A suspended ceiling, or dropped ceiling, usually takes the shape of a matrix of metal supports with rectangular or square tiles installed in between, which is suspended below the roof structure or next storey to provide a space for air supply, cables and plumbing, and to produce an appealing appearance devoid of apparent mess.

The suspended ceiling was devised in 1958 by an American called Donald Brown and it has changed very little since. Suspended ceilings are seldom seen in the home, but they are frequently encountered in office and commercial locations where building construction approaches are distinct and additional services including air conditioning, PA systems and fire detection are utilised.

Suspended ceiling systems are not devoid of negatives, nevertheless, and can become unattractive after a number of years of installation. Commonly, the panels can get discoloured as a result of tobacco smoke or rain water leakage. Panels can sag down, or repeated removal and reinstallation for maintenance may result in the edges and corners of the panels becoming broken. When the layout of a building demands changes, suspended ceilings may be changed to go well with the new layout but this is frequently carried out amateurishly by general companies and may result in a bad look and feel. In wet environments including swimming pools, mildew can become a difficulty if allowed to remain without treatment.
Stretch ceilings really are a new innovation that may be a superior option to suspended ceilings quite often.

A stretch ceiling is a PVC sheet which is anchored at all edges to the walls and put under stress such that it becomes flat. A stretch ceiling has many of the advantages of a suspended ceiling, in terms of covering up unattractive roof supports or aged plasterwork, but gives you a more attractive finish and neater installation all around pillars and other unusual features. The ceiling may also be curved or arched to make the most of the space available, and may be offered in a selection of shades and even lit from above by coloured lights. They are also resistant to mold and mildew because water simply runs off them, which makes them appropriate for use in moist environments.
Stretch ceilings are an interesting modern alternative to old fashioned suspended ceilings and therefore are growing in popularity.