Replacing Drop Down Ceiling Tiles

Here’s How I Swapped out my Drop Down Ceiling Tiles

Let’s be honest, these drop-down ceilings are not pretty. Plus, they are DIRTY! All those crevice’s that you can’t properly clean or wipe down. I had first wanted to rip down this entire ceiling but quickly realized how much drywall work that would be to repair the ceiling. Instead, I found a great easy solution from Ceilume to just replace these ceiling tiles!

*I may earn a small commission on any linked items in this article*

Supply List

Step Summary

  1. Paint Ceiling Grids or Buy grid covers
  2. Install Ceilume Ceiling Tiles
  3. Cut Edge Ceiling Tiles to fit

Detailed Steps

Paint Ceiling Grids (or buy grid covers)

I fell in love with this beautiful bronze color, but unfortunately Ceilume doesn’t make grid covers in bronze. They do make other colors to compliment it, like black, but I wanted mine to match. I looked for spray paint in the color I needed to match. There were 3 options at the store I felt were close and I decided finally on Rust-Oleum in Metallic Antique Brass.

ceilume ceiling tile paint comparison
The 3 options
ceilume ceiling tile paint comparison
The winning color!

To paint the ceiling grids, I wiped everything down to get all the dust off of them. I eventually taped off around the walls, so I didn’t get overspray on my wallpaper. Make sure you wear a ventilator mask because you don’t want to inhale spray paint in small spaces.

Install Ceilume Ceiling Tiles

This was so easy to do! I left my ugly tiles above these in some spots to help with insulation. These ceiling tiles are the Fleur-de-lis Ceiling Tiles in Bronze. The hardest part of this install was going around the vents and lights in the space. The tiles themselves are easy to cut, it just took us a bit to get everything situated. We had to cut around one light, one A/C heat vent, and a ceiling fan vent.

installing ceilume ceiling tile
installing ceilume ceiling tile

Cut Edge Ceiling Tiles to Fit into Space

These tiles can be cut down to fit your space, even along your borders. Most drop-down ceilings don’t have all full tiles (if you do, I’m jealous!). So you will need to cut them. Measure how much you need to cut off, mark it, and then use metal cutting shears to trim your tiles.

cutting ceilume ceiling tile
cutting ceilume ceiling tile
installing a cut ceilume border ceiling tile

Total Cost Breakdown

  • Ceilume Tiles – 20 x $15.75 = $310
  • Spray Paint – 2 x $15 = $30
  • Metal Cutting Shears – $15
  • Total Cost = $355
ceilume ceiling tiles installed in bronze with checker flooring
ceilume ceiling tiles installed in bronze with checker flooring

If you’d like to catch up on other projects in my bathroom, check them out below!

Installing Peel & Stick Tiles

Custom Dog Portraits

How I Painted My Toilet

How I Painted My Shower with Paint!

How I Painted My Shower Doors

Installing Wallpaper Top Tips

Board & Batten Accent Wall

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Basement

Apr 25, 2024

Hi, I’m Kelsi!

I live in Illinois with my husband Chris and our two dogs, Boomer & Nala. When we moved into our home, I began turning it into our dream home one DIY project at a time. I started with a handful of everyday tools and the desire to complete projects by myself.

Room after room I have taken an average space and made it unique and chic while sharing my journey along the way. I love a good challenge and finding ways to complete new home projects in ways that are achievable for you no matter what your skill or experience level is. 

Meet Kelsi!