A Quick Guide on How to Choose False Ceiling Material

by Pooja Dara | February 19, 2024 | 7 mins read

How to choose false ceiling material for your home ceiling

Are you planning to revamp your home? Take it up a notch by installing some cool and stunning false ceiling designs.

A false ceiling is a secondary, suspended ceiling that hangs from the architectural ceiling of a home. It is an important part of your home’s interior(~A fifth wall), which often gets overlooked.

It is a popular choice in the interior design market due to its practical and aesthetic advantages:

  • It serves as a friendly and creative illusion, utilizing texture, colour, material and lighting.
  • It makes your home look classy and also serves as a ‘conversation starter’.
  • It is fire-resistant, energy-efficient, soundproof, and protects your home from long-term damage.
  • It effectively conceals exposed electrical wiring, pipes, and AC regulators, providing a clutter-free look.
  • It is easy to install only if suitable tools and equipment are available, but hiring a professional is advisable.
  • It provides a good contrast in the background to light fixtures such as backlit panels, track lights, cove lights, etc.
  • It is economically priced and significantly reduces the cost of actual ceiling renovation.
  • It is also easy to repair minor damages by simply replacing the affected false ceiling panels.

What are the Different Styles of a False Ceiling Design?

  • Single-Layered False Ceiling (Minimalist)
  • Multi-Layered False Ceiling (Distinctive)
  • Coffered False Ceiling (Multi-dimensional)
  • Plus-Minus False Ceiling (Articulated)

The Process of Installing a False Ceiling

There are some common steps for installing a false ceiling, although certain steps may vary depending on the type of material used for its construction:

  • Marking and levelling the frame in line with the original.
  • Fixing the frame beneath the original.
  • Laying the ducts and wires for electrical fixtures and controls.
  • Attaching the simple or customized panels made of the selected material.
  • Finishing the ceiling design by sanding, painting, texturing, etc.
  • Fixing the fans, lighting fixtures, and any other electrical fittings according to your requirements.

Factors That Can Influence the Cost of a False Ceiling Design

These days, most urban homeowners choose false ceiling designs that complement their existing interior design. There are a few factors that can affect the cost (per square foot):

  • The distance between the two ceilings affects the cost, with less space resulting in higher costs and vice versa.
  • The choice of materials and colour used in the construction, as well as the complexity of the ceiling design, contribute to the higher price.
  • The labour cost varies from city to city (~.
  • The additional costs include surface finish, cutting, light fixtures, and other requirements.
  • The availability and the quality of the raw materials in the local market.
Complete home interiors with beautiful false ceiling designs

Let’s deep dive into our curated collection and help you choose the best false ceiling for your home.

Gypsum False Ceiling Design for Family Room

This pre-designed gypsum false ceiling for the family room is a sight to behold. The spiralling shape gives an interesting and unique appearance, and the recessed lighting enhances its intricate beauty. It has a seamless and smooth finish and is easy to install, too. The white colour visually maximises the space.

Gypsum false ceiling in a spiral shape with recessed lighting enhances its intricate beauty
Gypsum is lightweight and absorbs noise/heat.

Mineral Fibre False Ceiling Design

This mineral fibre false ceiling design is budget-friendly but completely justifies its price as it is durable and strong. It gives a solid foundation/background to the pair of patterned lighting panels. It blends well with the room’s existing colour scheme and decor.

Durable and budget-friendly mineral fibre false ceiling with patterned lighting panels
Give a sophisticated look to the living room

Fabric False Ceiling Design

This fabric false ceiling design can be completely moulded with ease. It gives the dining room space a classic and traditional ambience, and the cove lighting elegantly frames it. It matches the flooring of the space, but it is not suitable for long-term use as it is prone to dust and damage.

Fabric false ceiling with cove lighting that complements a traditional dining room
Synthetic leather can be used as an alternative to fabric for the ceilings

Glass False Ceiling Design

This glass false ceiling design looks very eye-catching due to the complete transparency of the material. You can either use simple, clear glass or incorporate a floral design carved onto the glass in sections to enhance its appearance. The reflection of light in the glass panels visually doubles up the space.

Glass false ceiling material visually doubles the space
A glass false ceiling can be delicate
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POP False Ceiling Design

A POP false ceiling design is the second most preferred design after gypsum. It is much more versatile as you get more custom options and is flexible as it can be cast into any shape and size. It is less expensive than gypsum and lasts longer without much wear and tear.

Versatile and affordable pop false ceiling material
Keeping things neutral with muted shades

PVC False Ceiling Design

This PVC false ceiling design with a wooden finish looks gorgeous. The square-shaped ceiling panel in the middle and the green plants around the living area give the space a countryside, homely and rustic vibe. It has good heat and water resistance, so it is an ideal option for the space.

Gorgeous PVC false ceiling design with wooden finish, giving the living area a rustic vibe
PVC false ceiling blocks the UV rays of the sun

Wooden False Ceiling For Hallway

This wooden false ceiling design gives your hallway a modern and artistic vibe and covers the acoustic aspect. It acts as a wonderful accent to the original and provides the space with a luxurious feel. Complement the wooden panel with colourful decor, such as cushions and an area rug, to achieve a balanced look.

Stylish and sound-absorbing wooden false ceiling material in a hallway
Set the stage for a grand first impression

The right false ceiling design will have a positive impact on the appearance and vibe of the room in which it is installed. In other words, it will brighten the space and give it a lively ambience. DesignCafe covers all your home interior requirements and provides the best range of designs with the most top-notch materials. Book a free consultation and contact our interior design experts today!

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FAQs on How To Choose False Ceiling Material?

1. Can you use metal or aluminum for false ceiling construction, and what are the benefits?

Yes, you can use metal or aluminium for false ceiling construction, but you need to weigh the pros and cons of each before you decide which of the two materials is best for your home.

ALUMINIUM FALSE CEILINGS

  • They are multi-layered panels with two aluminium sheets bonded to a non-aluminium core.
  • They are more affordable and easier to install as you can easily cut, bend and shape them to your desired sizes.
  • They are lighter in weight and have better fire protection and sound insulation.
  • They are more durable and long-lasting than glass and wooden designs.
  • They do not require painting as they are pre-treated with a protective layer and are resistant to rust.

METAL FALSE CEILINGS

  • Their construction comprises galvanized iron, steel, and aluminum, giving them an antique appeal.
  • They are fixed on a steel metal grid supported by a T-section or a cross-section suspended from the top.
  • They are available in many shapes, such as plank, square, and perforated.
  • They are more durable and easier to maintain.
  • They are more expensive than POP or gypsum designs and are fire-resistant.
  • They have good resistance to wear and tear during the utility periods.

2. Are there any sustainable or weather-specific options for false ceiling materials?

ECO-FRIENDLY OPTIONS

  • Wood
  • Bamboo
  • Mineral Fibre

HIGH-HUMIDITY AREA OPTIONS

  • Fibre Glass
  • Gypsum
  • PVC
  • Metal

3. How to clean false ceilings?

  • Vacuum clean every 4-6 months to maintain its original quality and remove cobwebs.
  • Cover your carpets/furniture to save yourself from extra work before cleaning.
  • Dust and wipe at regular intervals using a cloth or feather duster.

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Pooja Dara is a content writer at Design Cafe home interiors blog.

Pooja Dara

Pooja Dara is a freelance writer and editor with over seven years of experience and has worked for several reputed companies in multiple niches. Having made a switch from quantitative research (of leading FMCG and durable brands) to secondary research, she is now an independent content specialist who believes in creating value for her clients through her work. She is also passionate about photography, spirituality, dogs, and traveling.

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