Genuine tin ceiling tiles are made of tin-plated steel and must be primed and painted from both sides to prevent corrosion. You may have read that these tin tiles were invented because plaster ceilings were too difficult and messy to make, and not many people could afford them.
The truth, however, is that people want beautiful ceilings, and tin ceilings are gorgeous. You can choose tiles that will lend your space a modern look or more antique-style tiles. Tin ceiling tiles (also referred to as "tin ceiling panels") are popular in the US but used worldwide.
Tin ceiling tiles are great for adding elegance to your space and covering any damaged ceilings or walls that you can't restore at a reasonable price. We carry about 200 different patterns, from 3x3 to 24x24. Our large range ceiling tiles also includes faux tin ceiling tiles that are made of PVC.
Tin ceiling tiles: Breathe new life into your tired old ceiling
Once the realm of a privileged few, tin ceiling tiles are no longer just the trappings of restoration buffs and boutique carriers, as distinctively printed metal ceiling tiles step out of the Victorian era into the 21st century in style. Interiors that make the most impact are those with a simplicity of theme that incorporates beautiful design with timeless appeal. Tin ceiling tiles do just that, and more! Tin tiles for ceilings are a durable, cost-effective alternative to plaster and plastic ceiling tiles and provide a resilient renovation material to rejuvenate your home or commercial establishment. Decorative Ceiling Tiles offers a range of tin and tin-plated ceiling panels in myriad patterns and finishes to suit many architectural styles.
What are tin tiles made of and are other materials available?
Thin metal sheets, mostly tin-plated steel or aluminum, are usually the main materials used to produce tin ceiling tiles. Traditionally, tin tiles were made from steel and coated in a thin layer of tin to preserve the steel by preventing rust, corrosion and leeching over time. Steel is a strong material and made all-the-more durable when it's tin plated, it also gives it an authentic look and feel that many designers long after when restoring historic homes and buildings.
Aluminium ceiling tiles have become an increasingly popular choice in recent years. Aluminium tiles are lightweight and for some people, they're considered easiest to work with than tin-plated steel, and it doesn't oxide or tarnish as fast as steel does.
Copper is also occasionally used for some tin ceiling tiles, but it does come with a higher price tag. Typically, people looking for a custom design or specific, upscale style will use this material.
The ability to paint or powder coat tin ceiling tiles, or leave them with their natural metal finish is another one of the reasons that their such a popular option.
Learn how to install your new Tin ceiling panels
We've put together a handy guide to help teach you how to install tin ceiling panels that you can check out here. In the meantime, watch the our tin ceiling tile installation video below:
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Tin Ceiling Tile FAQs
Q1. When did tin ceilings first gain popularity in the United States?
During the 1800s, in the United States tin ceilings became popular among homeowners looking for stylish yet budget friendly options to decorate plasterwork. Choosing over plaster designs tin ceiling tiles featured intricate patterns resembling plastering finishing but were more affordable and long lasting. With their fire resistance properties and low maintenance requirements these panels became a favored option for use, in homes stores, and public areas. Their popularity increased into the beginning of the century to establish themselves as an enduring architectural element valued for both its aesthetics and practicality.
Head over here to learn more about the History of American Tin Ceilings .
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It's safe to say that Tin Ceilings are here to stay!
Tin ceiling tiles deliver the drama! Enliven your interiors with the striking appeal of embossed metal ceiling panels, which can seamlessly depict olde-worlde charm or ultra-modern elegance depending on their application. Ceiling tiles made from tin became popular at the turn of the 20th century, when Victorian homeowners were looking for less expensive alternatives to artisanal plaster finishes. In dwellings mostly fueled by fire, for cooking, heating and lighting, tin ceiling panels made for a safer, more flame-resistant building material. Originally pressed from steel then plated in tin to reduce rusting, a new name for this type of ceiling panel was born, stamping “tin ceilings” as a style staple. Tin was a highly effective alternative to plaster, which collected water and was prone to surrounding dampness, staining and mold, thereby establishing tin as a highly durable mildew-resistant ceiling surface. Today, Decorative Ceiling Tiles offers a selection of ceiling tiles designed for a multitude of residential and commercial purposes. A striking design aesthetic, tin ceiling tiles can create beautiful modern looks for commercial interiors, such as dining, art galleries and retail showrooms, as well as edgy creative spaces and theatres.
Tin ceiling tiles are the sustainable choice
Highly effective at reducing deterioration, tin tiles for ceilings make a wise choice for DIY home renovators and builders alike. When you’re planning a new build or major renovation, or even a small one, the momentous array of choices regarding construction materials and finishes can leave your head spinning. For every room, there are endless considerations that will affect your look and budget. Narrowing the selection to an environmentally friendly choice, with as little impact on the planet as possible, should be a high priority in today’s global climate. Tin ceiling tiles make a greener option than plastic, as they emit no dangerous VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which in time can degrade air quality and cause respiratory problems and other health complaints. Due to the scrapyard and recycling initiatives, the recovery and use of steel industry co-products has obtained a worldwide material efficiency rate of 97.34%. Tin ceiling tile is made in part from authentic American steel, which is proven to be the most recycled material in the world. Plastic, made from crude oil, is toxic for landfill and while plastic tiles are lightweight they can be prone to melting, which could blow your once-reasonable renovation budget to bits.
Tin vs Aluminum
Tin is much stronger than aluminum and has tighter seams that lock together more easily, while also being a cheaper product to use in fabrication. Tin can be powder-coated or painted, which helps prevent corrosion. Ceiling tin tiles are more readily replicated into the traditional European plaster patterns, making them a far more cost-effective and attractive choice for your home or place of work.
Tin ceiling tiles are well suited to many Architectural styles
Looking upwards to a glorious, gilded ceiling may make you think that tin tile ceilings are only for restored Victorian homes or sumptuous luxury estates. However, easy-to-install tin tiles can match most designs, from modern to legacy.
Art Deco: The ornate nature of Art Deco design makes tin tiles a no-brainer to highlight the style’s impressive geometric prints. While Art Deco belongs to a glamorous age of bold stylized shapes, colors and details, certain elements can be seamlessly incorporated into today’s interior designs. If you’re a fan of mirrored glass and rich velvet furnishings, tin tiles can turn your ceiling from bland to lavish.
Minimalist: At the opposite end of the spectacular spectrum sits this leaner architectural style based on simplicity. The cleans lines and monochromatic color choices, combined with pared-down furnishings and immaculate aesthetics, ask for a modest pattern when choosing tin ceiling tiles that utilise reductive design elements and impressions.
Traditional: A style born in the 18th and 19th centuries, Traditional design techniques are well suited to tin tile ceilings. This classic style delivers order and consistency, borne from comfortable furnishings, symmetric decor and neutral colors to ensure a timelessness that can look fresh and clean in today’s modern home. A contemporary ceiling tile print elevates the elegance of this interior design style, while it’s important to choose a tile with a conservative finish.
Modern Farmhouse: A complete mash-up of two opposing styles that somehow work together by marrying the best features from the heritage with the modern. By introducing contemporary sophistication into the rustic charm of this style of home, tin ceiling tiles can have a fiesta of fun by integrating glossy finishes and lustrous appeal.
Increase the value of your home with Tin ceiling tiles
While commercial interior designers are big on scope and love to go large especially when it comes to ceiling height and features, typically for the modern homeowner, the ceiling will be the last thing looked at when buying a home. If you’re building a brand new one or renovating an existing residence, tin ceiling tiles make a fabulous accompaniment to residential or commercial settings. From simple and sophisticated to Elizabethan and elaborate, metal ceiling accents are an effortless and effective way to increase your home’s value. Whether you’re choosing to update a plain white ceiling in need of some love and care in your home or you’ve been dreaming of gilded highlights in your Midcentury Modern setting, a tin ceiling is a wise choice. Cost-effective and highly functional, with a uniquely dramatic appeal, tin ceilings can give the illusion of more space, natural light and offer a strikingly ornate contrast to typical ceiling treatments. Add value to your home by choosing tin ceiling tiles from Decorative Ceiling Tiles today and find the wonder of looking up.