How to Install a Ceiling Medallion

Ceiling medallions aren’t really used much anymore. But why not?! They can be absolutely beautiful and unique. I don’t know why these oft-stunning pieces of room decor are not being used like they used to. Maybe because people don’t know how to install them. Well, if that is the reason, then no more excuses! Here’s how to install a ceiling medallion.

What you need to know:

Not all, but most ceiling medallions today are made of a material called polyurethane. If yours is real plaster, then it’ll be heavy and this installation method probably won’t work. Polyurethane is a wonderful alternative to plaster because it’s lighter and more affordable, yet it still has that look you want.

Step 1: Turn Off the Power

We don’t want anybody getting electrocuted. So start by turning off the power to that light fixture. If you don’t like working in the dark, then open the curtains or use a flashlight.

Step 2: Remove the Old Light Fixture and/or Medallion

You can’t put a new one in with the old one still there. Sorry to state the obvious. Note: Before you unplug the wiring connections, snap a photo of it so you can reference it when you're installing the new one.

Step 3: Clean the Ceiling

Clean the area where the medallion will be installed. Make sure it isn’t dirty or dusty. If it has residue from the old medallion, you may need to use a bit of dish soap or something stronger. If you leave the residue there, then the new medallion won’t stick as well.

Step 4: Cut the Medallion

Some medallions are pre-cut, but you may want a bigger hole, depending in the size of the light fixture. Polyurethane (the material that most ceiling medallions are made of) is easy to cut. So you’re in luck. First, take your light fixture’s cover plate and use that as a starting ground to measure the size of the hole you want to cut. You’ll want to cut the hole just barely smaller than the size of the cover plate (1/2 inch smaller is a good standard to follow). Use a pencil and mark where you’ll want to cut. Second, use a compass to draw a perfect circle around the spot you want to cut. Third, drill a hole in the middle of that circle. Lastly, use a saw (a drywall saw will work perfectly for this project) and make the cut. Start inside the hole you just drilled and then cut outward toward the marked circle. Once you get to the pencil mark, follow it and cut in a circle.

Step 5: Test the Medallion

Make sure everything fits properly and that you can access the wires through the hole. Also make sure the cover plate covers the hole completely (and it should if you followed step 4). If everything is as you want it, then now’s the time to paint the medallion if you plan to. Usually ceiling medallions are painted to match the color of the ceiling or the trim in the room.

Step 6: Install the Medallion

You can use adhesive caulk or polyurethane construction adhesive to “glue" the medallion in place on the ceiling.

Step 7: Install the Light Fixture

Once the glue has dried and the medallion is in place, you should install your light fixture! Now that wasn’t too hard, was it?

Good luck on your project and comment below to let us know how it went!