Choosing a ceiling for a store

The ceiling is one of the most important elements of the design and style of a retail space. Where can a designer focus attention to highlight the shop's interior? The floor is not the best place for accents since the average human line of sight is only 23°, and we rarely look at the floor. The walls are usually occupied by shelving, displays, and advertising. Meanwhile, the ceiling remains almost the only element that allows you to give character to the interior and emphasize the brand concept.

Public spaces require a large number of engineering systems: power supply, lighting, ventilation, fire protection, CCTV, security alarms, local networks, and audio systems. The suspended ceiling is the most convenient and rational place for their installation in terms of safety, aesthetics, and service accessibility. The main function of the ceiling is to conceal the utilities while providing quick access to them when necessary.

• Installation/removal convenience: 8
  
• Access to utilities: 8
  
• Operation: 8
  
• Ceiling transparency: 10

• Acoustics: 1
  
• Design: 10
  
• Wall application: 10

Total: 55 points.

KRAFT linear strip ceiling range includes solutions made of cube-shaped rails and plate-shaped rails. These ceilings efficiently handle almost any task. The universal traverse allows for easy and quick installation and removal without the need for specialized skills.

The ceilings maintain an excellent appearance during operation. Their high transparency does not hinder ventilation and smoke extraction in case of fire. As for acoustics — this parameter is usually not a priority for retail spaces. However, if necessary, acoustic requirements can be addressed by combining linear strip ceilings with acoustic partitions or suspended islands.

The design possibilities of KRAFT linear strip ceilings are practically unlimited. You can use rails of different widths and heights, change their direction, combine colors, and create unique constructions. Additional options are provided by flexible and single traverses, offering opportunities for implementing non-standard design solutions.

Conclusion:
KRAFT linear strip ceilings are an excellent choice for shops and shopping malls where both functionality and impressive interiors are important.

• Installation/removal convenience: 6-10 (average 8)
  
• Access to utilities: 6-10 (average 8)
  
• Operation: 8
  
• Ceiling transparency: 10

• Acoustics: 1
  
• Design: 7
  
• Wall application: 0

Total: 42 points.

Open cell ceilings KRAFT include several types: classic open cell ceilings, pyramidal structures, cassette GLK systems, as well as subtypes like louvered and diagonal open cell ceilings.

Installation and operation convenience vary depending on the type. The simplest is the GLK open cell ceiling, so the rating uses the average score for the entire group.

Like linear strip ceilings, open cell ceilings provide good transparency, which is important for public spaces. They do not offer acoustic properties, but this issue can also be addressed with additional acoustic elements.

In terms of design, open cell ceilings offer fewer options compared to linear strip ceilings. It is possible to combine colors and cell sizes, while certain subtypes add extra visual effects. For example, diagonal open cell ceilings allow for the creation of geometric patterns, and GLK louvered cassettes can be arranged perpendicularly for an interesting visual effect.

Conclusion:
KRAFT open cell ceilings are an optimal solution for shops and shopping malls where functionality takes priority.

• Installation/removal convenience: 10
  
• Access to utilities: 10
  
• Operation: 8
  
• Ceiling transparency: 0

• Acoustics: 10
  
• Design: 1
  
• Wall application: 0

Total: 39 points.

This category uses mineral fiber tiles or KRAFT WoodAcoustic acoustic panels installed on the KRAFT Fortis T-profile suspended system.

Acoustic ceilings are rarely used in retail spaces and shopping malls. The main reason is their zero transparency, which conflicts with fire safety regulations for public spaces. However, easy installation, low cost, and quick access to utilities make these ceilings a convenient solution for certain zones or when combined with other systems.

The design of these ceilings is limited to tile sizes (600×600 mm or 600×1200 mm). In the case of KRAFT WoodAcoustic panels, any RAL color can be applied, which allows for some visual variety. Acoustic partitions and suspended islands can also be made from WoodAcoustic panels.

Conclusion:
Acoustic suspended ceilings should be used in retail spaces very selectively — only in areas where sound insulation is genuinely required.

• Installation/removal convenience: 6-10 (average 8)
  
• Access to utilities: 8-10 (average 9)
  
• Operation: 10
  
• Ceiling transparency: 0-10 (average 5)

• Acoustics: 0-10 (average 5)
  
• Design: 1
  
• Wall application: 10

Total: 48 points.

KRAFT Mesh panels hold a special place among suspended ceilings. Several mounting systems are available for their installation, including placement on the standard KRAFT Fortis T-profile system.

In addition to ceilings, KRAFT Mesh panels can be used on walls, facades, as enclosures, or as individual decorative elements. The panels can be equipped with special sound-absorbing materials, which improves acoustics but completely eliminates transparency.

Conclusion:
KRAFT Mesh expanded metal mesh panels are an excellent option for shops and shopping malls, with applications that go far beyond ceiling systems.

It is worth noting the possibility of combining different types of KRAFT suspended ceilings within a single interior. This approach not only helps to zone the space and highlight specific areas but also efficiently solves technical problems. For example, the main retail area can feature a transparent linear strip ceiling or open cell ceiling, ensuring proper ventilation and fire safety, while the cashier area or fitting rooms can have an acoustic ceiling to reduce noise. KRAFT Mesh expanded metal mesh panels are perfect for decorative inserts, creating suspended islands, or unique design accents. A well-thought-out combination of different systems allows the shop interior to be not only functional but also impressive, meeting modern requirements for safety and comfort.

After analyzing all the parameters, our final rating of KRAFT suspended ceilings for shops and shopping malls is as follows:

1. Linear strip ceilings — 55 points
2. Expanded metal mesh panels — 48 points
3. Open cell ceilings — 42 points
4. Acoustic suspended ceilings — 39 points

The choice of suspended ceiling for shops and shopping malls depends on the project’s priorities:

• If premium design and flexibility in space layout are important — KRAFT linear strip ceilings are ideal.
  
• If a versatile option with additional possibilities is needed — KRAFT Mesh expanded metal mesh panels are suitable.
  
• If functionality and access to utilities are the top priority — KRAFT open cell ceilings are a reasonable solution.
  

Acoustic ceilings should be applied locally, in combination with other systems.