How to Center a Light Fixture Using a Ceiling Medallion - Francois et Moi (2024)
When we purchased our 1930’s home, the light fixture above the table in the dining room, was a bit off center. It was about 10″ off to be exact and just enough to really get under your skin every time you walked by. We had been planning to replace the light fixture and center it above the table soon after moving in, but having just wrapped up a kitchen renovation chalk full of plaster patching and sanding, the thought of moving the light fixture and patching/sanding another hole so soon after–well it was enough to make us be okay living with the old, boring off center light fixture a little longer. The old light fixture is pictured below. It’s difficult to see–wish I had taken better before shots–but the fixture was off center to the right, and needed to be moved back to pair properly with the dining table.
We were okay procrastinating the fixture switch, that is until we discovered the magic of the ceiling medallion: a beautiful, low-cost solution for moving a light fixture without the dreaded plaster patching! And I have to say, I LOVE the way the traditional ceiling medallion pairs with a more modern fixture. Perfection, if you ask me! Keep reading for the details on how we installed the medallion.
1. First, have an electrician move the junction box so that it’s centered over your table. Don’t worry about the leftover gaping hole in the ceiling, if the new location is within 20-25″ of the old one, the ceiling medallion will cover up the old hold which means no patching! Wooohoooooo!
2. Generously apply caulking allover the backside of the medallion and stick it into place on the ceiling, making sure the center medallion hole lines up with junction box. Then use a nail gun to apply nails every 3-4″ along the medallion rim, securing it into place.For this step, even though the medallion is very lightweight, it’s helpful to have another person hold it in place on the ceiling while the other person nails the medallion into place.
3. Next apply a bead of caulking around the perimeter of the medallion where it meets the ceiling, and use your finger to smooth out.
4. We chose not to paint the medallion as it already matched the ceiling color, so last but not least, we simply attached the fixture to the junction box as you would in a standard installation without a medallion.
Et voila! The end result is an architectural detail that looks as if it’s always been there, a centered dining room light fixture, and happy homeowners who were able to avoid the dreaded patch and sand!
P.S. I have this rug coming for our dining room on Tuesday, and it can’t get here soon enough!
We were okay procrastinating the fixture switch, that is until we discovered the magic of the ceiling medallion: a beautiful, low-cost solution for moving a light fixture without the dreaded plaster patching! And I have to say, I LOVE the way the traditional ceiling medallion pairs with a more modern fixture.
The light fixture will be the main focal point in the room, so the ceiling medallion must match it. You can choose a ceiling medallion larger or smaller than the lighting, but room size is still important. Smaller rooms will not typically have larger light fixtures.
Another key reason of why are ceiling lights not central also is to obscure shadow appearing on the curtains when someone is undressing in the inside of the room. This is the main and primary reason why usually old houses lights were wired and positioned at the corners of the windows.
While ceiling medallions are certainly a fitting addition to an ornate, traditional home, they can also add character to a home decorated in a more transitional style. The good news is they're usually easy to install and can be made totally renter-friendly with the exclusion of pin nails or adhesive.
Adhesive. You can use any adhesive that is rated for use with polyurethane (check the back of the label) -- we have had great success using Red Devil Construction Adhesive, LoctitePowergrab and PL Premium Polyurethane Adhesive, all of which work well and are readily available at most home improvement stores.
Spread construction adhesive on the back of the medallion, press the medallion into place, and secure it with screws that are inset enough so you can later spread a little filler over the screws to hide them. Finish up with a layer of paint.
“Ceiling medallions are classic! They were first seen in middle and upper class homes in the 19th century. Today it is very common to see ceiling medallions used in many applications.
“Measure the length and width of your room in feet.Multiple the length and the width, then divide by 7. This will give you the proportionate medallion size in inches. For instance… a 10‐by‐14 foot room calculation would be: 10 feet x 14 feet = 140 square feet divided by 7 = 20 inches diameter.
The easiest way to fix it is to make sure each chain link is hanging in a straight line. Detangle any of the chains that are twisted or doubled up on each other. Once you've done this, your fixture should hang perfectly straight and level.
You see, in most cases, a ceiling fixture should be centered to the focal point of a room. Like, in your dining room, the ceiling fixture is centered over your table. In a bedroom, it should be centered to your bed.
Introduction: My name is Terence Hammes MD, I am a inexpensive, energetic, jolly, faithful, cheerful, proud, rich person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
