large number of decorative elements.

Photo: Instagram arhidas_design

Finishing

How to cover a concrete ceiling is up to everyone to decide according to their own taste. There are several options for finishing a concrete ceiling.

Whitewash

This is a simple and low-budget method. You will need lime or chalk, which is diluted with water. To completely paint the entire ceiling area, it will need to be treated two or three times. In this case, you will get a perfectly smooth white surface. If you want the ceiling to look different, you need to add a coloring pigment of a suitable color to the lime. It is better to cover the ceiling with whitewash using a spray gun. The disadvantage of whitewashing is its fragility and reaction to high humidity. You will have to frequently renew the painted ceiling.

Painting

A higher quality option for finishing a concrete ceiling. For painting use acrylic or water-based paint. It is applied with a brush, roller, or spray, but before painting the concrete ceiling with a water-based emulsion, it should be carefully prepared and leveled, and the concrete base should be treated with a primer.

Loft style

In this case, finishing the concrete ceiling, decorating, leveling, preparing for painting, puttying, or priming are not required. Small flows of concrete will produce the desired effect. For brutality, you can use metal or wooden structures. All that remains is to properly illuminate the room.

A concrete ceiling requires virtually no decoration, so you can save money on repairs. Most often, people using this style simply attach light fixtures.

If you plan to paint a concrete ceiling, then you can do it in a thin layer and uneven strokes, which will add color to the concrete surface. Decorative wooden or metal beams are attached to the concrete. If you want to enhance the severity and coolness of the interior, then you can plaster the concrete ceiling and cover it with colorless varnish.

Bathroom ceiling

For the bathroom you need to select special materials that can withstand high humidity. Therefore, the ideal choice would be a concrete surface or its imitation, brickwork, or a stretch ceiling made of film. There is no need to choose fabric. You need to be careful when using wood frames. If it is decided to use it, then a particularly effective wood protection must be present.

Photo: Instagram titova_katherina

Decor and additional elements

To decorate the ceiling in the loft style, special decorative elements are used. Here are the most spectacular:

• False beams made of wood or polyurethane. Painted in dark colors.
• Large mesh metal mesh.
• Wide or narrow lining.
• Elements of engineering communications made of metal.

They are placed on the ceiling as effectively as possible. Emphasize the shape of parts with a contrasting color.

Photo: Instagram olegbyshevsky

Ceiling lamps in loft style

Lamps are considered a necessary addition to the overall design of the ceiling, and therefore must correspond to its style. For lofts, these types of lighting fixtures are often chosen.

• Spots with hinges . Rotating lamps with a triangular or any other shape diffuser are reminiscent of industrial premises and fit perfectly into the interior.
• Incandescent lamp on a cord without a shade . Good as a spotlight. Adjusting the length of the suspension and selecting the size of the flask allows you to find the best options for any interior.
• Fan-lamp in office style . Suitable for large rooms.
• Retro lamps . Particularly good against the backdrop of brick and concrete.
• Lighting fixtures in high-tech style . The most diverse solutions. All of them are well suited for an industrial interior.

Photo: Instagram odel.ru

For lovers of original solutions, we can recommend chandeliers in a classic style. Their lush, sophisticated decor will be an unusual contrast for the loft-style ceiling.

Microcement

Most often, this material is used to create the desired effect. Moreover, it is the most affordable among those offered. This is because there are no critical requirements for warmth and other qualities that apply to finishing materials used for walls and ceilings.

On a note! According to the designers, microcement creates an excellent background for the rest of the interior. In order to apply it, you first need to level the ceiling, apply finishing plaster or make suspended ceilings from plasterboard.

Microcement will help to recreate the intended surface decor

Fact! With the help of microcement it will be possible to achieve an interesting effect, in particular to imitate different tones with subtle differences. This will create the desired result.

A spectacular combination of concrete with wood and numerous lamps

For this option, high-quality lighting plays a huge role. In addition to choosing the right lamps, it is important to achieve optimal light on the ceiling. This will help highlight the special texture.