Spice Up Your Ceiling With Suspended or Drop Ceiling Tiles
Written by Milan Jara on 17th Oct 2019
Looking for a fun decorative item to add that extra something to your ceiling? If you have a drop or suspended ceiling, look no further — drop or suspended ceiling tiles are great additions to any home.
First off, what’s a suspended or drop ceiling?
A drop ceiling or suspended ceiling is a configuration hung from the main structural ceiling that allows for space above the tiles. Most of the time, this space hides electrical and mechanical equipment. It also allows you to experiment quite playfully with your lighting options.
What are the benefits of having a suspended or drop ceiling?
- Improves the acoustics of the room
- Allows for more integrative lighting option
- Can reduce the reverberation time (specifically, for ceilings with acoustic absorbing properties), upping the overall comfort of the room’s users
- Can retain heat in the room
- Can reflect light in the room
How can you install a drop ceiling?
While there is a wide variety of companies that can come into your home and install a drop ceiling for you), there are also several ways you can do it yourself.
Several online guides can help you. For example, this one from I Finished My Basement shows you exactly what materials you need to purchase and works you through all the ins and outs of installing a suspended ceiling yourself without going through an actual contractor.
There are, as you might have guessed, benefits and drawbacks for both methods. DIY can, of course, be cheaper, but for those of us who aren’t as handy, investing that little bit of extra money could go a long way.
There are three different types of installation methods for these ceiling tiles. They are as follows:
Drop-In: As the name suggests, these are dropped into perfectly fit drop ceiling configurations.
Glue Up: These tiles require glue to secure them in place.
Nail Up: These tiles need to be nailed into place.
You will find drop ceiling tiles in a variety of different styles, materials, and colors. They range from antique to art deco, from contemporary to traditional. The colors can be chosen to fit most any household aesthetic. The most popular materials used are:
Now that you know all the basics about drop ceilings and suspended tiles, here are some of the hottest products on the market.
1. La Scala - Faux Tin Ceiling Tile - 24 in x 24 in #223
For only $12.99, these brand new 24” PVC tiles (3/4” deep) can be at your door in 10-14 business days. As one of our most popular products, these traditionally styled drop tiles are compatible with drywall, plaster, concrete, plywood, suspended ceilings, and grid systems. They can be custom finished with any color of your choice.
This product comes highly rated, reviewed, and recommended among customers. Reviews are loving their intricate detail and easiness to install.
2. Laurel Wreath - Faux Tin Ceiling Tile - #210
The Laurel Wreath Faux Tin Ceiling Tile is also available for pre-order, priced at $12.99, and can be delivered within 3-14 business days. Like the La Scala tiles, the items are also 24” and 3/4” deep, made with PVC and compatible with drywall, plaster, concrete, plywood, suspended ceilings, and grid systems. While these tiles also come in more of a traditional design, they have an obvious Roman aesthetic. Like the La Scala Faux Tin Ceiling Tile, these products can be custom painted with any color of your choice.
This product also comes highly rated, reviewed, and recommended. Customers praise the friendly and helpful service and quick responses to questions as well as the easiness of the installation process and the high value for money spent.
3. Schoolhouse - Faux Tin Ceiling Tile - 24 in x 24 in - #222
Also priced at $12.99, these decorative tiles can arrive at your house within 10-14 business days. They are standard size - 24” and 3/4” deep, with a weight of 6 ounces. These items have a more modern, contemporary look but they’re made from the same materials as the previous two and can be customized in any color.
These products are five-star rated and praised for their clean “expensive-looking” look.
4. Rhine Valley - Faux Tin Ceiling Tiles - Drop In - 24 in x 24 in - #VC 02
These Victorian-style tiles have prices ranging from $9.87 to $24.99 for delivery in 3-14 business days. The pattern size is 24” and the depth is 1 3/16” (coffered). These particular tiles are only compatible with suspended ceilings and grid systems and the installation method is a drop-in (for a 15/16 grid system). Their colors are completely customizable and they weigh between 9 and 18 ounces.
These are also five-star reviewed and absolutely raved about. The antique faux copper is stunning and the thickness and strength of them is superb.
Suspended or drop ceiling tiles are a great way to add some pizzazz to your home. These high-quality products make for stunning editions to any room of any size, shape, and aesthetic.