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The hole should be large enough to allow wiring and one or more threaded bolts to pass through, yet small enough to be completely covered by the fixture canopy. Use the opportunity while the fixture is down to give it a good cleaning and polishing.Place the ceiling medallion upside down and cut a hole in the center, using a drill or fine-tooth saw. Lower the fixture canopy and carefully disconnect the wires. With the power off, carefully remove the light fixture - usually held into place with a couple of screws and-or a nut on a short length of threaded tubing. Don't rely on the light switch since the power for light might originate at the fixture rather than the switch. Begin by turning off the power to the light fixture at the breaker panel or fuse box. When installing a ceiling medallion where a light fixture exists, the fixture must be removed and reinstalled after the medallion installation is completed.
#Plaster chandelier medallion install
In either case, you will be amazed at just how easy it is to install one. And although a decorative ceiling medallion is often used as a "rosette" or foil for a chandelier, it is equally popular as a focal point of a room's ceiling. You can have a hexagon, octagon or even a star. They are round, square, oval, rectangular and triangular. Ceiling medallions come in various shapes and sizes. We believe this is because they are reasonably priced, easy to install and are so attractive. When finished, the plastic medallion can't be distinguished from the real thing.įor dressing up a ceiling, decorative medallions are very popular. They are constructed of a foam or urethane core and vinyl-like finish that takes paint beautifully.
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We prefer the plastic material because it is lightweight and easy to work with. The designs offered range from chaste Greek-key borders to Baroque ceiling medallions.Īlthough plaster ornamentation still can be had - during a recent trip to Europe we witnessed local artisans create it on site - wood and plastic alternatives now can be readily found at lumberyards, home centers and hardware stores. Today, plaster moldings again are popular - either to give authenticity to a restoration or just add interest to an otherwise flat wall or ceiling. In modern times, the practice peaked in the early 19th century when Greek Revival architecture reawakened an interest in classical ornamentation. Other rooms, such as the living room and dining room, had intricate plaster moldings that bordered the ceiling and ornate ceiling medallions used as foils for chandeliers.Īrtisans have been affixing plaster decorations to walls and ceilings for centuries - mostly in imitation of Greek and Roman bas-relief. Not only were the ceilings high, in some rooms they were coved at the perimeter and had decorative cornice or picture mold. The home was Mediterranean-style construction, plaster in and out, with spacious rooms and high ceilings. You also might recall that we grew up in a home built by our grandfather at the turn of the 20th century. If you regularly read our column you know that we are third-generation contractors.
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