How to Install a Ceiling Medallion and Add Style to Any Room

Ceiling Medallion

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Project Overview
  • Total Time: 1 - 2 hrs
  • Yield: Install one ceiling medallion
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $50 to $75

A ceiling medallion is the centerpiece of a room and complements its paired lighting fixture, while also disguising non-structural ceiling issues. For all their showiness, ceiling medallions are easy and straightforward to install. In less than an hour and for less than $75, you can install a ceiling medallion.

What Is a Ceiling Medallion?

A ceiling medallion is a decorative piece on a ceiling, directly above a ceiling light or ceiling fan. Both aesthetic and practical, a ceiling medallion provides an ornate style while covering ceiling holes or gaps.

Before You Begin

Choose a ceiling medallion that will fit the ceiling light canopy. The canopy is the part of the light that rests against the ceiling. If the canopy's diameter is too big, it may not rest flat on the medallion. Check the published canopy size maximum ratings when purchasing a ceiling medallion.

To affix the ceiling medallion to the ceiling, use adhesive caulk. Adhesive caulk sticks better than ordinary caulk but gives you longer working time than fast-sticking construction adhesive.

Safety Considerations

Before installing the ceiling medallion, shut off the electricity to the ceiling light fixture. Shut off the electricity by turning off the circuit breaker and be sure to test whether the wires are still live.

Ceiling medallions are decorative, not structural. So, do not use the ceiling medallion as support for the ceiling light fixture, ceiling fan, or anything else.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Step ladder
  • Caulking gun
  • Hammer or electric nailer
  • Paint brush
  • Screwdriver
  • Voltage tester
  • Stud finder
  • Pencil

Materials

  • Ceiling medallion
  • Adhesive caulk
  • Joint compound or spackle
  • Paint (if desired)

Instructions

  1. Paint the Medallion

    Paint the ceiling medallion with a brush, paint sprayer, or spray can. It is cleaner and easier to paint the medallion off-site than after it has been installed on the ceiling.

    Tip

    Paint is optional. Most ceiling canopies come in white, so they can be left as-is, if desired.

  2. Turn the Power Off

    Turn off the electricity to the ceiling light fixture by turning off the circuit breaker in the electric service panel. 

  3. Remove the Ceiling Light Fixture

    Stand on a step ladder to disconnect and remove the ceiling light fixture. Unscrew the light fixture with a manual screwdriver or an electric drill equipped with a driver bit. Disconnect the wires. Cap the ends of loose wires with wire nuts.

    Warning

    Before touching wires inside the electrical box, test them by holding the end of the non-contact voltage tester near all wires.

  4. Cut a Hole in the Ceiling Medallion (Optional)

    For ceiling medallions without pre-cut center holes, cut a hole in the medallion with a hole saw or jig saw to accommodate the ceiling light wiring. Measure the diameter of the ceiling light canopy. The hole in the medallion should be greater than the diameter of the ceiling box (typically, 3-12 or 4 inches) but less than the diameter of the light canopy.

  5. Mark the Ceiling Joists

    Use the stud finder to mark the two ceiling joists adjacent to the ceiling light box. Mark the locations with light pencil marks or tabs of painter's tape.

  6. Add Adhesive Caulk to the Medallion

    Lay the ceiling medallion facedown. With the caulking gun, lay a 1/4-inch-wide bead of adhesive caulk to the back of the medallion. Run the caulk up to half an inch of all edges but no closer.

  7. Apply the Medallion to the Ceiling

    Stand on the step ladder to feed the electrical wires through the hole in the medallion. Press the medallion firmly against the ceiling and hold it in place.

  8. Fix the Medallion to the Ceiling

    Attach the medallion to the ceiling by driving finish nails or brads from an electric nailer. The fasteners should contact the ceiling joists above the medallion. For medallions that have pre-drilled screw holes, drive screws through the holes and into the joists.

  9. Fill Nail Holes

    Fill nail or screw holes in the ceiling medallion with joint compound or spackle. Let the filler dry for about one hour, then lightly sand until flush with the rest of the surface.

  10. Replace the Ceiling Light

    Replace the ceiling light by reattaching the electrical wires in the same configuration as before. Screw the light into place.

  11. Touch up the Paint

    Touch up the filled nail holes with paint that matches the ceiling medallion.

When to Call a Professional

Newer ceiling medallions are made of polyurethane or fiberglass, so they are lightweight and strong. To repair or replace older ceiling medallions made of fragile plaster, call a contractor who specializes in historical home repairs.