Ceiling Medallions

How to Choose a Ceiling Medallion Size

The right size depends on the fixture, the room and the ceiling height. A medallion that is too small disappears behind the canopy; one that is too large overwhelms the light. Start with these guidelines, then check the drawing on each product page:

• Match the fixture: a medallion about one-half to two-thirds the width of the chandelier or fixture usually looks balanced. A 30 in chandelier pairs well with a 16 to 20 in medallion.
• Match the room: rooms under about 12 x 12 ft suit 12 to 20 in medallions; dining rooms and bedrooms 20 to 30 in; large living rooms, foyers and great rooms 30 in and up.
• Consider ceiling height: on 9 ft and higher ceilings, go a size up so the detail reads from the floor. On 8 ft ceilings, a flatter, low-projection design keeps the room feeling open.
• Ceiling fans: keep the medallion smaller than the blade span and allow clearance between the blades and the medallion's raised detail.
• Center hole: the fixture canopy must cover the opening. Order by overall diameter, not by hole size.

Read more in our guide, Ceiling Medallion Sizes: How to Choose.

Ceiling Medallion Styles

Smooth and stepped medallions suit modern, transitional and farmhouse rooms. Beaded and rope rims add a fine classic edge. Leaf and scroll borders frame a plain center, so the canopy sits cleanly. Floral and sunburst medallions radiate from the fixture and work well in dining rooms. Ornate scroll and acanthus medallions are the grand choice for Victorian, Georgian and formal foyers. For a long dining table or a rectangular room, choose an oval, square or diamond ceiling medallion that follows the table's shape.

Large Ceiling Medallions

For foyers, two-story rooms and great rooms, a large ceiling medallion of 36 to 60 in creates a true focal point and can even stand alone without a fixture. Spectis large medallions include 45 and 60 in acanthus leaf designs, a 45¼ in ornate rococo pattern, a 60 in smooth stepped model and 44 x 71 in and 46 x 71 in shaped medallions. Because polyurethane is light, even a 60 in medallion can be installed with adhesive and screws into ceiling framing, with no heavy plaster work.

Why Polyurethane Ceiling Medallions?

Traditional plaster medallions are heavy, fragile and slow to install. High-density polyurethane holds the same crisp, deep detail at a fraction of the weight, will not crack or crumble, and can be cut, drilled and fastened with ordinary tools. Spectis medallions arrive primed white and ready to paint, so you can finish them in ceiling white, pick out the detail in a second color or apply a metallic glaze.

Installing a Ceiling Medallion

Turn off power at the breaker and lower the fixture canopy (or have an electrician do it). Center the medallion over the junction box, bed the back in ADH100 polyurethane adhesive, and fasten it into ceiling joists or solid blocking with finish screws or nails. Fill holes, caulk the outer edge and paint, then rehang the fixture. The medallion is trim only; the fixture must stay supported by its own box. See our ceiling medallion installation guide for details.

Complete the Ceiling

Pair a medallion with ceiling rings, ceiling rosettes or crown moulding for a finished, traditional ceiling. Browse all ceiling treatments.