Ceiling Rafts in Interior Design: A Modern Twist to Ceilings

The false ceiling designs now come in numerous finishes,Types of false ceilings Articles patterns, illusions and technology. False ceilings add to the aesthetics of a room. In fact, they also provide functional features to enhance their utility in many ways.

What are the different types of false ceilings?

Plaster of Paris False Ceiling
Gypsum False Ceiling
Wooden Ceiling Panels
Fibre False Ceiling
PVC False Ceiling Panels
Glass False Ceiling
Synthetic Leather or Fabric False Ceiling
Metal Ceiling Tiles etc.

Plaster of Paris (POP) False Ceiling

Plaster of Paris is one of the most common materials used in residential as well as commercial roofing applications. When gypsum is heated till its water evaporates, it converts into a powder form. When water is added to this powder, it gets hard and becomes a good ceiling material. Plaster of Paris is durable, does not require much maintenance and is a good insulator of both heat and cold. Various designs of various shapes can be crafted out of this material. The only drawback of POP is its tendency to develop cracks over a period of time.

Gypsum False Ceiling

Gypsum is lightweight, fire resistant, has sound and thermal insulation and thus, one of the popular materials for false ceilings. It is a soft material that can be made into different shapes and textures such as coffered, stepped, curved or simply left plain. It can be clear, or in natural shades of white, red, brown, grey and yellow.

Wooden Ceiling Panels

Wood is a good material to work with when designing a false ceiling. It comes in excellent textures and natural patterns and are most suitable for cold climates. They can come in the form of boards, blocks or panels and can be easily installed with a few nails and screws. They are durable but can be attacked by termites. They are more expensive as the material and maintenance cost is high. Several kinds of finishing techniques including different paints and colours can be used to make these false ceilings.

Fibre False Ceilings:

Also known as soundproofing or acoustic false ceilings, fibre false ceilings have heat and sound insulation properties. Many synthetic and natural materials including vegetable fibre, bitumen, tars, stone and wood are mixed to produce fibre false ceilings. They are most appropriate for commercial applications in places such as retail showrooms, shopping malls and offices. They are available at low cost, offer easy installation and have many functional benefits. As they lack aesthetic appeal, they are not well-suited for residential applications.

PVC False Ceiling Panels

PVC false ceiling panels and cheaper than Radeaux de plafond other panels, easy to install and maintain. They are ideal material for false ceilings in bathrooms, toilets, kitchens, basements and garages, etc. These panels are termite and moisture resistant and are lightweight. They offer flexibility in design as they can be finished in a variety of ways. They are colour fast as they are unaffected by UV lights.

Glass False Ceiling Panels:

Glass, a transparent material works well when it comes to improving false ceiling’s aesthetics. Suitable additives can be added to reduce its brittleness. Effective use of glass can make small places look larger and thus, glass ceiling panels offer suitable roofing solutions to places such as book stores, restaurants, jewellery shops and libraries, etc. It is a good insulator of heat as well.

Synthetic leather or fabric false ceilings

These false ceilings are used for ornamental purposes rather than functionality. Many intricate designs can be created which can be matched with the rest of the interior space, creating a special ambiance. They are usually used in events and exhibitions etc.

Metals Ceiling Tiles

Galvanized iron and aluminium are popularly used in false ceilings. Easy to install, the metal ceiling tiles are also maintenance free. Innovative ways can be used to finish metal ceiling tiles to increase their aesthetic appeal. They can be easily installed, removed and reinstalled and thus, make them ideal to store electric wires, AC ducts and water pipes away from sight.

False ceilings are the drop ceilings. They hang down from the main ceiling. The different types of false ceilings can make the normal ceilings come alive with little innovation and imagination.