Ceiling Medallions, Ceilling Centers

Ceiling Roses (Ceiling Centers / Ceiling Medallions)

A ceiling rose, also referred to as a ceiling center or ceiling medallion, is a decorative element attached to the ceiling. A ceiling rose usually will have a chandelier, light fixture, or ceiling fan suspended from the center.

Ceiling roses were originally made of plaster and intended to protect the ceiling from the heat and charring caused by candle or gas lighting. They are typically round and display a variety of ornamental designs. 

Ceiling roses are fashionable once more and are now incorporated into many new builds. Homeowners with older properties may find the original ceiling roses have been removed. It is surprisingly easy to add a new ceiling rose, or to replace a damaged or unattractive one.

Although a ceiling rose may be installed on the basis of its own elegance, it is more commonly chosen to match the style of the room.

However, the size and shape of the room determine the ceiling rose’s size and shape (circular or oval). 

Ceiling Rose Size

Rule #1 - The ceiling center is approximately 15% of the ceiling`s surface area.  An easy way to calculate this is to multiply the room's width by its length, in feet. The result gives you the ceiling's area in square feet. Next, divide the area by 6. The result gives you the recommended average diameter of the ceiling rose, in inches.

For example:

• room measuring 12 ft. x 14 ft. = 168 sq. ft.
• 168 ÷ 6 = 28 inches

In this case, a ceiling rose with a diameter between 24" and 32" would be suitable.

Rule #2 - A ceiling rose should not overpower its light fixture when one is present, therefore the diameter of the ceiling rose should be at least the diameter of the light fixture.