Review, analysis and comparison of 8 world leaders in ceiling production

Updated: 03/12/2021 17:38:40

Expert: Andrey Nikolaevich Kuznetsov

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

This type of finishing, such as suspended ceilings, quickly gained popularity in Russia. Consumers immediately appreciated the ideal flatness of the surface, durability, high speed of installation, and minimal inconvenience in terms of rearranging furniture and cleaning the room. Foreign and domestic manufacturers offer systems made from different materials; the variety of textures and colors is amazing. It is difficult for an inexperienced buyer to make the right choice, so expert recommendations will be useful.

How to choose a stretch ceiling

1. Type of canvas
   . Today there are three types of paintings on the finishing materials market. The most affordable and popular is PVC film. It is often used by owners of private houses and apartments to decorate kitchens, baths, toilets and some residential premises. It is preferable to decorate bedrooms and children's rooms with eco-friendly satin fabrics. In large rooms, you can make a seamless ceiling by using fabric based on polyester and polyurethane. Only the price of such material is quite high.
2. Texture.
   Any stretch ceiling has its own texture. Matte surfaces create an imitation of the base, with a perfectly even layer of putty. This texture is optimal for spacious rooms with a classic interior. Modern finishing style involves the use of glossy stretch ceilings. Such canvases visually enlarge cramped rooms.
3. Color
   . Ceiling coverings with a certain color palette will look harmonious in different rooms. The most popular is white canvas. It is suitable for most interiors, has a calm effect on the psyche, and is combined with inserts based on photo printing. Romantic shades such as pink, blue and beige are suitable for the bedroom. But bright ceilings (green, purple, orange, blue) would be appropriate in children's rooms. Dark colors are used to decorate work rooms.
4. Installation features.
   Experts attribute the fear of high temperatures and sharp objects to the disadvantages of suspended ceilings. During operation, mechanical damage rarely occurs, but at the installation stage it is quite easy to ruin an expensive canvas. Therefore, it is necessary to immediately decide on the number and location of lamps, cornices and other interior elements. Another nuance that is important to consider at the design stage of the ceiling finish is the gap between the base and the canvas. If you plan to install built-in lamps, you will have to sacrifice the height of the room.
5. Additional features.
   Stretch ceilings are versatile, but some products have unique properties. Music lovers should take a closer look at acoustic canvases. They combine sound and heat insulation qualities. For residents with low immunity, antibacterial sheets are optimal. And in industrial premises or laboratories it is recommended to install moisture- and frost-resistant ceilings with high resistance to dirt.

We have selected 15 of the best suspended ceiling manufacturers for our review. Their products are widely represented on the domestic market. The rating was compiled taking into account the opinion of the expert community and consumer reviews.

Methods of fastening canvases

To install the film on the ceiling, it is prohibited to use nails or screws, or similar materials. In this case, the film or woven material may tear. For installation work, special profiles are used, from which the frame is made, after which the canvas itself is fixed to them. Fastening parts can be made of aluminum or plastic. In the first case, it is advantageous to use the profile for a large room from 50 sq.m., since aluminum can withstand high stress. Plastic is suitable for a medium or small room, but aluminum can also be used in it.

There are several main types of fastening for stretch ceilings. They all differ in shape, design and distinguish types:

• Harpoon. This option involves accurate calculations of the area; it is necessary to carry out preliminary preparation of the material for tension. A plastic edge - a harpoon - is attached to the edges of the PVC film, after which it is fixed in the baguette using a special hole. The method makes it possible to dismantle the canvas and reinstall it if necessary. This type simplifies access to the space under the suspended and main ceilings, especially important if there is lighting, generators and other devices. The film can be dismantled to remove water after an accident.
• Wedge or glazing bead. The installation methods are very similar. To do this, you need to make a reserve of film within the range of 8-13%, its edges are inserted into the profile and secured with a plug. With this technology, parts of the film remain at the edges, which can be hidden or trimmed. The installation is quite simple, since the master does not need to pre-prepare the film, and all calculations can be done “by eye” and do not require high precision. The main disadvantage is the impossibility of re-installation after dismantling.
• Clip-on. Suitable for woven fabrics that will be attached similarly to a clothespin, where the edges are inserted.

A specialist can determine the exact type of fastening; it all depends on the material and room.

Which ceiling is better - plasterboard, suspended or slatted?

Interesting ideas in the interior

Designers have developed some features in the design of a room using a tension wall. So, in the bedroom this design will look best behind the headboard. In this case, it is worth choosing a canvas with a pattern or photo wallpaper with a forest. This will make the room more comfortable. Experts recommend giving preference to flowers, trees, and a city at night, as such designs are best suited for a sleeping area.

In the living room, it is better to choose neutral tones, for example, a plain linen. If you want to choose photo printing, then you can choose water drawings.

Rating of the best manufacturers of suspended ceilings

Cost of floating structures

The costs of arranging a simple suspended ceiling are calculated simply: the cost of tension fabrics + the cost of a load-bearing profile laid along the perimeter of the walls + the cost of arranging additional corners (if there are more than 4 of them in the design) + the cost of lamps + installation work.

When calculating the costs of installing floating systems, to the costs of installing ordinary tension structures, you need to add the cost of an LED strip of the required footage, equal to the perimeter of the walls and power supplies (transformers) for protection against overloads and power surges at the rate of 1 device per 10 m of strip. It is necessary to take into account that:

• multi-color (RGB) tapes are more expensive than white ones;
• When choosing strips with color LEDs, you will additionally need a remote control for adjusting the brightness of the light output and color.

Each owner can calculate the cost of a new super-fashionable ceiling and decide on a budget in advance.

The best PVC stretch ceilings

PVC film is the most popular material in Russia for finishing ceilings. The canvas has an affordable price; manufacturers offer a variety of color options; there are matte or glossy surfaces. Experts highly rated PVC products from the following brands.

Barrisol

Rating: 4.9

A unique indoor interior can be created using stretch ceilings from Barrisol. Experts call the products of the French brand the standard in the field of ceiling finishing. The company occupies a leading position in the European market thanks to its durable and beautiful material. The manufacturer offers 6 texture options, about 90 colors, as well as a 12-year warranty. If we add to this environmental friendliness (A+) and ease of use, the product becomes attractive in terms of design and reliability.

Some users may be put off by the high price, but it should be noted that Barrisol stretch ceilings are easily dismantled and can be reused. The brand becomes the winner in our rating.

Advantages

• high quality;
• reusability;
• rich assortment;
• environmental friendliness.

Flaws

• high price.

Alkor Draka

Rating: 4.8

An excellent combination of European quality and a rich assortment is inherent in Alkor Draka stretch ceilings. This Dutch company is part of the well-known international holding Vulcan. The history of the company began in 1947, since then the main specialization of the brand has been the production of PVC film. The company's employees boast a wealth of experience, which is complemented by modern technologies. Experts gave the brand second place in our ranking for excellent quality, ease of care, variety of colors and textures.

Domestic users speak flatteringly about environmental friendliness; the film does not absorb odors and does not attract dust. It is possible to choose a film that matches the color and texture of any interior.

Advantages

• multi-stage quality control;
• 8 textures;
• 100 colors;
• ease of care.

Flaws

• high price.

EXTENZO

Rating: 4.8

High fashion products include EXTENZO stretch ceilings. They are intended for a wide range of applications, from living rooms to public institutions. Experts identified several important features due to which the brand got into the top three of our rating. Tension systems do not reduce the height of the room; the gap between the ceiling and the film is only 3 mm. The manufacturer offers over 120 color palettes and 12 types. These are classic options (glossy, matte), artistic, and antibacterial.

Users have no complaints about the quality of French PVC film. But the work of the Russian representative office leaves much to be desired.

Advantages

• minimum gap between the ceiling and the film;
• wide selection of colors and varieties;
• UV resistance;
• long service life.

Flaws

• the smell lasts a long time;
• there are complaints about the work of the Russian representative office.

Lackfolie

Rating: 4.7

German Lackfolie stretch ceilings can add zest to any interior. They will fit harmoniously into a residential space, as well as into a restaurant, hotel or store. The company is a leader in Germany in the production of PVC film and suspended ceilings. The company's largest representative offices are located in Switzerland, France and Russia. The manufacturer pays a lot of attention to safety and environmental friendliness, this applies to both the selection of raw materials and the introduction of advanced technologies. To ensure high quality products, strict control is carried out at every stage of production.

A lot of positive reviews from Russian consumers allowed the brand to get into our rating. Disadvantages include the high price and persistent odor.

Advantages

• elegant design;
• easy care;
• high quality;
• safety and environmental friendliness.

Flaws

• high price;
• the smell does not disappear for several days.

RENOLIT

Rating: 4.7

The German company RENOLIT has been producing PVC films for more than 65 years. The brand's products are used in various industries, from construction to healthcare. The company has patented a unique technology for manufacturing suspended ceilings; it is based on high-quality raw materials and modern equipment. In the manufacturer's catalog, the most demanding consumer will find a suitable stretch ceiling option. There are about 200 color palettes alone. Experts note resistance to combustion, absence of odor and defects.

Users are satisfied with the quality of the film, fireproof and antifungal properties, and durability. Only the transfer of production to China somewhat upsets domestic buyers.

Advantages

• good quality;
• combustion resistance;
• resistance to biological damage;
• wide color palette.

Flaws

• high price;
• Chinese production.

PTCM Polyplast

Rating: 4.7

Compared to other European manufacturers of suspended ceilings, the Belgian company PTCM Polyplast offers Russian consumers affordable prices. When choosing films from this brand, you should consider some features. The minimum gap between the ceiling and the film will be from 3 to 5 cm. The installation process can take approximately 4 to 8 hours. With the help of Belgian systems, it is possible to implement both single-level types of finishing and multi-level structures. The catalog also includes fashionable canvases with a 3D effect.

The brand is ranked 6th in our ranking for moving production to China, which worries many potential buyers. In addition, there is no information on stretch ceilings on the manufacturer’s official website.

Advantages

• wide scope of application;
• affordable prices;
• variety of films;
• moisture resistance.

Flaws

• large gap;
• Chinese production.

Pongs

Rating: 4.6

The German brand Pongs has a good reputation in Europe and Russia. The manufacturer has gained a wealth of experience over a hundred years of producing PVC films and plastics. The company's factories are constantly modernizing equipment and introducing new technologies. Particular attention is paid to the environmental friendliness of products. The range includes glossy, matte and satin fabrics. The widest film supplied to the Russian market has a size of 3.25 m. If the seller offers large-sized films under this brand, then it will be a fake.

The brand has earned a place in our ranking thanks to German quality and environmental friendliness. Fire safety is confirmed by the appropriate certificate. There are no complaints about the quality of the material on the forums, but not everyone is happy with the price.

Advantages

• stable quality;
• ease of installation;
• good specularity;
• easy care.

Flaws

• high price;
• Film width is limited.

MSD

Rating: 4.6

The Chinese brand MSD occupies a worthy place in various ratings. Stretch ceilings from this manufacturer are famous for their high quality at an affordable price. Film materials are absolutely safe, they have an A+ environmental class, which is confirmed by an ISO certificate. Some European manufacturers of suspended ceilings order film from a Chinese holding. Experts note the innovative approach of MSD; it was the company that was the first to produce canvases 5.1 m wide. The company is constantly developing and introducing new lines of stretch ceilings.

Domestic users managed to evaluate the quality of Chinese MSD stretch ceilings. The affordable price, environmental friendliness, ease of operation and maintenance deserve praise. One of the disadvantages is the presence of stains on the canvases.

Advantages

• affordable price;
• good quality;
• rich color palette;
• variety of textures.

Flaws

• spots on the film.

SAROS DESIGN

Rating: 4.5

The SAROS DESIGN company began its activities by supplying stretch ceilings from Europe to the domestic market. But already in 2000 the company established its own production. Today, decorative canvases are made not only at production sites in Russia, but also in Estonia, Ukraine, and Germany. Thanks to this approach, the manufacturer was able to reduce the lead time for orders, as well as constantly monitor the quality of suspended ceilings. Experts pay attention to the modern approach to clients; the company has developed a mobile application in which you can create suspended ceiling projects.

The place in the ranking is explained by some negative reviews from consumers. They criticize the brand for its unpleasant smell, installation problems and high price.

Advantages

• beautiful designs;
• good quality;
• attentive attitude towards clients;
• prompt execution of orders.

Flaws

• unpleasant odor;
• installation difficulties.

Ecofole

Rating: 4.5

A fairly young player in the suspended ceilings market is Ecofole. The German manufacturer joined the fierce struggle for consumers only in 2007. At first, the company produced products for packaging, waterproofing, and renovation of premises. Since 2010, film materials began to be used as ceiling decor. Ecofole stretch ceilings appeared on the Russian market in 2012. Today, there are official representative offices of the brand in 18 cities. According to the manufacturer, about 80% of the audience are buyers from Russia.

The brand closes our rating. Users complain about counterfeit products offered by sellers under the Ecofole brand. First of all, you should be wary of wide canvases (over 5 m).

Advantages

• orientation to the Russian market;
• good assortment (3 textures, 64 colors);
• stylish design;
• acceptable price.

Flaws

• there are a lot of fakes on the domestic market.

Leading countries

Considering the popularity of this type of coating, it is not surprising that they are being produced almost everywhere. However, some achieve this at a higher level - most often our compatriots order stretch ceilings made in French, Italian, and German.

A wide selection of Chinese canvases, both from PVC film and fabric. This is easy to explain: low cost with fairly good quality ensured high demand for these products.

At one time it seemed that the “Chinese” would be squeezed out of domestic production by Russian firms. However, this did not happen.

Alas, the stretch ceilings of the Kazan Artificial Leather Plant and NIIPIK (Ivanovo) cannot boast of such reliability as the Chinese ones that are similar in price.

In addition, due to the fact that the factories were not initially designed to produce stretched fabric, it turns out to be an order of magnitude narrower than that of competitors - no more than 140 centimeters. This means that during installation it is necessary to mask more seams. And the color palette is not very diverse - both factories produce only 80 shades, which is catastrophically low compared to competitors.

Therefore, we had to abandon the idea of ​​including them in our rating - at the moment, Russian stretch ceilings do not reach the title of the best. What companies are included in it? Let's get a look.

The best satin stretch ceilings

Weightlessness, original texture and rich color are the main advantages of satin stretch ceilings. To create the canvas, natural materials such as silk, wool and cotton are used. The fibers twist and intertwine to form a shiny structure. Experts have identified one brand that produces satin coatings.

Arridel

Rating: 4.8

Experts call Arridel satin stretch ceilings the standard of reliability and aesthetics. Today in the world no one can reach the level of the French manufacturer. The Russian consumer is offered a wide palette of colors, in which the most discerning buyer will find his own color. Arridel stretch ceilings are suitable for decorating studios, restaurant premises and living rooms. Thanks to the fragmented reflection of light, the ceiling surface looks elegant both in natural light and when backlit. The material even has a small sound absorption coefficient (0.4).

The brand becomes the winner in this rating category for durability (up to 50 years), environmental friendliness (A) and high strength. The disadvantages include the high price and narrow canvases (up to 220 cm).

Advantages

• noble shine;
• durability;
• environmental friendliness;
• silky texture.

Flaws

• high price;
• narrow canvases.

Features of choice

Expert advice will help you determine which stretch ceiling is best to choose. It is important to consider them before purchasing a product. For example, a lot depends on the material used:

• The ability to use ceiling canvas in certain conditions: high humidity, dampness, cold or heat.
• Brightness and saturation of colors when using a print.
• The ability of the material to retain water if there is a breakthrough in the system of the upstairs neighbors.
• Fixation method and the possibility of removing the ceiling and re-installing it.
• Choice of colors and textures.
• Practicality.

When choosing a texture, you need to take into account the overall interior of the room. In addition to matte, glossy or woven fabrics, you can find the following options on sale:

• Perforated – products with small holes that are used for ceilings with internal lighting.
• Metallic is an interesting option that changes colors and shades in certain light, and itself has a metallic sheen.
• Suede - a chic ceiling with a small velvet pile, will complement expensive classic styles.
• Silk has a slight sheen, which is characteristic of natural raw materials.
• Marble is an imitation with a smooth surface and a stone-like pattern.
• Mother-of-pearl is a ceiling with a soft sheen, an iridescence similar to pearls.

The ceiling surface itself can be embossed or smooth. The former have a slight relief and look simpler, while the latter are more complex, since they can contain figures, flowers and other images.

When deciding on a color scheme, you need to not only take into account personal preferences, but also the design of the room, the presence of daytime and evening light. The overall line should be with a maximum of 3 colors, taking into account the ceiling, furniture and other decorations.

The best fabric stretch ceilings

Fabric-based stretch ceilings are in demand for the effect of a putty surface. The canvas is made of polyester, which is impregnated with polyurethane. The disadvantage of the material is its high price. Experts have identified several brands.

Clipso

Rating: 4.9

The world leader in the production of fabric stretch ceilings is Clipso. The French company began its activities in 1997, and its products immediately became popular. Experts note such properties of fabrics as high quality, versatility of use and durability. The manufacturer offers Russian consumers a wide range of textures and colors. Seamless white surfaces will look harmonious in a classic interior. Shiny or colored materials will help make the room unique. For special conditions, the catalog includes antibacterial, moisture-resistant and dirt-proof fabrics. Product quality is confirmed by ISO 9001 certificates.

The brand becomes the winner of our rating, because users have no complaints about the quality.

Advantages

• high quality;
• durability;
• moisture resistance;
• environmental friendliness.

Flaws

• high price.

Cerutti Next

Rating: 4.8

Cerutti Next fabric stretch ceilings stand out for their originality. The Italian manufacturer pays a lot of attention to multilayer acoustic structures. Seamless multi-layer canvases up to 5 m wide stand out against the background of competitive acoustic coatings. On the back side of the canvas there is a layer of polymer, and the front side is made in the form of a standard matte coating. According to experts, the brand deserves a high place in our ranking for its uniqueness, high moisture and frost resistance, and durability. The installation of a stretch ceiling will solve not only the problem of sound insulation, but will also reduce heat loss in the room.

Feedback from domestic users prevented the Italian brand from overtaking the leader. They are dissatisfied with the unpleasant smell of rubber that the canvas gives off for a long time.

Advantages

• good sound insulation;
• reduction of heat loss;
• durability;
• moisture and frost resistance.

Flaws

• unpleasant smell.

Descor

Rating: 4.7

The German company Descor produces fabric ceilings that successfully combine affordable prices and excellent technical characteristics. The manufacturer's assortment includes canvases with widths from 3.2 to 5.2 m. In most living rooms it will be possible to create a beautiful seamless ceiling covering. Experts included the brand in our rating for environmental friendliness and fire safety. The light weight of the material helps to save on the profile. Descor fabrics are counterfeit-proof and have fringes on the stripes with the inscription “D-Premium Made in Germany”.

The weakness of the German manufacturer is the modest range of fabrics. The Russian consumer is offered only 30 color solutions. Users liked the elasticity of the material, which easily takes complex shapes.

Advantages

• affordable price;
• German quality;
• environmental friendliness;
• ease.

Flaws

• modest selection of colors.

Recommendations for design

Tension walls allow you to realize almost any idea. For example, hidden lighting - the lamps themselves will not be visible, but the light will illuminate the entire room. The material is resistant to mold and other fungi, so it can also be used where there were previously tiles. When choosing a shade, you need to rely on the general design of the room: it is preferable to choose muted tones, since bright patterns can quickly get boring.

Experts recommend focusing on one thing. For example, you can install a bright wall or choose bright furniture and accessories. In most cases, designers suggest choosing the following shades:

• warm colors: relax, lift your spirits and make the room more cozy and comfortable;
• green: relaxes, allows you to achieve harmony in your personal life, helps you take a break from a hard day at work;
• lilac: has a gentle and calm mood, harmonizes perfectly with wood;
• white: makes the room appear larger and sleeker.

Patterned walls look great. For example, this could be photo printing or raised drawings. In this case, the furniture should be plain.

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Price and owner reviews

The price is calculated using the formula: the cost of a regular ceiling + the cost of each linear meter of the soaring set. This is a baguette and a ribbon. Suppose you order a room with an area of ​​25 m2. from a simple white film and the company charges 400 rubles for each square of a typical ceiling. It turns out that the price of 25 m2 is 10,000 rubles, taking into account that:

• there will be no additional structures such as cornices, chandeliers
• there will be no aspects that complicate the work, such as covering the walls with porcelain stoneware that is difficult to pass through, or a large number of corners in the room, especially rounded ones.

Now we add the footage of the special baguette. Suppose it will run along only one side of the hall, 6 m long. The company estimates each meter of the soaring ceiling at 1,000 rubles. This means that you need to add another 6,000 rubles to the basic 10,000. The total check is 16,000 rubles.

For the client, an accurate calculation is a difficult task, since there is rarely knowledge of all the aspects that complicate and reduce the cost of the work, or an accurate vision of the design of the future ceiling.

Calculating the required number of lamps so that it does not end up being too bright or, on the contrary, dark, is also not an easy task. Therefore, the most accurate numbers are obtained by measurement. It is carried out by a master in the presence of the client. He not only calculates the cost, but also explains all the nuances of choosing film, baguette, light sources, and location.

Exclusive multi-level soaring ceiling

Reviews about floating ceilings can be negative precisely because of a lack of information, that is, insufficient consultation. Whose fault it was is worth understanding individually in each specific case.

But the result is the same. Consumers complain that they did not expect such dim light, burnout of the tape, or a visible gap in the profile. The incompatibility of a floating structure with non-ideal walls also becomes a surprise if the measurer has not previously clarified this nuance.

If at the measurement stage all the points are explained, competent advice is given on choosing a room and the exact price is named, customer reviews are usually positive. The soaring ceiling pleases the eye and remains relevant, in contrast to fleeting trends in film with perforation, soldering, and photo printing.

There is also a fashion for contour ceilings, which some confuse with floating ones. But, in the contour LEDs are located under the film. This gives the glow line a clear outline. Hence the name of the design. It is losing relevance because it is problematic to maintain. If the tape burns out, you can install a new one only by dismantling the film.