Popcorn ceilings have a very distasteful 3D effect, which is why homeowners all over the country are trying to get rid of them. Covering popcorn ceiling and adding recessed LED lighting in apartments with concrete ceilings is only the tip of the iceberg of what fabric ceilings are capable of. Let’s talk about high-fashion fabric ceilings. We’ve observed how the visual effects we used to see only in movies have gradually become a part of everyday life. 3D surfaces and visual effects are now being used on ceilings, walls, and even floors. The interior design world is definitely benefiting from these innovations: not only pleasing to the eye but innovations that are also able to visually expand the space they occupy. Typical borders and boundaries of a room seem to disappear and these visually stunning installations bring genuine delight to those who encounter them.
Visual effects on the ceiling
A volumetric effect can be implemented with the help of three-dimensional images or by creating a geometrically complex shape of the ceiling. The latter option involves arranging a multi-level composition consisting of arches, spheres, waves, domes, and/or other relief elements. To learn more about popular geometric forms of stretch ceilings, visit our blog post dedicated to stretch ceiling shapes. In short, they can consist of differently shaped elements and be installed at different angles. If imagination and budget allow, it is possible to use a combination of both options: geometrical shapes with digital printing. In practice, only the most experienced of the stretch ceilings installers carry out digital printing for the geometrically shaped stretch ceilings.
Design implementation
To design a 3D ceiling, professionals use special software to bring their ideas to life. Computers not only allow you to visualize the future 3D ceiling but they also easily handle complicated calculations. For example, the software will calculate the amount of material needed with one-millimeter accuracy, and it will provide blueprints for individual structural elements and a key for the cutting of materials.
Printed Stretch Fabric Ceilings with 3D Effect
Wide-format printers are used to print graphics with 3D effects on wide-span fabrics which are then mounted to various kinds of ceiling frames and profiles. This makes it easy to create the illusion of volume on single and multi-level compositions. To achieve this, a graphic artist must customize the original image in Photoshop so that the shadows and necessary tones appropriately visualize the effect. The type of graphic used is completely up to the homeowner. The most popular nowadays are landscapes, space themes, abstract art, or clouds on a blue background.
3D Stretch Ceiling Installation
Printed fabric ceilings are installed with the image already applied on the panel. The process is practically no different from the typical installation of unprinted stretch ceilings. The only difference is that in addition to standard profile systems, special spacers for 3D ceilings are used. The entire ceiling project may be one composition or it may include several separate fragments joined together. Decisions regarding this are based on the design concept and the area of the room being designed.
Backlighting will emphasize any 3D design solution. This is a great tool for creating contrasts and zonal volume divisions. To learn more about backlit stretch fabric ceilings, visit this blog post.
Important! This effect is not a universal solution for all types of rooms.
A modestly-sized room with a standard ceiling height of 8ft or less will seem even smaller if you install a printed ceiling, no matter how beautiful the design. The height of the ceiling is the first thing that should be taken into account – it should not be lower than 9 feet, preferably higher.
Whether you desire to install LED recessed lighting in a condo with a concrete ceiling slab or to get rid of the old popcorn ceilings, you have a lot more beautiful options if you go with a stretch fabric ceiling solution!