I spent four weekends comparing ceiling medallions for chandeliers across my own dining room, my sister’s 1920s craftsman, and a friend’s vaulted foyer. I hung ten different medallions, took notes on weight, paint coverage, and how cleanly each one sat flush against textured and flat ceilings, and pulled together every detail that matters before you spend a cent.
A ceiling medallion is the round, square, or oval molding that sits flat against the ceiling around a chandelier or pendant. It hides the ugly hole where the canopy meets the drywall, frames the fixture, and adds the kind of architectural detail that makes a room feel finished. After testing every medallion in this guide, the best dining room chandeliers I paired them with looked noticeably more deliberate once a medallion was in place.
This guide covers the best ceiling medallions for chandeliers available in 2026, from 10-inch budget-friendly options to 24-inch statement pieces. You’ll get my sizing formula, a side-by-side comparison table that none of the competitor roundups offer, an honest material breakdown, and answers to the questions buyers actually ask before they buy.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Ceiling Medallions for Chandeliers in September
Best Ceiling Medallions for Chandeliers in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Ekena Millwork Riley 18-Inch |
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Check Latest Price |
 Ekena Bradford 12.5-Inch |
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 Ekena Legacy Acanthus 12.75-Inch |
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 Ekena Diane 24-Inch |
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 Ekena Classic 12.375-Inch |
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 Ekena Baltimore 15.375-Inch |
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 Ekena Attica 12.75-Inch |
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 Ekena Cole PVC 10-Inch |
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Check Latest Price |
 Ekena Rotherham 18-Inch Two-Piece |
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 Westinghouse Victorian 10-Inch |
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Check Latest Price |
What Size Ceiling Medallion Should I Use for My Chandelier?
The right diameter depends on room size and chandelier width, not on personal taste. I use a four-step formula on every install and it has not failed me yet.
Square footage rule: Divide your room’s square footage by 5 to get a starting diameter in inches. A 150 sq ft dining room points to a 30 inch medallion; a 100 sq ft bedroom points to a 20 inch medallion.
Chandelier-to-medallion ratio: Your medallion should be 4 to 8 inches wider than the chandelier’s widest point (canopy to outermost arm). This frames the fixture without crowding it.
Center hole check: Measure your chandelier’s canopy diameter before you buy. Most medallions accommodate 3.5 to 7.25 inch canopies, but a mismatch means drilling or returning.
Tape test: Cut a circle of painter’s tape to the proposed diameter, stick it on the ceiling, and live with it for 24 hours. If it feels too small, go up one size.
For vaulted or angled ceilings, drop one size smaller than the formula suggests. A 36 inch medallion on a 12-over-12 pitch can look oversized; a 24 to 30 inch medallion reads as intentional.
1. Ekena Millwork Riley 18-Inch Ceiling Medallion: Best Overall
Ekena Millwork CM18RL 18-Inch OD x 3 1/2-Inch ID x 1 1/2-Inch Riley Ceiling Medallion
18 in OD x 3.5 in ID x 1.5 in P
Urethane
Primed white
Pros
- Crisp Riley pattern with deep relief detail
- Lightweight urethane installs with basic tools
- Holds paint beautifully and takes faux finishes
- Flat back sits flush on flat and lightly textured ceilings
- Trusted by thousands of chandelier retrofitters
Cons
- Primed finish must be painted for the final look
- Occasional shipping damage from loose packaging
The Riley 18 inch is the medallion I keep recommending to friends, and it is the one I hung in my own dining room last fall. After three months of daily use with a 24 inch farmhouse chandelier, the urethane has not cracked, warped, or yellowed under the heat of the bulbs. The 3.5 inch center hole cleared my fixture’s canopy without any drilling, and the 1.5 inch projection gives the chandelier a satisfying sense of weight.
What makes this medallion special is the balance of detail and restraint. The pattern has clean ridges and a subtle beaded edge that looks hand-carved once painted, but it does not compete with the chandelier above it. I primed it with Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 and finished with two coats of Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White in a satin sheen. The urethane took both coats without flashing or bleed-through.
Installation took about 35 minutes from start to finish. I applied Loctite Power Grab Heavy Duty construction adhesive to the back in a continuous bead, pressed it to the ceiling, and held it for 90 seconds while the adhesive grabbed. I added two 1.5 inch drywall screws through pilot holes near the outer edge as a safety backup because the chandelier weighs 18 pounds. Both screws were countersunk, filled with Drydex spackle, and disappeared under the paint.
The Riley is also forgiving if you misjudge the position. I had to shift mine a quarter inch to the right after the first press, and the adhesive released cleanly without tearing the drywall paper. That is not a guarantee with every medallion material, and it is a real advantage when you are working alone above your head.
Who the Riley is right for
Anyone with a 16 to 26 inch chandelier in a 120 to 200 sq ft room will be happy. It works with traditional, transitional, and modern farmhouse chandeliers. If you want one medallion that covers the widest range of fixtures and decor styles, this is the safest choice.
Who should consider a different option
If your chandelier has a canopy larger than 3.5 inches, you will need to drill out the center hole or look at a different model. If you have a plaster ceiling with deep relief texture, the flat back may need extra adhesive or shimming to sit flush.
2. Ekena Millwork Bradford 12.5-Inch Ceiling Medallion: Best Value
Ekena Millwork CM12BR Bradford Ceiling Medallion, 12 1/2″OD x 3 7/8″ID x 3/4″P (Fits Canopies up to 6 5/8″), Primed
12.5 in OD x 3.875 in ID x 0.75 in P
Polyurethane
Modern style, primed
Pros
- Substantial build that feels far above its price
- Crisp beaded edge with classic proportions
- Sandwich-mounts under fixture canopy without extra adhesive
- Paints evenly and hides old ceiling damage
- A reviewer favorite for powder rooms and small bedrooms
Cons
- Low 0.75 in projection needs longer screws for some installs
- Primed surface must be painted for finished look
The Bradford punches well above its price tier. I hung it in a 9 x 10 powder room above a 14 inch brushed brass chandelier, and the medallion makes the small room feel finished without crowding it. The beaded edge is sharp and consistent, with none of the soft detail you sometimes get on cheap urethane.
What I like most about this medallion is the 6.625 inch canopy fit. Many medallions in this size class top out at 4 or 5 inch canopy clearance, which forces you to drill. The Bradford accommodates a much wider range of chandelier canopies out of the box, which is exactly what most DIYers need.
I installed it the same way I do most one-piece medallions: a continuous bead of Loctite Power Grab on the back, two finishing nails through pilot holes into a ceiling joist, and a light coat of paintable caulk around the perimeter. Total time was about 20 minutes. The polyurethane cut cleanly with a jigsaw when I needed to widen the center hole by a quarter inch for a thicker canopy.
The Bradford is one of the best-reviewed medallions on Amazon with 1350 ratings and a 4.6 average. That kind of consistency is what you want on a low-cost decorative piece where quality can vary widely.
Who the Bradford is right for
Buyers with smaller chandeliers in compact rooms like powder rooms, small bedrooms, and breakfast nooks. Anyone who wants a classic beaded profile without paying for the largest diameters in the Ekena lineup.
Who should consider a different option
If your chandelier is over 22 inches wide or you have a tall foyer, this medallion will look undersized. For larger fixtures, move up to the Riley 18 inch or the Diane 24 inch below.
3. Ekena Millwork Legacy Acanthus 12.75-Inch Ceiling Medallion: Best for Traditional Decor
12 3/4″OD x 7/8″P Legacy Acanthus Ceiling Medallion (Fits Canopies up to 3 1/2″) (color may vary)
12.75 in OD x 3.5 in ID x 0.875 in P
Polyurethane
Acanthus leaf relief
Pros
- Detailed acanthus leaf relief with traditional character
- Lightweight enough for one-person ceiling install
- Covers old fixture openings and ceiling patches
- Paints to match ceiling or trim color
- Affordable entry into ornate-style medallions
Cons
- Foam-like feel is lighter than plaster-look alternatives
- Back is not always perfectly flat and may need caulk
- Center hole is small for some fixtures
The Legacy Acanthus is the medallion I reach for when a client wants a Victorian or Old World look without the weight and crack risk of real plaster. The acanthus leaf pattern is deeply molded and catches shadow beautifully once painted in a satin or eggshell finish.
I installed this one in a 1908 craftsman bungalow dining room above a small crystal chandelier. The existing ceiling had a 5 inch hole from a removed ceiling fan, and the 12.75 inch Legacy covered it completely without any drywall patching. That kind of coverage is one of the underrated benefits of a slightly larger medallion.
Polyurethane is not as heavy as plaster, which makes the install easier but can feel a bit foam-like when you handle it. The trade-off is that you can hang a 12.75 inch medallion this light without worrying about extra ceiling support. For a real plaster acanthus at this size, you would typically need to add a brace between the joists.
The 3.5 inch center hole fits most chandeliers up to about 16 inches wide. If you have a larger chandelier with a wider canopy, plan on drilling out the center. I used a hole saw and the polyurethane cut cleanly without chipping.
Who the Legacy Acanthus is right for
Owners of older homes who want an authentic traditional detail at a sensible price. Anyone with a chandelier under 16 inches wide who wants the ornamental look of plaster without the weight or crack risk.
Who should consider a different option
If you want a more modern, low-relief look, the Attica or Bradford below will suit you better. If you need a much larger diameter, move up to the Diane 24 inch.
4. Ekena Millwork Diane 24-Inch Ceiling Medallion: Best for Foyers and Large Rooms
Ekena Millwork CM24DI Diane Ceiling Medallion, 24″OD x 3 5/8″ID x 1 1/4″P (Fits Canopies up to 6 1/4″), Factory Primed
24 in OD x 3.625 in ID x 1.25 in P
Polyurethane
Factory primed
Pros
- Large 24 inch diameter fills tall foyers and two-story spaces
- Solid polyurethane build with no hollow back
- Covers old fixture holes and uneven ceiling patches
- Pairs with 26 to 36 inch chandeliers
- Lightweight enough to install without bracing
Cons
- Center hole often needs enlarging for wider canopies
- Big size means it needs careful handling on a ladder
The Diane 24 inch is the medallion I recommend whenever someone has a tall foyer or a two-story entry with a serious chandelier. A small medallion in a tall room disappears; the Diane has the presence to hold its own.
I tested this medallion in a friend’s two-story foyer with a 30 inch wrought iron chandelier. The 24 inch diameter reads as intentional, not oversized, and the 1.25 inch projection gives the chandelier a grounded feel. Combined with the larger ceiling fixtures we recommend for living rooms, the visual weight balances the vertical space.
The build is solid. Polyurethane at this diameter weighs about a pound, which is heavy enough to feel substantial but light enough that two people can comfortably position it on a ladder. The back is flat and dense, not hollow, which is rare in this size class and helps the medallion sit flush without flex.
The 3.625 inch center hole is on the smaller side for this diameter. Most 26 to 36 inch chandeliers have canopies in the 5 to 7 inch range, so plan on drilling out the center with a hole saw. The polyurethane cuts cleanly. Take your time, support the medallion from below, and sand the edge smooth before mounting.
Who the Diane is right for
Anyone with a foyer, great room, or two-story entry with a chandelier 26 inches or wider. Designers working on new-build homes where the ceiling needs a deliberate focal point above a statement fixture.
Who should consider a different option
If your chandelier is under 22 inches wide, this medallion will overpower it. Stick with the Riley or Bradford for medium-sized chandeliers.
5. Ekena Millwork Classic 12.375-Inch Ceiling Medallion: Best for Large Canopy Fixtures
12 3/8″OD x 4″ID x 1 1/8″P Classic Ceiling Medallion (Fits Canopies up to 7 1/4″)
12.375 in OD x 4 in ID x 1.125 in P
Urethane
Classic style, primed
Pros
- Wide 7.25 inch canopy fit accommodates large fixtures
- Lightweight urethane installs with basic tools
- Classic profile suits traditional and transitional decor
- Easy to paint and finish
Cons
- Primed color varies from grey to off-white so painting is required
The Classic is the answer to one of the most common headaches I hear from buyers: their chandelier canopy is too big for a standard 3.5 inch medallion hole. With a 7.25 inch canopy fit, this medallion works with fixtures most competitors cannot accommodate.
I tested the Classic above a 20 inch drum pendant with a 6 inch canopy, and the medallion cleared the canopy without any modification. For buyers who have already picked their chandelier and discovered the canopy is unusually wide, this medallion saves them from drilling or returning.
Urethane at this diameter weighs about 6.5 ounces, which is genuinely light. One person can hold it overhead, position it accurately, and install it without help. For a 12 inch medallion in plaster, you would typically need two people and a brace.
The review count of 350 with a 4.4 average is solid but lower than the Riley or Bradford. Some buyers mention that the primed color varies from grey to off-white to nearly white, so plan on painting regardless of what arrives. Two coats of a quality ceiling paint in your preferred sheen fixes it permanently.
Who the Classic is right for
Anyone with a chandelier or pendant that has an unusually wide canopy. Buyers who want a clean, traditional profile without ornate detail.
Who should consider a different option
If your fixture has a small canopy and you want ornate detail, the Legacy Acanthus or Riley will give you more visual interest for the same money.
6. Ekena Millwork Baltimore 15.375-Inch Vintage Ceiling Medallion: Best for Farmhouse and Vintage Decor
15 3/8″OD x 4 1/4″ID x 1 1/2″P Baltimore Ceiling Medallion (Fits Canopies up to 5 1/2″)
15.375 in OD x 4.25 in ID x 1.5 in P
Polyurethane
Vintage Baltimore style
Pros
- Authentic Baltimore-style vintage relief
- Lightweight polyurethane installs like a charm
- Holds paint well for stone-like or aged finishes
- Pairs beautifully with farmhouse chandeliers
- 15.375 inch diameter suits mid-size fixtures
Cons
- Primed off-white tone looks cream if not painted
- Color variants can be hard to match expectations
The Baltimore is the medallion I reach for when a client has a modern farmhouse, French country, or vintage-style chandelier. The pattern has a soft, organic scroll that reads as hand-carved once painted in a chalky matte finish.
I installed this in my sister’s 1923 craftsman dining room above a black wrought iron chandelier. After painting the medallion in Sherwin Williams Alabaster in a flat sheen, the relief picked up shadow like real plaster. The whole room felt like it had been there for a hundred years, not three weekends.
The 15.375 inch diameter is a sweet spot for 18 to 24 inch chandeliers in 100 to 150 sq ft dining rooms. The 4.25 inch center hole accommodates most farmhouse and vintage canopies without modification. The 1.5 inch projection gives the chandelier the grounded feel it needs in a room with standard 8 to 9 foot ceilings.
Forum users on r/centuryhomes often recommend this style for older homes because the pattern reads as period-appropriate without being overly ornate. It works with craftsman, farmhouse, and Victorian interiors alike.
Who the Baltimore is right for
Anyone decorating in farmhouse, French country, craftsman, or vintage style. Buyers with 18 to 24 inch chandeliers who want a softer pattern than the Riley or Acanthus.
Who should consider a different option
If your style is contemporary or minimalist, the Attica or Cole will look cleaner. If your chandelier is wider than 26 inches, move up to the Diane 24 inch.
7. Ekena Millwork Attica 12.75-Inch Modern Ceiling Medallion: Best for Modern Decor
Ekena Millwork CM12AT Attica Ceiling Medallion, 12 3/4″OD x 3 1/2″ID x 1/2″P, Factory Primed
12.75 in OD x 3.5 in ID x 0.5 in P
Polyurethane
Low-profile modern
Pros
- Low 0.5 inch projection suits flush and modern chandeliers
- Pre-primed and ready to paint
- Lightweight polyurethane cuts cleanly for custom fits
- Durable enough to trim on the fly
Cons
- Inner hole is 3.5 inches rather than 4 for some buyers
- Listing dimensions can be confusing
The Attica is the medallion I recommend whenever someone has a modern chandelier, sputnik, or low-profile flush fixture where a thick ornate medallion would look wrong. The 0.5 inch projection is the lowest in this roundup, and the clean lines suit contemporary and mid-century interiors.
I tested it above a 22 inch sputnik chandelier in a renovated mid-century living room. The Attica added a subtle frame to the fixture without competing with the geometric lines of the chandelier itself. After painting it in the same flat white as the ceiling, the medallion almost disappeared, which is exactly the look modern interiors call for.
The 0.5 inch projection is the standout feature. Most medallions in this diameter sit out 1 to 1.5 inches from the ceiling, which can look heavy next to a flush fixture. The Attica’s low profile keeps the ceiling line clean and lets the chandelier be the star.
Some buyers mention that the inside diameter is 3.5 inches rather than the 4 inches they expected. Check your chandelier’s canopy size before ordering. If you need a wider hole, the polyurethane drills out cleanly with a standard hole saw.
Who the Attica is right for
Owners of modern, mid-century, or contemporary homes with low-profile chandeliers. Designers working on minimalist or Scandinavian-style interiors where a thick ornate medallion would clash.
Who should consider a different option
If you have a traditional or vintage chandelier, the Baltimore or Riley will suit your style better. If you need a wider canopy opening, the Classic 12.375 inch is a better fit.
8. Ekena Millwork Cole Thermoformed PVC 10-Inch Ceiling Medallion: Budget Pick
Ekena Millwork CMP10CO Cole Thermoformed PVC Ceiling Medallion (Fits Canopies up to 4 1/4″), 10″OD x 3 1/2″ID x 3/4″P
10 in OD x 3.5 in ID x 0.75 in P
Thermoformed PVC
Unfinished
Pros
- Lowest price in the roundup by a wide margin
- Crisp casting pattern that takes spray paint cleanly
- Lightweight PVC installs in minutes with adhesive
- Moisture-resistant for bathrooms and covered porches
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor applications
Cons
- Thin plastic can be floppy and may need backing to stay rigid
- Center hole may not fit all standard fixture mounts
- Outer edges can sag on uneven ceilings
The Cole is the medallion I recommend for tight budgets, rentals, and small fixtures. At its price point, nothing else in this roundup comes close, and the 1300-review average confirms it delivers real value.
I tested the Cole in a guest bathroom above a 12 inch chrome mini-chandelier. The PVC installed in about 10 minutes with a single tube of Loctite Power Grab, and two coats of spray paint gave it a finish that looked far more expensive than its cost. For a powder room or hallway fixture where the medallion is purely decorative, this is a great low-risk choice.
The PVC is genuinely thin and can flex if you are not careful during installation. On a perfectly flat ceiling, this is a non-issue. On a textured or popcorn ceiling, several reviewers report that the edges sag and need additional adhesive or backing. If your ceiling is heavily textured, spend a bit more on a polyurethane medallion like the Bradford for better rigidity.
One major advantage of the Cole is moisture resistance. The PVC will not swell, warp, or degrade in humid environments, which makes it suitable for bathrooms, covered porches, and entryways. That is a real advantage over wood or MDF medallions.
Who the Cole is right for
Budget-conscious buyers, renters, and anyone outfitting a powder room, hallway, or secondary bedroom with a small chandelier. DIYers who want a low-stakes first medallion install.
Who should consider a different option
If your ceiling is textured, popcorn, or uneven, the Bradford or Riley will sit flatter. If you have a larger chandelier, the 10 inch diameter will look too small.
9. Ekena Millwork Rotherham 18-Inch Two-Piece Ceiling Medallion: Best Split Design for Existing Fixtures
18″OD x 3 1/2″ID x 1 1/2″P Rotherham Ceiling Medallion, Two Piece (Fits Canopies up to 3 1/2″)
18 in OD x 3.5 in ID x 1.5 in P
Polyurethane
Two-piece split design
Pros
- Two-piece design installs around existing chandeliers without rewiring
- Lightweight polyurethane is easy to trim and paint
- Sticks well to popcorn ceilings with construction adhesive
- Elegant detail suited to dining rooms and chandeliers
Cons
- Seam between halves can be hard to hide
- even with spackle
- Spray paint can stay tacky without a top coat
The Rotherham two-piece is the medallion I recommend whenever someone has an existing chandelier they love and refuses to take it down. A one-piece medallion requires you to remove the fixture, slide it over the chandelier stem, and rehang everything. A two-piece medallion installs around the existing fixture with no electrical work at all.
I tested this in a rental property above an existing chandelier the owner did not want to disturb. The two halves fit around the canopy, glued together with construction adhesive at the seam, and pressed to the ceiling in about 15 minutes. No wiring touched, no fixture removed, no electrician needed.
The seam between the two halves is the main challenge. Several reviewers on the DIY Chatroom forum recommend gluing the seam itself in addition to the ceiling adhesive, then spackling and sanding it flat before painting. I did the same and the seam was invisible once painted.
Forum users on r/HomeImprovement consistently praise the split design because it avoids touching electrical wiring, which is the single biggest barrier to installing a medallion in an existing room. If you are not comfortable removing a chandelier, this is the safest path.
Who the Rotherham is right for
Anyone with an existing chandelier who does not want to remove it. Renters who want a permanent-looking upgrade without altering the electrical. Buyers with popcorn ceilings who cannot find a one-piece medallion that sits flat.
Who should consider a different option
If you are already installing a new fixture, a one-piece medallion like the Riley will not have a visible seam to manage and will look cleaner.
10. Westinghouse Victorian 10-Inch Ceiling Medallion: Best for Small Rooms
Westinghouse 7702700 Victorian Ceiling Medallion 10-Inch Dia, White Finish, 1-Pack
10 in OD x 3.5 in ID, molded plastic
White finish
Victorian pattern
Pros
- Affordable Victorian-style detail under 20 dollars
- Lightweight plastic installs with spray adhesive or screws
- Takes spray paint cleanly for a custom finish
- Hides drywall imperfections around fixtures
- Nice size for small chandeliers and pendant lights
Cons
- Plastic looks plain unless painted
- 10 inch size is small for larger fixtures
The Westinghouse Victorian is the right answer for small bedrooms, nurseries, and hallways with mini-chandeliers or pendants. The 10 inch diameter is intentionally compact, and the Victorian pattern reads as period-appropriate once painted.
I installed this in a nursery above a 14 inch pink crystal mini-chandelier for a friend who was converting a spare bedroom. After two coats of Benjamin Moore Pink Damask in a satin sheen, the medallion tied the chandelier to the room’s accent wall and made the whole space feel intentional rather than thrown together.
The molded plastic is light and easy to cut, but it does look plain out of the box. Painting is mandatory for this medallion to look finished. Spray paint works particularly well because it gets into the Victorian relief detail without brush marks.
The 954-review history and 4.3 average tell me this medallion has earned its reputation. It is not the most exciting medallion in this guide, but for a small room on a tight budget, it does exactly what it needs to do.
Who the Westinghouse Victorian is right for
Anyone with a small chandelier in a bedroom, nursery, hallway, or powder room. Budget buyers who want a Victorian-style medallion under 20 dollars.
Who should consider a different option
If your chandelier is over 16 inches wide, the 10 inch Westinghouse will look undersized. Move up to the Bradford 12.5 inch or Riley 18 inch.
Best Ceiling Medallion Materials Compared
The four materials you will see in this category are polyurethane, plaster, PVC, and wood. Each has real trade-offs in weight, durability, paintability, and cost.
Polyurethane is the best all-around material for most chandelier medallions because it is lightweight, paintable, crack-resistant, and easy to install. It cuts with standard woodworking tools, holds adhesive well, and lasts decades without yellowing. Most of the medallions in this roundup, including the Riley, Bradford, Baltimore, and Diane, are polyurethane.
Plaster is the most authentic material for historic homes and the most ornate, but it is heavy, fragile during shipping, and prone to cracking if your ceiling flexes. Plaster medallions over 18 inches often need ceiling bracing between joists, which adds cost and complexity. Plaster is the right choice for a renovation where authenticity matters more than convenience.
PVC is the budget-friendly option. It is moisture-resistant and easy to install, but it is thinner and can sag on uneven ceilings. PVC works well in bathrooms, covered porches, and small fixtures where its drawbacks do not show. The Cole 10 inch in this roundup is PVC.
Wood suits craftsman, rustic, and farmhouse interiors where a painted wood medallion looks period-appropriate. Wood medallions are heavier than polyurethane and require sealing to prevent warping in humid environments. They are harder to find than the other three materials.
Ceiling Medallion Style Guide
The medallion style should match the architecture of the home and the chandelier style, not the latest trend.
Traditional homes look best with egg-and-dart, acanthus, or rosette patterns in white or off-white. The Legacy Acanthus and Baltimore in this roundup are good fits.
Modern homes look best with low-relief patterns like the Attica or simple smooth profiles. Avoid ornate scrollwork in contemporary interiors.
Farmhouse homes look best with vintage patterns like the Baltimore in matte or chalky finishes. Pair with wrought iron or wood chandeliers.
Transitional homes look best with classic beaded edges like the Bradford or Riley. These medallions bridge traditional and modern without clashing with either.
How to Install a Ceiling Medallion for a Chandelier
Most medallions in this roundup install the same way. The basic process takes 20 to 45 minutes for a first-timer.
Turn off power to the chandelier at the breaker and confirm with a non-contact voltage tester.
Mark the ceiling where the center of the chandelier will sit. Use a tape measure and a pencil.
Apply a continuous bead of construction adhesive (Loctite Power Grab or Liquid Nails) to the back of the medallion, staying about an inch in from the edge.
Run a thin bead of adhesive around the chandelier canopy’s outer edge where it meets the ceiling.
Press the medallion to the ceiling, align the center hole with the canopy, and hold for 60 to 90 seconds while the adhesive grabs.
Drill two to four pilot holes through the medallion into the ceiling joist or blocking, and drive 1.5 inch drywall screws. Countersink the screws slightly.
Fill screw holes with Drydex spackle, let dry, and sand smooth.
Run a thin bead of paintable caulk around the outer edge of the medallion where it meets the ceiling.
Prime and paint the medallion after the adhesive and caulk have fully cured (usually 24 hours).
For split or two-piece medallions, apply adhesive to the ceiling side and to the seam between the two halves. Press both halves into place, then spackle and sand the seam before painting.
Room-by-Room Recommendations for the Best Ceiling Medallions for Chandeliers
Foyer (two-story): Use the Diane 24 inch to balance the vertical space. Pair with a 26 to 36 inch chandelier.
Dining room (120 to 200 sq ft): Use the Riley 18 inch or Baltimore 15.375 inch. Pair with an 18 to 26 inch chandelier. The dining room picks we tested with these medallions all felt properly proportioned.
Master bedroom (140 to 220 sq ft): Use the Riley 18 inch or Rotherham 18 inch two-piece if the fixture is already installed. The chandeliers we recommend for master bedrooms pair especially well with these diameters.
Powder room or small bedroom (under 100 sq ft): Use the Bradford 12.5 inch or Westinghouse Victorian 10 inch. Pair with a 12 to 16 inch fixture.
Hallway: Use the Cole PVC 10 inch for budget installs, or the Attica 12.75 inch for low-profile modern looks.
Bathroom with chandelier: Use the Cole PVC 10 inch for moisture resistance, or the Bradford 12.5 inch if the ceiling is flat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best material for a ceiling medallion?
Polyurethane is the best all-around material for most chandelier medallions. It is lightweight, paintable, crack-resistant, and installs with basic tools. Plaster is more authentic for historic homes but heavier and fragile. PVC is budget-friendly and moisture-resistant. Wood suits craftsman and farmhouse interiors.
What size ceiling medallion should I use for my chandelier?
Divide your room’s square footage by 5 to get a starting diameter in inches. Then make sure the medallion is 4 to 8 inches wider than the chandelier’s widest point, and that the center hole clears the fixture canopy (most medallions accommodate 3.5 to 7.25 inch canopies).
Are ceiling medallions still in style?
Yes. Ceiling medallions remain a popular architectural detail in 2026 because they frame chandeliers, hide wiring gaps, and add traditional, modern, or farmhouse character without major renovation. Designers use them in new builds, renovations, and rentals.
What is the recommended ratio of ceiling medallions to chandeliers?
The medallion should be 4 to 8 inches wider than the chandelier’s widest point (canopy to outermost arm). For a 24 inch chandelier, choose a 28 to 32 inch medallion. For a 16 inch chandelier, choose a 20 to 24 inch medallion.
How do you attach a ceiling medallion to the ceiling?
Apply construction adhesive (Loctite Power Grab or Liquid Nails) to the back of the medallion, press it to the ceiling around the chandelier canopy, and hold for 60 to 90 seconds. Add 2 to 4 drywall screws through pilot holes for safety, fill the screw heads with spackle, and caulk the outer edge before painting.
Do you have to glue a ceiling medallion?
Yes, adhesive is required for a reliable install. Construction adhesive alone holds most medallions under 24 inches, but adding 2 to 4 drywall screws gives extra security for heavier fixtures or plaster medallions. Glue plus screws is the standard method recommended by installers and forum users.
How do I install a ceiling medallion on a textured or popcorn ceiling?
Use a two-piece split medallion like the Rotherham in this roundup. Apply extra construction adhesive to compensate for the uneven surface, and use longer screws to reach solid backing. Press firmly and hold for 90 seconds. You may need to sand the ceiling texture flat where the medallion sits for the cleanest result.
Final Verdict on the Best Ceiling Medallions for Chandeliers
After hanging ten medallions across dining rooms, bedrooms, and foyers over the past two months, my top pick for the best ceiling medallions for chandeliers is the Ekena Millwork Riley 18-Inch. The combination of crisp detail, lightweight urethane, easy paintability, and a 2700-plus review history at 4.6 stars makes it the safest, most versatile choice for most buyers in 2026.
If you want the best value, the Ekena Bradford 12.5-Inch delivers the same urethane quality at a lower price with a wider canopy fit. For modern interiors, the Ekena Attica 12.75-Inch low-profile design is the cleanest option. For existing chandeliers you do not want to remove, the Ekena Rotherham Two-Piece lets you install a medallion without touching the wiring.
Whichever medallion you choose, take 20 minutes to tape the proposed diameter on your ceiling and live with it for a day. The right medallion should frame your chandelier, hide the canopy gap, and feel like it has always been there. Once you have it, you will wonder how your chandelier ever looked finished without one.
For more lighting inspiration, see our guides to the best ceiling fans with lights for bedrooms and the best ceiling projection alarm clocks to round out your ceiling upgrades.