Tin ceilings offer a way to add vintage charm to new and old homes alike. Take a closer look at these tiles and the care it takes to maintain them, and then decide if a tin ceiling could enhance your own home decor.
Choosing a Tin Ceiling
Tin ceiling tiles are a type of ceiling covering associated with Victorian interior design. These tiles were beautifully embossed by pressing pieces of tin in a die to form intricate patterns that mimicked the more expensive plaster ceilings of the upper class. The results were quite beautiful, and the tiles quickly rose to popularity at the turn of the century.
Today, designers and home owners alike are rediscovering these decorating treasures and incorporating them into their decor. There are a number of patterns to choose from, and the style chosen usually depends on the type of house you have, as well as the appearance you wish to create.
Historical
Creating an accurate depiction of a specific interior design period is often futile unless you live in a historic home. For homeowners with historic homes, there are many decorative ceiling tiles from which to choose.
While there are many patterns on the market that imitate the original panels, there are also companies who make tin ceiling tiles from the original dies used to create the panels. If you seek a truly historic feel, research the age of your home and match it to one of the patterns available during that time period. If the home already has part of a tin ceiling installed, you may also be able to find replacement tiles once the age of your house is determined.
Farmhouse
People who like the appearance of farmhouses often associate tin ceilings with this style of house. Although it was unusual to have a tin ceiling in a farmhouse, adding a tin ceiling can still be a worthwhile addition to the space. In this case, a painted ceiling panel would be an excellent, subtle option for the space.
Contemporary
Tin ceiling panels can enhance the appearance of stainless steel appliances and other contemporary items. In this case, care must be taken to choose a panel that will complement the more modern items in the room.
Selecting the Right Pattern
There are hundreds of patterns to choose from when picking out your tin ceiling. In general,
- A more ornate panel should be paired with an ornate room.
- Panels with cleaner lines should be saved for more utilitarian rooms.
- Consider whether or not the pattern you are choosing is strongly associated with a particular historical period. Geometric shapes, for example, are often associated with Art Deco style interior design and may not be appropriate in a room with standard Victorian decor.
If you have a historic home with some tin ceiling tiles still intact, you may be able to match the existing pattern. Even if the company that manufactured your particular pattern no longer exists, the pattern may have been bought by another company. It is common for formerly popular patterns to be reissued for the purpose of home restoration.
Types of Tin Ceiling Tile Finishes
There are three main tin ceiling tile finishes.
Painted
Painted ceiling tiles have the most authentic finish. They can be painted with several colors to mimic ornate plaster ceilings, or they can be monochromatic. In many cases, paint was added to prevent rust, not for any particular design purpose.
Copper
Copper remains a popular metal for kitchen use. Copper makes the most expensive ceiling tiles. They must be carefully sealed if their original color is to be maintained.
Exposed
Exposed ceiling tiles are covered with a thin coat of sealant to preserve the original color of the metal. The polyurethane coating also helps during cleaning.
Cleaning Your Tin Ceiling
Cleaning a tin ceiling can be a difficult job since the metal is fragile and can easily be dented by rigorous cleaning. For this reason, regular cleanings are essential to prevent build up which is almost impossible to remove.
If your ceiling is newly installed, you may only need a soft, dry cloth to clean each panel. An air gun can remove dust in crevices or on particularly ornate panels. Schedule this cleaning with the rest of your dusting and be sure to use a sturdy ladder to reach areas that are above appliances or cabinets.
For ceiling tiles that are located in the kitchen, a dry cloth may not be enough. In this case, you should contact the manufacturer for recommendations for cleaning products to clean your ceiling. Be sure to test the cleaner on a scrap piece of ceiling panel to make sure there is no staining.
Is This the Right Ceiling for You?
A tin ceiling can be a beautiful addition to a home, but it does require more care than a modern plaster ceiling.
Regular cleaning is essential, and the panels must be examined for corrosion. If you'd rather not spend time carefully cleaning your ceiling, you may want to consider a different ceiling finish. However, tin tiles are well worth the effort it takes to maintain them if you're able to put in the work to keep them looking fabulous.
