A suspended ceiling in the bathroom – why it’s worth opting for one, and when?

Suspended ceilings are often found in houses and flats with high ceilings, as well as in many offices. Interestingly, they are not uncommon in bathrooms, especially those arranged in a modernist style. The modern appeal of this solution lies not only in aesthetics but also in functionality. How should you design a bathroom with a suspended ceiling? What deserves particular attention? Will a suspended ceiling suit every bathroom?

Suspended ceiling for the bathroom – why choose one?

When you opt for a suspended ceiling in the bathroom, you open up a very wide scope for astonishing, elegant schemes full of unexpected and captivating plays of light. In many buildings, especially pre-war properties and old tenement buildings (though not only these), the ceilings are relatively high, so a suspended ceiling allows you to bring them down significantly.

It is an attractive option for many reasons: aesthetic and financial. Lowering the ceiling, especially in the heating season, helps to reduce heating bills and improves the insulation of the room, and thus of the whole flat or house. It’s no different in bathrooms, which — even with a powerful radiator — can sometimes remain uncomfortably chilly in autumn and winter, and even in early spring.

The aesthetic aspect is just as important, as many people dislike being in rooms where there is too much empty space and the walls seem to reach up to the sky. Lowering the ceiling also reduces echo in the bathroom, which for many can make it easier to relax, whether during a bath or the morning routine.

By choosing a suspended ceiling in the bathroom, you gain the ability to conceal unsightly elements, for example protruding pipes whose appearance spoils the décor of the entire room. Any imperfections in the upper part of the space are hidden by a suspended bathroom ceiling like no other solution! That’s not all, of course!

Suspended ceiling and a small bathroom

Modern bathroom ceilings are often suspended for both aesthetic and practical reasons, yet many people wonder whether a suspended ceiling in a small bathroom is a good idea. The issue is not as complicated as it might seem, because even a bathroom with a small footprint may be suitable for this method, provided it isn’t too… low.

The aim is to enhance the room visually; in very low spaces, however, this would defeat the purpose. Such a room will feel very cramped, and spending time in it won’t necessarily be pleasant, especially for those who want a bit of breathing space in such an intimate setting.

So the suspended-ceiling method should be used wisely, and it will certainly help to arrange even small bathrooms attractively. It’s also worth seeking professional advice before making a final decision!

What to put on a bathroom ceiling – technical points and design ideas

There are a great many ways to shape suspended ceilings in bathrooms, and the final form depends on the concept and the space. The fact is that, regardless of the interior type, virtually the same materials are used for this kind of work, with a few exceptions that should definitely be borne in mind.

To install suspended ceilings, you will need:

• plasterboard sheets
• jointing compounds
• UD perimeter wall profiles
• CD main profiles
• ES hangers
• fixing screws

Bear in mind that the above list needs qualifying in the case of plasterboard. For bathrooms, choose only boards suitable for use in high-humidity environments. These are impregnated with agents that prevent excessive moisture absorption, limiting it to such a degree that using plasterboard in a bathroom is safe. They do not deteriorate, so they can serve as a material for a suspended ceiling. Especially when creating a suspended ceiling above a shower.

Thanks to plasterboard, you can create suspended ceilings in bathrooms with mirror or light panels, with a mixed (multi-level) structure, as well as in an island form. The latter become the central feature of the ceiling, around which it’s worth arranging suitable lighting to give the bathroom an extraordinary character!