Emmett and I working on a little lighting installation that I’ll be adding a ceiling medallion to. If there’s one designer suggestion I have for dressing up mouldings, millwork, boring ceilings, or simple fixtures- it’s to add a ceiling medallion. It’s surprising how something so small can really influence the look and feel of a room. 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. I personally love the juxtaposition of an ornate or traditional ceiling medallion paired with a modern light.
If you’re wondering which size medallion you should purchase for your light fixture, a good rule of thumb is to consider the size of the room rather than the light itself. 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.
Just make sure your medallion is the calculated size or LARGER. When in doubt, go bigger. It’s basically a fool proof way to ensure the scale of the ceiling medallion is cohesive with the room size. You wouldn’t want to install a giant medallion in a tiny powder room, nor would you want to install an itsy bitsy medallion in a giant family room.
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Typically I paint my medallion the same color as the ceiling or trim. I prefer it add textural interest rather than color.
We have yet to install any medallions into our Utah Home, but they’re coming soon (that little project I mentioned at the beginning of the post)! They’re ordered and on their way. Until then, you can get a good visual from our Ohio bedroom shown below.
How many of you have ceiling medallions? I’d love to hear your thoughts on them? I feel like once you start adding them and noticing the difference, it can sort of become an easy addiction. Ha! Just remember not to go overboard. Having one in every single room isn’t as special.
images: one | two | three | four
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Emily
October 2, 2017 at 7:54 pmI LOVE ceiling medallions! We put quite a few in our old house, but I’m hesitant in our new home because we have vaulted ceilings and all of our overhead light fixtures are on an angled ceiling. Do you think ceiling medallions would look okay on an angled ceiling vs. a flat/level ceiling?
Sarah
October 2, 2017 at 8:13 pmMe too! To be 100% honest, angled ceilings are tough… medallions installed on an angle aren’t always my favorite, but I think it depends on the situation, the fixture, and the overall aesthetic.
Stephanie
October 3, 2017 at 4:17 pmI love them! And they have the added bonus of covering up wonky/too large holes from old fixtures!
Sarah
October 3, 2017 at 7:31 pmSo true! I totally forgot to mention that. Lots of win / wins with medallions :) xox
Denise
October 17, 2017 at 5:34 pmI’d like to buy one for my kitchen but I’m having trouble figuring out which one to get. The canopy on my light is 6 inches. I’d like to install it around (outside of) the canopy. I don’t want to put it inside the canopy. But there are practically no medallions with a 6-inch interior diameter. Am I missing something or is my light just oddly shaped? :)
Sarah
October 17, 2017 at 6:22 pmSometimes you have to modify the medallion to fit the canopy, but they do make 6″ centers I believe. I’d try searching by the center diameter! I’m guessing your light fixture is just fine, but it might take some searching. Hope this helps!
Bailey
September 1, 2022 at 6:43 amHi! None of the links to the different medallions work :(
Sarah
September 1, 2022 at 8:41 amHi Baily, since this is a really old post, most of the products have been discontinued, etc. Check out this board for current options!
Chantel
September 28, 2022 at 8:18 amHi there!
Could you tell me where the bubble light hanging under the medallion is from?
Thanks!