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Wondering about the different types of false ceilings and which is the best choice for your home? Then look no farther, as we tell you about the most popular materials for false ceilings and what makes them so!
False ceilings are designed to enhance the aesthetic, and sometimes functional aspects of a room. With the many options available, deciding which is the best material for false ceiling construction can seem a little intimidating. Unlike ordinary ceilings, false ceilings (which are suspended below the structural ceiling) are usually crafted from more decorative materials. False ceiling materials such as gypsum board, PVC panels, POP and glass are just some of the main types of false ceiling materials used, and each of them has their pros and cons. Read on as we go into more detail…
When it comes to the best material for false ceiling design, the main things to think about are their appearance, how visible they are and their functional aspects. With these factors in mind, the following eight types of false ceiling materials are the ones that are the most popular, and most commonly used in home interiors:
A wooden false ceiling design remains one of the most popular material choices as it’s not only durable and easy to install, but also beautiful. While a false ceiling made entirely of wood is sure to exude a classic elegance, it can also be paired with other materials like glass, metal or POP to convey a modern, chic or old-world charm. Most wooden false ceiling designs are available in panels or as a hollow block false ceiling board, and can be found in a multitude of finishes. A few downsides to keep in mind is that a wooden false ceiling requires regular upkeep and is vulnerable to water damage, termites and fire.
When talking about a gypsum board false ceiling, some of the main advantages is that it has a lightweight design that’s very easy to install, as well as a surface that is ideal for applying either paint or wallpaper to. Plus, this type of a gypsum false ceiling, which is crafted by sandwiching a gypsum rock core between layers of special paper, is great at soundproofing and works well to insulate a space, while also being resistant to fire. Unfortunately, unless specifically treated for it, gypsum board is sensitive to moisture, and if damaged, cannot be easily repaired and may need to be replaced.
Since a plaster of paris false ceiling (or POP) is made from gypsum, it has many of the same advantages and disadvantages that a gypsum board false ceiling would have; lightweight durability, easy maintenance, and great thermal and sound insulation, but sensitivity to moisture as well. One of the core differences between them is that POP can be moulded into almost any shape you can think of, allowing you to craft an elaborate or simple plaster of paris ceiling design depending on your personal style and aesthetic. Plus, since POP will not contract while setting, you get a smooth, crack free finish that’s a perfect surface for the paint of your choice.
PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a cost effective, durable and strong material that’s preferred by many homeowners. Whether pre-made or custom-made in the factory, a PVC panel false ceiling can be found or crafted to fit your requirements, in any dimension, shape or size. Plus, it’s very low maintenance, easy to clean, and highly water and termite resistant. One major con is that since they’re essentially a form of plastic, PVC false ceiling materials are not resistant to fire and aren’t very sustainable or eco-friendly either.
A metal false ceiling is usually available in prefabricated parts, and may come as tiles, planks or panels that can be easily fitted together on a metal grid ceiling material framework during installation. Crafted from steel, galvanised iron or aluminium, false ceiling designs like these are usually fairly costly, but also extremely long lasting and durable. Keep in mind that while a metal false ceiling would need to be specially coated to protect from corrosion, it is also fire resistant.
Due to its transparency, glass is often utilised in false ceilings where back-lighting is a major feature of the design. Plus, a glass false ceiling is certainly eye-catching and can help a room appear bigger than it is. It is also a good heat insulator, and can be coloured or patterned for a more unique look. Of course, maintenance and safety are a concern and these days, many people are choosing an acrylic glass false ceiling for a more hassle-free experience. Another downside is that traditional glass panels are costly and need to be installed by experienced and skilled professionals.
This type of false ceiling is made from blended materials and is generally more commonly used in commercial buildings, as it is not only fire resistant, but (particularly with a mineral fibre false ceiling) also extremely hard and tough. Unfortunately though, they’re also not very water resistant, which is another reason that they’re not popular in home interiors. A fibre false ceiling is made by combining natural materials – such as tar, bitumen, wood fibres and vegetable fibres – with synthetic materials, resulting in a product that provides great soundproofing, acoustics and insulation.
These false ceilings are extremely attractive and quite customisable, and also have an easy and quick installation process. Made from false ceiling materials where the major component is cloth or leather that is mixed with synthetic materials, they're in the more affordable range. On the flip-side, they easily collect dirt, dust and stains, and don’t reflect light well, making them relatively undesirable in home décor. But, this may still be your favourite out of all the types of false ceiling materials since they can be crafted to match your requirements.
So, how can Beautiful Homes help you with choosing the best false ceiling materials for your false ceiling design? Well, at Beautiful Homes Service by Asian Paints, what we’re best at is partnering with you to craft the home of your dreams. If you’re eager to get started on creating that perfect haven we’re here for all your interior design, home décor & renovation needs – you can even source the latest décor styles with our curated collection – reach out or find one of our state-of-the-art stores near you.
We’re currently available in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Pune or Kolkata, with new locations coming soon!
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DEC 2023
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17 Oct 23, 03.00PM - 04.00PM