Nano-structured titanium nitride (TiN) thin film coating is deposited by reactive sputtering in cylindrical magnetron device in argon and nitrogen gas mixtures at low temperature. This method of deposition using DC cylindrical magnetron configuration provides high uniform yield of film coating over large substrate area of different shapes desirous for various technological applications. The influence of nitrogen gas on the properties of TiN thin film as suitable surface protective coating on bell-metal has been studied. Structural morphological study of the deposited thin film carried out by employing X-ray diffraction exhibits a strong (2 0 0) lattice texture corresponding to TiN in single phase. The surface morphology of the film coating is studied using scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope techniques. The optimized condition for the deposition of good quality TiN film coating is found to be at Ar: N-2 gas partial pressure ratio of 1: 1. This coating of TiN serves a dual purpose of providing an anti-corrosive and hard protective layer over the bell-metal surface which is used for various commercial applications. The TiN film's radiant golden colour at proper deposition condition makes it a very suitable candidate for decorative applications. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.