What is a shadow gap in a stretch ceiling

A shadow gap is the narrow, controlled reveal between the stretch-ceiling membrane and the wall (or another abutting plane). It is formed by a perimeter aluminium profile that receives the membrane edge, so the junction reads as a clean shadow line — without decorative tape and without a visible trim cover.

For the installer the contrast with a classic perimeter plus masking insert is practical. The insert hides the fixing node but adds material and another visible joint. A shadow-gap profile pulls the membrane edge into the profile body and keeps a defined setback from the wall. Ceiling and wall are visually separated; minor wall unevenness is less obvious because the membrane is not pressed flat against the wall along the whole line.

Whether the membrane is held with a harpoon edge or a clip system is a separate site decision. “Shadow gap” describes perimeter geometry. Alumineu’s INVISIA series addresses this job: shadow-gap perimeter on a stretch ceiling, predictable line, without mandatory decorative tape.

Before ordering the membrane: the profile must run true — any wave in the wall becomes a wave in the shadow. Substrate affects fixing; seating dimensions and SKU compatibility belong in the profile drawing and catalogue. Corners and profile joints are best closed within the system.

Do not confuse an unlit shadow gap with an LED shadow gap / floating-edge effect (Alumineu FLOATIA). Both optically detach ceiling from wall; the node differs (LED channel vs pure architectural reveal). For an architectural shadow without light, INVISIA-class profiles are the usual starting point.

Alumineu perimeter profiles: aluminium EN AW-6063 T5; B2B warehouse in Poland. Gap dimensions only on the SKU card.

### FAQ

Is a shadow gap just “leave a gap”? No. Geometry is fixed by the profile, not by hand-tension alone.

Still need decorative tape? Usually not — the shadow line is the finish.

Harpoon or clip? Depends on the object and chosen profile; the shadow-gap job does not by itself lock the fixing type.