A false ceiling is more than just a decorative element – it has other uses that you may not be aware of. Read on to know more.
They are pretty to look at, and they conceal all the bits and wiring that you don’t want everybody to see. Most people install false ceilings because they want to hide the original ceiling that is created inside the house.
But latest false ceiling designs do so much more than just provide a design element for the house. They can conceal wiring, and provide fire safety and energy efficiency. Let’s look at how false ceiling design incorporates all these elements so that it creates:
* More light. When there’s a false ceiling in the house, the problem of how many light fixtures and where to fit them is automatically solved. You can simply install all the light fixtures you need at different points in the false ceiling design. It gives you the chance to install energy-efficient LEDs as well as yellow spotlights for an interesting visual effect. Plus, all the wiring in the house – for lights, air conditioning, other heavy appliances – can be hidden above the false ceiling.
* Fits fire sprinklers. The threat of a fire in high-rise apartments is all too real, with the mass media rife with reports about fires trapping building occupants inside their homes. It is the need of the hour to equip each house with a fire-fighting system. The first step in this direction is to have fire sprinklers fitted into the ceiling – and the false ceiling allows this feature admirably well. The sprinklers can be fitted discreetly into the ceiling, with the water piping concealed directly above it.
* Provides thermal insulation. Another latest false ceiling idea involves using the ceiling for thermal insulation. The principle governing the design is this: the gap between the actual ceiling and the false ceiling can be used to provide thermal insulation since air is a bad conductor of heat. Thus, you may need reduced air conditioning and your power bills also reduce.
* Adds a trendy touch to the home. The latest false ceiling ideas involve not just visual elements but also the use of different materials. Unlike previous iterations of false ceilings that exclusively used gypsum board, false ceiling designs today include fibre, plastic, wood and glass. You can even design the ceiling using a combination of materials, and intersperse it with lighting fixtures.
Do get an architect to work out how to make the false ceiling at home, based on your requirements and overall lighting and decor. The architect then works with the false ceiling vendors to get the best materials for the job.
