Architectural Elements
Medallion
A ceiling medallion is a decorative circular ornament installed around a ceiling light fixture, typically a chandelier. Originally designed to reinforce the structural connection between heavy fixtures and ceiling joists, medallions evolved into elaborate plasterwork showcasing the skill of craftsmen and the wealth of homeowners during the Victorian and Edwardian eras.
Today's ceiling medallions serve purely aesthetic purposes, adding architectural interest and visual weight to otherwise plain ceilings. Available in lightweight polyurethane as well as traditional plaster, medallions range from simple rings to intricate designs featuring acanthus leaves, egg-and-dart borders, floral motifs, and geometric patterns. The right medallion enhances a chandelier's impact while grounding the fixture to the ceiling plane.
Key Characteristics
- ✓Circular ceiling ornament
- ✓Surrounds light fixture mounting
- ✓Available in various sizes and styles
- ✓Can be painted to match ceiling
- ✓Lightweight modern materials available
- ✓Creates architectural focal point
Types & Variations
Simple ring medallion (minimal, modern)
Floral medallion (elaborate, Victorian)
Geometric medallion (Art Deco, contemporary)
Two-piece medallion (easier installation)
Oval or rectangular medallions
Works Well With These Styles
Placement & Usage Tips
Size medallions appropriately to both the room and fixture—medallion diameter should be proportional to chandelier width. In rooms with 8-foot ceilings, 12-16 inch medallions work well; taller ceilings accommodate larger designs.
💡 Pro Tip
Install medallions before hanging chandeliers for easier positioning. If painting, apply two coats of ceiling paint before installation, then touch up cut edges after mounting. For heavy plaster medallions, secure to ceiling joists, not just drywall.