False ceilings are very much in vogue as they allow you to decorate an often overlooked feature of your living room interiors – your ceiling. However, the materials involved, such as tiles, plaster, gypsum, wood, POP, etc., can drive up the cost of such an addition, especially when it is primarily for aesthetic reasons. As a result, homeowners are always on the lookout for a cheaper alternative to get the same look.
In such situations, thermocol could be an excellent substitute for decorating your home with the same level of flexibility and pliability, minus the associated costs. In this post, we take a look at some stunning thermocol ceiling designs, along with the pros and cons of such a choice. Let’s dive right in!
What Are Thermocol Ceilings?
Thermocol is a synthetic polymer obtained from styrene, a byproduct of petroleum. This unsaturated liquid hydrocarbon is polymerised to form polystyrene and fused with carbon dioxide to form styrofoam. Thermocol is a set and solidified version of styrofoam.
Thermocol ceilings are what their name implies – these are false ceilings made using thermocol. Its popularity as a material for false ceilings has risen tremendously due to its many properties that we will discuss in the subsequent sections. What stays undisputed is that thermocol ceiling designs are trendy and will continue to remain so for some time now.
What are the Advantages of Thermocol Ceilings?
As mentioned, thermocol ceiling designs are practical for many households and for various reasons. Here is a look at why a thermocol false ceiling design may be right for your home.
They Offer a Design Variety
Ceiling thermocol designs can be shaped and designed in any way imaginable. It is so because thermocol comes in sheets and blocks and is easy to cut and shape. You do not have to be a master craftsperson or use highly specialised tools to nail designs with thermocol. At the same time, they can be spray painted, mounted, stuck together, etc., to recreate even the most complex designs effortlessly.
They Are Affordable
Even if you were to directly purchase precut and predesigned thermocol false ceilings, they would cost you anywhere in the range of Rs. 30 to Rs. 90 per square foot. Even if you have a high volume requirement, they can cost as little as Rs. 150 to Rs. 550 per kg, depending on the material thickness. At this price point, thermocol ceilings are essentially a steal deal!
They Can Regulate Temperature
Thermocol is a light and airy material with air pockets. You may have seen its use in coolers and ice boxes as well as hot food containers. Such applications go to prove that it is the perfect insulator. As such, false ceiling designs that use thermocol can offer added protection from heat and cold – whatever may be the external weather conditions.
They Offer Greater Privacy
In addition to temperature regulation, thermocol also acts as a shock absorber and sound dampener. Of course, its shock-absorbing properties may not seem very useful when you use thermocol for ceiling decoration, but its ability to dampen sound vibrations can offer greater privacy to other sections of your home.
They Are Easy to Install/Uninstall
Regardless of the ceiling thermocol design, installing and uninstalling it is hardly a hassle. You can paste it directly to the ceiling using a strong adhesive, double-sided tape, or mounting tape. Alternatively, they can be mounted using nails and screws or even into frames that may be installed on your ceiling for whatever reasons. Once again, you can pursue it as a DIY project than needing professionals for the task.
What Are the Limitations or Drawbacks of Thermocol Ceilings?
While thermocol false ceiling designs offer a bouquet of advantages, they are not a one-stop solution. Here is why ceiling design using thermocol may not necessarily be a smart decision:
They Collect Dust
One of the greatest problems with thermocol ceilings is that they are literally dust magnets. The problem worsens when you have a complex thermocol ceiling design with nooks and crannies where dust can make a home. Further, due to its fragile nature, dusting thermocol ceilings can be tricky lest you break a section or so.
They Can Be Messy to Maintain
Dusting is not the only pain point of thermocol ceilings. They are, in general, quite difficult to maintain since they are not super durable when compared to materials like wood or plaster. Plus, they can act as a hindrance to maintaining actual ceilings as they might hide problems like cracks, leakages, seepage, or dampness, which can have graver consequences if untreated.
They Are Non-Biodegradable
At a time when the world is shifting towards sustainable home construction and decoration, thermocol may not be the best option available seeing as how it is non-biodegradable. They are at par with plastic and can harm the environment in the long run. So, if you are into environmentalism and eco-friendliness, then thermocol ceiling designs may not match your ethics.
They Can Be Toxic
In addition to being harmful to the environment, thermocol ceilings are somewhat volatile and reactive. While thermocol ceiling designs for the living room may not be that bad an idea, placing them in places like your kitchen can not only cause it to warp but also emit toxic or poisonous fumes. Of course, this is only in cases where the thermocol ceiling is exposed to direct high heat conditions, but it can be a cause for concern to certain individuals, which is why it bears mentioning here.
Thermocol Ceiling Designs That Can Replace False Ceilings
By this point, you may have weighed out the pros and cons of thermocol ceiling designs. So, if you are still open to the idea of it, here are some gorgeous thermocol ceiling designs for the living room and bedroom that you can consider:
Low False Ceiling Thermocol Design
This is one of the most familiar thermocol ceiling designs for living rooms. It is simple, no-fuss, and durable, considering that it is made using a thick slab of thermocol that is fitted onto the ceiling. The track lights can be installed along the sides inside the gutter to make the false ceiling pop out and look distinct. Do bear in mind, however, that the thermocol roof design compresses the ceiling and can make the room appear smaller than it really is.
Tray Thermocol Ceiling with Recessed Lights
Here we have yet another classic thermocol ceiling design for the living room and bedroom. It features a thick frame that is installed along the sides of the ceiling to create a boxed effect. You can install light fixtures along the border of the ceiling thermocol design or inside the recesses to illuminate the space. It is yet another design that is simple, effortless, easy to maintain, and durable.
Carved Circular Thermocol Ceiling Design
If simple is not your style, then this thermocol roof design will suit your tastes. It features elaborate carving work that will remind you of the heavily detailed work adorning the pandals during Durga Pooja or Ganesh Chaturthi. The layers and layers of carvings lend depth to the ceiling, and the backlight accentuates the same. This is one of those thermocol ceiling designs that will leave you marvelling while looking up!
Modern Thermocol Ceiling Design
While the previous thermocol ceiling design is somewhat traditional, here is something that is in stark contrast. This modern thermocol and POP design make use of different lights, shapes, and geometries to make the living room interior design appear hi-tech and futuristic. Of course, cleaning it may not be one of your favourite tasks, but the compliments that you will receive would be as out-of-the-world as this design!
Panelled Blue Thermocol Ceiling Design
If you are looking for a ceiling design with thermocol that balances modernity with orthodox features, then this panelled blue dome design will fit the bill. The circle in the middle acts as a focal point from which the concentric panels emanate to create a domed effect – even if the room thermocol ceiling design may be flat!
It is perfect for your living rooms as it can lengthen the height and make the rooms appear more spacious than they are! Don’t feel obligated to use blue either; if anything, experiment with the latest colours in trend and add a touch of style to your home.
Thermocol Ceiling Design with Honeycomb Light
This honeycombed ceiling design with thermocol is an excellent way to incorporate lights in your home without overwhelming the ceiling. You can embed the thermocol false ceiling with LED strips – preferably mood lights or lights that change colours – and hide the unsightly wiring right behind.
The thermocol will hold the lights securely and add to the aesthetics of the room. Whether you pick this style for your den or your bedroom, or the gaming room, the thermocol ceiling design will suit all settings.
Textured False Ceiling Design with Thermocol
Some people may be hesitant to opt for a ceiling design with thermocol since it appears very synthetic and plasticky. If that is the case with you, too, then this thermocol and POP design can offset the fabricated feeling and make your home look more natural.
It uses POP to spackle the thermocol base to give a textured effect on the ceiling. You can then paint over it to make the ceiling look textured and as though it was made with the real deal!
Concluding Thoughts
False ceilings are a great way to increase the appeal of your home. With thermocol ceiling designs, it can be aesthetic and pocket-friendly. We have shared a number of thermocol ceiling designs that you can choose for your living room, lobby, foyer, and bedroom.
Pick one that goes with the overall theme and decor of your home. If you were to get bored of it at any point, you could easily switch it up without massive renovation or costs involved.
If you need help with a thermocol ceiling design that complements your home, then get in touch with our HomeLane experts. Our combined experience and expertise in all things home decor and home improvement will land you a design like no other, for we believe that every home should be unique!
FAQs
1. How Much Does It Cost for a Thermocol Ceiling?
Thermocol ceiling sheets cost anywhere between Rs. 30 to 120 per square foot. The final cost depends on the thermocol ceiling design and the thickness of the sheet, slab, or block. In case you want coloured thermocol sheets for the ceiling, then the price starts at Rs. 200 per square foot.
2. Will Thermocol Ceiling Reduce Heat?
Yes, the thermocol ceiling is a poor conductor of heat, which is why it will reduce heat from entering your home through the roof.
3. Can a False Ceiling Reduce Heat?
Yes, indeed! False ceilings create gaps between the actual roof and the ceiling of your home, which is why the heat or the cold does not get transmitted to the living area. Hence, they can reduce heat and keep cold out.
4. What Are Some Cheap False Ceiling Options?
Thermocol and Plaster of Paris are two of the cheapest false ceiling materials.
5. How Long Does a Thermocol False Ceiling Last?
Unfortunately, thermocol ceiling does not last as long as wood, plaster, or plastic. It is susceptible to breakdown under the sun and when exposed to UV light or wind. It also absorbs moisture that can cause its degradation. Over time, thermocol turns brittle and prone to breakage. Despite this property, it is also non-biodegradable and can take as many as 500 years to decompose naturally.
6. Why Should You Use Cool Lights with Thermocol False Ceilings?
Even though thermocol is thermo-resistant, it reacts when exposed to direct heat. Warm lights have a heating effect that can cause thermocol to fade. As such, it is highly recommended to use cool lights that emit minimal heat for thermocol false ceilings.
