Tin Drop Ceiling Tiles - Classic Sophisticated Style for Any Space
Written by Milan Jara on 28th Nov 2022
Want to create a bold statement in a room? Consider tin drop ceiling tiles. Learn the many benefits of investing in this type of material.
Looking for a way to make your room stand out? Investing in tin drop ceiling tiles is a great way to create something unusual in your space and make it stand out. While these tiles are gaining popularity due to their durability and elegance, it is still somewhat unusual to see them in a home. We explore when and where to incorporate them and what styles to use.
The (Brief) History
Tin ceiling tiles originated in the 1800s to provide a more affordable alternative to plasterwork that garnered most European homes. They became even more popular in the later part of the century as Americans desired them as part of their interior design thanks to their lightweight, durable, and fireproof nature.
However, designers did not always praise tin drop ceiling tiles. Critics like George Gilbert Scott, John Ruskin, William Morris, and Charles Eastlake debated incorporating “faux” materials. Since tin tiles were designed to mimic the style of plaster ceilings, they were seen as fake or faux tin tiles.
These gentlemen felt it was morally deceptive to incorporate something that mimicked another thing into a home. Ultimately, they blamed the trend on “shaming” as opposed to honesty found in architecture.
However, the trend continued as people found tin was more durable and had longevity compared to plaster ceilings. They were also easier to clean. Tin ceiling tiles were a more affordable way for middle-class citizens to add sophistication and decoration to their homes while supporting machine production.
Why Use Tin Drop Ceiling Tiles?
As people discovered when metal became scarce due to WWII, one of the best benefits of using tin is its durability. Providing there wasn’t excessive moisture build-up causing corrosion, you could still see traditional tin ceilings in older forms of architecture.
Eventually, to restore some of the older buildings and a trend to return to a more vintage look, the movement regained popularity. This trend continued into home decor.
Older homes mainly used tin because of the open fires found in the kitchen while cooking. Houses were prone to going up in flames rather quickly due to cooking and heating methods, plus the types of materials used to construct them. Since they were fireproof, tin ceiling tiles provided a safer alternative in these areas. In addition to adding class to a home, they also offered a safe barrier.
Aesthetic Beauty
Now, people use tin ceiling tiles for different reasons. Some use it because it is beautiful aesthetically. They contain stamped features that can provide elegance when placed in any room. They elevate the room when incorporated into a space and can change the look without significant renovation costs or time.
Longevity
Other reasons to use it rest in the strength of the material. As mentioned, they are designed to last. The metal found in tin tile is resistant to corrosion, rust, mold, and mildew, making them safer health-wise for areas containing higher degrees of heat or moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens. Furthermore, due to their longevity, they are a wise investment as they do not need frequent replacement.
Low Maintenance
Tin drop ceiling tiles are easy to clean. All you need to do is wipe them down occasionally using a mild soap and damp cloth. If you are restoring tin ceiling tiles, there is another process you must go through, which is a bit different but just as straightforward, provided you do not need to strip lead paint from the tiles.
Easily Replaceable
Since we are discussing tin drop ceiling tiles, it is essential to note the benefits of installing drop tiles. When you incorporate drop ceiling tiles into a room, should one be damaged, they are easy to replace. This is where ordering a few extra comes in handy.
Most people use drop ceilings in basements to hide wires, cables, etc. While they remove some height from the basement, they are great at concealing and even better if work needs to be done. For example, replacing a group of tiles is easier and more cost-effective than redoing the entire basement ceiling if there is a leaky pipe. They can even be decorated.
It is easy to remove or raise the decorative ceiling tiles to check for issues behind them.
Basements aren’t the only place where drop ceilings are added, but they are the most common area in the home to incorporate them.
The Drawbacks
There are some disadvantages to tin ceiling tiles, mostly related to their installation. Real and faux tin ceiling tiles are installed by fitting them into a drop ceiling grid. Half the job lies in installing the grid; the other half is putting the tiles into place. It isn’t a difficult task, but it can be physically awkward as they are placed on an angle, then guided into place.
When installing tin, you must wear gloves to ensure your hands are not cut up by the material. Furthermore, for the edges, you may need to cut the tin with scissors or tin snips. To do this, you must take precautions and use the proper materials to do a good job.
What Rooms Look Best with a Tin Drop Ceiling?
Aside from basements, many homeowners choose to incorporate the look into their kitchen, primarily due to the heat element and adding some sophistication to the area. Other uses are found in bathrooms (for the same reason) or dining rooms to create an elegant atmosphere.
Tin tiles can be incorporated as part of any style as they come in various patterns and looks. You can have a modern, streamlined look with clear lines or create a more traditional, Victorian vintage appeal. Tiles are made with various finishes or can easily be painted to match any color palette.
Final Words
Why use tin drop ceiling tiles? If it is not due to the visual appeal, the other reasons for using them are they are maintenance-free, easy to clean, and last a long time. They resist moisture, making them rust-proof, corrosion-proof, and resistant to mold and mildew. You can incorporate them into more areas of the home without needing to frequently replace them.
Additionally, if you want to change the look without spending much money, you can paint them, cover them using drywall, replace them with something else, cover them with wood, or use them as wall decor.
