The Metallic Wallpaper Alternative That Brings The Wow Factor (& Where To Use It)

So you want to give your walls a glitzy upgrade. Before you decide on a metallic wallpaper design, might we suggest something even more characterful? Don't get us wrong — metallic wallpapers are eye-catching and luxurious. But the thing is, they often lack texture (or at least not enough to make the room really pop). This is where tin tiles swoop in.

House Digest spoke exclusively with Cristiana Crin, founder of Perpetuum Designs, to get the deets on this type of wall (or ceiling) covering. If you aren't familiar with tin tiles, they're decorative metal plates that were once used to dress up ceilings back in the 1880s. Doesn't that make tin tiles outdated, you ask? The quick answer: No. "The beauty of interior design is that use of products can be altered and applied in many different creative ways," Crin notes.

Today, tin tiles can be used everywhere from wainscotting to fireplace surrounds. Colors include, but aren't limited to: Copper, gold, brushed bronze, and silver-washed white while intricate patterns, such as floral emblems, beveled squares, and plenty of other antique-looking motifs, add to the design. Do note that these tiles have a traditional-meets-industrial edge to them — though we'll show you how to make them work in your space.

Again, tin tiles are surprisingly versatile in terms of placement. Speaking exclusively to House Digest, Crin's top recommendations include either an area that is used for entertainment (like a living room) or somewhere for creative purposes (such as your home office). "In this case, using metallic tiles for an accent wall, or an accent nook, will create a fun environment for anyone that uses the space," she shares. Looking to create the perfect country-style kitchen? These make stunning backsplashes, too.

Just like you would with metallic wallpaper, feel free to decorate with a medley of metallics to tie the space together. Even something as small as a matching lamp would work. Or, to make things easier, pick a finish that already blends with your existing faucets, furniture, and decor. However, if you don't want everything to be too matchy-matchy, consider mixing different tile patterns and colors for more pizzazz. Don't forget to balance out the metal finishes with soft textures and warm tones, so the room doesn't resemble an overly shiny spaceship interior.

This brings us to the last question: Are tin tiles actually a good alternative to metallic wallpaper? Crin said it depends on the space and budget. "While tiles create a much more [avant-garde] and dramatic effect, it will bring the cost significantly higher than installing a wallpaper," she explains. "We're not only talking about product cost but more so about the installation cost." Luckily, you can purchase individual panels for $9 from American Tin Ceilings, while Amazon has easy-to-install options, such as the RoomMates Peel-and-Stick Tin Tile.