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Designer-coded Where real interior designers detail their tricks of the trade for styling their homes on the cheap. If you’re looking to create a high-end aesthetic on a real-world budget, you’ve come to the right place.
People spend a lot of time and energy decorating their walls to reflect their personal style. However, there is one “wall” that I, as an interior designer, often see people inadvertently neglect: the fifth wall, or the ceiling. Often dismissed as flat white rectangles, too many rooms miss the opportunity to add architectural character, texture and design value. One of the easiest, cheapest, most effective ways to incorporate all of this into one project? Add a ceiling medallion to your room’s main light fixture.
These circular decorations were a sign of wealth in historic houses. They were made to disguise the soot damage of ceiling connections and overhead oil-burning light fixtures, previously a luxury in and of themselves. Although they faded from favor as architectural styles became less ornate, I’ve seen medallions experience a modern renaissance. Today, many homeowners appreciate the elegance, sophistication and visual interest they bring to an often neglected roof. Despite the medallion’s historical origins, the Trending modern traditional style Both blend elements of aesthetics and are a natural fit to incorporate medallions. In addition, modern-leaning and transitional designs are available with less ornamentation to fit a wide range of styles.
Originally made of plaster, modern technology has introduced lightweight alternative materials to make medallions more installation-friendly and affordable. This means you can easily upgrade your space for around $50. Paint your medallion to match the ceiling or trim for tone-on-tone elegance, or choose a special accent color for a statement moment. Alternatively, there are pre-finished metallic and color options, meaning you can skip the finishing step altogether. For those ready to enhance their fifth wall, I’ll break down all the ins and outs of choosing and installing a ceiling medallion.
Choosing the perfect decorative ceiling medallion
When shopping for ceiling medallions, you may find limited options at your local hardware store or salvage shop. But you’ll have more control over the overall look and size by ordering exactly what you want online. I personally like to shop AK’s Millwork (direct or continuous Amazon) for a wide, affordable selection of designs and sizes. There are certainly other vendors with better options.
In choosing the best medallion for your home, there are a few considerations to make sure it fits and looks right in addition to just loving the aesthetic. The first is to make sure the medallion you choose is designed to work with the existing light canopy (the part that sits against the roof to cover the electrical connections). All medals will have the maximum canopy diameter listed. So measure the one on your fixture at its widest point in the middle to make sure it fits.
Second, notice the medallion resizing. Just like choosing a rug, if you buy an item that is too small, it will lack visual impact and balance due to the reduced scale. So, I always favor the approach, the bigger the better! That measure and Type of light fixture. I generally avoid using medallions less than 18 inches in diameter unless it is for a small flush or semi-flush mount style fixture. For larger chandeliers, you’ll want to choose one over 24 inches in diameter (or larger!) to keep them in proportion and exude some serious wow-factor. Larger medallions will be more expensive, but the added design effect is well worth the price tag.
Methods for installing decorative ceiling medallions
When it comes to installation, there are two types of ceiling medallions to choose from, depending on your comfort level with light fixture wiring (or paying an electrician to do it). The first is a traditional one-piece medallion designed to be installed between the ceiling and the light fixture canopy. To install, you (or your hired pro) must cut the power (always double check that it’s really off with a voltage tester) and remove the light fixture. run a generous amount of Construction adhesive On the reverse side of the medallion. Thread the fixture’s electrical wire through the medallion’s center hole and press the fixture firmly against the ceiling, finished side down, so that it is centered on the junction box.
If any excess adhesive leaks from the sides, smooth it away with your finger or a damp cloth. Use finish nails or screws to secure the medallion firmly in place. Close any nail or screw holes and run a bead around the perimeter of the medallion for a unified look. Then, reinstall the light fixture with the canopy flat against the medallion.
For those unwilling or unable to mess with wiring, there are also two-piece medallions designed with half-circle pieces to enclose the canopy without the need to remove the fixture. After making sure the center hole of the medallion is large enough to fully accommodate the canopy, apply the same adhesive and finish nails as above, pressing each half together to form a full circle around the canopy. Sew two seams between the pieces before finishing to effectively hide the break.
