For all their showiness, ceiling medallions are easy and straightforward to install.
In less than an hour and for less than $75, you could install a ceiling medallion.
What Is a Ceiling Medallion?
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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 theceiling medallionto 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.
Ceiling medallions are decorative, not structural.
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.
Unscrew the light fixture with a manual screwdriver or an electric drill equipped with a driver bit.
Cap the ends of loose wires with wire nuts.
Measure the diameter of the ceiling light canopy.
Mark the locations with light pencil marks or tabs of painter’s tape.
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.
execute the caulk up to half an inch of all edges but no closer.
Press the medallion firmly against the ceiling and hold it in place.
The fasteners should reach out to the ceiling joists above the medallion.
For medallions that have pre-drilled screw holes, drive screws through the holes and into the joists.
Fill Nail Holes
Fill nail or screw holes in the ceiling medallion with joint compound or spackle.
Screw the light into place.
Touch up the Paint
Touch up the filled nail holes with paint that matches the ceiling medallion.
