Elevating Barbershop Design with American Tin Ceilings
When stepping into Salt Lake Proper Barber, you’re immediately transported to an era of craftsmanship, luxury, and tradition. Nestled in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City, this full-service barbershop isn’t just a place for haircuts—it’s an experience.
The shop's founder, Fletch Howell, set out to create a space that embodies timeless masculinity, sophistication, and meticulous attention to detail. And at the heart of this transformation? The stunning copper tin ceiling from American Tin Ceilings.
A Space That Speaks to Craftsmanship
Salt Lake Proper Barber is built on the philosophy of mastery—of barbering, client experience, and even the space itself. The shop's design is a direct reflection of these values, offering an environment that feels curated, warm, and utterly timeless.
“One of the greatest compliments I get is when people ask if this shop has always been part of our 126-year-old building,” says Howell. “That tells me we nailed the aesthetic.”
To achieve this seamless blend of historic charm and modern refinement, Howell carefully selected American Tin Ceilings’ Pattern #3 in Rustic Copper Translucent as the final touch to his design vision.
Why Tin Tile?
In a world of fast fixes and mass production, Salt Lake Proper Barber embraces authenticity and tradition—which made real metal tin ceilings an obvious choice. Howell recalls being sent a link to plastic tile alternatives but dismissed them immediately, knowing they wouldn’t offer the same depth, quality, or historical appeal.
“In my pursuit for a timeless, classic look, American Tin Ceilings was the only viable option,” Howell explains. “Taking care to build something beautiful, in a world full of copy/paste and cutting corners to save the bottom line, will always be worth it.”
The Impact of the Tin Ceiling
The rich copper finish of the tin ceiling was instrumental in shaping the shop’s ambiance. It introduces a depth and warmth that contrasts beautifully with the black walls and red velvet curtains—a far cry from the uninspired white ceiling that came before it.
Howell also strategically selected a detailed, busier pattern to amplify the natural light bouncing off the tin surface, especially from the shop’s neon sign and massive storefront window.
The result? A ceiling that doesn’t just frame the space but breathes new life into it.
Designing with American Tin Ceilings: A Resource for Creatives
Salt Lake Proper Barber exemplifies how American Tin Ceilings can help designers, business owners, and DIY enthusiasts elevate their spaces. Whether restoring a historic building, enhancing a modern interior, or adding an eye-catching feature, tin ceilings introduce a level of detail and craftsmanship that simply can’t be replicated by plastic or painted alternatives.
For Howell, this project wasn’t just about design—it was about respecting tradition while building something extraordinary from the ground up.
“Barbering is one of the world’s oldest professions. It deserves reverence,” he shares. “I’ve had guests tell me they’ve used the shop aesthetic as inspiration for their own homes. That means something.”
Inspired to Elevate Your Own Space?
American Tin Ceilings offers a range of patterns, colors, and finishes to help designers, business owners, and homeowners create spaces with impact. Whether you're restoring a classic barbershop, designing a boutique restaurant, or adding character to a residential space, tin ceilings bring an unmatched level of authenticity and style. See more inspired spaces that used tin tile to enhance their aesthetic.
