What Is the Decorative Thing Over a Light Fixtue on the Ceiling?

Ceiling Medallion

• A ceiling medallion is a decorative ceiling molding, usually found surrounding the top of a chandelier or ceiling light fixture. The elegant embellishments on the medallion create ceiling décor and add visually-appealing architectural details to any home. Ceiling medallions come in a variety of styles to complement different décor styles, ranging from romantic to modern.

Ceiling Medallion History

• Ceiling medallions were common in Greek and Roman architectural structures. The medallions were made in relief, meaning the decorative designs were cut into wood or some other material, creating a raised decorative surface. By the mid-19th century, the medallions were often made from plaster, which enabled them to be created through molds. Today's ceiling medallions are made from plaster or more modern materials, such as polyurethane.

Ceiling Medallion Designs

• Many medallion designs consist of a 4-inch opening to allow for a chandelier or other type of light fixture. If no light fixture is used, decorative rosettes are available to fill in the hole. Different sizes of medallions are made to accommodate room sizes and styles. Large medallions bring attention to the ceiling while smaller medallions add a small touch of visually-appealing decor. They generally range in size from 4 inches to 6 feet in length. Designs range from simple, carved lines, to highly ornate floral and scroll designs. Ceiling medallions are available in round, square, diamond, oval, rectangle, triangle, hexagon, octagon, star and rosette shapes.

Two-Piece Ceiling Medallions

• Some modern ceiling medallions come in two pieces to make for an easy installation. Rather than taking down existing light fixtures and hardware to install the medallion, the pieces simply fit around them. The medallion pieces consist of an overlapping construction made to fit seamlessly together, clipping into place. The seams are incorporated into the medallion design.

Damaged Antique Ceiling Medallions

• Some older ceiling medallions made of plaster weaken or break over time. If the original is to be restored, it must be taken to an ornamental plasterer. The ornamental plasterer takes impressions of the existing plaster. He then casts new plaster elements to seamlessly attach to the medallion. The with the help of adhesive plaster.