Old ceiling tiles are found in a large number of homes, including those that were updated or remodeled to add a drop ceiling to a room. Typically white or another light color, these tiles can begin to take on a dingy appearance from exposure to dust, cigarette smoke, cooking and other environmental conditions. Try out some ideas to cover old ceiling tiles to add color to the room and give it a more designed look and feel.
Fabric Coverings
Remove the ceiling tiles from the ceiling first. Simply push the tile up until it comes loose from the frame and then tilt it to one side. Pull down on the tile, and it should slide right out of the frame and off the ceiling. Lay the tiles flat and wash each one with warm, soapy water, removing any dust or debris from the surface of the tiles. Coat the tile with a thin layer of spray adhesive, and immediately lay a piece of fabric flat on the tile. Push the fabric onto the tile with your hands, smoothing out any air bubbles. Apply more spray adhesive to the back of the tile and fold the fabric over, pushing it onto the adhesive. Repeat the process with each tile before placing back it in the ceiling frame.
Cover With Tissue Paper
Tissue paper has a lighter texture than fabric, and lighter shades tend to look like leather. Remove the ceiling tiles and clean them with warm, soapy water first. Next, apply a thin layer of spray adhesive to the tile and cover it with tissue paper. Trim off the excess paper from the sides. For a more old-fashioned look, tear the edges of the tissue paper and apply it in layers to the tile.
Ribbon Decorating
Remove the ceiling tiles and coat the edges with spray adhesive. Place pieces of ribbon along all four edges of the ceiling tiles. Use more spray adhesive on the frame of the ceiling tiles and apply ribbon to those areas as well. If you're worried about the ribbon permanently adhering to the frame, then simply wrap the ribbon around instead. Tie a small knot at the end and wind the ribbon around the frame.
Tulle Design
Use five S-hooks or screw-in hooks, such as those designed for hanging plants. Place one hook in each corner of the room and then place the last hook in the center of the room. Measure the distance from one hook to the center of the room and then to the hook diagonally across the room. Cut pieces of tulle or another lightweight fabric to fit those measurements. Drape one piece of tulle from one hook to the center hook and then across to the opposite wall. Repeat the process with a second piece of tulle, crisscrossing the pieces in the center.
Tags: ceiling tiles, spray adhesive, hook center, Remove ceiling, Remove ceiling tiles