What is better – matte or glossy ceiling, what are the differences and how to choose

The popularity of suspended ceiling structures can easily be explained by their visual appeal, easy installation, and low price. In addition, if you wish, you can choose a non-standard color or unusual texture to create a special design in the room. Each material has its own characteristics, so before purchasing it is worth figuring out which glossy or matte stretch ceiling is better.

What is a matte stretch ceiling

Most buyers, when purchasing a suspended ceiling, proceed from their own desires and preferences, often ignoring the characteristics of the material itself. This cannot be done, since the service life, complexity of maintenance, installation and many other parameters will depend on them.

A special feature of matte ceilings is their rough texture that does not reflect light. Externally, the canvas has a close resemblance to a plastered surface. They can be used in any room, they look relevant everywhere, but are quite simple.

If desired, you can decorate the structure with built-in lamps, stucco molding or baseboards; such ceilings look much more interesting and attractive.

What is a glossy stretch ceiling

Glossy PVC film has a smooth mirror surface that reflects all interior items. Due to this, it is possible to visually expand the space, which is especially important for small rooms.

The demand for gloss is explained by its versatility; the ceilings go perfectly with avant-garde and classic interiors. But when choosing such a material, you need to take into account that often the mirror effect has a bad effect on the mental state of residents. Reflection of light, decorative elements, and various glares irritates many people.

What is the difference?

After carefully studying the features of each material, you can consider their main differences. They are expressed as follows:

1. Care. Glossy canvas requires more painstaking care than matte, since stains on it are much more noticeable. But the material repels dust, and the fabric, on the contrary, attracts it. It is easiest to clean a smooth surface; a rough surface will require a lot of pain; in some cases, hot steam treatment will be necessary. Everything from the gloss can be easily removed with a damp sponge and any detergent.
2. Lighting. On a glossy ceiling, any lighting solutions are allowed, combining lamps of different power, including high power. With a matte ceiling, the choice is more limited, since high-power lamps can damage the canvas; they can only be removed.
3. Color palette. Glossy ceilings have a wider range of colors than matte ones.But the latter material benefits in that its original color lasts longer and the gloss fades.
4. Design. Glossy PVC films can be used to create multi-level structures; they are perfectly combined with drywall. Experts do not recommend using matte ceilings in such designs; it is preferable to install them on the same level.

There is also a difference in price, which is especially significant if high-quality materials are installed. Glossy canvases always cost more than matte ones.

Comparison table

The comparison table will help you decide which ceiling is best:

Pros and cons of matte stretch ceiling

When choosing a matte ceiling design, you should pay attention to the obvious advantages. They are expressed as follows:

• the seams on the canvas are invisible, so you can combine colors, textures, combine coarse and fine grain;
• high density, the material is quite difficult to damage or cut if handled carelessly;
• Drawings, including 3D pictures, are allowed;
• increased resistance to household chemicals;
• clear color reproduction, no glare reflected on the material, no distortion regardless of lighting.

The material also has its disadvantages. These include the following:

• dust and dirt accumulate on matte PVC, which is due to the porous structure;
• Difficult cleaning due to roughness; cleaning of the canvas is done exclusively with soft brushes.

Matte ceilings, judging by reviews, are preferred in the bedroom. This is explained by the lack of a reflective effect, especially at night; gloss, in turn, transmits everything: the light of lanterns, car headlights.

Advantages and disadvantages of glossy stretch ceiling

Those who are inclined to install a ceiling with a glossy finish should first learn about the pros and cons of the material. Significant advantages include the following aspects:

• the ability to visually expand the space;
• long service life, ceilings will last more than ten years;
• a wide range of colors, manufacturers offer more than 100 color options;
• quick and easy cleaning; the surface can be cleaned of dirt with any detergent; besides, the gloss does not need frequent cleaning, since dust does not settle on it;
• If you wish, you can create your own design, combining different colors, making multi-level designs.

Unfortunately, there are also disadvantages. Main disadvantages:

• on light ceilings, seams may be noticeable, however, today they are masked by combining different colors;
• patterns are difficult to distinguish due to glare, so more often people order plain ceilings;
• due to low temperatures it becomes brittle and easily damaged;
• requires care during cleaning; the thin film is easily torn and pierced by sharp objects.

Another significant disadvantage is that when repairing the canvas, defects remain, which are almost impossible to hide. So in most cases, owners prefer not to repair the ceiling, but to replace it with a new one.

What is better to choose

Deciding on the choice of one of the materials is quite difficult even when a thorough analysis of both options has been carried out. But experts advise paying attention to certain nuances such as:

• the specific room where installation is planned;
• general room design;
• features of furniture and decorative elements.

All this will significantly simplify the task of choosing the most suitable canvas.

For kitchen

For the kitchen area, it is preferable to choose gloss, since PVC film tolerates high humidity and resists steam. In addition, a smooth surface is easier to clean, and in a kitchen you will have to do this often. It will be much more difficult to remove drops of fat and dirt from a matte canvas.

As for the color scheme and choice of lighting fixtures, it all depends on the taste of the owners themselves; there are no restrictions.

For bathroom

Both options are suitable for this room, since both the gloss and matte surfaces have high moisture-resistant characteristics. So when choosing, it is better to pay attention to other parameters:

• In a small room, a glossy canvas will be more suitable, which will visually expand the space;
• a smooth surface is easier to clean, and this is important in a room where it is customary to take water procedures; stains may remain on the fabric ceiling.

All other factors are not so important, so you can rely on your own taste preferences.

For the bedroom

In the rest room, it is better to abandon glossy ceilings in favor of canvas with a matte effect. Their clear advantage is the absorption of light from external sources. Irritants can interfere with the peaceful sleep of apartment owners. When installing gloss, you will have to additionally purchase thick curtains to protect yourself from street lights.

For the living room

Both options will look good in the living room, so when choosing, pay attention to the design features. Non-standard solutions are allowed, for example, combining a glossy canvas with a matte finish.

It all depends on the desires of the apartment owners, the intended interior, as well as the size of the room itself.

For children's

In a room where children spend a lot of time, you should not have glossy ceilings. The only exception may be small fragmented elements, such as a starry sky.

The mirror surface will create glare, which can interfere with normal rest, and in some cases even cause fear in the child. You can opt for a matte stretch ceiling, which is decorated with an original design: clouds, cartoon characters.

When choosing the ideal ceiling, you should take into account not only your own taste preferences, but also the characteristics of the material itself. Professional advice will help you decide on a suitable tension structure. If you can’t make a decision, then you can use a combination of two materials - a similar technique is very popular among designers today.