Acoustic ceilings are very common in office buildings.
Acoustic ceilings, also known as suspended acoustic ceilings or acoustic tile ceilings, are a common means of outfitting a home with a drop ceiling. Particularly common in commercial or industrial buildings, acoustic ceilings can give a somewhat cold, sterile feeling. Their acoustic properties make them a practical solution for many kinds of environments; however, to give your acoustic ceilings some visual interest, you'll need a bit of creativity.
Color
Most acoustic ceiling tiles are white, off-white or light gray, intended to blend in with the background as a neutral design element. However, if you're trying to add charm to a room that has acoustic ceiling tiles, you might opt for a color other than white or off-white, which can evoke offices or other cold, impersonal environments. Black tiles seem to recede into the distance, making the ceiling appear higher and the room more spacious. Naturally, they are often used in restaurants where acoustic and aesthetic properties are equally important. For the best effect, combine a black ceiling with hanging, ceiling-mounted lamps that shine downwards. They will draw your attention downward and away from the ceiling's surface itself.
Designs
If you'd like to add some decorative interest to your acoustic ceiling, you can purchase and install individual panels to cover each of the ceiling tiles with a design. Much like wallpaper, look for a design that adds interest without overpowering the rest of the room. You might balance the flourishes of an intricate pattern with a restrained color palette, only using two or three shades of off-white, for example. For a more lively ceiling, such as in a child's room, you might opt for patterns with more vivid and contrasting color combinations. Using ready-made ceiling panels is also an easy way to cover up the unusual, grainy texture of the acoustic tiles.
DIY Panels
If you enjoy a simple do-it-yourself project, you can easily improve an acoustic ceiling with tiles that you design yourself. While DIY panels will take a bit more effort than commercially-available ones, you can personalize the look to perfectly suit your space. To give the room the look of a handsome, hammered tin ceiling, look for stencils with fleur-de-lis and other traditional shapes. Using either purchased or homemade stencils, paint each of the individual ceiling tiles with the same design. You can change the whole color palette by first painting the entire tile in one color and adding the stencil designs in a second color. For a glitzy effect, use metallic paint, such as silver or bronze, for the ornamental designs.
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