Material

• Tin tiles should be selected based on the room and its functions. Avoid installing a real metal ceiling or plaster products that are gypsum based, as well as Armstrong ceiling tiles in humid rooms. The paint finish of Armstrong tiles may better take occasional humidity if sealed with Minwax polycrilic. Versus older tin materials, newer modern tin ceilings are considerably more humidity resilient because of the metallic finish, pre-finish seal and powder coating. Kitchen areas are suited for stainless steel tile with a commercial finish. Thermoplastic tiles perform well as backsplashes or in bathrooms, depending on the finishing coat.
  
  

Faux Tin Tiles

• If looking for a cheaper alternative, then faux tin tiles may be a good choice. A broad assortment of finishes and colors are available with this tin style. Brass, copper, chrome, varying burgundies, golds, mochas, silvers and whites are some possibilities. Various size patterns can be selected, as would be the case with real tin tile. Aside from ceiling panels, these faux tiles can be used in other applications, such as backsplash installations on the walls, or cornices and molding like real tin.
  
  

Design

• Both the scale of the tin panel and its pattern perhaps affects a room's design the most. Patterns can range anywhere from Victorian to floral, geometric or textured. Victorian pattern generally have floral attributes and are well suited for traditional settings or kitchens. For edges of the room in question, a textured pattern tile is most often used as a filler panel. For those doing an art deco theme or who live in a modern loft, generally geometric patterns are favored design choice. In regard to the design scale, tin is similar to wallpapers' "repeat pattern size."
  
  

Finish

• Modern and contemporary rooms typically make use of metallic finished tins that have shiny and reflective traits, such as brass, copper, chrome or tin. Faux stone finishes are also available for people that like hand-painted marble, granite or slate. Depending on the application, art deco, black onyx, brick or white are also metal tin options. For those that appreciate the older tin style characteristics, antique tin tile finishes in brass, copper, pewter and powder coat are the way to go. Unlike metallic finish tins, these antiqued metallic tin panels are muted and provide no shine or reflective qualities.
  
  

Choosing the Right Tin

• Tin adds both beauty and elegant appeal and can act as a room's focal point. However, before making any selection, determine the style being sought, followed by making the appropriate color selection, pattern design and reflective qualities desired. Consider the room's accessories when choosing the tin panels too, which will help ensure a complimentary look with the room. Keep in mind that a ceiling's depth and pattern can also alter a room's appearance.