This might qualify as the most boring home renovation post ever in the history of the universe, but, hey, it actually has historical precedent — in my house. Yes: Plain white fiber ceiling tiles. That’s what was originally installed — and still is on the ceiling of our basement bedroom, which now serves as my husband’s office. 
When we moved in, the same tiles were also in our basement TV room. There, we replaced them with a drywall ceiling when we removed spot lighting and updated the electric. Aesthetically, I prefered the smooth look of drywall in that space. But in the bedroom, we left the tiles as is, and they look just fine.
We did repaint both ceilings Sherwin William beige, which reads “white” but much softer. Our basement is comfy cozy homey, with cherry paneling and gold carpet. Brite white would be so wrong down there.
I am guessing that tile ceilings like this were popular in mid-century America, in basements, in particular, because of the Do-It-Yourself culture and relatedly, the concern for frugality. While drywall installation requires expertise, a handy homeowner could (and can) install these tiles relatively easily, with adhesive, or attached to furring strips. I think that tile ceilings like these also were much more popular in renovations of existing houses from pre-war days. You could use them to cover right over plaster walls that were in bad shape… or just to “modernize.”
Note, the plain white tile ceilings in our bedroom (and before that, the TV room) were not “drop ceilings.” They were not “temporarily” covering plumbing or electric that might need to be accessed. They were hugging the ceiling (attached to furring strips) and meant to be fixed solutions. Nor do I think they are properly called “acoustical tiles” — that wasn’t their principal purpose.
Do I “recommend” this look? I think the decision is purely a personal one.
I found the simple white ceiling tiles featured here at Armstrong.
Rick says
You can still get perforated ceiling tiles in a straight and straight/random pattern from a company called silent source. They are drilled by a company in Washington of which I forgot the name. The ties I use have a kerfed and bevelled edge, and are 3/4 inch thick so I figured out how to make my own. From discarded lay-in panels I blend them and set new ceiling panels. I replicated the whole Celotex line, even the hard to make Celotone.
Peter says
Hi,
I have a basement bedroom with 1′ x 2′ Fir-tex ceiling tiles. Some have water damage. I like the look and want to replace the damaged tiles. If you’re considering removing your vintage 1 x 1 or 1 x 2 non-perforated ceiling tiles, please let me know with an email to petersmartchoices@gmail.com. Thank you,
Peter Hurley, Portland (OR) & Seattle
benjamin says
We have these in our 1971 ranch, in South MS. They are interlocking. We have painted over them in most of the rooms and they look just fine. In 1984 we remodeled the living / kitchen area. What we replaced with were also 12×12 tiles, but the ones available at that time in our area were textured and made of Styrofoam.
Nina462 says
I have those tiles in my knotty pine basement (the lite bright type). When I had cable installed, the kid (and I say “kid”) tore a huge hole in one of them – but lucky me, as I found a whole box of matching tiles down by the furnace! Whoever put the basement ceiling in, was thinking!
As for finding things in our houses – I think Pam did a thread on that a while ago, didn’t you? I found the original blue prints – and just recently over the Christmas week, the original owner passed away. I sent a condolence card to her brother and asked for any copies of pictures from when the house was being built (1965). The previous owner had it designed for herself & she was also a great photographer. We’ll see if he responds.
wendy says
I saw some of these tiles with a pastel starburst pattern on them! I was at an estate sale, and it was the basement ceiling. I took photos, but they are in my phone and I don’t have an adapter to download them to my pc. If I get one I’ll post them sometime. They were just awesome.
vintigchik says
Ours have tiny gold flecks.
Carrie says
Oh wow, I remember waking up in the spare room in my Grandparents’ house and seeing these tiles…I had totally forgot, thanks for reminding me!
Melanie says
I have these tiles in my kitchen still. The kitchen is the original part of my home built in 1948 I believe. As near as I can figure out, the tiles are original. They’re in bad shape and need to be replaced. There is no other ceiling above them. I’ve been trying to decide whether to replace them with new tile, drywall or beadboard. I love mid-century, but this is a farmhouse and I try to blend the two when I can.
Trouble aka Shane says
If it’s been there since 1948, put up new tile. It’s cheap and you may even find the same pattern at Lowes. Go Mel! It’s your BIRTHday! Go Mel! You can DO it!
Trouble aka Shane says
My 1954 ranch has this in the 3 bedrooms. I like the look and kept it as I cleaned up the rooms. They are easy to paint and I used ceiling white. For the bedrooms, I enjoy the textured/perforated tile look.
Stephie says
My parents have white ceiling tiles in their family room…house was built in 1956.