Tin Ceilings

Tin Ceilings are a lovely treat when found in historic homes or added to contemporary homes as a design element. Decorative “Tin Ceilings” were introduced in the late 1800’s in the United States as an affordable alternative the plaster moldings that were considered the height of fashion in Europe at that time. Plaster moldings require skilled craftspeople, are labor intensive and therefore expensive. By using ceiling tiles made of pressed iron, coated in tin, and painted white, American businesses and homeowners could achieve the look of plaster ceilings for a fraction of the cost.

When tin ceilings were introduced, gas-light was widely used and the tin ceiling was advertised as being “fire proof,” which is catchy, but in reality metal ceilings only provide minimal fire protection. Provided the ceilings are not exposed to water they can last a very long time – today there are original ceilings that are over 100 years old that still look like new. Tin ceilings fell out of favor in the 1930’s as interior design moved towards a less decorated aesthetic. During World War II metal was needed for the war effort and many molds and tin ceilings were melted down for the war. Now there is a trend back to historic detailing and these ceilings are a welcome addition to any historic home.