A false ceiling is a secondary ceiling hung from the standard ceiling by a metal grid system. It is made of materials like gypsum, PVC, etc, and can have different designs. The false ceiling is suspended from the original ceiling by several inches. A false ceiling improves the overall look of the room by hiding unnecessary wires, pipes, and ductwork.
The gap between the false and original ceiling can also be used to install lighting and air conditioning systems these days which not only adds to the aesthetics of the room but also makes them easily accessible if these get dysfunctional.
Moreover, a false ceiling improves the overall acoustics of the room by making it soundproof. Check out 7 Different Types of False Ceiling Designs by a leading interior fitout company in Dubai
Types Of False Ceilings Explained
Various types of false ceilings that are used in homes, schools, offices auditoriums, and many other spaces are as follows
1. Gypsum False Ceiling
Gypsum false ceilings are one of the most commonly used types of false ceilings these days. These are gypsum boards or panels that are suspended from the main ceiling with the help of metal wires. These ceilings are lightweight, easy to install, easy to clean, durable, and relatively inexpensive which makes them an affordable option for construction purposes.
They can also be resistant to fire, water, or both depending upon their types. However, there are some drawbacks of gypsum ceilings as well. Uninstalling them is a very tedious and difficult process. moisture favors the fungal growth in them so these are not the good option for moisture-prone places like washrooms, toilets, and laundry rooms.
Design Options
Various design options available for gypsum false ceilings are as follows
- Plain Gypsum False Ceiling
- Cove Gypsum False Ceiling
- Suspended Gypsum False Ceiling
- Curved Gypsum False Ceiling
- Perforated Gypsum False Ceiling
- Patterned Gypsum False Ceiling
2. POP False Ceilings
POP(Plaster of Paris) false ceilings are made from gypsum-based plaster that is mixed with water to prepare a paste which is then applied to wood or fiberboards.
Like gypsum false ceilings these are also one of the most commonly used false ceilings. Plaster of Paris false ceilings provide a wide range of design options as these can be molded in various shapes and designs.
These are lightweight, durable, cost-effective, and provide insulation in various weather conditions. There are also some drawbacks to using POP false ceilings. These are fragile, easy to damage, and require expertise for their application.
Moisture deteriorates these ceilings so these ceilings are not suitable for moisture-prone places. These ceilings aren’t suitable for old buildings as the plaster is heavyweight. moreover, the plaster powder and chemicals used for preparing the paste may cause health hazards
Design Options
Various designs options for wooden false ceilings are
- Cove POP False Ceiling
- Dropped POP False Ceiling
- Customized POP False Ceiling
- Pop with Indirect Lighting
- Pop with Paint
- Tray POP False Ceiling
3. Wooden False Ceiling
Wooden false ceilings are gaining popularity these days as these ceilings give a natural and aesthetically pleasing look to the room and add to the warmth and beauty of the whole space. The wood used can be of different types and it is easy to cut it into different shapes to create various patterns and designs.
These ceilings provide excellent insulation, especially in cold weather, and can be painted or polished to complement the decor of a room or place where these are being installed. These ceilings are durable and provide insulation against sound as well.
However, there is a downside to the wooden false ceilings. The wood used in these ceilings is very expensive and it requires proper management as these are prone to attack by termites.
Design Options
- Carved wooden ceilings
- Wooden slat ceilings
- Coffered wood ceilings
- Wooden paneling
- Exposed wooden beams
- Wood veneer ceilings
- Stained wooden ceilings
4. Glass False Ceiling
Glass false ceilings are also common these days, especially in offices and industrial areas. Due to their transparent nature, glass false ceilings transmit the light making a space look bigger and brighter. And unique color combinations and patterns give a modern and inviting look to the atmosphere.
These false ceilings are easy to clean and customizable. But due to their fragile nature, these ceilings are easily breakable and require regular cleaning as dirt can accumulate on them over time. Moreover, heat waves can also be trapped in the space after passing through them making them unsuitable for a small space. These are also quite expensive too.
Design Options
- Frosted glass false ceiling
- Stained glass false ceiling
- Suspended glass false ceiling
- textured glass false ceiling
- Backlit glass false ceiling
5. Metal False Ceiling
Metal false ceilings are made of aluminum, steel, and other metals and are more commonly used in industries due to their durability, heat, and moisture-resistant nature, low need for maintenance, and a wide variety of design patterns available.
However these are costly, create a noisy environment, and skilled workers are required for their installation.
Design Options
Various design options av
- Grid ceilings
- Linear ceilings
- Open cell ceilings
- Customized designs
- Acoustic ceilings
6. PVC False Ceilings:
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) false ceilings are more commonly used for residential designs as well as commercial interior because they are lightweight, easy to install, cos-effective, and come with versatility in design patterns. However, these are less fire-resistant, not eco-friendly, and susceptible to damage.
Design Options
Various design options available for PVC false ceilings are
- Plain PVC False Ceilings
- PVC False Ceilings with Printed Designs
- PVC False Ceilings with Cove Lighting
- PVC False Ceilings with Decorative Moldings
- PVC False Ceilings with Mirrors
7. Fabric and Synthetic Material False Ceiling
These False ceilings are made from cloth or leather material. They are easy to install and remove and are used for temporary settings. These give an aesthetically pleasing look to the space but are prone to accumulating dirt. So these are not recommended for long-term use.
Design Options
Various design options available for these false ceilings are
- Synthetic Material False Ceilings with Textured Surfaces
- Synthetic Material False Ceilings with Curved Shapes
- Synthetic Material False Ceilings with 3D Designs
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed various types of false ceilings along with their pros and cons and design options available for each type plus which type is suitable for which place and setting. I hope you will find this article useful for making informed decisions ahead.
