Stretch ceiling in the bathroom: advantages, disadvantages, types and design ideas.

Can it be done?

Finishing materials for the bathroom should not be afraid of high humidity, temperature changes. It is important that they are easy to wash and do not cause mold formation. This applies to the finishing of walls, floors and, of course, the ceiling.

Stretch ceilings in the bathroom have gained their popularity due to the ease of installation, relatively low cost and suitable characteristics. Therefore, the answer to the question “Are PVC ceilings suitable for the bathroom?” will be a clear yes. But it is important to choose the right stretch ceiling.

The photo shows glossy ceilings in the bathroom

Which one is better to choose?

First, let’s look at the types of stretch ceilings by material. They are made in two versions: fabric or PVC film.

• Fabric. Their main advantage is breathability. The stretch ceiling does not sweat, therefore, the formation of mold is excluded. But the fabric is unstable to moisture, so it is better not to use it in bathrooms.
• Film. The main advantage is water resistance. They can be wet and washed. If your neighbors flood you, the repair will not be affected. Most of the water will be retained between the slab and the film – you will just need to carefully drain it. The downside is the obstruction of air flows, this can be solved by treating the slab with a high-quality antifungal compound.

As for the appearance of the surface, stretch ceilings in the bathroom are:

• Glossy. The surface of the stretch ceiling is almost mirror-like, it perfectly reflects light and visually expands the space. Another plus is ease of maintenance: due to the absence of pores, dirt simply has nowhere to get clogged.
• Matte. PVC canvases create the effect of a painted ceiling. They look stylish, do not attract unnecessary attention. Dust is invisible on them, so you do not need to wipe them often.
• Satin. They look expensive, not as shiny as glossy ones, but they reflect light. A winning option for interiors in a modern style.

Advice! The texture of the stretch ceiling in a small bathroom should be glossy. This will help to visually increase the space.

The photo shows a colored two-level structure for the bathroom

Next, choose the color of the stretch ceiling:

• White. A classic option that suits any interior: be it a small or large bathroom, low or high, in a classic style, Scandi or loft. This is a universal practical solution that will definitely not spoil the design: so if you doubt the choice of others, opt for snow-white.
• Colored. They come in absolutely any color: yellow, blue, red, black, gray, green, beige. Satin texture looks especially good in color. When choosing a color, keep in mind that the coating itself will become a design accent – so the rest of the room should be neutral.
• With a pattern. If you need an accent even brighter than color, choose a print! Clouds, drops, starry sky, flowers, abstraction are suitable for the bathroom. If you order an image of the sea depths with sharks or dolphins, while taking a bath it will seem that you are in the underwater world.

The photo shows the effect of the starry sky in the bath

When you have decided on the canvas, move on to the types of structures. They are:

• Single-level. A standard solution when the profile is attached at the same height along the perimeter of the room. Creates the effect of neat professional painting. Practically does not reduce the height of the walls, so it is suitable even for compact bathrooms.
• Two-level. In appearance, they resemble the once popular plasterboard suspended ceiling structures. The lower tier is usually made along the contour, and the upper one (the one above the floor) is in the center. The division into zones looks cumbersome, so such stretch ceilings are installed exclusively in a huge bathroom.

Pros and cons

There are no ideal materials, and a stretch ceiling is no exception. Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of this finishing option.

• Decorative. You won’t have to do hidden wiring, level the surface, paint, etc.
• Durability. Manufacturers provide a 10-15 year warranty on the canvas, so when doing repairs for the second time, you won’t have to spend time and money on the ceiling.
• Safety. This is a controversial issue, because polyvinyl chloride is far from a natural material. When choosing stretch ceilings for the bathroom, pay attention to whether they have an environmental safety certificate.
• Speed and clean installation. A team of professionals will handle the installation in a couple of hours – and no dust, dirt, smudges or other problems.
• Water resistance. The film can withstand not only constant dampness, but also flooding due to careless neighbors. At the same time, it does not become covered with fungus.
• Ease of maintenance. Wipe with a damp soft cloth during general cleaning.
• Possibility of alteration. Accidentally tore the film near the edge? Specialists will remove it and tighten it so that the defect will go unnoticed.

• Durability. Stretch ceilings are afraid of sharp objects, they are easy to pierce. Although in the bathroom, the risk of a champagne cork or a knife blow is reduced to zero.
• Tightness. Relevant only for film models. We have already mentioned that the issue of a “non-breathing” surface is solved with the help of a protective impregnation for the ceiling.
• Labor costs. If you can handle painting yourself, then it is better to entrust the installation of a stretch ceiling in the bathroom to professionals.
• Reducing the height of the walls. In rooms with ceilings over 270 cm, you will not even notice it. But at 250 cm, even 3-5 cm can play an important role.
• Limiting the choice of lamps. To prevent the film from heating up, choose lamps with LEDs. Regular incandescent lamps will have to be moved 50-70 cm from the top.

Considering the stretch ceiling in the bathroom, its pros and cons, we did not take into account the cost. To correctly calculate the benefit, you need to compare the price per square meter of a stretch ceiling (with installation work, decorative rubber) and conventional finishing with paint (taking into account the cost of materials for all stages – leveling, puttying, painting).

Do not forget about the service life: a painted ceiling will last at least 2 times less than a stretch ceiling. Therefore, its price can be safely multiplied by 2.

After such calculations, it becomes clear that for a bathroom or any other room, ceiling repair by stretching will be more economical than any other method.

Design options

A stretch ceiling in a bathroom can be not only a classic single-level white one. There are a great many design examples: you just have to choose the one that suits your style and budget.

• A hovering one, for example, will solve the problem with the reduced height of the bathroom. Due to the lighting around the perimeter, a feeling of height is created.
• If you are worried about ventilation and condensation, but do not want a fabric canvas, stretch a film with a perforated pattern.
• A figured stretch ceiling will be a godsend for a classic, ethnic or oriental style. In the bathroom, it can take any shape: from a wave to an arabesque.
• In a large combined bathroom, zoning is welcome: use canvases of two shades, install them at different levels, outline the contours of the zones.

The photo shows a figured ceiling structure

Additional decor depends on the chosen style:

• Classic. Light colors, stucco, figured baseboards.
• Loft. Black color, imitation of plaster or concrete texture.
• Eco. Photo printing with plant motifs.
• Modern. Glossy finish, straight shapes.
• High-tech. Metallic shine, starry sky effect.

The photo shows a dark film on the ceiling