How to Hang a Ceiling Medallion

Traditionally paired with chandeliers, a ceiling medallion's original purpose was to protect ceilings from candle burns. Now, with so many affordable polyurethane models available, it's a great way to add architectural interest to any room. Here is how to hang a ceiling medallion.

Things You'll Need

• Ceiling Medallion
• Paint (if painting)
• Caulk
• Construction adhesive
• Drill
• Ladder
• Trim Screws
• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. If you are painting the ceiling medallion, now is the time.

2. Cut all power to the light at the fuse box. Double-check that the power is cut by flipping the light switch.

3. Unscrew the light fixture, remove all hardware and lower the cover plate. Now that the wiring is exposed, undo the wire nuts and remove the light from the ceiling.

4. Drill 3 to 4 screw holes spaced evenly around the circumference of the medallion. While the light is down, center the medallion on the ceiling and make guide marks with a pencil.

5. Turn the medallion face down and place construction adhesive evenly over the top (ceiling side), about 1 inch from the edge of the medallion.

6. Center the medallion on the ceiling using the pre-drawn pencil marks.

7. Attach trim screws into the ceiling using countersink holes previously drilled (not too tightly, as the medallion could be damaged).

8. Fill in any gaps between the ceiling and medallion with caulk. Cover screw holes with plaster and touch up with paint (if painted).

9. Reattach the light fixture to the ceiling and restore power to the fixture.

Tips & Warnings

• When choosing the size of your medallion, as a general rule, you can divide the room's square footage by 7. It should be the same diameter of the light fixture underneath it (smaller if it's a ceiling fan).

• Size is just as important as style when choosing your medallion. You want to make sure that the hole in the middle is large enough to access the junction box, but small enough so that the canopy of the chandelier will cover it.