The Top 10 Best Faux Tin Ceiling Tiles on a Budget
Written by Milan Jara on 2nd Aug 2018
When it comes to building or remodeling a room, the budget is almost always a concern. This remains true whether that room is in the home or a workspace. But the budget must serve your vision. Unfortunately, it is often the elements of detail that drive up cost. Those little touches of style or elegance that get you most excited about your interior design to add up quickly. And with a variety of available materials, faux tin ceiling tiles offer added durability for certain environments.
However, a little planning, research, and openness to visually similar alternatives will keep your budget on track. For instance, substituting faux tin ceiling tiles for the real thing achieves the same look for a much smaller investment.
Here at Decorative Ceiling Tiles, we’ve removed a lot of the guesswork in choosing the right faux tin ceiling tiles for you. Below are our picks for the Top 10 Best Faux Tin Ceiling Tiles on a Budget.
| *Model | *Installation Type | *Paintable? | *Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| LA SCALA - FAUX TIN CEILING TILE - 24”X24” - #223 | Glue Up or Drop In | Yes (Water-based paints) | Based on the tiles in the world famous La Scala opera house in Italy. |
| ELIZABETHAN SHIELD - FAUX TIN CEILING TILE - 24”X24” - #DCT 04 | Glue Up or Drop In | Yes (Water-based paints) | Reminiscent of tiling in English homes of the Victorian era. |
| LAUREL WREATH - FAUX TIN CEILING TILE - 24X24 - #210 | Glue Up or Drop In | Yes (Water-based paints) | A simple but elegant Romanesque style. |
| ODYSSEUS SHIELD - FAUX TIN CEILING TILE - 24X24 - #220 | Glue Up or Drop In | Yes (Water-based paints) | Displays a classically Mediterranean motif. |
| SCHOOLHOUSE - FAUX TIN CEILING TILE - #222 | Glue Up or Drop In | Yes (Water-based paints) | A simple, late Modern style. |
| LILIES AND SWIRLS - FAUX TIN CEILING TILE - 24X24 - #204 | Glue Up or Drop In | Yes (Water-based paints) | A classic floral design that calls to mind the Art Nouveau style. |
| WROUGHT IRON - FAUX TIN CEILING TILE - GLUE UP - 24X24 - #205 | Glue Up | Yes (Water-based paints) | An English Tudor style tile with corner touches that call to mind the French fleur-de-lis. |
| TINY TULIPS - FAUX TIN CEILING TILE - GLUE UP - 24X24 - #148 | Glue Up | Yes (Water-based paints) | Similar to the Wrought Iron tile, but with a subtler design. |
| DECO SEASHORE - FAUX TIN CEILING TILE - GLUE UP - 24X24 - #112 | Glue Up | Yes (Water-based paints) | Simple and angular Art Deco style. |
| RHINE VALLEY - FAUX TIN CEILING TILE - DROP IN - 24X24 - #VC 02 | Drop In | Yes (Most paints) | Similar to the La Scala tile, this bold Victorian design is inspired by certain Central European styles. |
Research
When deciding what type of tiling to use for your residential or commercial space, consider the environment. Moisture and temperature are the chief concerns when it comes to the life of your faux tin ceiling tile. Naturally, bathrooms, especially ones with showers or tubs, produce a lot of moisture. But so do kitchens, which also add heat to the question. Saunas, indoor pools, etc. are particularly susceptible to water damage. This is also true in areas using tiling as a backsplash (The name says it all.).
For rooms partially or fully exposed to the outdoors, humidity and temperature changes can be hard on surfaces. And this can be a year-round problem in tropical and subtropical climates. Fortunately, unlike tin, faux tin ceiling tiles don't oxidize. Non-metallic materials, such as PVC, vinyl, urethane, etc. also remain free of rust. And they’re not as prone to deterioration from the elements. They are also more resistant to warping as temperatures fluctuate.
Another concern is noise. The sound in quiet spaces can be amplified when the ceiling or other surfaces are treated with tin or other metals. And in rooms intended for high volumes, such as performance venues, metallic tile can be a nightmare. Metals such as tin tend to brighten sounds and produce a surplus of echo. But faux ceiling tiles generally don’t suffer from these issues.
Advice
As with any product, be sure to examine all available information before making your purchase. To assist you in that process, we suggest looking at the following key features:
Price – Budget restrictions come down, first and foremost, to cost. When looking at the best bang for your buck, PVC faux tin ceiling tile is the way to go. And all the tiles on our list are, at the time of writing, the same price. Pricing can fluctuate, however. So, compare and contrast your options before buying.
Customizability – PVC faux tin ceiling tile generally comes in a variety of color options. Additionally, at Decorative Ceiling Tiles, we can often paint your tile to your custom specifications. Color choices can affect the price. But these tiles tend to be paintable at home. This can usually be done with water-based paints, which are fairly inexpensive.
Installation Type – Tin and other metal tiles are best applied with nails or screws. While low cost, precision with fastener hardwire can be difficult. This is made harder with metal tiles, which can bend or warp with too much pressure. And trying to do this overhead is an even greater challenge. Luckily, faux tin ceiling tiles usually come in two installation types: glue up and drop in. Glue up tile is fairly self-explanatory and reasonably easy to install. Drop in faux tin ceiling tile, on the other hand, takes a bit more prep work. It requires the mounting of a grid system comprised of specialized cross beams. This adds to the cost, of course, but not unreasonably so. And it has the added benefit of easy removal for replacement, or ceiling electric or plumbing access. Regardless, most of the faux tin ceiling tile on our list is available in both installation types.
Style – The reason most people choose decorative tile is right in the name—it’s decorative. So, having access to many style options is key. At Decorative Ceiling Tiles, our faux tin ceiling tiles come in a variety of artistic styles. And a given style is often available in 2 or more variations. There is a wide range of styles represented in our top 10 picks for faux tin ceiling tile.
Alterability – Our choices for faux tin ceiling tile come in a standard 24”x24” dimension (or 24”x48” for some styles). If only rooms were so neatly standardized. Since every space is different, it’s important that the shape and dimension of ceiling tile be alterable. Tin and other metal-type tiles can be cut, but it requires heavy-duty shears. Precision can suffer, and edges can get sharp. But PVC faux tin ceiling tile can be cut and shaped with scissors. This affords clean lines and a faster installation all around.
All
of the tiles on our list are lightweight and low cost. And they come with Class
"A" Fire Rating Certification. One drawback is that these tiles are
usually produced outside the United States. This means orders are usually
non-returnable, except with certain color choices. Another factor to consider
is that batches of tiles differ slightly from each other regarding color. So,
it's best to order all the tiles you need at the same time. And you should get
some extra as well, in case of mishaps during installation. This will ensure
your installation is consistent in appearance.
Now, with all of this in mind, let’s look at our top picks for faux tin ceiling
tile.
LA SCALA STYLE
In Milan, Italy stands the La Scala opera house, built in 1778. Despite undergoing heavy bombing during World War II, this structure survives down to today. The same can be said of its elegance, which is captured in this gorgeous faux tin ceiling tile.
LA SCALA - FAUX TIN CEILING TILE - 24”X24” - #223
Pros
- Available in glue up or drop in types.
- Easy to install.
- Able to be cut by scissors.
- Comes in several color options.
- Color is customizable.
- Finish is paintable with water-based paints.
Cons
- Non-returnable.
- Color and finish can differ slightly between batches.
Shop For Faux Tin Ceiling Tile - #223
ELIZABETHAN SHIELD STYLE
The Victorian style of decor has waxed and waned in popularity. But it has never gone out of style. And like most styles, it borrowed elements of even earlier decor. This Elizabethan Shield brings together some of the most beautiful elements of high-class English decorating.
ELIZABETHAN SHIELD - FAUX TIN CEILING TILE - 24”X24” - #DCT 04
Pros
- Available in glue up or drop in types.
- Easy to install.
- Cuttable with scissors.
- Comes in several color options.
- Finish is paintable with water-based paints.
Cons
- Non-returnable.
- Color and finish can differ slightly between batches.
Shop For Faux Tin Ceiling Tile - #DCT 04
LAUREL WREATH STYLE
The Roman Empire stretched throughout much of Europe and the Middle East. And it’s art and motifs left their mark. These aesthetics are still utilized today, as is apparent in this beautiful faux tin ceiling tile. The telltale laurel wreath hearkens back to the crowns of the Caesars. And the surrounding designs have a touch of the classically French.
LAUREL WREATH - FAUX TIN CEILING TILE - 24X24 - #210
Pros
- Available in glue up or drop in types.
- Easy to install.
- Cuttable with scissors.
- Comes in several color options.
- Color is customizable.
- Finish is paintable with water-based paints.
Cons
- Non-returnable.
- Color and finish can differ slightly between batches.
Shop For Faux Tin Ceiling Tile - #210
ODYSSEUS SHIELD STYLE
Like Rome, Ancient Greece had a great and far-reaching empire. Indeed, the art of the Greeks influenced the Romans. This Greco-Roman style can be felt in the similarities between this tile and the “Laurel Wreath” above. But there is something markedly Mediterranean about this one that sets it apart.
ODYSSEUS SHIELD - FAUX TIN CEILING TILE - 24X24 - #220
Pros
- Available in glue up or drop in types.
- Easy to install.
- Cuttable with scissors.
- Comes in several color options.
- Color is customizable.
- Finish is paintable with water-based paints.
Cons
- Non-returnable.
- Color and finish can differ slightly between batches.
Shop For Faux Tin Ceiling Tile - #220
SCHOOLHOUSE STYLE
Many art styles rely on the intricacy of detail to achieve their fine appearance. Others, particularly those in the late Modern period and beyond, find their brilliance in simplicity. The Schoolhouse faux tin ceiling tile produces understated elegance through the clean lines of nested squares.
SCHOOLHOUSE - FAUX TIN CEILING TILE - #222
Pros
- Available in glue up or drop in types.
- Easy to install.
- Cuttable with scissors.
- Comes in several color options.
- Color is customizable.
- Finish is paintable with water-based paints.
Cons
- Non-returnable.
- Color and finish can differ slightly between batches.
Shop For Faux Tin Ceiling Tile - #222
LILIES AND SWIRLS STYLE
Art Nouveau broke from the style of its predecessors while drawing from the same inspiration. This Lilies and Swirls faux tin ceiling tile does the same. Like the seasonal flowers it depicts, it gives a sense of fluid life and individuality in its design. It also steps away from the radial symmetry of the other tiles. This gives a lot more creative options for installation approaches.
LILIES AND SWIRLS - FAUX TIN CEILING TILE - 24X24 - #204
Pros
- Available in glue up or drop in types.
- Easy to install.
- Cuttable with scissors.
- Comes in several color options.
- Color is customizable.
- Finish is paintable with water-based paints.
Cons
- Non-returnable.
- Color and finish can differ slightly between batches.
Shop For Faux Tin Ceiling Tile - #204
WROUGHT IRON STYLE
This Tudor-inspired faux tin ceiling tile looks as rich as its name. A subtle fleur-de-lis lies in each corner, paying homage to the French dynasty that preceded the Tudors. With its bold but graceful design, this tile will add a touch of royalty to any space.
WROUGHT IRON - FAUX TIN CEILING TILE - GLUE UP - 24X24 - #205
Pros
- Available in glue up only.
- Easy to install.
- Cuttable with scissors.
- Comes in several color options.
- Color is customizable.
- Finish is paintable with water-based paints.
Cons
- Non-returnable.
- Color and finish can differ slightly between batches.
Shop For Faux Tin Ceiling Tile - #205
TINY TULIPS STYLE
Seemingly inspired by the same style that produced the Wrought Iron tile, it foregoes clean lines for bold ones. But the “Tulips” in its name and design suggest some of the liveliness of Art Nouveau. This faux tin ceiling tile presents an older style looking to the future.
TINY TULIPS - FAUX TIN CEILING TILE - GLUE UP - 24X24 - #148
Pros
- Available in glue up only.
- Easy to install.
- Cuttable with scissors.
- Comes in several color options.
- Color is customizable.
- Finish is paintable with water-based paints.
Cons
- Non-returnable.
- Color and finish can differ slightly between batches.
Shop For Faux Tin Ceiling Tile - #148
DECO SEASHORE STYLE
Like the Schoolhouse tile, this “Art” Deco Seashore tile depicts a time when art was breaking from the past. The nested squares centered on the simplest of flowers suggests New England elegance without being ostentatious. But it would have fit just as nicely in the dreamily futuristic decor of early Hollywood.
DECO SEASHORE - FAUX TIN CEILING TILE - GLUE UP - 24X24 - #112
Pros
- Available in glue up only.
- Easy to install.
- Comes in several color options.
- Color is customizable.
- Finish is paintable with water-based paints.
Cons
- Non-returnable.
- Color and finish can differ slightly between batches.
Shop For Faux Tin Ceiling Tile - #112
RHINE VALLEY STYLE
With a design almost identical to the La Scala tile, there is no question that co-inspiration occurred. However, which design inspired the other is up for debate. The Rhine Valley is not far from Milan, where the La Scala opera house lies. But the design of this faux tin ceiling tile was popular in Victorian England. Whatever its origins, its elegance, and beauty is undeniable.
RHINE VALLEY - FAUX TIN CEILING TILE - DROP IN - 24X24 - #VC 02
Pros
- Available in drop-in only.
- Easy to install
- Comes in several color options.
- Color is customizable.
- Finish is paintable with most paints.
Cons
- Non-returnable.
- Color and finish can differ slightly between batches.
Shop For Faux Tin Ceiling Tile - #VC 02
Conclusion
The ten options we've shown you are just a handful of what's out there for faux tin ceiling tile. In addition to a wealth of other designs, there are several more material options as well. But if budget is a dealbreaker for you, you can’t go wrong with any pick from the list above.
Decorative ceiling tiles are meant to remain in place for a long time. Whether choosing a metallic or faux tin ceiling tile, check all the options before settling on one design. That way, you’ll be happy with your purchase for years to come.
We hope you enjoyed this article, “The Top 10 Best Faux Ceiling Tiles on a Budget. Be sure to check with Decorative Ceiling Tiles for all your ceiling tiles and decorative surface needs. Thanks for reading!
