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.