Ceilings provide an unobstructed view of the layout and hence play a major role in defining a space. A false ceiling is a secondary ceiling, installed below the main ceiling of a room or building. The false ceiling was initially conceived as a utility rather than décor as a means to hide electrical wires, pipes and air conditioning ducts. False ceilings also control temperature, thereby acting as an insulator.
Today, however, false ceilings are commonly adopted in home design and add to the ambiance of the room. False ceilings are usually defined by the material used. Some of the popular formats for false ceilings are listed below
Plaster of Paris Ceiling
This is the most common type of ceiling. Plaster of Paris or Gypsum, available in powdered form, is heated to a very high temperature and moulded to various designs. It makes for a great material for a ceiling, is easily available and has low maintenance requirements. It is also a great insulator and an excellent medium for lighting. POP is the most commonly used material and is popular for its life expectancy. POP ceilings can be moulded into various sizes and forms.
Gypsum Board False Ceiling
False ceilings made from Gypsum boards are manufactured by pressing gypsum between cardboard sheets or paper. The texture of the gypsum false ceiling gives it a great look. It is very popular because of its lightweight and fire-resistant properties. Gypsum boards can be hung on channels and sections, making it easy to install. These are available in various colours and are widely used for thermal and sound insulation. They are comparatively more water-resistant. They are also easier to manufacture than most other materials.
Wooden False Ceiling
Wooden false ceilings a great choice to give a sophisticated look to the space and has a great finishing touch. Wood makes it possible to achieve different patterns and textures. The ceiling can be easily attached through screws in the form of panels or blocks. It offers great sound absorption qualities providing an acoustic advantage. It can be easily disassembled making it possible to quickly replace the damaged panels. The main advantage of wood is, it is easily available and offers fire resistance.
PVC or falsified ceiling
PVC ceilings are comparatively cost-efficient. Due to its moisture-resistant nature, it is an ideal material for bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and basement. This property also makes it termite resistant. PVC is light in weight and extremely flexible, so finishes can be done in a variety of ways.
PVC ceilings can be used as substitutes for glass panels. Skylights made of PVC are a good option for spaces that require natural lighting. They can be made from acrylic, fiberglass or toughened glass. Murals or painted collages can be used for added effects.
We have examined the properties of different materials that are used for false ceilings. Based on this, one can choose the right material for their space.
False ceilings have functional benefits of insulation, concealment of wires, fixtures, AC ducts, and high level of absorption of sound. But installation itself is a tough task. One needs to choose what kind of material to use based on physical aspects such as the height of the room. Aesthetic considerations like color and design have to be kept in mind.
There are a few things which one needs to keep in mind while selecting the material:
Design & Layout:
One needs to choose a design based on the space and geometry of the room. The design should fit in with the pattern and, in turn, should be pleasing to the eye. Each room could be treated differently. For instance, the living room could give an elegant vibe, and the children’s room could be more colorful.
Physical parameters
Being a secondary ceiling, false ceiling reduces the height of the room. The height of the room should be measured accurately before selecting the material.
Combine style with sustainability and functionality
Designer ceilings add aesthetics to space. This is, however, not the only thing. Sustainability is increasingly playing an important role in our context. This means reducing the usage of natural resources to maintain the balance of the environment. So, people have started using various other materials for false ceilings like bamboo panels, jute panels, and coir boards. All of these are eco-friendly and offer a rustic appearance. Mineral fibre ceilings are also a trend in which the material is 100% recyclable. They offer acoustics as well as low carbon compound emissions. Sustainable options are a tad bit more expensive than their counterparts.
Clearly, false ceilings offer advantages that extend beyond the realm of design. The functional requirements that false ceilings offer are:
- Acoustics
- Insulation
- Fire protection
- Ducting to hide non-pleasing elements
- Temperature control
Photo source: Safari Thatch