Elaborate ceiling designs involving tin tiles and other materials were one of the hallmarks fo the Victorian age.
Tin ceiling or wall panels can evoke the grandeur of another age. In older homes, such as those from the Victorian era, tin tiles are almost de rigeur. Today's designers and builders have other options besides tin to create the same effect often at less cost and with easier installation. PVC tiles that mimic the look of tin are one option, but there are others such as aluminum or copper.
Aluminum
Aluminum has the advantage over PVC of being thinner and therefore lighter in weight. It can be stamped and formed into the desired pattern and left alone, or painted to fit the decor. While the PVC tiles must be dressed in some way, the natural luster of the aluminum has a nice finish all of its own that will not tarnish with age. Being a relatively abundant material, aluminum is also inexpensive when compared to materials which give a similar effect such as plaster.
Copper
Copper ceilings are also fairly and have the added advantage of acquiring a natural patina over time. Copper has historically been used as a decorative element in homes and temples, churches and government buildings, and many of the pieces are still in excellent shape. Like aluminum tiles, copper can be stamped and molded to create the desired effect. It requires no paint, but a coast of lacquer can be applied if the consumer does not want the material to oxidize and patina over time.
Real Tin
There are affordable sources for tin tiles if the customer wants the look of the real thing. While there are many sources available on the Internet, and in brick and mortar showrooms, for purchasing these tiles newly minted, there are equal numbers of places to find recycled tin tiles. One major outlet for finding old tin tiles for reasonable prices are architectural salvage yards. These are places that reclaim old architectural elements from homes being demolished or abandoned.
Tin has the advantage of being light weight, and using recycled material has the earth-friendly benefit of not producing any extra manufacturing byproducts.
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