Which ceiling to choose for the kitchen, pros and cons, real photos

When starting a renovation, you need to thoroughly think through all the details of the interior design. It is important that all repairs are not only financially practical, but also durable. Some details, such as the ceiling, are not made for one year. Let's look at the main options for ceiling coverings in the kitchen.

In today's variety of ceiling covering options, a person who is unaware of this matter can easily get confused. Therefore, it is first recommended to study each type of ceiling in detail, and only then begin to install it.

After identifying the significant advantages and disadvantages of each ceiling option, it will be easier for the buyer to make a choice. Let's look at them below.

Stretch ceiling in the kitchen

The main material used in the manufacture of stretch ceilings is vinyl. To make such a ceiling, thin sheets are used, connected to each other using high-frequency current.

As a result, the canvases are up to five meters in length, which makes it possible to create a seamless ceiling in small areas.

Advantages of a stretch ceiling:

• Fast installation.
• Capable of holding about one hundred liters of water per meter. This ability will come in handy if your neighbors suddenly flood you. The tension fabric will simply bend, and after the water is pumped out, it will return to its original position.
• Since the material used for the manufacture of such a ceiling has an average degree of flammability, it can rightfully be considered fireproof.
• Variety of designs and colors.
• Resistant to liquid precipitation and moisture , which prevails in excess in the kitchen due to constant temperature changes.

Minuses:

• Subject to mechanical stress , so you should be careful with sharp objects.
• Reduces ceiling height by four to five centimeters.
• For large areas, a visible joint between the panels is possible.
• During the first time after installing such a sheet, there may be an unpleasant odor.

Stretch ceilings can be of different designs:

• glossy;
• matte;
• satin;
• With artistic design. The most commonly used images are flowers, maps, birds, clouds, portraits, and starry skies.

There is a myth that suspended ceilings can cause mold and mildew. But this is far from true. Their appearance is associated with excess moisture.

Since it is impossible to treat a moldy area with a special antiseptic without dismantling the entire tension fabric, it is recommended to treat the entire ceiling with a solution before installing it.

The price of a stretch ceiling has a significant difference in minimum and maximum values. As a rule, the lowest square meter costs about five dollars.

The maximum cost is unlimited. If we consider the average price, we can give a value of ten to fifteen dollars per 1 square meter.

The cost of a stretch ceiling depends on the following indicators:

• ceiling size;
• what kind of corners are in the kitchen (round or square);
• number of built-in lamps;
• the need to bend around uneven surfaces in the form of pipes;
• type of ceiling: glossy will cost more than all other options.

What should you not be afraid of?

There are still many myths around suspended ceilings and their use in the kitchen. This is all the more surprising since everyone now has access to information, but, nevertheless, we will try once again to debunk them here and now.

It will quickly turn yellow from grease and soot. Polyvinyl chloride fabric is not afraid of either the sun's rays or steam with fat impurities rising from the kitchen stove, so even the snow-white fabric will definitely not lose its freshness. But this does not at all negate the fact that it needs to be looked after. More details about this in a separate paragraph below.

Over time it sags and wrinkles. If the stretch ceiling is poorly stretched, it will sag and wrinkle immediately , and not after some time. We recommend that you contact reliable specialists to avoid such problems.

The fabric tears easily. Yes, it can be torn and damaged if you do not follow basic cleaning rules and use abrasive detergents with aggressive ingredients. But in general, it is quite dense and elastic, so it is not at all a fact that a cork that bounces off while opening a bottle of champagne will be able to break through it as easily as, for example, any sharp object.

If flooded, it must be replaced immediately. The most famous stereotype that can be easily destroyed by watching just one video on the topic. We attach it below.

Vinyl fabric contains impurities hazardous to human health. On the contrary, suspended ceilings are environmentally friendly and meet sanitary standards. It is no coincidence that they have international certificates and are popular in the EU zone, known for its strict quality criteria for finishing products.

May ignite. They cannot and do not ignite because they are completely fireproof and according to this indicator they have a level of KM2 or KM3. This means that they only melt when in direct contact with fire (like most other materials), but cannot ignite from a spark or elevated temperature alone.

Plasterboard

Most often used with defective ceilings: uneven slabs, targets or other irregularities that need to be masked.

Pros:

• Flexible and moisture resistant material used.
• Possibility to hide wiring and other wires.
• Allows you to zone the room.
• Additional sound insulation.
• When the building itself settles, it does not crack.
• Various design variations and colors.

Minuses:

• Significantly reduce the ceiling height (from seven centimeters).
• Difficult to install.

According to its installation, a plasterboard ceiling can be:

• single-level;
• two-level;
• multi-level.

With a plasterboard ceiling it is also possible to use additional decor in the form of mirrors, glass, wood.

As for the cost of such a ceiling, prices start at ten dollars per square meter. The rest all depends on the chosen design and decor used.

Ceiling made of polystyrene foam boards

Many people know polystyrene foam, which manufacturers have given a new name to. The lightweight and inexpensive material is easy to install, easy to cut with scissors and a knife, but requires special glue for polymers, and installation requires a primer. You need a flat surface, and small cracks and stains will be hidden by the coating.

This is a simple and convenient material, which is available in the form of slabs, moldings and ceiling cornices. All this combines well:

• with whitewash;
• painting;
• smooth drywall.

Among the advantages are resistance to high humidity and ease of installation. Foam tiles with a three-dimensional pattern can be repainted over time in any color if treated with a primer. Disadvantage: polystyrene foam burns in a fire; treatment with a special compound is desirable.

Expanded polystyrene boards are easy to install

This ceiling is perfect for the kitchen, as it has increased moisture resistance

Such a ceiling can hide internal communications and shortcomings

See alsoDesign of a small kitchen-living room 30 sq m with photo examples

Plastic

The main advantage of this type of ceiling covering will be the combination of aesthetic appearance and ease of care. Their design differs in size and number of sections in one panel.

Pros:

• Easy to care for.
• They can easily withstand flooding with water from the upper floors.
• Hides wires and other communications.
• Resistant to temperature changes.
• Additional layer of sound insulation.
• They have no smell.
• Reasonable price.
• Varied design.

Minuses:

The most important disadvantage is the reduction in ceiling height by several centimeters.

Due to its varied design, plastic ceilings are loved by many people. Panels can imitate wood, marble, metal, bamboo and so on. As for color, light shades are most often used for the ceiling.

Calculating the number of panels is not difficult. Most often, the thickness is five to ten millimeters, the width is two hundred to five hundred millimeters, and the length is up to three meters.

The cost of such a ceiling is considered one of the most affordable. The price starts from three dollars per square meter.

Wood surface – ecology and naturalness

Wood is a fashion trend in the interior

The roots of using natural wood for decoration go back to the distant past. The following is used as cladding:

• “lining” - planks of the same size, connected tongue and groove;
• panels made of two layers, the front side of which is covered with valuable wood;
• slabs impregnated with wax, which protects against moisture, cracking and lamination;
• plywood treated with a special compound.

The lining is easily installed using the tongue-and-groove system

This cladding retains heat well, has breathability, sound insulation, and is low maintenance. However, it absorbs odors and moisture, is a fire hazard, and reduces the height of the room.

Suspension

Pros:

• Hides uneven ceilings.
• Hides wires and other communications.
• Fast installation.
• Available materials used.

Minuses:

As in the above mentioned ceiling covering options, the ceiling height is reduced.

The cost of such a ceiling depends on the selected material used. The average price varies between ten and fifteen dollars per square meter.

Ceiling decoration and style

An ordinary modern kitchen is the epitome of stylish functionalism. All furniture and household appliances are designed according to the latest technology in the world, while there is nothing superfluous in the kitchens. This approach is not always correct, because it is better to arrange the entire interior of the house as one whole. If the kitchen is planned in a minimalist style, the ceiling is designed strictly, monochromatically and in harmony with the rest of the palette. The stylistics of constructivism and high-tech require sophisticated geometry and high-quality modern materials. In these style directions, a cassette design of an unusual configuration will come in handy. You can decorate it in the English style using soft tones and a complete absence of colorful accents. Decorative plaster and “boring” wallpaper are two acceptable methods of cladding in a neat English style. The color background of the Provence style is saturated with bleached tones, so a slightly careless appearance of the ceiling will be relevant. Just a few false beams will enhance the feeling of a provincial setting.

Ceiling moldings and moldings are compatible with many luxury styles:

• baroque;
• rococo;
• classicism;
• vintage.

Two-level ceiling in the kitchen

With this type of ceiling covering you can easily hide uneven ceilings or various pipes and wires.

The most common materials used for installing a two-level ceiling:

• drywall;
• tension fabric;
• slatted ceilings;
• ceiling panels;
• noble stone.

Pros:

• They zone the room well.
• Visually make the kitchen larger.
• They mask communications and wires well.

Minuses:

• The height of the ceilings is reduced by several centimeters.
• The price depends on the chosen design and material used.

Design options for a small kitchen

The ceiling for a small kitchen is one of the main criteria: light; with it, the room will be visually higher and larger. If this is painted, you can make the ceiling the same color as the walls, it will flow smoothly and create the illusion of a high room. Consider lighting and the ability to hide communications.

Renovation design for a small kitchen.

Stretch ceiling in a small kitchen.

Beautiful renovation in a small kitchen.

Small kitchen with glossy stretch ceiling.

Ceiling decoration in the interior of a small kitchen.

Lighting scenarios in a small kitchen.

Stretch ceiling in a small kitchen.

Beautiful design of a small kitchen in a classic style.

Interior of a small kitchen in Khrushchev.

Rack and pinion

The slatted ceiling allows you to recreate a unique design due to the good flexibility of the slats themselves. And the variety in colors allows you to choose the appropriate shade for your individual kitchen interior.

Pros:

• Tolerates moisture well.
• Easy to care for.
• The gap between the slats allows you to change the lighting over time without dismantling the entire ceiling.
• Durable and withstands mechanical stress well.
• Does not accumulate dust.
• Low price.

Minuses:

• Due to the suspended structure, it reduces the ceiling height by several centimeters.
• If it is necessary to change the ceiling covering in a specific area of ​​the ceiling, the entire ceiling is dismantled.

The cost depends on the material of the slats. The average price of such a ceiling reaches ten to fifteen dollars per square meter.

Peculiarities

A suspended ceiling is a structure that is attached to a floor slab. The system is used not only for decorative purposes, but also for practical ones.

For installation, different materials with unusual textures, colors and patterns are used. From a technical point of view, this is a frame system that is installed using hangers. The frame is made of a metal lattice; after fastening, the facing parts are installed.

Even if the kitchen is small, the hanging system can also be used, since it is suitable for any area. Possible options include:

• plasterboard ceilings are a universal option. It is inexpensive and can be used to make different designs. For example, in the kitchen it is possible to create geometric shapes, curves or waves;

• cassette ceiling - suitable for a modern interior, it consists of small modules that are fixed to the frame in a certain sequence. Each of the panels can differ in color and texture, so you can choose the surface to suit any style. The main disadvantage is the cost of the products;

• slatted ceiling - recommended for large areas. It is made from slats, which after assembly are complemented with panels. After installation they look like clapboard cladding. This option is reliable, durable and beautiful;

• suspended ceiling is a leading option that is in great demand. During the installation process, a frame is installed on which the film is stretched strictly according to the kitchen standards. There are a lot of design options, so you can choose a ceiling to suit any style.

To create the frame, metal profiles and PN type brackets are used. This material is lightweight, but other types can be used:

• PP profile - recommended for use for reinforced structures, its cross-section is 60x25 mm. Suitable for creating a figured ceiling;
• PS profile - well suited for branched wiring.

Hanging systems are not only beautiful, they help solve several important problems at once:

• there is no need to make a perfect ceiling base, since all irregularities will be hidden;
• the work is carried out in a short time.

Mirror panels give a reflection effect, which is beneficial when the area is small. The space visually increases. Glossy panels are more convenient to maintain and maintenance is simplified, since you just need to wipe the surface to keep it clean.

Wooden ceiling

Wood gives coziness and sophistication to the entire room. In addition, this material “breathes”, which proves its high environmental friendliness.

Pros:

• Keeps you warm.
• Additional layer of sound insulation.
• Hides communications and wires.
• Aesthetic appearance.

Minuses:

The main disadvantage of such a ceiling covering is that wood does not tolerate moisture well. And there is plenty of it in the kitchen. But various ceiling impregnations will help solve this problem. They will protect the tree from rapid rotting.

Most often, a wooden ceiling is used in country style, where wood creates a cozy home environment. An excellent option for those who love nature and a quiet lifestyle.

The cost of such a ceiling depends on the type of wood used, as well as the design. If you take a coffered oak ceiling, the price starts from one hundred and fifty dollars per square meter. Not everyone can afford such financial costs for ceiling coverings.

The cheapest and fastest DIY finishing methods

Most homeowners do the decoration of economical housing on their own, without the involvement of specialists.

Painting

The easiest way to repair is painting. The work consists of the following stages:

1. Remove the old coating.
2. The uneven surfaces are filled with putty (first the starting one, then the finishing one), after priming them. When the composition dries, sand it with fine sandpaper.
3. Remove dust from the working surface.
4. Prime the ceiling.
5. Painting is being done. Use a roller with a long handle or a spray gun. The composition is applied in 2-3 layers, each subsequent one is performed perpendicular to the previous one.

Foam tiles

Pre-level the ceiling. Sometimes masters believe that this stage can be skipped. But then the material will lie unevenly, making the flaws more visible. Then a laying diagram is drawn up. It is better to stick from the middle. If there will be a suite or mezzanine near a wall, then start from the opposite side.

The work consists of the following stages:

1. The ceiling is treated with a primer.
2. Markings are applied. Two perpendicular lines are drawn from the middle of the walls to determine the center of the room. If a chandelier is used as the main light source, gluing begins from there.
3. Apply adhesive to the edges and center of the panel, then press it to the ceiling. The setting time depends on the glue used and is indicated on the packaging.
4. Next, in accordance with the chosen pattern, tiles are laid over the entire ceiling area. The outer elements are cut to the required size.
5. The cracks formed at the joints are masked with acrylic sealant.

Wallpaper

For work you will need: glue, a roller, a plastic spatula, scissors and a stationery knife. At the preparatory stage, the old coating is removed. The wall is cleaned of dust and primed.

Pasting is performed in the following sequence:

1. Dilute the glue according to the instructions.
2. Cut the roll into strips with a margin of 20 cm.
3. Apply the adhesive to the ceiling and/or wallpaper (indicated in the annotation). The edges and corners are especially carefully coated.
4. Glue the strip and level it with a clean pressure roller (wide for the panel, narrow for the joints). The seams are placed parallel to the window, and not across, so that they are less noticeable.
5. The wallpaper is placed end to end without overlap. Near the walls, excess material is pressed with a wide spatula and cut off with a stationery knife. It turns out to be a perfect joint. Small flaws will be covered with ceiling plinth.

PVC panels

To line the ceiling with plastic panels in the kitchen, a metal frame is required. Sometimes craftsmen use wooden slats as a base. But this should not be done, such sheathing is afraid of hot air, moisture and temperature changes.

Installation is carried out as follows:

1. First, the frame is assembled. A guide profile is attached to the walls under the ceiling along the perimeter of the room. A ceiling profile is installed across the planned direction of the panels into the grooves of the previous design. Hangers are attached to the base slab and connected to the overhanging reinforcement.
2. Next, install three pieces of plastic trim profile: one on the wall from which installation begins, two on the sides. Attach the parts to metal guides around the perimeter of the room.
3. Then the panels are inserted into them and screwed to the ceiling profile with self-tapping screws and a press washer. In this way, plastic slats are installed up to the opposite wall.
4. The last element is trimmed if necessary. Put on the trim profile. The lamella is inserted, the profile is attached to the wall using silicone glue.

Wallpaper on the ceiling

It is probably the oldest and time-tested type of ceiling covering. In addition, it is a very budget option. The main thing to do before buying wallpaper is to decide on the quality.

As a rule, lightweight wallpaper with high permeability and moisture resistant is chosen for the ceiling. Please note that it is better to choose neutral colors, as they hide accumulated fat.

It is also recommended to level the ceiling before gluing by plastering it or covering it with moisture-resistant plasterboard.

Pros:

• Affordable price.
• A wide range of.
• When using moisture-resistant wallpaper, it will be easy to care for the ceiling.
• Possibility of repainting.
• Easy to stick.

Minuses:

• They do not tolerate steam exposure well.
• Short service life.
• Perfectly flat ceiling.
• It is impossible to hide wires and other communications.

Wallpaper - room for creativity

Moisture-resistant wallpaper for easy cleaning

Moisture-resistant fabrics are used for the kitchen. When dirty, they are easy to clean. Paper products in the kitchen will lose their appeal after a couple of months.

The decoration of the ceiling with wallpaper is different:

• price of materials;
• masking minor irregularities and cracks;
• possibility of painting, wet cleaning;
• variety of color, texture, pattern.

Wallpaper is a variety of colors and textures

You should not skimp on the quality of wallpaper to avoid quick repairs. In order to save money, you can cover it with an ornament from leftover material. A cheap composition will add personality to the room, but will not last long. Washable wallpaper is quite heavy, so over time it begins to peel off under the influence of hot, damp vapors.

It is better to use plain models. Light-colored products visually expand the space.

Table of approximate cost of work and materials (rub)

Advantages and disadvantages

Let’s summarize all the positive and negative qualities of materials for finishing the ceiling in an economy class kitchen.

Choosing the color of the ceiling for the kitchen

Whatever material is used to decorate the ceiling, the color scheme is of great importance. Most often, white and other light shades are selected for the ceiling. But there are also very eccentric design options, where there is a place for dark tones.

White ceiling

Traditional ceiling color. Its main advantage is that it visually enlarges the space and makes the room brighter. The glossy white ceiling looks impressive.

Black ceiling

You should be careful with this color. It is best to consult with experienced designers who will suggest the best option for a dark shade on the ceiling.

If done correctly, it can create the illusion of no ceiling. A black ceiling is only suitable for kitchens with high ceilings.

Red ceiling

As a rule, red color is preferred by purposeful people with a strong life position and obvious qualities of an unrivaled leader. For the ceiling, red is used quite rarely. But if you apply it, you get a very beautiful interior.

One of the conditions for the presence of this color on the ceiling is its proper combination with other shades of the kitchen. The result is an incredible luxury effect.

It is worth remembering that the red ceiling will be the center of attention in such a kitchen, so the rest of the interior should be done in more subdued colors. Red color awakens the appetite, so it would be very appropriate for the kitchen.

Drawing on the ceiling

Modern technologies make it possible to transfer images onto the ceiling covering with high accuracy. Plus, proper lighting and then you get an incredibly beautiful ceiling.

Most often, the pattern is used on stretch ceilings. For the kitchen, images of flowers, sky, animals, and kitchen utensils would be ideal. A great idea would be to place photos of your household on the ceiling.

Lighting

You see, there should be as much light in the kitchen as possible, and best of all, natural light. But even if the work area is located near the window, it will need lighting in the evening or at night. In addition, you will probably want to emphasize the beauty of suspended ceilings or other accent details of the kitchen.

There are the following lighting options in the kitchen with suspended ceilings:

1. Central, usually represented by a chandelier, less often by a tablet or panel in the middle of the ceiling. In large rooms, such lighting requires additional lighting around the perimeter, otherwise it will be a bit dark in the corners.

2. Spotlights, evenly distributed along the ceiling plane. A stylish and very economical solution that provides bright light to the necessary areas of the kitchen.

3. Contour lighting with LED strip is also a profitable solution with no fewer combinations and placement methods. LEDs, which consume a symbolic amount of energy, are placed around the perimeter of the ceiling, along one of the levels, in the headset, mirrors, and essentially in any other object.

As additions, use wall sconces, lamps built into the top bar of the kitchen unit, and rotating spots.

Don't forget that:

• tension fabrics are not friendly with high temperatures;
• warm lighting is more suitable for warm colors;
• glossy canvases double the amount of light;
• calculate the amount of artificial lighting required for the kitchen;
• The smaller the kitchen, the more light it should have.

Which is better: glossy or matte ceiling?

It is difficult to say exactly which type of ceiling is best for the kitchen. It all depends on the personal taste of the apartment owner, as well as on the size of the room and lighting. If the kitchen is large, then designers advise giving preference to the matte option.

For connoisseurs of gloss, it is better to choose a two-level ceiling for the kitchen.

A glossy ceiling in beautiful lighting can seduce with its beautiful reflection. In addition, this type of ceiling can visually enlarge the kitchen, which is an excellent solution for a small room.

The matte ceiling still belongs more to the classic type. One of its advantages will be the absence of visually visible joints of the ceiling covering. Also, dust will not be visible on the matte finish. It’s not for nothing that most people choose a matte surface for the kitchen.

But for small kitchens a combined ceiling is also suitable. The use of glossy inserts on a matte finish will visually make the room more voluminous and expressive.

After analyzing all the information above, everyone will be able to find the ideal ceiling covering for themselves. You should not blindly chase fashion or succumb to the visual effect obtained from what you saw in a neighboring apartment or a beautiful picture on the Internet.

If you still haven’t decided on the choice of material for the ceiling, then seek help from experienced designers who will select an interesting and suitable design specifically for your kitchen.

You can also look at photos of real ceilings in the kitchen, perhaps after that your inspiration will come to you.

The most famous types of interior ceiling decoration

The options on the building materials market are very rich, and you will have to choose only one of them.

We will help you understand all the advantages and disadvantages of using each presented model. We hope that this information will help you decide what kind of ceiling to make in the kitchen.

Ceiling in the kitchen (real photos)