FALSE CEILING: FOR EVERY HOME AND EVERY STYLE
Nothing must be overlooked when defining a truly well-decorated space. We are not just talking about accent walls and decorative but also the creative architectural aspect.
Gone are the days of completely flat concrete or wooden ceilings. With people seeking to transform their residential or commercial spaces into functional, sophisticated art displays, false ceiling has gained momentum in the interior design hierarchy.
THE NEED FOR FALSE CEILINGS
False ceiling, a secondary ceiling that is suspended from the main ceiling, construes the skies for your rooms. Unless your style leans towards the retro vintage, grungy or industrial aesthetic, you will most likely value false ceilings to conceal those unpleasant exposed electrical wirings and piping.
While there are many reasons to install false ceilings, all of which really depends on your personal preferences and the style within your premise. To list a few:
Cosy Ambience: By lowering a high-ceiling room, it makes for a more intimate living atmosphere. It reduces the heaviness of the whole room, achieving a light floating effect and adding dimension to your space.
Decorative Lighting: Introduces ample overhead lighting, without uncomfortable glares. Whether they are recessed, cove or track lights, it will help your space sparkle and shine. Most homes will use hidden LED strips as general or accent lightings to achieve a layered lighting scheme, which can be switched in respect to the type of task you are engaged in.
Flexibility in Design: Custom built into various shapes and sizes with a smooth finish for painting or laminating. Whilst, there is no need to seek HDB’s approval to install a ceiling, homeowners should be aware of the minimum 2.4m height clearance from the finished floor level.
Enhanced acoustics: Great for comfort, false ceilings have fantastic sound absorption, thus reducing echoes and external noise. Ideal for the study and multipurpose entertainment rooms.
Energy efficient: The air cavities of false ceilings provide natural thermal insulation that helps keep your room cool, optimising your air-conditioner usage and reducing those inflated electrical bills. Furthermore, these designer ceilings can reflect and diffuse light, obviating unnecessary artificial lighting, further minimising energy consumption and monthly expenses.
POPULAR FALSE CEILING MATERIALS
False ceiling can only be durable when quality material is used. It is essential to learn about the various suitable materials before committing to one.
Gypsum Board
Becoming a preferred choice for false ceiling, Gypsum is a hydrated calcium sulphate. It is known for its lightweight, fire-resistant, sound and thermally insulated properties. Gypsum boards are available in prefabricated ready-to-install square boards, which can be assembled on site with the help of metal frameworks, hung on channels and sections. Because of the large sizes, they can cover a large surface area, leaving very few visible joint lines. Additionally, the very smooth factory-produced finish, allows for further enhancement works with paint, laminate or wallpaper giving it texture and a great impression.
Much as it is easy to install and clean, the drywall is cumbersome to repair, as the complete ceiling will have to be broken down. It’s a passage of time before moisture seeps in, which falls prey to fungal growth and eventually loses its structural integrity. As a precaution, we highly advocate rust proof metal frames and moisture-resistant boards for long-term durability.
Plaster of Paris (POP)
Unlike Gypsum boards, Plaster of Paris is a quick-setting gypsum plaster consisting of a fine white powder, which has the flexibility to be moulded and sculpted into any shape, going beyond straight edges. Perfect for custom-created cornice, organic curved and intricate ornamental detailing, the powder is mixed with water, manipulated to the design, and applied to chicken mesh to stay afloat. Since the same material is used for filling joints, the gaps are visually eliminated, creating a nearly flawless appearance.
Although it is a cost-effective alternative, POP mixture must be prepared correctly in the right proportions of POP to water ratio to prevent any cracks and achieve superior quality. Moreover, it demands for skilled and artistic workmanship to handle the design complexity for desired outcomes. Other major concerns in using POP, is the excessive wastage of mixture during the application process and the lengthy drying time before the POP ceiling can installed.
WOOD
Mostly seen in homes to reflect the natural beauty and serenity of the interiors, wooden false ceilings have excellent natural textures and patterns, bestowing a warm and rustic look. Hollow wooden blocks, or wooden panels, or wooden boards are good materials to work with and can be easily installed with screws and nails.
However, because of their high cost of material and higher cost of maintenance, wood is rarely used in commercial buildings.
Fibre
Fibre false ceilings are known for its good heat insulator and acoustic material. As these are manufactured by natural and synthetic minerals, they come in various shapes, sizes and patterns. Because of the reinforcements, fibre ceiling tiles are robust, durable and fire-resistant, making them highly suitable for commercial applications in noisy places such as shopping malls, offices and showrooms.
Despite their low cost and functional benefits, they may not be practical for residential applications because they lack aesthetic appeal.
TYPES OF FALSE CEILING DESIGNS
Interior design is all about keeping pace with band-on trends and optimising the use of limited space. To help you evaluate and set a clear vision, we have highlighted fresh statement ceiling designs that complements your individualistic style as well as the function of the area.
Cove
Cove false ceiling is a great way of softening the hard angles of cube shaped rooms with gentle curves to establish a fluid connection. They are extremely easy to execute and can be incorporated anywhere in homes, ranging from living rooms to bedrooms and even in bathrooms. Accompanied with downlights, they brighten up the room more evenly, illuminating a comforting warm glow.
Not just for homes, cove lighting is great for offices. It offers a method to bring attention to distinct facet of the room but can stand as a focal point of its own. They can be used to illuminate your corporate logo or an accent wall, drawing your clients’ attention to informative elements.
L-Box
A modern minimalist design, L-box is installed in the perimeter, with the intent of retaining the actual ceiling height in the centre. This is a viable option for those looking at installing a ceiling fan and lights on the border of your living room or bedroom. The flexibility of a L-shape covelight design allows for easy customisation based on your home or office’s layout, enhancing the visual depth and garnering immediate grandeur beauty.
Multi-tiered
Simple, contemporary and versatile, layers open new avenues for experimentations of lighting, colours and shapes. With a simple change in ceiling heights, a suspended ceiling of 2-3 levels, equipped with tiered lights, adds character and fashion your living area and large halls effortlessly. Rather than being confined to straight transitions, embrace the artistry of curves into the periphery for a more graceful and inviting impact. This curvaceous corner works well in your study and children’s room, where they naturally provide a conducive space, making them visually pleasing and less jarring to the eye.
Coffered
In comparison to the other designs, coffered false ceilings are hallmarks of traditional interiors, adding architectural definition and formality to a space. Popular since the Classical roman and renaissance period, coffered architectural detail refers to a series of recessed panels that crisscross the ceiling to form geometric patterns. With a touch of modern flair, these subtle articulations breathe a historic reference into eclectic living rooms. Minimal or intricate, it exudes an unforgettable impression and opulence.
TAKE SPACE PLANNING TO GREATER HEIGHTS
False ceiling has become an undeniable interior commodity, offering a non-obstructive view by keeping excessive wiring camouflaged and offering functional utility in more than just one way.
With our very own team of in-house renovation consultants and interior designers, Roxwell provides championing design solutions with direct contractor pricing. From initial inspection at your convenience to gaining a comprehensive understanding of your aspirations, we translate your requirements into an efficient and cost-effective solution for you- it is all about being clever with shapes, materials and available space.
While, we usually recommend false ceiling coupled with covelight or L- box surroundings for its simplicity and ultra-energy efficiency, we are definitely open to bold and unique ideas.
Have something in mind? The journey to your vision starts here.