DIY Speakeasy: How Snap Lock Tin Ceilings Turned a Spare Room into a Show-Stopping Home Bar
What do you get when a whiskey enthusiast, a spare upstairs room, and a love for vintage design collide? A one-of-a-kind home speakeasy—complete with moody walls, warm leather, and a gleaming copper ceiling that looks like it’s been there since Prohibition.
And here’s the kicker: this space wasn’t built by a contractor. It was a DIY labor of love, brought to life by one determined homeowner and the help of American Tin Ceilings’ Snap Lock system.
A Dream Room, Built by Hand
After purchasing a 1970s home last fall, the homeowner found themselves with an unused 15’x20’ room on the second floor—a blank slate just waiting to be reimagined.
“For years I’ve wanted to build out a home bar to display my bourbon and whiskey collection,” said homeowner, Daniel Britton. “We decided to create a custom speakeasy-style room that felt warm, organic, and elevated—something that could transport you to another era.”
The design style the Brittons envisioned was Modern Organic: clean-lined furniture softened by rich, tactile elements like wood, leather, botanicals, and antique finishes. A speakeasy style was a natural fit.
Why Tin? Why Now?
When it came to the ceiling—arguably the most defining element in the space—Britton knew they wanted something that made a statement. They explored several options, including faux tin, but ultimately chose real artisan tin panels in Pattern #6 with a Copper with Brushed Bronze finish from American Tin Ceilings.
“Although there are some great faux treatments out there, we wanted a genuine look and feel. You just can’t beat real metal—and when we found American Tin Ceilings, we knew we’d found the perfect fit,” said Britton.
It was the Snap Lock installation system that really sealed the deal.
“The ease of installation with the Snap Lock design sold us. We wanted something authentic that we could still install ourselves—no glue, no nail guns, just precision and patience,” Britton related.
The DIY Process: Tools, Tips & Takeaways
Despite never having worked with tin ceiling tiles before, Britton dove headfirst into the installation and came out the other side with a room that’s nothing short of stunning.
- Here are a few tips from their experience:
- Wear gloves. Tin edges can be sharp when cutting.
- Tin snips are your best friend. Especially when trimming panels to fit edges and corners.
- Use a laser level (or string chalk line) to lay out your grid before starting.
- A simple drill and screws are all you need with the Snap Lock system.
- Be patient. The first few panels take time, but it gets easier as you go.
“Once we got the hang of it, the process moved fast. The Snap Lock panels fit perfectly and didn’t require any extra adhesive or complicated tool,” said Britton.
A Ceiling That Brings It All Together
For this speakeasy, the homeowners chose Pattern #6 in Artisan Copper with Brushed Bronze, a subtle yet eye-catching design that adds warmth without overwhelming the room.
“We love copper accents in our home, and this finish brought everything together — the dark charcoal walls, the warm-toned leather chairs, and the wood bar we built ourselves,” said Britton.
The result? A ceiling that glows with character and elevates the entire space.
“It completely changed the look and feel of the room. The warmth of the copper draws you in and gives the whole room a vintage soul.”
Friends & Followers Are “Blown Away”
Whether it’s friends seeing the room in person or followers watching the transformation unfold online, the reaction has been the same: “Wow.”
People are amazed not only by the aesthetic — but by the fact that the entire project was DIY. The copper ceiling has become the showpiece of the room, drawing the eye up and completing the immersive speakeasy experience.
Thinking About a Tin Ceiling Project?
Britton’s advice?
“Do it!! You’ll absolutely LOVE the finished product. It completely transforms the vibe of a room.”
With American Tin Ceilings’ Snap Lock panels, DIY doesn’t mean settling. You can achieve a high-end, authentic look — with the satisfaction of knowing you brought it to life.
Explore our Snap Lock collection and discover how easy it is to bring bold, beautiful ceilings into your home — no contractor required.
