Latest Home Improvement, Renovation & Remodeling Trends

In the Victorian age there was a trend of covering ceilings with metallic squares which had varied designs. The practice reached its peak in the 1890’s when mass production of tin sheets made it economically viable to use this material for ceilings, wainscotting, backspashes and parlor accents. Tin was used because in the cold, humid climates of England and Australia steel rusted. Copper and bronze sheeting was also popular.

Today there is a revival in the tin-plate industry as homeowners find new glamor in the product. Cornices and crown moldings are also being reproduced for the grand appearance. Although tin has been replaced by aluminum and coated steel the effect is till striking.

Another product reproduces the look of the decorative ceiling with acoustic tile stamped with designs. This product can be installed on battens like the regular acoustic tile or glued right to the ceiling. Metallic paints recreate the “tin” look and it has the added advantage of not reflecting sound. Metal reverberates with sound waves making a “loud room.”

The acoustic-tile decorative ceilings come in 12″ squares like regular tile and should be allowed to “acclimatize” in the room for a few days so that they become accustomed to the humidity. Then they are stapled to the batten or ceiling. An interlocking lip hides the staples. Although they are twice as thick as metal (5/8″) he added measurements should be negligible to headroom. Decorative cornices or crown moldings are available in paintable plastic or plaster.