Concrete ceiling is an excellent option for a harsh and brutal loft style (26 photos)

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The loft style has recently been at the peak of popularity. The elegant and at the same time brutal direction adds expressiveness to the premises and also emphasizes their individuality. One of its main advantages is the ability to apply absolutely any finish.

Finishing the ceiling with concrete in a high-tech interior

Strict orderliness, minimalism and bizarre geometry distinguish high-tech from other modern design trends. This design style has gained great popularity due to the unimaginably wide flight of creative thought. Bold mixtures of textures of different breeds and the most inventive color variations are a common occurrence for him.

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Advantages

The use of this solution in the interior is becoming increasingly popular, which is why it is useful to learn about its positive and negative sides. Interestingly, if used skillfully, the inconspicuous rough material will become an excellent decorative element of the room. Among the advantages of this solution are the following:

• environmental Safety;
• availability;
• moisture resistance;
• fire safety;
• resistance to fungi and mold.

Among the most significant disadvantages is the inability to use in any interior. For such a ceiling there must be appropriate wall design, furniture, and accessories.

Note! It would seem that raw concrete is not an option for a modern person who has a lot of possibilities for finishing. But this is a huge misconception, because such a design makes the room strict and at the same time elegant.

Spacious studio apartment in industrial style

Rules for reinforcing floors and pouring concrete

After installation of the formwork, reinforcement is performed. To reinforce one cubic meter of concrete with a slab thickness of 15 centimeters, about 20 kilograms of reinforcement with a diameter of 10 millimeters (for a longitudinal reinforcing frame) and 7 kilograms of reinforcement with a diameter of 8 millimeters (for a transverse one) are required. The reinforcement is laid in increments of 20 centimeters, on two floors, the upper grille is supported by U-shaped brackets, which are made from the same reinforcement. Read more about proper reinforcement here.

Pouring is best done with a concrete pump - this way the pouring will take place quickly, in one step, and the structure will be absolutely monolithic. It’s better not to skimp on concrete - buy a ready-made solution, or prepare it yourself in a concrete mixer, cement of at least M400. For better compaction of the concrete, it is necessary to go over it with an internal vibrator.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of this technology are quite obvious

The main disadvantage of the technology before using ready-made concrete products is the time required. You can begin heavy work on a construction site only after the structure has finally stabilized in terms of its internal structure, and this is a period of at least a month. It is up to you to decide how beneficial the technology is.

Decor in large rooms

Based on large-sized rooms, designers have more design options.

• Details . Sometimes industrial elements are placed on the ceiling on purpose. On large surfaces, they create rhythmic compositions that add dynamics to the atmosphere. Decorators also often use beam ceilings.
• Lines . A ceiling decorated with lines will make the decor more attractive and original. These elements should not be straight; broken lines look stylish. An original decorative technique is a broken ceiling in combination with ceilings or wooden beams. This design is ideal for corner buildings.
• Suspended ceiling . This is an original design method that is suitable for rooms with high ceilings. The design is a combination of metal profiles and plasterboard. The advantages of this option: durability, reliability, practicality and expressiveness. Disadvantages: high cost, complex installation that cannot be done independently.

• Combination . The tandem of metal pipes of various sizes and winged fans looks colorful and attractive. You can also add a few factory lights to them. All these elements are characteristic of the loft style. For fans of extraordinary stylistic solutions, designers offer to combine incompatible things. For example, place a chic chandelier in the center of the ceiling, framed by industrial elements. The contrast of the glamorous lamp and the rough brutal background will not go unnoticed.

We looked at the most common and popular options. You have the opportunity to choose any of them for your home.

If you have the proper experience and the necessary set of tools, you can try to do the repairs yourself. For complex design, it is better to invite specialists.

Floor formwork on corrugated sheets

Floor formwork on corrugated sheets

Another technology worth mentioning is the creation of a monolithic floor using corrugated sheets, which is also not difficult to do with your own hands. Pouring over a profiled sheet, which can be used like permanent formwork, creates additional stiffening ribs and requires much less reinforcement. In general, concrete consumption is reduced, although this method cannot be called “budgetary” due to the cost of corrugated sheeting.

Video of pouring concrete floors

Source

Color design

• Black . This color is rarely used as the main color, only in spacious rooms with sufficient natural and artificial lighting. Otherwise, black is the best color for elements on a light background.
• White . Classic and versatile color. Due to its special properties, it is used for the corner ceiling of an attic or small room. Industrial elements in dark and metallic colors will go well with it.

• Grey . To decorate the ceiling in the loft style, any shade is suitable: from light gray to rich dark. This is a neutral tone that will create a calm and peaceful atmosphere in the room. Light shades of gray are best chosen for small rooms.
• Metal colors . Metallic tones are ideal for decorating a loft-style ceiling, as well as painting individual elements. The most commonly used colors are bronze and copper. Tones such as metallic, silver, steel, and aluminum would also be appropriate. Professional decorators successfully combine different colors of this category, creating original shades.

• Brick . The color of the brick finish combines red and brown. If one of the walls is framed with brick, then this ceiling decoration will blend harmoniously with the wall, creating an expressive design. The color will dilute the monochromatic and neutral color scheme of gray, black and white.

“Loft” attracts attention with its originality and amazing industrial elements, but at the same time it can repel with a calm color palette. In this case, use bright color accents. These could be pieces of furniture, textile elements or decor.

Ceiling lamps in loft style

Lamps are considered a necessary addition to the overall design of the ceiling, and therefore must correspond to its style. For lofts, these types of lighting fixtures are often chosen.

• Spots with hinges . Rotating lamps with a triangular or any other shape diffuser are reminiscent of industrial premises and fit perfectly into the interior.
• Incandescent lamp on a cord without a shade . Good as a spotlight. Adjusting the length of the suspension and selecting the size of the flask allows you to find the best options for any interior.
• Fan-lamp in office style . Suitable for large rooms.
• Retro lamps . Particularly good against the backdrop of brick and concrete.
• Lighting fixtures in high-tech style . The most diverse solutions. All of them are well suited for an industrial interior.

Photo: Instagram odel.ru

For lovers of original solutions, we can recommend chandeliers in a classic style. Their lush, sophisticated decor will be an unusual contrast for the loft-style ceiling.

Black color

A universal color used in various styles: from classic to modern. Let's get acquainted with the idea of ​​decorating the ceiling completely in black and consider the advantages of this design.

Pros:

• Black color looks impressive. It adds chic, sophistication and sophistication to the decor.
• Looks harmonious with other colors and shades, regardless of their saturation.
• The room takes on an original appearance. This color will not go unnoticed.
• A ceiling painted black is ideal for any room in the house, be it a kitchen, bedroom, living room, hall or hallway.

What to consider when decorating:

• This design option is only suitable for ceilings with a height of 3 meters and above.
• It is not advisable to use in rooms with narrow windows.
• If there is a lack of lighting, it is necessary to install a sufficient number of lamps.
• For greater expressiveness, frame the ceiling around the perimeter with white or any other light paint. This will help get rid of the gloomy effect.
• Before you start painting the ceiling black, you need to carefully read the rules for using this technique.

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Pros and cons of tensioners

If you decide to use suspended ceilings as decoration, they have their advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

• thanks to light colors, a feeling of additional space is created;
• a suspended ceiling serves as an analogue of a shield that protects against falling plaster and flooding;

This point is very controversial. If your neighbor floods, the ceiling bends, collecting all the water, but it will still have to be replaced.

• in order to care for the surface you do not need to use additional products and a lot of time;
• a wide variety of loft-style lighting elements can be installed on the surface;
• If part of the ceiling is damaged, it can be easily removed and replaced.

The following photos show examples of the use of suspended ceilings in a loft.

Stretch ceiling

Whiteness will expand the space

Flaws

• over time, the canvas may sag over large areas;
• the material can be easily damaged by sharp or blunt objects (a champagne cork can easily make a new hole in the ceiling);
• all seams are visible on the glossy surface;
• After installation, stretch ceilings have a specific smell, like a new leather jacket.

This video shows a successful combination of concrete and stretch ceiling in a loft style.

Alignment

Leveling the ceiling with putty will be optimal if there are no noticeable defects on the ceiling.

No matter how smooth the formwork is, the ceiling still needs to be further leveled after it is removed. There are two ways to level the ceiling, but before doing this, you need to check the quality of the manufactured plane with a hydraulic level.

Leveling with putty is suitable if there are no large defects in the manufactured ceiling and does not require large financial investments. This will not change the height of the ceiling. Putty is a good material for leveling the ceiling; it allows the ceiling to “breathe”. But puttying ceilings is a dusty and labor-intensive job that requires time to dry each layer of material. Large defects or level differences cannot be eliminated with putty. This material reacts to the shrinkage of the building by the appearance of cracks.

The leveling option using drywall is suitable for planes with large differences and other defects. This is an environmentally friendly material with which the ceiling will breathe in the same way as with putty. Drywall can hide all communications, and with it you can implement any design solutions.

High-quality pouring of concrete ceilings is only possible if you use the necessary materials and tools, carefully fulfill all requirements and follow the advice of specialists.

What you need to know about using concrete?

Of course, it is important to choose the right room in which concrete finishing is used. The main recommendation of designers is large rooms, open spaces. This is quite reasonable, because, whatever one may say, such a finish is dark and it visually reduces the space.

Advice! Concrete is deservedly considered a noble coating, but at the same time it adds heaviness to the space. Do not overcrowd the interior with its use of a large number of details. After all, the rough gray surface itself has high decorative properties and gives an excellent visual result.

Original decor of the ceiling area

When created correctly, the effect creates the impression that the ceiling was not processed at all and was left in its original form. Interestingly, such solutions are increasingly being used not only in private homes, but also in creative offices, restaurants and even banks.

In order to emphasize the impression, you can use LED lighting, which can make a massive and rough ceiling lighter. It is also important to choose the right combination. Optimally adjacent:

• Tree.
• Glass.
• Stainless steel.

As for the color scheme, it is better to choose white, gray, black.

Important! Wooden elements create more comfort and make the interior warmer. The same effect can be achieved using textiles on the windows, a blanket on the sofa, and decorative pillows.

Paint imitating a cement surface

Frame installation

The frame should be placed on the brickwork by 15 cm or more. When manufacturing in a finished house that is being renovated, holes are made in the wall using a hammer drill to insert the reinforcement into the wall. Joints with transverse laying of reinforcement must also be welded, or, in extreme cases, rewound with steel wire, which must be burned before use for greater elasticity. To do this, the material is heated over a fire and cools naturally. Water cannot be used for cooling, as this will harden the wire even more.

As already mentioned, plywood is used to cover the lower part of the formwork. And it must be moisture resistant. Next, the finished formwork is supported from below by telescopic posts or logs. When installing logs, you need to take into account the possible load on them, place them firmly and strictly perpendicular - using a level is mandatory so that the stand cannot be pulled to the side.

After the frame is installed, you should check it for horizontalness and, if necessary, correct it.

Do we do everything ourselves?

Surface finishing. This type of design comes from the distant past, when people settled in abandoned and unnecessary premises. Therefore, they tried to do a minimum of repairs there, since they knew that they would not stay long. Today, people live in large and spacious apartments for a long time, but the style itself has remained unchanged.

In order to treat the surface, you do not need to purchase additional building materials. An old ceiling is an ideal place for creative ideas. First you need to remove the old coating (plaster, paint, wallpaper, etc.). This should leave you with a plain bare concrete ceiling. But, unfortunately, some domestic surfaces do not look very nice. We are correcting this deficiency. We spread ordinary cement plaster and completely cover the entire ceiling area. Once the solution dries, the surface will have the desired appearance.

ATTENTION! To use paint, the ceiling should never be leveled before applying it to the surface.

Concrete ceiling is an excellent field for creativity

Additional decorative elements. If you are satisfied with this ceiling, the work is finished, but it can be improved. Designers recommend using suspended ceilings and concrete coverings in combination so that they do not individually occupy the entire surface.

Instead of a suspended ceiling, metal pipes or wooden beams are used. But to do this, you need to know the exact height of the room so that at the end of the work the room does not visually decrease in size. This will create additional space.

Wooden ceilings

Lamps. As a decorative element, lamps are also part of the ceiling. Therefore, they should be chosen in such a way that they match the required style.

A light bulb on a wire without a shade will fit perfectly into this style. Remember the films when the main character entered a similar room, and a light bulb swung smoothly on one wire. It was fascinating and looked quite brutal. In our case, this type of lighting can be placed above individual areas (kitchen, toilet, bathroom, library).

Gimbaled spots make you feel like you're living in an abandoned studio where Hollywood movies were once filmed. They fit perfectly into the interior. Additionally, you can connect them to one system to use the remote control to rotate the lamp at the desired angle.

Spots on hinges and pendant lamps

The fan light is a very popular theme in noir detective stories. You can install one powerful fan or several around the perimeter.

High tech. Despite the fact that this type of lighting is more suitable for some modern style, it also looks harmonious in a loft.

Classic pendant chandeliers with a large set of lamps. This will help emphasize the style and add zest to the interior.

Retro goes perfectly with the loft atmosphere. Here you can experiment as you please. They are rough and complement the design well.

Retro style pendant chandelier

Color palette. Not all colors are suitable for a loft-style ceiling:

• Black is never used in a loft as the main color. But as an exception, it is used in very large rooms with sufficient lighting. In other options, it is better to use light colors.
• White. A universal color that creates additional volume. Well suited for small rooms or attics. It harmonizes well with other colors, in particular with black.
• Grey. Any shades will do. Feel free to experiment as it is a neutral color. Creates a calming atmosphere. Especially if you want the ceiling to look like something from a 90s action movie.
• Metal. It is perfect for painting the ceiling or individual decorative elements. Professional designers successfully combine various shades of metallic colors (silver, metallic, steel, aluminum, etc.).
• The brick shade allows you to recreate an industrial atmosphere. But professionals warn that it is better not to overdo it with such a palette. It is enough to frame one wall so that it harmonizes with other decorative elements.

Finishing

How to cover a concrete ceiling is up to everyone to decide according to their own taste. There are several options for finishing a concrete ceiling.

Whitewash

This is a simple and low-budget method. You will need lime or chalk, which is diluted with water. To completely paint the entire ceiling area, it will need to be treated two or three times. In this case, you will get a perfectly smooth white surface. If you want the ceiling to look different, you need to add a coloring pigment of a suitable color to the lime. It is better to cover the ceiling with whitewash using a spray gun. The disadvantage of whitewashing is its fragility and reaction to high humidity. You will have to frequently renew the painted ceiling.

Painting

A higher quality option for finishing a concrete ceiling. For painting use acrylic or water-based paint. It is applied with a brush, roller, or spray, but before painting the concrete ceiling with a water-based emulsion, it should be carefully prepared and leveled, and the concrete base should be treated with a primer.

Loft style

In this case, finishing the concrete ceiling, decorating, leveling, preparing for painting, puttying, or priming are not required. Small flows of concrete will produce the desired effect. For brutality, you can use metal or wooden structures. All that remains is to properly illuminate the room.

A concrete ceiling requires virtually no decoration, so you can save money on repairs. Most often, people using this style simply attach light fixtures.

If you plan to paint a concrete ceiling, then you can do it in a thin layer and uneven strokes, which will add color to the concrete surface. Decorative wooden or metal beams are attached to the concrete. If you want to enhance the severity and coolness of the interior, then you can plaster the concrete ceiling and cover it with colorless varnish.

In the kitchen

The kitchen is a special place, which, on the one hand, should be fenced off from residential areas, but on the other hand, it must fit harmoniously into the interior. The ceiling in the kitchen is sometimes different from the ceiling in other areas. This is due to the fact that additional space is needed here for a hood, refrigerator and other household appliances. Some residents combine the kitchen and bathroom. For example, they place a washing machine and a kitchen oven on the same plane. Therefore, there will be special requirements for the ceiling.

• Beams or metal pipes in the kitchen may not serve a decorative role. You can safely conduct communications using them.
• Lamps should illuminate the workplace and not disturb other residents. You can bring a separate light bulb on a wire to the kitchen. It will look original and fit into the style.
• In the kitchen, in addition to the stove and refrigerator, there is a kitchen table. It can be used to install a support beam on it and mount an additional canopy.
• The main thing is not to deviate from the style. All materials should create the illusion of additional space. There should be nothing superfluous in the kitchen. The work and dining tables, chairs, gas (or electric) oven, and refrigerator should not interfere with each other.

Read in a separate article how to decorate a kitchen in a loft style.

Exclamation ATTENTION! Designers recommend using separate space for food processors, microwave ovens and multicookers. These devices are important, but they also take up space and must match in style.

How to decorate a small kitchen or kitchen-living room in a loft style, as well as about color combinations for the kitchen, read in our separate articles.

Where did it come from?

The consequences of the Great American Depression were severe. Numerous industries were closed everywhere, and their premises were converted into residential ones. The impoverishment of the population did not make it possible to completely reconstruct production areas. The repairs were carried out using scrap materials. But as a result, a new direction in design was born.

These days the loft style is very popular. Brick wall decoration increasingly resembles a royal castle and is in demand when decorating country houses, various entertainment venues, and cafes.

Industrial features are still the mainstay: high ceilings, large windows, rough finishes using concrete, stone and brick in both natural and improvised forms.

Lighting and additional decorative elements

This style widely uses materials such as wood, glass, and metal. It is from them that you can choose a lot of interesting accessories.

The most popular decorative option is wooden beams, slats, channels and panels that act as supporting structures. Beams placed not at right angles, but in broken lines, and metal mesh, especially those painted in contrasting colors to the ceiling, look interesting. Steel and copper fittings add more brutality. To save money, they install not original materials, but polyurethane dummies. Vintage fans with blades are appropriate in high rooms.

A concrete ceiling looks elegant, in the center of which there is a rosette with a geometric or floral pattern, especially in the dining area in the kitchen. It makes sense to put a round table under it.

Large-mesh metal meshes, including chain-link, air ducts made of shiny stainless steel, etc., will add a deliberate roughness. Bicycles can be stored in them in plain sight. This option is suitable for children and teenagers.

A harsh loft ceiling will be given lightness and warmth by lighting. Several lighting options are used:

• chandeliers in an industrial style, reminiscent of industrial devices - irregular in original shape, rough in color, or even assembled from individual lamps without a lampshade;
• suspended ceiling lamps - all kinds of spots look original here, with domed, oval, semicircular shades, devices in the form of fans;
• LED strips - for hidden lighting.

Lighting fixtures are chosen with large or elongated bulbs. Lampshades are preferable to copper or steel, chrome-plated. Bulb lamps on cords also came into fashion.

In low rooms, a contour LED strip at the top of the wall will visually raise the ceiling. You can install a chandelier above the table and illuminate the rest of the room with hidden fixtures.

Fabric elements add coziness - textiles on the sofa and windows, carpet on the floor. But without classic curtains, it is better to install blinds.

Microcement

Most often, this material is used to create the desired effect. Moreover, it is the most affordable among those offered. This is because there are no critical requirements for warmth and other qualities that apply to finishing materials used for walls and ceilings.

On a note! According to the designers, microcement creates an excellent background for the rest of the interior. In order to apply it, you first need to level the ceiling, apply finishing plaster or make suspended ceilings from plasterboard.

Microcement will help to recreate the intended surface decor

Fact! With the help of microcement it will be possible to achieve an interesting effect, in particular to imitate different tones with subtle differences. This will create the desired result.

A spectacular combination of concrete with wood and numerous lamps

For this option, high-quality lighting plays a huge role. In addition to choosing the right lamps, it is important to achieve optimal light on the ceiling. This will help highlight the special texture.

Technology for creating a concrete ceiling

Required Tools

For construction you will need a number of tools and tools:

• wooden slats for constructing formwork (4 pieces are enough);
• plywood sheet;
• wooden blocks designed to support the ceiling surface;
• nails;
• fittings made of metal;
• screws securing the formwork;
• concrete;
• a level that checks the horizontality of structures;
• equipment for pouring concrete;
• Master OK;
• basins or buckets in which concrete can be diluted;
• vibrator.

Construction of formwork

The construction of formwork requires certain skills in working with wood. You should think through all the subtleties and nuances of the construction of this ceiling element at the stage of planning and designing the house. The process should be approached seriously and responsibly, because the reliability and durability of the entire building subsequently depends on the strength of the formwork construction. It is advisable to consult in advance with an experienced specialist, who can also tell you where to apply for building permits. The ideal option is to use pressure-treated wood, such material is guaranteed to withstand the load of the weight of concrete and reinforcement. The entire structure is mounted on 4 wooden boards, the second row consists of plywood sheets or the same boards. As a rule, if the budget of the future owner of the building is limited, wooden slats are used, but the option with plywood provides a leveled ceiling that is easily amenable to subsequent finishing. Make sure that the boards do not have any curvature when laying them, avoiding gaps through which the concrete mixture passes . A building level will help confirm or refute the horizontality of the structure. The larger the flooring, the less likely it is that the ceiling will sag. Metal fittings should be properly adjusted, focusing on the height of the room. Develop a sketch of the room, drawn in the smallest detail, first of all describing the formwork of the concrete surface. The supports and ceilings are fixed with 2*4 beams and nails. How correct the plumb line of the supports is is also checked with a horizontal level.

Strengthening the building structure

To make a concrete ceiling, you need to properly fix the reinforcement in the required area, which needs to be purchased in large quantities; the master will tell you in what quantity. What is the fittings used for? The concrete ceiling is supported only by walls and pillars; otherwise, metal products act as supports.

Reinforcement for concrete mixture In the case of using wood to create formwork, the surface is covered with polyethylene, which will prevent the mortar from penetrating inside. In the upper, one-third part of the wall, iron pins should be driven in, going all the way to the ceiling. Long slats are located from one wall to the opposite, small pieces are placed perpendicularly - this is how cells measuring 10 * 10 cm are formed. The reinforcement rods are secured using knitting wire. When forming a support, pay attention to the fact that all sides of the frame extend onto the walls related to the load-bearing ones , from 10 cm or more.

Pouring the surface with concrete

Now you can start pouring the ceiling with concrete. Here you cannot do without special equipment - a concrete pump equipped with a number of hoses and a pump that pour concrete into the erected formwork. If you do not have the necessary equipment, the mixture is raised to a height by means of a crane. It is important to choose the right brand of concrete mass, in sufficient volume for construction work. More often, concrete marked B250 is ordered for ceilings. Concrete is poured in several layers; no more than 12 hours should pass between the application of the previous and subsequent ones, otherwise the poured layer will dry completely, which is unacceptable in accordance with generally accepted technology. The large perimeter of the ceiling is processed from the far corner, and the material that completely covers the formwork is leveled on all sides. Be sure to check the vibrator for air pockets forming in the mixture. After completion of the work, it is also necessary to additionally fill the screed, which ensures a perfectly flat plane. Now you just have to wait up to 2 months, during which time the mass will finally harden and you can remove the formwork and continue the construction of walls and other parts of the building. If it is too hot outside, it is advisable to spray the concrete with water 3-4 times a day during the drying process, otherwise the material will crack. There is no need to rush to get rid of the formwork - the ceiling may bend.

Decorative paints imitating concrete

An interesting option for creating an original texture can be special mineral dispersion paints. These compositions contain modifiers that allow the pigment to spread unevenly and smoothly on the wall, forming numerous stripes, darker and lighter, reminiscent of a damp cement surface.

You can also use a special spatula to apply streaks and dents.

Mineral paints form a fine structure. This paint is applied using a roller. The first layer can be immediately smoothed to the grain thickness with a steel trowel. The second layer can optionally be applied using a spatula to form cavities.

The shape of the patterns and indentations will depend on the tool used. When the layer is dry, it can be smoothed using a spatula or sponge to give it the appropriate texture. This decorative coat of paint will also require the application of a finishing coat, such as clear or colored varnish or wax.

Stages of work

1. Old material is removed from the ceiling.
2. Using dowels, a metal profile or wooden beams are attached at a distance of 40-60 cm from each other.
3. Cladding with clapboard using a stapler, nails, screws, self-tapping screws.
4. Protective varnish or painting.

Painting a wooden ceiling is necessary not only for beauty, but also to protect it from rotting, odors, indelible stains, and parasites.

To preserve the beautiful wood texture, choose water-based paints or special ones based on aniline.

Before starting work, the wooden surface is sanded using sandpaper and treated with stain or special impregnation to preserve the natural properties of the wood.

This coating is durable if all preparation requirements are met. It is easy to care for. The difficulty lies in installing lighting with such a wooden ceiling finished.

Suitable color scheme

You can choose the palette yourself by looking at photographs of old factories. It’s better to forget about bright shades - loft is associated with restraint and naturalness.

Light

White is one of the most common colors in such an interior. It is good in cramped, small apartments such as Khrushchev-era apartments with low ceilings, as it allows you to visually expand the space. Another advantage of white is its compatibility with other shades. You can also use light gray and beige.

Dark

This ceiling looks more expensive and more refined than others. However, dark colors are only appropriate in large rooms with panoramic windows. They are suitable for a spacious living room with a fireplace or home cinema. If you want to decorate your bedroom in this color scheme, then the walls should be light colors.

Gray

The color is notable for being compatible with all shades. Therefore, it is not difficult to choose the finishing of walls, floors and pieces of furniture to match it. But we must take into account the depth: the darker it is, the larger the room should be. Silver and metallic add height.

Brick shades

The variations of terracotta are deep and look very original. But they lose their attractiveness and become boring next to bright neon. It is better to combine it with natural tones, dilute it with white or gray.

For standard apartments

Recreating the charm of old America in a typical apartment is a very difficult task. But adding elements of this style and getting as close to it as possible is quite possible. We have already said that Americans were forced to convert production and warehouse premises into apartments - that is why the classic loft implies high ceilings. The most important limitation in urban environments is the height of the ceilings. As a rule, in a typical apartment it does not exceed three meters; in addition, loggias and balconies with a low ceiling height steal natural light.

Everything can be changed if architectural standards allow it. For example, if it is possible to attach balconies and loggias to rooms or combine a corridor and a living room, it’s worth the risk. Visually the space will become larger, creating the effect of high ceilings.

Typical apartments, as a rule, consist of small rooms, the area of ​​which rarely exceeds 20 square meters. meters. In such cases, a plain ceiling in gray or white is best. The surface is leveled and then covered with a layer of primer.

Designers advise avoiding dark shades, as they make the room visually smaller.

In order not to clutter up an already not too spacious typical apartment, preference should be given to small lighting elements. It is best to place the lamps around the perimeter of the ceiling, and if you decide to install a chandelier, then you should opt for medium-sized models without unnecessary decor.

Bedroom ceiling

It is a good idea to choose a wooden ceiling for the bedroom. It will help make the brutal industrial style softer. A narrow lining, painted in light colors or imitating aged wood, can be a good solution. Both exposed floor beams and metal air ducts would be appropriate. Velvety gray concrete with unusually shaped lamps also looks good.

Photo: Instagram loftmakers

Wooden ceiling in loft style

The simplest option for decorating a loft ceiling with wood is to use lining of various widths. Wood can be treated with protective compounds and coated with clear varnish or painted. In the latter case, white is most often chosen. Moreover, they do not always achieve a uniform tone—deliberately rough textured strokes look good. You can also choose artificially aged wood for the ceiling.

The lining planks are mounted close to each other or at some distance. The latter option allows you to visually raise the ceiling. Wood finishing can be independent or become the basis for additional decor: beams, mesh, etc. Dark beams look especially good against the background of lining painted in light colors.

Photo: Instagram db_workshops

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Living room ceiling

The choice of options here is unlimited. A concrete surface decorated with mesh, beams or pipes will look organic. Wood and metal are also quite appropriate. It is in the living room that you can install “broken” ceilings with different finishing options. If space allows, of course. For small rooms, choose a flat, light-colored ceiling without a large number of decorative elements.

Photo: Instagram arhidas_design

Features of a loft-style ceiling

The loft style is a relatively new trend that appeared in America after the Great Depression, when industrial premises began to close due to lack of demand and they began to be converted into residential ones. A complete reconstruction was impossible, and even undesirable, because it was the characteristic “production” features that formed the loft. It is characterized by a deliberately rough finish, high ceilings, large windows, a minimum of decor, and a moderate color scheme.

Photo: Instagram loft_interior

The ceiling in a loft-style interior should give the impression of being minimally processed. Any material appears almost in its original form: unpainted wood, untreated concrete, etc. In fact, the finishing is certainly present, but it is hidden. Initially, the ceilings of industrial premises were equipped with beams supporting the floors. They have been preserved in modern lofts, but as a decorative element.

Photo: Instagram l0ft24

Another characteristic feature is communications laid directly on the surface of the ceiling: air ducts, electrical wires, pipes, etc. They are also deliberately untreated, but at the same time they are made of stylish stainless steel, noble copper and similar materials. The color scheme of the ceiling in the loft style is not rich. The most popular solutions: shades of gray and white and black.

Photo: Instagram my_dom_

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Bathroom ceiling

For the bathroom you need to select special materials that can withstand high humidity. Therefore, the ideal choice would be a concrete surface or its imitation, brickwork, or a stretch ceiling made of film. There is no need to choose fabric. You need to be careful when using wood frames. If it is decided to use it, then a particularly effective wood protection must be present.

Photo: Instagram titova_katherina

Modular architectural concrete slabs

Until recently, concrete in the interior did not have too many supporters. Most often it is associated with a cold environment in which it is uncomfortable to live. Meanwhile, it is currently experiencing a renaissance. This material is very characteristic, easy to use, elegant and noble.

Modular concrete slabs can be used for finishing. They can have different sizes. Their cost depends on the size and type. Installing such slabs will be a challenge for the average person, but an experienced master will not have any problems. Any impregnation does not change color, but serves primarily for easy cleaning. In addition, impregnation reduces water absorption. Thanks to this, concrete slabs can be used even in conditions of high humidity, for example, in a bathroom. Concrete slabs can also be protected with a thin layer of clear resin.

Lightweight architectural concrete panels are used on the ceiling.

Today, industrial style interiors are still associated with freedom, extravagance and urban artistry, making them ideal for an industrial style apartment.

Lighting

The loft is tolerant of errors, since initially the interior was pieced together from accessories that the owners were lucky enough to find or purchase cheaply for the reconstruction of the room. Therefore, in some loft-style apartments you can see unusual combinations: for example, massive crystal chandeliers with numerous candles against the backdrop of concrete walls. By the way, even in luxurious chandeliers “industrial notes” can slip through - instead of classic candle lamps, simple incandescent lamps are installed, which have an unusual shape that distinguishes them from their analogues. So, the following lighting devices can be used in the loft:

• Chandeliers. As a rule, preference is given to devices made in an industrial style. Such chandeliers are not distinguished by grace, have simple, laconic forms, and are made of roughly processed materials.
• Pendant lamps. Such devices are most often used in this style. Designers recommend experimenting by installing lamps both in group combinations and individually. For example, if you decide to use pendant lamps in a group design, then you should install them at different heights.
• Floor lamps. These are floor lamps, beloved by many, and spotlights of different sizes. The choice of floor lamps is large: all that remains is to choose those that will fit into the loft.
• Tire lights. We smoothly approached the loft classics: all the lamps on the rails are made in an industrial style. The number of lighting elements on the bus is not limited.
• Lighting devices. This group of lamps includes miniature fluorescent lamps, LED tubes and strips. They can be used not only on ceilings, but also on walls, highlighting the desired areas and highlighting them against the general background.
• Industrial style spotlights and wall sconces.

Thus, you can experiment endlessly with light in the loft, combining the most incongruous elements or giving preference to laconic lighting elements.

How to choose a ceiling color

You will have to forget about bright colors. The loft style assumes only calm tones for painting the ceiling. The most popular of them:

• white;
• grey;
• terracotta;
• beige;
• black.

All possible shades of these colors are used. Metallic, imitating a metal surface, is also in demand. Terracotta is usually found in brickwork, beige in untreated wood. Gray tones are characteristic of concrete. All these colors become a good basis for subsequent decorative finishing with details of contrasting tones.

Photo: Instagram loft_wood_life

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Concreting a monolith - pouring a monolithic floor on your own

To ensure the strength and uniformity of the reinforced concrete surface, it is necessary to pour a monolithic floor slab in one step. Given the increased need for concrete, it is advisable to purchase a ready-made solution delivered in a construction mixer.

Filling the floors with your own hands is carried out according to the following algorithm:

1. The concrete solution is fed into the formwork and distributed evenly over the entire area.
2. Compaction is carried out using a deep or surface vibrator.

After compaction, the surface of the massif is leveled, hardening for four weeks.