Tin Ceiling | Pictures of Tin Ceilings

Pressed metal ceilings or tin ceilings were popular from the second half of the 19th century and the early 20th century as an affordable alternative to expensive, artistic plaster. Tin-plated steel was pressed with embossed designs similar to the costly sculptured plaster, yet tin ceiling panels could be massed produced at a fraction of the cost. Listed are images from the Library of Congress of period tin ceilings showing the wide variety of designs. Click on each link below for a look at original tin ceilings.

Tin Ceiling
This dining room shows a pressed metal ceiling design.

Tin Ceiling
A detailed close up of square pressed metal ceiling panels.

Tin Ceiling
Corner view of pressed metal ceiling in an old church.

Tin Ceiling
Pressed metal ceiling is used on a staircase landing

Pressed Metal Wainscoting
Decorative pressed metal panels decorate a hall wall.

Pressed Metal Wallcovering
Decorative tin panels decorate a hallway.

T in Ceiling
Detail of pressed metal ceiling on a staircase landing.

T in Ceiling
Ornate pressed metal panels with grape and leaf pattern

Tin Ceiling
Close up of square pressed metal ceiling panels.

Tin Ceiling
Corner view of pressed metal ceiling.

Tin Ceiling
Ornate pressed metal panels.

Tin Ceiling
Ornate square pressed metal ceiling panels

[Top photograph: Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division, Reproduction Number: HABS, Reproduction number HABS NH,6-MANCH,9-5.]