The most suitable ceilings for a small apartment

Apartments with a small area still occupy the bulk of the housing stock. Repairing rooms or updating the interior requires maximum use of every centimeter of space, including the ceiling . In small rooms, the ceiling height is minimal, which limits the choice of material and design.

In an ideal solution, the ceiling design is made in the same style as the room and serves as its continuation. If you can’t realize your daring dreams and fantasies, then the classics will come to the rescue - the white texture can be combined with almost any style and material.

Stretch glossy

Stretch ceilings, especially those with a glossy effect, have a number of advantages in the design of small rooms. They expand the space, are easy to clean, quickly installed, and match any interior . The disadvantage will be the cost, which depends on the area of the room, the number of bypass elements, and the manufacturer of the canvas. The canvas is resistant to sharp objects, but can be repaired. In case of replacement, you will have to order dismantling.

When choosing a stretch ceiling, you should remember that as a result of installation work, the height will decrease by 5-7 cm. Creating a two-level ceiling will steal even more height from the room, but the result is worth it. Built-in lighting around the perimeter will make the room appear larger, and glossy inserts will visually add height to the walls.

Plain stretch fabrics are suitable for the hallway and kitchen. In the living room and bedroom, if space allows, it is worth experimenting with color, levels and lighting.

Stretch ceiling in a small room

How to make ceilings in a small room

Thoughtful lighting expands the space

In recent years, in the design of residential premises, layouts have been increasingly used in which the apartment looks more like a large studio. This is done so that a person can decide for himself what size rooms he needs. If necessary, the studio room can be easily divided with plasterboard partitions and get two smaller rooms. What should those who live in Soviet-built houses do, where even in three-room apartments there are kitchens with an area of six square meters, and bathrooms with four square meters. Well, one bedroom is no more than nine square meters, and even then it looks more like a pencil case. Some owners of such apartments solve the issue using drastic methods: combining bathrooms; they move the partitions, expanding the kitchen at the expense of the bedroom; Closets are being removed to make it possible to enlarge the nursery. This is not an easy, costly, and not always possible task. The only chance remains is to achieve at least a visual expansion of the space. Our article will discuss how to solve this problem using a ceiling structure, and what kind of suspended ceiling can be made in a small room.

How to increase space

It is clear that if a room is cluttered with many details, it will seem even smaller. As for furniture, there are now many options that help solve this problem: bunk beds or beds that rise to the wall, wall shelves and cabinets, built-in wardrobes. This makes the space more functional, and visual perception depends on the color schemes of the interior.

Small room in light colors

The main rule for the design of a small room is that all interior details should be selected in the same color scheme, preferably light . This applies not only to the ceiling or walls, but also to the furnishings, as in the photo.

The role of suspended ceilings

And yet, the main role in the visual expansion of space will be played by the ceiling surface. There are many techniques in decorating it that can make the room taller and wider. Designers have long adopted materials with a reflective effect:

And these don’t have to be mirrors: what’s good for a bathroom is not suitable for a bedroom or nursery. A simple glossy surface is enough. And the first thing that can be offered in this regard is stretch ceilings for small rooms using glossy fabric.

Glossy stretch fabric of original shape

It is not at all necessary that the entire surface be glossy. It may be enough to have a glossy part built into the matte surface. In a small space, it is desirable that this part be square or multi-faceted, as in the picture above.
The configuration and location of the glossy insert on the ceiling can adjust the shape of the room . For example: a narrow long room, similar to a parallelepiped, can be zoned in this way, dividing it into two or three parts with a contrasting glossy canvas.

Combined design with contrasting insert

Or you can place a rectangular insert across the room, thus compensating for the lack of width. Stretch ceilings for a small room depicting a starry sky (see Stretch ceiling “Starry Sky”: materials and technology of work) or clouds would be an ideal option. And it doesn’t even matter what the functionality of this room is.
Any image of the sky, even at night, evokes in us associations with the vast expanses of space. In principle, such an image can be created using ceiling wallpaper or self-adhesive film with a corresponding pattern.

Before choosing a stretch ceiling for a small room. you need to think about how it will fit with its interior.

Combination of ceiling and walls

Of course, the interior of the room should not be completely monotonous, otherwise it will resemble a hospital ward. If this is a bedroom, dark colors are only allowed in contrasting combinations.

This role can be played by both furniture and one wall, the rest - in the color of the ceiling. In a living room, this can be done using wallpaper or self-adhesive film with a clear, bright pattern, pasted in the form of panels. Cornices, lamps, curtains can be contrasting.

Illumination of the perimeter of the ceiling, or part of the wall, also visually expands the volume of the room. You can place original mirrors not only above your head, but also on the walls.

Mirror elements on the wall

To visually expand the space, designers often combine several of these techniques. In the picture above, the interior of a small bedroom has a glossy ceiling, lighting, and mirror elements on the wall.

Other types of ceiling structures

Not only stretched glossy fabric can create the illusion of a spacious room. Some other materials also have a light reflection effect: latex paint, plastic panels, glossy films used to cover plasterboard structures.

But the best option is a mirrored suspended ceiling - in a small room it very effectively expands the space. Just like a glossy canvas, it is better to place a mirror insert in the center of the room. Then there will be no feeling of a bottomless well.
You might as well make a glass ceiling. Glass is used both natural and acrylic. Various patterns or images can be applied to it. Frosted glass with internal lighting solves the problem of visual expansion in the best possible way.

Acrylic panel in the hallway

There are many types of suspended ceilings: made entirely of glass or using inserts of various configurations. Glass inserts can be built into all types of suspended ceilings and go well with wood, plastic, and plasterboard.
Not everyone can create such a design with their own hands, and its price is quite high, but the end result will not leave anyone indifferent. You can watch the video to see how experts do it.
Frosted acrylic glass is also used for windows located on the attic roof. In this case, they create the same effect as a suspended ceiling with a glass insert.

Acrylic glass on attic windows

Only its lighting will be natural, and not created with the help of lighting devices. Thanks to these windows, the attic space does not seem so cramped.
If you think carefully, you can even fit a two-level ceiling into a small room. To avoid the feeling of a pressing surface, the second level may not be convex, but concave. The inside can be made at least glossy and contrasting.

The interior of the ceiling is covered with wallpaper

In the picture above, the ceiling is made of plasterboard on two levels - its inner sector is covered with wallpaper with photo printing, in harmony with the walls. Two types of contrasting lamps make the ceiling design interesting and unusual.
If you don’t want to make a suspended structure, you can use wallpaper with a small pattern, the same as on the walls, to decorate the ceiling of a small room. They do not cover the entire area, but only a part in the center in the form of a carpet.

Wallpaper pasted in the form of a carpet

Unpasted areas of the ceiling and walls are decorated with decorative moldings that outline the perimeter of the glued surface. This creates the effect of a distant ceiling, which means it visually makes the room higher.

3D wallpaper on the ceiling

In a room with a small height, you can use 3D wallpaper to decorate the ceiling (see 3D wallpaper on the ceiling: advantages and features), depicting a dome or individual concave elements, as in our example. Drawings depicting the sky and star galaxies are perfect.

We really hope that our short instructions helped you make the right choice and achieve the effect of visually expanding the space. A competent combination of textures of finishing materials with home textiles will make the interior of the room complete and create harmony and comfort.

Home Questions and Answers How to make ceilings in a small room

How to make ceilings in a small room

No matter how hard we try to increase space, it is not always possible, and it is not as simple as it seems at first glance. In most apartments, even with the most comfortable redevelopment, there are still rooms with a small square footage. A simple example is bathrooms or kitchens. In standard houses, these rooms are not allocated a large amount of square meters. Therefore, the correct organization of decoration and interior is even more important in their case. It has a number of features; without taking them into account, the room can turn into an uncomfortable room.

So let's start with the ceiling design first. After all, according to the rules of renovation, the ceiling is done first, and then the walls and floor. And both its further decoration and the final perception depend on how it looks in a small space.

Finishing methods, materials

There are so many different examples on the modern construction market that, on the one hand, it’s hard not to get confused, and on the other hand, there is a huge selection of possibilities for different room sizes and creating any design. Let's understand the diversity, look at the photos.

Drywall

Let's start with the most popular way to organize the ceiling. Drywall is a universal material; it can be used in any room. Even in the bathroom: there is a special waterproof type for this. If the bathroom is small, say 4-6 square meters, raising the ceiling surface is simply necessary. However, having made an ordinary hanging one, this is a loss of 5, and sometimes 10 cm. Lowering the ceiling level in a small room by such a distance will be noticeable. Therefore, it is best to combine, namely: make a U-shaped option.

In this case, you can visually raise the ceiling plane due to the resulting borders, into which you can install spotlights directed upwards. This move will make him visually even taller. The place of the main ceiling can be taken by a mirror one with a smaller frame. Or you can use different panels.

Here the color will be important. The upper part is made light precisely in order to visually add volume and height. Just try to make a dark finish, and the tiny room will immediately turn into an unpleasant place, it will even seem that there is not enough air. But if you really want an unusual finish, the dark surface at the top should be well lit, then everything will be compensated. From this we can draw a logical conclusion. In a small room, dark ceilings are possible with very good lighting. Moreover, the light flows should be directed equally down and up, as shown in the photo.

Regarding the use of panels, there are also various options available. For example, using panels to make borders or boxes. This is also possible. Or make transitions. In any case, a stepped one will be necessary to visually raise the ceiling and expand the room.

In this case, the panels will be harmonious if the main decoration requires their presence. You can also make a combination of cardinal shades. For example, dark brown and white, beige. But in this case, having good lighting is also very important. If it is not possible to make borders, you can put dark panels around the perimeter and leave light ones inside. In this case there will also be the effect of a higher ceiling.

Drapery

You can drape it with fabric. However, it is suitable for small bedrooms or living rooms. With this finishing, you can slightly lower the extreme sides of the fabric and raise them towards the middle. Also, the use of light-colored fabrics is very important. As for texture, transitions such as waves or zigzags are allowed. If necessary, wooden planks covered with fabric can also be used to complement the ceiling, visually making it even higher. To do this, the beams must be placed along the edge of the walls near the ceiling.

Standard option

The simplest is plaster and whitewash. However, this is from the point of view of the financial side of the issue. After the ceiling is prepared, you will need to choose the right baseboards for it. It is best to use planks of average width from 4 to 10 cm. Narrow materials, especially with uneven walls, will reveal all the imperfections of the surface. Just as one of the options for increasing space is accents in the form of vertical stripes in the corners, connected to strips in the decoration of the ceiling space.

Even now, foam tiles can be considered a completely standard approach; they are simply glued to the ceiling, without additional structures. With their help it is very easy to make a room smaller, or you can increase the space. To do this, you need to select a relief pattern with transitions from depressions to convex elements.

And in conclusion: a small room does not mean that it cannot be made cozy. This needs to be remembered, otherwise for most, the need to renovate a small room causes particular disappointment, because it seems that there is not enough space, there is nowhere to turn around.

What are the cheapest ceiling finishing options?

How can you cover the ceiling in an apartment yourself?

Stretch ceilings in the room - which ones to choose?

Stretch ceilings for a room

Almost everyone strives to create a cozy atmosphere in their home. With the help of suspended ceilings, any room will become not only more comfortable, but also more beautiful. However, in order for it to be transformed, it is necessary to choose the right coating. First of all, the selected ceiling should be in harmony with the interior.

In order to make the right choice, you need to have an idea about the types of suspended ceilings and the features of textures.

There are two main types of suspended ceilings - fabric and film.

Canvas is made from polyester threads that are impregnated with polyurethane. Manufacturers produce the material in a roll, the width of which is 5 m.

Unlike film, fabric can withstand temperature changes well, so it can be installed in any room; it does not need to be warmed up. The material is cut on site.

With the help of fabric ceilings, the room becomes more comfortable and “warmer”. The fabric covering looks best in the bedroom, nursery and living room, made in a classic style. For example, look at the photos of fabric stretch ceilings in different rooms.

Before installing film ceilings, the material is made to individual sizes in workshops on a high-frequency machine. Then, using a heat gun, the room is heated to 40⁰C, and the film to 65⁰C, and only then they begin to stretch the canvas onto the baguette. As soon as the room cools down, a perfectly smooth surface is formed.

Polyvinyl chloride, in turn, comes in matte, satin and glossy, despite the fact that they differ in appearance, their structure is similar.

Currently, there are many different textures with which any room becomes more interesting and comfortable.

Glossy stretch ceilings are great for small rooms. With the help of a mirror surface, the space visually increases and becomes lighter. Lately, glossy finishes in dark shades have become popular. Dark colors better reflect interior items, making the room visually larger. For example, dark glossy canvases are perfect for a narrow corridor or a small living room. Dark shades will create an interesting design and a comfortable environment.

The matte finish is considered classic; it practically does not reflect light and has a rough surface. Perfectly suits a classic interior. For example, look at the photo of suspended ceilings in the room.

Satin fabric has a perfectly smooth surface. Unlike matte fabric, satin has no pimples. Due to the mirror surface, the space visually increases. In order to decide which suspended ceilings to choose for a particular room, it is recommended to look at photos with different designs.

Photo printing

Ceilings with photo printing will look great in any room, the main thing is that the selected pattern matches the interior. For example, you can put flowers in the kitchen, a starry sky in the bedroom, and a cover with clouds in the bathroom.

Imitation wood, leather, suede, marble

If the room is decorated in an ethnic or rustic style, then a covering that imitates wood or leather is best suited. Natural wood creates a cozy and comfortable environment.

To give your living room a majestic and sophisticated look, marble is the best choice.

Suede does not always look trendy, since most often it is made in dark colors. It is more suitable for boudoirs and smoking rooms than for bedrooms and living rooms.

Which color should I choose?

Color plays an important role in design. If you combine different colors, you can get an interesting and unique design.

Combining different colors and textures allows you to zone a room. For example, in the nursery, select a sleeping area, and in the kitchen, an eating area.

In the bathroom, photo printing with images of clouds or light glossy ceilings are perfect. Due to light colors, the space will increase, and it will be much more pleasant to be in it. A matte or satin finish made in light, pastel colors is suitable for the bedroom. Photo wallpaper with images of clouds or a starry sky will also be relevant for the bedroom.

You should also be careful with bright colors; for example, it is not recommended to install bright ceilings in the bedroom and nursery.

Regardless of which covering you choose, the main thing is that it matches the style of the room.

Video about installing a stretch ceiling

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Hanging mirrors

Suspended ceilings are not the best choice for small spaces. Justified if the surface has defects and irregularities that are difficult to eliminate. Hanging structures with mirrors add sophistication and unusualness to living rooms. If the height of the rooms allows, then completely mirrored areas, or individual inserts, visually expand the room . They look impressive in living room studios.

Related article: Canopy bed – romance in your bedroom

No. 5. Bet on mirrors

A mirror works no worse than a glossy ceiling. If you install a floor-to-ceiling mirror surface in a room, the effect will be amazing. You can use a wardrobe with mirrored doors - in this case we get double benefits. An interesting effect will come out if you use mirror tiles to decorate the ceiling.

Varnished wooden floors also reflect well, but using several reflective surfaces in one room at once is too much.

Painted ceilings

Water-based paints with the addition of various colors still remain a classic solution for decorating ceilings in small apartments. Painting is considered the most budget option, and the work is easy to do yourself. Applying a layer of paint is preceded by leveling the surface, which is sometimes more expensive than installing a tension fabric. Designers advise choosing light neutral tones for painting ceilings in small rooms. When experimenting with color, it is important to remember the rules of combination and the influence of the color palette on the visualization of perception.

Important: plastic panels are suitable for decorating ceilings in the kitchen and bathroom; Wallpaper and self-adhesive film are often used in rooms.

Plasterboard ceiling and straightening the space

Despite the fact that nowadays more and more apartments in new buildings have fairly spacious rooms, most people still live in houses with Soviet-era layouts. In such apartments, in addition to several small rooms and a modest-sized kitchen, there will definitely be a room that will look like a pencil case.

Drastic measures to redevelop an apartment may not always be approved by the relevant authorities. Therefore, it is necessary to resolve the issue of expanding the space by implementing structures that change the visual perception of the territory. Plasterboard ceilings, which have long been loved by city residents, can help visually expand the space and at the same time adjust the shape of the room.

The opinion that suspended ceilings take up space, lowering already low ceilings, which developed during the installation of the first plasterboard structures, has long been outdated. Currently, there are many fasteners that allow you to lower the ceiling to a minimum distance. In addition, professional interior designers have developed finishing options that make small rooms visually larger, and they achieve this mainly by finishing the ceiling.

Color selection

It just so happens that white has dominated the design of ceiling space for decades. There are objective reasons for this: white visually expands the room. Light colors of the walls and ceiling create the illusion of high walls and lightness.

Popular modern stylistic solutions offer ceilings of different shades and combinations - from snow-white to charcoal black. At the same time, designers categorically discourage choosing dark colors for small rooms. Visually there will be a decrease in space, it will “press”.

Important: do not forget about how the ceiling will fit into the interior of the room: how it will combine with furniture, curtains, walls and floors.

No. 3. Setting up the right lighting

Low ceilings in an apartment can be visually raised with the right lighting :

All natural light must be used to the maximum, so it is impossible to clutter the windows with heavy curtains or, much worse, large pieces of furniture;
lamps for low ceilings should be compact, minimalistic, and have a minimum height. It is better to replace a large chandelier with a flat tablet chandelier, supplement the lighting with spotlights, spots on a bar, and LED strip. Multi-level lighting will allow you to effectively illuminate all corners of the room, but will not take away the useful height;
the light from the lamps, reflected in the glossy ceiling, makes the space even more voluminous;
The direction of the light also matters. Chandeliers, floor lamps, sconces should shine up, not down. It is better to direct the light to the ceiling, creating a play of shadows on it. You should be careful when choosing a lighting source for a PVC stretch ceiling. He is afraid of high temperatures, so it is better to replace incandescent lamps with energy-saving lamps with minimal heat transfer;
Vertical sconces also work well, providing light both up and down.

Expansion of space

An important task when choosing a ceiling design is to visually increase the space. Selecting a tone will help increase the height: the color of the ceiling is a tone lighter than the walls, which will blur the boundaries of the transition and junction of surfaces.

The glossy texture of the stretch fabric reflects interior items, deceives perception, and creates the illusion of multidimensional space. At the same time, it requires order and carefully arranged objects in the room.

The placement of lighting fixtures and the use of lighting changes the perception of the size of the room. The lighting around the perimeter looks interesting, with rays of light directed from the walls to the center of the room . A win-win option for two-level ceilings in the living room or bedroom.

Related article: Features of interior lightboxes

LOW CEILING? I know how to visually enlarge it! (1 video)

Interior decoration of a small bedroom (real photos)

The small dimensions of the bedroom are not a reason to leave the interior boring and ordinary. Original design solutions and the use of modern finishing materials of different textures and colors provide ample opportunities to decorate the bedroom interior at the proper level.

« Felix Mizioznikov/Shutterstock.com»

To properly organize the room, choose furniture, decoration, learn all the tricks and methods of decoration, we recommend that you read the information given in the article.

How to choose a style for a small bedroom

The task of choosing a style is a priority, as it must combine the elements into a single, integral, harmonious composition. Both classical rigor and modernist solutions are appropriate here. The most common styles are the following.

Modern style

Modern style is always relevant, performed with a simple furnishings, no frills, and laconic forms. The emphasis is on the main element - the bed, as well as on lamps, sconces and a window.

Moderation is observed in wall decoration; piling up surfaces with a large number of paintings, photographs or panels is unacceptable. The color scheme is harmonious and discreet. The use of metal, glass or mirror materials is encouraged.

Classic

Classic is a popular style for a small bedroom that never loses fresh ideas. The dominant colors are classic gray, pale pink and light brown shades, which are complemented by gold, silver and black gloss. Particular attention is paid to textiles: smooth, pleasant to the touch fabrics, preferably natural.

Provence

French Provence for the interior will not leave indifferent lovers of romance and refined natures. A light, airy atmosphere is created by natural textiles and patterns in the form of stripes, checks or floral patterns.

Paper wallpaper with a discreet pattern is suitable for the walls, and natural materials for decoration. The highlight of the “rustic” interior is handmade wooden furniture. Many designers use the aging effect in Provence for cabinets, chests of drawers, cabinets, and sideboards. This adds touching and coziness to the overall picture of the bedroom.

Minimalism

Minimalism is designed specifically for organizing this type of bedroom. The main aspects are lightness and airiness of free space. Characteristic features include low furniture, wardrobes, spotlights and natural finishing materials.

It is imperative to use no more than three colors in the design, the brightest of which should fill the smallest area. The walls are made plain, without applying ornaments or designs.

Loft-style bedrooms resemble an attic, warehouse or industrial space. Despite the unusual combination, there are many fans of this interior. Features include bare walls, increased contrasts, transformable furniture, and natural cold shades.

A panoramic window overlooking the city is a great idea that will highlight the overall impression of an urban interior.

When choosing from the proposed solutions, you should be guided solely by your taste preferences, not forgetting the general stylistic orientation of the entire apartment or cottage.

Wallpaper for a small bedroom: what designers offer

The choice of wallpaper for gluing walls in a small bedroom is accompanied by small restrictions, namely: the absence of large patterns, too thin lines, oversaturation with too many patterns and designs, dark deep color.

It is better to choose light or pastel shades that promote peace and sleep and do not cause aggression. Vertical striped wallpaper from floor to ceiling is another plus for visual height correction.

The use of photo wallpaper helps greatly to enliven the design of a small space. Choose a photo wallpaper design with perspective designs that go deeper.

This can be either a forest path or realistic skyscrapers. Modern products with a 3D effect look great on the wall behind the bed and will certainly become an individual highlight of the bedroom and visually adjust the size of the room. A wide selection of such wallpapers makes it possible to realize any interior preferences.

What curtains are suitable for a small bedroom?

Curtains are an important element of decor, so they also require careful selection. In a bedroom with a wide window, it is recommended to purchase a wide curtain, from wall to wall. It is desirable that they hang freely or are slightly gathered.

To make the space taller and more spacious, you need to choose a ceiling cornice that is not too bulky and massive. The style of the room plays a major role when choosing curtains, since each direction has its own characteristics.

The presence of a dense pattern on the curtain fabric is only possible if there are no similar patterns on the wallpaper, so that the picture does not merge into a solid spot of color.

Natural textiles for the bedroom are welcome, they breathe, let in light and air, and create a pleasant natural atmosphere.

Recommendations for choosing furniture

There should not be a lot of furniture so that the space does not become cluttered. It is better to choose a bed without legs so that it looks smaller and more compact. The presence of drawers and additional storage spaces is a must.

Wardrobes and chests of drawers should be multifunctional and practical, taking up minimal space. You can choose an armchair that is not too bulky, matches the tone of the common room, or is contrasting or with bright pillows.

We arrange furniture correctly

The central place in the bedroom is given to the bed. It can be placed either in the center of the room near the wall, or in the overall composition, when the furniture is placed around the perimeter of the room.

Consider the interior of the room so that there is room for free movement. Near the bed you can place a bedside table or a glass coffee table. The cabinet can be built-in or small in size.

Advice! A large and wide bed is certainly comfortable, but inappropriate in a compressed space. Considering the size of the room, choose a small or medium berth, or one with a pull-out design. A bunk bed is suitable for children's rooms.

A small bedroom cannot do without a mirror

The presence of mirror surfaces is almost irreplaceable in a small bedroom. The effect will surprise you, because the reflection of objects will visually enlarge the surrounding space.

The mirror can be used above the bed in the form of a horizontal strip. Mirror inserts on cabinet doors look interesting. Mirror chips can be present in the design of the ceiling or even a wall panel in a spectacular frame on the wall.

Ceiling finishing: what is important to know?

The ceiling for a small bedroom creates airiness and lightness, so the color is chosen from a light palette, in accordance with the overall style decision.

Stretch ceilings are popular because they allow you to create interesting multi-level differences on the ceiling. You can mount it from a glossy PVC film, which partially reflects the objects below, or install a matte or satin version in pastel colors, which promotes calm and relaxation.

Selecting lighting and lighting fixtures

Lighting does not have to be in the form of a central chandelier. Spotlights do an excellent job of their functions. If you place them on levels or build them into the ceiling, you get an interesting idea.

With the help of modern sconces and lamps, you can zone the room in the dark, delimiting the place for sleeping and waking.

Color scheme for small bedrooms

Light finishing options will make a small bedroom cozy, modern and comfortable. It is not necessary to use pure white; choose shades to suit your taste, avoiding gloomy, gloomy palettes.

Focus on the side of the world where the windows face. The north side is harmonious with warm notes of color, the south - with cool shades. Bright decoration elements will enliven a monotonous, boring atmosphere.

At the head of the bed you need to organize a corner that attracts attention: a bright color, photo wallpaper or a cozy carpet.

The main disadvantages of a low ceiling

Many people try to overcome the feeling of a low ceiling on their own. In order to understand which of the problems that arise in this case are of primary importance and with the help of which methods it is better to achieve the impression of spaciousness, let’s consider the main weaknesses of a low ceiling:

the presence of little visual attractiveness, when, with constant concentration of vision on closely placed objects, vision problems are observed;
the emergence of difficulties when installing suspended or suspended ceilings. A low suspended ceiling looks strange and awkward, despite its beauty and attractiveness;
when installing a second tier of bed, it may be located too close to the ceiling. If such furniture is needed, it is necessary to specify in advance when ordering a lower location of the second tier;
Not every type of lighting is suitable for a room; for example, a hanging chandelier cannot be placed in such a room.

The main points that require thorough study when designing apartments with low ceilings are not only a visual increase in volume, but also careful work with light, decor, and furniture.

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In the photo: Bedroom interior in a modern style apartment

Design Features

In addition to the color scheme and texture of the canvas, the overall impression is also influenced by the design features of the installed ceiling system. There is no need to select bulky structures for small rooms. You can opt for ceilings with one or two tiers or one small volumetric figure.

Combinations of contrasting tones in one composition look great. You can find many photos of such combinations on the Internet.

Often in small rooms with low ceilings, preference is given to traditional materials (wallpaper, paint, whitewash). But such methods do not make the room larger; the ceiling seems even lower. If you want to choose just such materials for decorating a room, then you need to consider the following points:

When using paint you need to use color techniques. A flat white surface will not visually change the proportions of the room. If you choose a smooth or contrasting transition of the light center, you will be able to visually raise the ceiling and achieve an attractive appearance of this part of the room.
A stretch ceiling will allow you to implement a variety of decorative solutions. With the right combination of color and texture, you can create not just a beautiful ceiling, but also make it taller. You can apply a variety of pictures or photos to the canvases.
Suspended structures significantly conceal space. But from an aesthetic point of view, it is possible to achieve a spectacular result. Height differences on the tiers visually expand the space of the room.
In small rooms, you can use suspended structures made of gypsum board. This is a fairly flexible material. It can be formed into a variety of curved surfaces and painted in various ways.
Suspended structures can be combined with tension fabrics. Such models are aesthetically attractive and suitable for installation in the kitchen, bedroom, or children's room.

No. 6. Architectural Tricks

Color schemes, finishes and visual tricks aren't the only ways to combat the depressing effects of low ceilings. At the stage of repair work, you can pay attention to the architectural component:

low doorways combined with low ceilings create a kind of mouse hole. Costs increase the height of the doorway, make a spectacular arch, as it will become noticeably easier to breathe in the room;
you can arrange tall architectural elements such as columns . We want to look at long vertical details, our gaze glides from floor to ceiling, and our brain perceives the height of the room to be somewhat greater than it actually is;
narrow, high niches have approximately the same effect as columns. If the thickness of the walls allows, you can make several niches in it and paint their surface with a contrasting shade;
if the room has a fireplace with a characteristic protrusion above it, then this protrusion can be visually highlighted. Designers say this contributes to the expansion of space.

Partitions

The interior of the kitchen and living room begins to be thought out from the junction of two zones. Here are some of the methods and objects that delimit the space: installing a bar counter; a kitchen island; a large table; installing a low partition. Designers advise installing a wide counter, since you can sit at it like at a regular table, and high chairs are quite suitable for the whole family. However, in small rooms (16 sq m), narrow counters are installed. Kitchen islands are convenient to use, but are only suitable for large kitchen-dining rooms (25 sq m or 30 sq m). Capital low partitions are installed only if it has been decided in advance what they will be used for (for example, as a TV stand).

A few examples

To more accurately imagine what a suspended ceiling designed for a low room might look like and what the effect of installing such a ceiling might be, you can look at several photo examples given below.

What to avoid when decorating a room with a low ceiling

Often, friends and neighbors try different ways to decorate rooms with low ceilings. It is well known that excess is the enemy of small spaces, so when arranging such a room you should avoid such techniques as:

do not hang curtains with lambrequins, which are appropriate for spacious living rooms, high bedrooms or offices. Their use in rooms with low ceilings creates the impression that the owner of the house has no sense of proportion, he is a supporter of everything excessive and superfluous;
do not install massive furniture (bulky wardrobe, oversized sofa, etc.), which visually clutters up an already low room. As a result, there is a desire to quickly get rid of unnecessary items;
do not use hanging chandeliers and stucco moldings, volumetric lamps with many lampshades, which tend to make the ceiling even lower;
do not use excessive decor on the walls (photos, souvenirs, paintings and pictures), which clutter up the space of the room.

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In the photo: Kitchen interior in a modern style apartment

What to avoid

Interior design methods that are highly undesirable to use are directly opposite to the previously mentioned recommendations:

When decorating a small apartment, avoid dark colors (black, brown, dark blue, dark purple). If you use them when decorating walls, it will visually narrow the space. And the dark colors of the ceiling will give the impression that you are in a very low room.
Multi-level ceilings are not allowed in a small bedroom (see photo on the page). This design can significantly reduce space. This will create a feeling of pressure from above and you will feel uncomfortable.

Example of using a multi-level ceiling system

Nowadays, stretch coverings with photo printing are gaining popularity. But in a small apartment it is better to do without such a newfangled solution. Since your attention will only be focused on the image, it will prevent you from relaxing.

Selection of palette and finishing option

The magic of white

Light neutral surfaces optically enlarge any room: bedroom, guest lounge, kitchen and bathroom. If you want to achieve a similar effect in interior design , use snow-white paint, wallpaper or special panels.

Gloss school

Reflective coatings remarkably refract the sun's rays and optically expand the living area. When choosing a material for painting the ceiling surface, pay close attention to the color scheme with a glossy finish.

In limbo

Tensile structures are another great way to create an illusion. For finishing, choose building materials with a shiny coating that will reflect the rays of the sun, as well as optically duplicate the decoration and double the height of the room.

Blue dreams

Don't be afraid to experiment with colors, they will help add brightness, creativity and personality to your apartment. For example, an azure shade will represent the clear surface of the sky. This technique is perfect even for a modest apartment.

The main principle when choosing the color of the ceiling, whatever tone you choose, the design of the walls should be darker. Otherwise, you can create a feeling of depression and heaviness in the room.

The optimal solution is a monochromatic color scheme for finishing wall and ceiling surfaces. As a result, you will erase the boundaries and create an optical illusion of space.

Try to avoid bulky items. For example, choose simple built-in light bulbs instead of a chic chandelier. Also, you should not focus on the ceiling surface with a fan and various architectural elements - elegant stucco molding and rosettes.

Use moldings and drywall boxes that frame the interior perimeter. They imitate the silhouette of a dome, which allows you to create a visual height.

Room configuration

The main factors when creating the design of a small room are not even the dimensions, but the proportions. They must be taken into account if you want to achieve the desired effect.

A small square room with a high ceiling is the simplest option. The correct proportions in this case allow the use of both film stretch ceilings and plasterboard structures.
An elongated room with high ceilings. Here you can install structures with several tiers. Asymmetrical surfaces look good, but their size and direction must compensate for the excessive length. The desired effect is easy to achieve if you choose the right color scheme and texture.
Square and low room. There is no need to change the proportions here. It is recommended to visually raise the ceiling. This can be easily achieved with glossy stretch ceilings. In the bedroom, you can highlight the area above the bed, simulating a ceiling niche. A small room will appear taller. Glossy canvases are actively used when decorating large but low rooms. But in this case, it is better to combine them with matte or satin finishes.
An elongated room with low ceilings will require visual compensation for the length. If the ceilings are very low, you can limit yourself to a single-level design. You can visually enlarge the room with the help of built-in lamps located parallel to a short wall.

Installing complex structures will also be a good solution for a small room. You can develop a system with columns, niches, and numerous corners. With the help of interesting color solutions it is possible to effectively emphasize the original interior.

Selection of furniture

Low set

For tiny rooms, buy low furniture: sofas and armchairs, bedside tables, tables and cabinets. Low headset items make it possible to create the illusion of lightness and airiness.

Snow-white colors

When purchasing furniture for kitchen design, pay attention to the shade of the facades. It is desirable that it matches the color of the walls. Also select models that will occupy the entire space up to the ceiling. As a result, they will visually merge with the interior and become its harmonious continuation.

Advantages and disadvantages

Stretch ceilings for the hall have a number of clear advantages. In any room, including the hall, they level the ceiling to an ideal state, which, of course, has a positive effect on the appearance of the entire interior. The use of this material is possible regardless of the size of the room, since all joints are processed so carefully that they become almost invisible.

The materials used are environmentally friendly and do not cause any harm to the health of apartment residents. Moreover, even with a strong increase in temperature in the living room, you should not be afraid of the appearance of an unpleasant odor or the release of dangerous fumes. Quite quickly, only with the help of a stretch ceiling, you can transform the entire interior and give it a new mood. The installation process is simple and fast.

However, stretch ceilings also have some disadvantages. For example, only lamps of a certain type can be installed in them, which are limited in power and have thermally insulated shades. If you use any other lamps, unsightly spots will form around them

In addition, for suspended ceilings the quality of the installation is extremely important.

If you turn to unqualified craftsmen, you may well encounter the fact that exposure to drafts will lead to the film being drawn directly to the ceiling. In addition, although a suspended ceiling saves a room from flooding, after a disaster, neighbors will still have to replace the coating.