The history of the loft is approaching the century mark, and during this time not only the design concept was determined, but also techniques were developed that help recreate the style and emphasize its specific charm.
loft style ceilings
Let's figure out what techniques designers use to create spectacular loft-style ceilings and emphasize their aesthetic uniqueness.
Features of a loft-style ceiling
The loft style is a relatively new trend that appeared in America after the Great Depression, when industrial premises began to close due to lack of demand and they began to be converted into residential ones. A complete reconstruction was impossible, and even undesirable, because it was the characteristic “production” features that formed the loft. It is characterized by a deliberately rough finish, high ceilings, large windows, a minimum of decor, and a moderate color scheme.
Photo: Instagram loft_interior
The ceiling in a loft-style interior should give the impression of being minimally processed. Any material appears almost in its original form: unpainted wood, untreated concrete, etc. In fact, the finishing is certainly present, but it is hidden. Initially, the ceilings of industrial premises were equipped with beams supporting the floors. They have been preserved in modern lofts, but as a decorative element.
Photo: Instagram l0ft24
Another characteristic feature is communications laid directly on the surface of the ceiling: air ducts, electrical wires, pipes, etc. They are also deliberately untreated, but at the same time they are made of stylish stainless steel, noble copper and similar materials. The color scheme of the ceiling in the loft style is not rich. The most popular solutions: shades of gray and white and black.
Photo: Instagram my_dom_
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Wooden ceiling in loft style
The simplest option for decorating a loft ceiling with wood is to use lining of various widths. Wood can be treated with protective compounds and coated with clear varnish or painted. In the latter case, white is most often chosen. Moreover, they do not always achieve a uniform tone—deliberately rough textured strokes look good. You can also choose artificially aged wood for the ceiling.
The lining planks are mounted close to each other or at some distance. The latter option allows you to visually raise the ceiling. Wood finishing can be independent or become the basis for additional decor: beams, mesh, etc. Dark beams look especially good against the background of lining painted in light colors.
Photo: Instagram db_workshops
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Decorative paints imitating concrete
An interesting option for creating an original texture can be special mineral dispersion paints. These compositions contain modifiers that allow the pigment to spread unevenly and smoothly on the wall, forming numerous stripes, darker and lighter, reminiscent of a damp cement surface.
You can also use a special spatula to apply streaks and dents.
Mineral paints form a fine structure. This paint is applied using a roller. The first layer can be immediately smoothed to the grain thickness with a steel trowel. The second layer can optionally be applied using a spatula to form cavities.
The shape of the patterns and indentations will depend on the tool used. When the layer is dry, it can be smoothed using a spatula or sponge to give it the appropriate texture. This decorative coat of paint will also require the application of a finishing coat, such as clear or colored varnish or wax.
How to choose a ceiling color
You will have to forget about bright colors. The loft style assumes only calm tones for painting the ceiling. The most popular of them:
- white;
- grey;
- terracotta;
- beige;
- black.
All possible shades of these colors are used. Metallic, imitating a metal surface, is also in demand. Terracotta is usually found in brickwork, beige in untreated wood. Gray tones are characteristic of concrete. All these colors become a good basis for subsequent decorative finishing with details of contrasting tones.
Photo: Instagram loft_wood_life
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Color design
America, 40s, Great Depression. Melancholy shades, grayness, and fadedness reign not only on the streets, but also in souls - people transfer this atmosphere into their homes, preferring calm tones and dim shades. Metallic color is especially in demand: with its help, modern designers imitate metal surfaces. Terracotta color is very popular: it is present in brick walls, so it fits perfectly into this interior. The beige shade is reminiscent of untreated wood; it is also particularly popular among designers when creating a loft. The gray color of the ceilings harmonizes perfectly with the concrete walls.
For those who like to combine the incongruous and shock guests, we suggest hanging a luxurious chandelier on a brutal concrete ceiling. This is the main advantage of a loft: you can combine all possible styles against the backdrop of rough, unfinished surfaces, creating an uncompromising, but stunningly stylish look.
If the room has already undergone routine renovations, but you want to add a little loft, you can resort to light or even white ceiling coverings that will fit into any interior. Instead of interweaving communications and pipes, you can place lamps, leave part of the ceiling untreated, or leave exposed fittings or beams. If the design of the room uses elements of brick cladding, then false ceiling beams in the color of old wood can be added to the white ceiling. You can leave the ceiling primed or plastered, or simply paint it in shades of concrete.
Black color
One of the simplest and most accessible ways to create a loft style image is to use a ceiling surface painted in dark colors in the design of a room. Among all the shades, preference is given to simple black. For example, if you use glossy black stretch ceilings in combination with untreated wooden beams and terracotta brick wall decoration, you can give the apartment a stylish and brutal look.
Black ceilings based on plasterboard cladding or stretched fabric are ideally combined with red-brown walls. In this case, you will have to change the direction of the lighting to make the loft as realistic as possible. For example, you can shade the top of the wall, giving the apartment a more “industrial” look. For those who do not like this option, you can opt for a simple black ceiling in combination with walls lined with brickwork. At the same time, the room remains well lit, but more comfortable, cozy and bright. Furniture and interior elements in the loft will fit perfectly into a room with black ceilings: hand-made craft furniture, wooden baguettes, sofas and chairs from pallets.
Without finishing
It has long been impossible to surprise anyone with perfectly smooth plasterboard ceilings or elaborate stretch ceilings. Finding an original way to decorate ceilings is not easy, but for loft lovers this is just another step towards creating a stylish interior.
Even though the ceiling remains unfinished, it will still have to be treated. If you leave the surface untreated, concrete dust will inevitably appear on the surface, and over time various cracks and other defects will appear.
The first thing you should do if you decide to leave the ceiling untreated is to clean the entire surface. The ceiling should be wiped with a damp cloth, removing all existing dirt. If the surface can be primed, be sure to perform this step. We entrust the wiring to an experienced electrician and carefully relay the cable.
Loft-style ceiling in the interior of a spacious room
The brutal loft style involves large volumes. It is designed for high, spacious rooms where it looks most advantageous. We suggest some interesting tricks for large rooms.
- Rhythmic compositions from large details . Shiny metal air ducts, dark beams, contrasting color wiring. They can make very interesting compositions, which are placed in a certain order on the ceiling. This technique gives the interior dynamism.
- Broken lines. The so-called broken ceiling looks very stylish in combination with wooden beams and ceilings. Lines can be straight, but broken lines are more effective.
- Unusual combinations . To implement them, you can choose companion items, such as ceiling fans and metal pipes, or you can choose “incompatible” things. This could be a luxurious chandelier surrounded by distinctly industrial design elements.
- Suspended multi-level ceiling . It makes it possible to zone a room in an original way, focusing attention on certain areas of the room.
These are just a few possible design options. You can use them unchanged or try to combine them and get a beautiful original solution.
Photo: Instagram laroof_studio
Modular architectural concrete slabs
Until recently, concrete in the interior did not have too many supporters. Most often it is associated with a cold environment in which it is uncomfortable to live. Meanwhile, it is currently experiencing a renaissance. This material is very characteristic, easy to use, elegant and noble.
Modular concrete slabs can be used for finishing. They can have different sizes. Their cost depends on the size and type. Installing such slabs will be a challenge for the average person, but an experienced master will not have any problems. Any impregnation does not change color, but serves primarily for easy cleaning. In addition, impregnation reduces water absorption. Thanks to this, concrete slabs can be used even in conditions of high humidity, for example, in a bathroom. Concrete slabs can also be protected with a thin layer of clear resin.
Lightweight architectural concrete panels are used on the ceiling.
Today, industrial style interiors are still associated with freedom, extravagance and urban artistry, making them ideal for an industrial style apartment.
Loft-style ceiling in a small room
If desired, you can decorate even the smallest apartment in a loft style. Here are several ceiling options that can be used in this case.
- Single color smooth ceiling . This is the best solution. The ceiling surface is leveled, primed and painted in light shades of gray or white. The shade should be lighter than that of the walls. A dark ceiling in this case is contraindicated.
- Use of decor . Various fittings, meshes and beams can be fixed to the ceiling. But provided that they are small. Massive wide beams will significantly reduce the already modest ceiling height.
- Brickwork. An unusual technique that “opens up” the space is brickwork on the wall, smoothly transitioning to the ceiling.
- Wooden ceiling . It is advisable to use narrow lining, fixed at some distance from each other. It is best to paint the wood white. Aged paint will look unusual.
In a small room, it is best to make the ceiling light. It is advisable to choose bright lamps and place them around the perimeter of the room, directed towards the center. It is better to avoid massive decor.
Photo: Instagram olegbyshevsky
For standard apartments
Recreating the charm of old America in a typical apartment is a very difficult task. But adding elements of this style and getting as close to it as possible is quite possible. We have already said that Americans were forced to convert production and warehouse premises into apartments - that is why the classic loft implies high ceilings. The most important limitation in urban environments is the height of the ceilings. As a rule, in a typical apartment it does not exceed three meters; in addition, loggias and balconies with a low ceiling height steal natural light.
Everything can be changed if architectural standards allow it. For example, if it is possible to attach balconies and loggias to rooms or combine a corridor and a living room, it’s worth the risk. Visually the space will become larger, creating the effect of high ceilings.
Typical apartments, as a rule, consist of small rooms, the area of which rarely exceeds 20 square meters. meters. In such cases, a plain ceiling in gray or white is best. The surface is leveled and then covered with a layer of primer.
Designers advise avoiding dark shades, as they make the room visually smaller.
In order not to clutter up an already not too spacious typical apartment, preference should be given to small lighting elements. It is best to place the lamps around the perimeter of the ceiling, and if you decide to install a chandelier, then you should opt for medium-sized models without unnecessary decor.
Kitchen ceiling
Here you don’t have to think about finishing the ceiling space. The best option is concrete slabs in their original form. For high rooms, the design can be supplemented with false beams and metal parts: pipes and air ducts or mesh. In low, small rooms, a suspended ceiling would be the ideal solution. Matte concrete gray or glossy white, visually expanding the space.
Photo: Instagram kuhnev.ru
Selection of materials.
The loft interior is characterized by incompleteness and deliberate simplicity. This can be achieved using:
Concrete ceiling
Concrete. Natural untreated surface of a soft color.
Wooden ceiling
Tree. If paint is applied, treatment is needed to protect the coating.
Metal loft ceiling
Metal. For a shiny, smooth surface, a stretch ceiling is used.
Arched brick ceiling
Brick. You can imitate it using wallpaper, film and tiles.
Concrete imitation
Primer. The surface of the textured ceiling is plastered, primed or painted to resemble concrete.
Bedroom ceiling
It is a good idea to choose a wooden ceiling for the bedroom. It will help make the brutal industrial style softer. A narrow lining, painted in light colors or imitating aged wood, can be a good solution. Both exposed floor beams and metal air ducts would be appropriate. Velvety gray concrete with unusually shaped lamps also looks good.
Photo: Instagram loftmakers
Living room ceiling
The choice of options here is unlimited. A concrete surface decorated with mesh, beams or pipes will look organic. Wood and metal are also quite appropriate. It is in the living room that you can install “broken” ceilings with different finishing options. If space allows, of course. For small rooms, choose a flat, light-colored ceiling without a large number of decorative elements.
Photo: Instagram arhidas_design
With your own hands
You can carry out the finishing work yourself, and if the apartment is located in a panel house, the easiest way is to decorate the concrete surface.
How to do:
- clean with a spatula;
- defects are eliminated with plaster;
- the ceiling is primed;
- coated with polyurethane, polymer or acrylic varnish.
Additionally, you can install mesh or beams.
You can also make clapboard ceiling cladding yourself. To do this, a frame is mounted around the perimeter of the room, onto which the planks are fixed. This is how you can make a ceiling in the kitchen.
Bathroom ceiling
For the bathroom you need to select special materials that can withstand high humidity. Therefore, the ideal choice would be a concrete surface or its imitation, brickwork, or a stretch ceiling made of film. There is no need to choose fabric. You need to be careful when using wood frames. If it is decided to use it, then a particularly effective wood protection must be present.
Photo: Instagram titova_katherina
Decor and additional elements
To decorate the ceiling in the loft style, special decorative elements are used. Here are the most spectacular:
- False beams made of wood or polyurethane. Painted in dark colors.
- Large mesh metal mesh.
- Wide or narrow lining.
- Elements of engineering communications made of metal.
They are placed on the ceiling as effectively as possible. Emphasize the shape of parts with a contrasting color.
Photo: Instagram olegbyshevsky
Ceiling lamps in loft style
Lamps are considered a necessary addition to the overall design of the ceiling, and therefore must correspond to its style. For lofts, these types of lighting fixtures are often chosen.
- Spots with hinges . Rotating lamps with a triangular or any other shape diffuser are reminiscent of industrial premises and fit perfectly into the interior.
- Incandescent lamp on a cord without a shade . Good as a spotlight. Adjusting the length of the suspension and selecting the size of the flask allows you to find the best options for any interior.
- Fan-lamp in office style . Suitable for large rooms.
- Retro lamps . Particularly good against the backdrop of brick and concrete.
- Lighting fixtures in high-tech style . The most diverse solutions. All of them are well suited for an industrial interior.
Photo: Instagram odel.ru
For lovers of original solutions, we can recommend chandeliers in a classic style. Their lush, sophisticated decor will be an unusual contrast for the loft-style ceiling.
