Classic or Craze: Ceiling Medallions (2024)

FAQs

Are ceiling medallions old fashioned? ›

“Ceiling medallions are classic! They were first seen in middle and upper class homes in the 19th century. Today it is very common to see ceiling medallions used in many applications.

You want the medallion to be the same size or larger than your lighting fixture for larger rooms but for a smaller room the diameter should be smaller than the light fixture. Decide on a style preference, traditional or contemporary.

The room size will determine what kind of ceiling medallion you choose. The ceiling medallion should be proportionate to the room size. You can measure the room, get the square footage, and then divide by seven to get an appropriate diameter in inches for your ceiling medallion.

Today, the ceiling medallion still sings with the drama and detail of its beginnings, creating a wonderful contrast to more contemporary furnishings that it reigns over.

When installing medallions with a light fixture or ceiling fan turn the power off at the breaker before installation. Medallions are solely decora- tive. Do not use medallions to support the light fixture or fan. Do not use the fixture or fixture canopy to support the medallion.

Pick a paint color that complements your room's color scheme. For a cohesive look, match the wall trim or ceiling color. Contrasting colors can make the medallion pop as an accent.

but in fact it does adhere to the golden rule. represented the natural proportions of both humans and art / architecture. In simple terms, it is approximately a 1/3rd to 2/3rds ratio.

Adhesive. You can use any adhesive that is rated for use with polyurethane (check the back of the label) -- we have had great success using Red Devil Construction Adhesive, LoctitePowergrab and PL Premium Polyurethane Adhesive, all of which work well and are readily available at most home improvement stores.

Painting the ceiling and walls the same color for certain spaces works perfectly well but isn't always ideal. For the most desirable look, we've found that using either dark or light colors of the paint spectrum look the best. Sometimes those medium paint tones don't create the eye-catching results hoped for.

They're easy to install, inexpensive, and instantly add character. Click through for my favorites! Obviously ceiling medallions can be used with pendant lighting, chandeliers, and even semi flush mounts… really any type of “hanging” light fixture.

Can you put a ceiling medallion on popcorn ceiling? ›

I'm not really a fan of them, but Brandon had a hard time smoothing out the ceiling near the light, and the medallion was an easy solution to hide the remaining popcorn texture.

We were okay procrastinating the fixture switch, that is until we discovered the magic of the ceiling medallion: a beautiful, low-cost solution for moving a light fixture without the dreaded plaster patching!

While ceiling medallions are certainly a fitting addition to an ornate, traditional home, they can also add character to a home decorated in a more transitional style. The good news is they're usually easy to install and can be made totally renter-friendly with the exclusion of pin nails or adhesive.

Can You Make Ceiling Medallions Renter Friendly? Yes! While it's not as secure as using glue or screws, many renters, including Marco Zamora, use the lighting bracket to hold the medallion in place.

While ornamental details like cornice or crown moulding may frame a room, a ceiling medallion commands even more attention overhead, as a centerpiece surrounding a hanging light fixture.

Outdated Aesthetic:

In recent years, popcorn ceilings have become less popular since many homeowners feel they are unsightly or out of style. Especially if the popcorn ceiling texture has yellowed over time.

Flat ceilings are by far the most popular ceilings in homes today. Also called conventional ceilings, these ceilings are usually 7 to 10 feet tall, flat and finished with drywall, then painted.

“Measure the length and width of your room in feet. Multiple the length and the width, then divide by 7. This will give you the proportionate medallion size in inches. For instance… a 10‐by‐14 foot room calculation would be: 10 feet x 14 feet = 140 square feet divided by 7 = 20 inches diameter.