Yes, Please: Ceiling Medallions

Look up: Add some punch to a boring pendant lamp with a ceiling medallion.

Ceiling medallions are not new, but lately, they seem to be popping up everywhere. It's no surprise this architectural detail is gaining in popularity: Any light fixture can be easily updated with the addition of a decorative ceiling medallion. In fact, the look of your entire room can change when you add some interest above.

Types of ceiling medallions
Ceiling medallions come in all shapes and sizes from plain to ornate and from modern to traditional. In addition to traditionaly round-shaped medallions, you can find star-shaped, square and diamond-shaped pieces, as well. If you have a plain lamp, you can go all out and make the medallion the center of attention by purchasing something bold or you can match your light's style and opt for a simpler, more streamlined model.

Many older medallions will be made of plaster, but plaster is quite breakable, so be careful if you have these in your home.
Today, ceiling medallions are usually made from polyurethane, which are lightweight and often primed so that you can leave them white or paint them just about any color you wish.

Sizing for your space
Here's an easy rule of thumb when it comes to sizing your ceiling medallion. Simply divide your ceiling's square footage by seven to get your ceiling medallion's diameter. Of course, this isn't so much a "rule" as a suggestion: If you want to go bigger or smaller, it's up to you!

How to install
Installing a ceiling medallion is a piece of cake, if you're comfortable standing on a ladder. In addition to the ceiling medallion
itself, you will need caulk, spray paint, a nail gun and pin nails and heavy-duty adhesive. (An extra pair of hands will also make the job a lot easier.) For thorough installation instructions, follow these steps.

Where to buy
These days, many home improvement stores will sell the standard white polyurethane ones, along with companies like HB&G, American Masonry Supply, and Architectural Depot. Architectural Depot offers custom finishes and even carries wood medallions. Other companies like Horchow or CSN Lighting carry more ornate medallions. You can check out local architectural salvage shops or vintage lighting stores, as well.

Bonus: Ceiling medallions can also do double duty as fun wall art. Paint them and hang 'em up above a sofa for a neat new look!