How to Size a Ceiling Medallion

One of the easiest and least time-consuming projects that anyone can undertake is the installation of a ceiling medallion. Although in the past they were made from plaster, today these decorative ornaments are made of lightweight polyurethane foam. This makes them much easier to handle. Ceiling medallions are used to draw attention to chandeliers and light fixtures, or to enhance crown molding. They are also used to create a special charm and ambiance reminiscent of an era where comfort, warmth and elegance flourished.

Our goal at GoCeilingMedallion.com is to provide you with the best selection of high quality decorative ceiling products, tools and supplies, along with ideas and assistance to help you create that special atmosphere unique to you. We want you to have the perfect ceiling for the rooms that you want to live in. To that end, our full catalog features over 150 ceiling medallion styles, including a new Elegant Series.

One question that we get asked quite often: What is the best way to size your ceiling medallion? We want to answer that question for all of our readers and customers with this blog post.

There are essentially three factors to keep in mind when you are choosing and sizing a ceiling medallion:

1. Size of the fixture. The ceiling medallion you choose should be one that is either larger or smaller than the diameter of the actual fixture, not the base of the fixture. However, when combining it with a ceiling fan, medallions are usually those with a smaller diameter. You can combine the ceiling medallion with a ceiling rim to further enhance a larger fixture, too.

2. Size of the room. You want to make sure that the medallion you choose is proportional to the room in which you plan to use it. In other words, if you will be placing it in a grand entryway, you will want to use a larger size, for the best effects. Use a smaller ceiling medallion in cozier rooms or in narrower spaces.

3. Height of the ceiling. If your ceilings are 8’ high, the ceiling medallion that looks best will be one that is smaller. Too large and it could overpower your room rather than enhance it. Use a larger medallion if your ceilings are at least 10’ or higher. Again, you can utilize a ceiling rim with your medallion to have the effect of a larger medallion.

If you still aren’t sure, try one or both of these methods to help you pick the right size. Cut out a paper or cardboard cutout of the ceiling medallion that you like and affix it to the ceiling to get a better idea of how your medallion will look with your fixtures. You can also try varying sizes and compare them.

If you want the mathematical formula: Take the length of your room and multiply that by the width of your room. Divide that number by 7 to get the diameter of the ceiling medallion. For example: You have a room that is 12’ x 12’. That’s 144 square feet. Divide by 7 and you get a diameter of 21” for your ceiling medallion.

One final consideration to keep in mind is the style of your room. You may wish to complement the room with your ceiling medallion, in which case you should look for something that matches the pattern or style of your molding.

Ceiling medallions can also be combined with a rosette and used to decorate an otherwise plain ceiling. You can use these architectural ornaments as wall decorations. Use several small ones in the hallway. Ceiling medallions are versatile and come in many styles and sizes. They can be painted to match any room. They are frequently manufactured from high-density furniture grade polyurethane. This makes them lightweight, durable and easy to use. They are less expensive than molded plaster or carved wood, yet indistinguishable from those products. Ceiling medallions are one of the most popular architectural details utilized to enhance your home.

When all is said and done, however, there are no hard and fast rules. It is your home and you cannot go wrong when you are comfortable and happy. Like the Australians say: No Rules, Just Right.

So get started today with a ceiling medallion from GoCeilingMedallion.com. If we don’t have it, we’ll find it because we are the GO TO people for all of your decorative ceiling products.

Copyright 2007. Patricia Tomaskovic

Polymer or Polyurethane? What’s the Difference?

We talk about our products being manufactured from polymers or fiberglass or polyurethanes. Builders, designers and manufacturers bandy these words about easily. But what exactly do these terms mean? What is the difference between a polymer and a polyurethane? Or between polyurethane and fiberglass?

I decided to do a little research on Wikipedia.com and Artlex.com to help distinguish the similarities and differences between the three terms for all of our readers and customers. This is what I have come up with.

A polymer is a chemical compound that is formed of large connecting molecules. These molecules, when arranged together, make up natural or synthetic (man-made) resins. Resins are sticky substances used to create paints, plastics and nylon. Polyurethane is one type of material made of polymers.

Polyurethanes, then are any of a variety of polymers which contain urethane. A urethane is a "crystalline compound that is used as a solvent and as the basis for polyurethanes" (Artlex.com). Urethane and polyurethane are used interchangeably to refer to the same type of substance. Polyurethanes are actually chains of organic polymers that are joined together by urethane links. These can vary in characteristics such as flexibility and rigidity.

Polyurethanes are found in many items. They are used in resins, adhesives, fibers, foam padding and insulation. They come in several forms, such as rods, sheets and liquids.

Polyurethanes are frequently used as an alternative to such materials as wood, plastics, metal and rubber. And for good reason. Polyurethanes are resistant to wear and tear, weather, impact, scratching and erosion. They are also more cost-effective as an alternative as well.

Other uses for poyurethanes, in addition to those mentioned above, include: fibers, seals, gaskets, condoms, hard plastic parts, carpet underlay and sealants. Items such as domed ceilings, moldings and ceiling medallions are easier to construct of polyurethane foam rather than wood.

In its most flexible form, polyurethanes are found in upholstery fabrics, while the more rigid foams are used inside the metal and plastic walls of most refrigerators and freezers. They are commonly utilized to make up paints, varnishes and glue. Your computer mouse-pad bottom is most likely made of polyurethane foam.

Variants are also used in tires, roller blades, skateboards, wheelchair tires, bicycle tires and auto parts like steering wheels and bumpers. Tennis grips, electronic parts, some surfboards and the foam used in chairs, couches and mattresses is of polyurethane foam. Polyurethane is also used in furniture, school tables, furniture found in hospitals and banks and shop counters and displays.

Wow!! Quite a versatile substance. It's low cost, lightweight and anything you can do to wood, you can do to polyurethane. Sounds like the greatest invention since sliced bread.

Finally, we come to fiberglass. Fiberglass is sometimes referred to as spun glass. It is also a light and durable product. Fiberglass is composed of a plastic resin fortified with glass fiber. These glass fibers are very minute and they are used to reinforce polymer products. Then we call them fiber-reinforced polymer or glass-reinforced plastic, both of which are commonly referred to as fiberglass.

Fiberglass is found in mats, insulation and fabrics that are heat resistant, corrosive resistant and high strength. Ceiling medallions, ceiling domes and moldings can also be constructed of fiberglass.

Fiberglass products are often as economical as polyurethanes. They are light weight and resist erosion, wear and tear and weather. They can be sanded, nailed, planed and painted, just as polyurethane products can be. Fiberglass products provide yet another alternative to more costly products as wood, ceramic or plaster, which are also more difficult to work with.

So there we have the nitty-gritty behind polymers, polyurethanes and fiberglass. I know I learned a bit more about each and I hope that you also found this to be an informative resource.

Visit GoCeilingMedallion.com to see the decorative ceiling products offered that are constructed of these amazing substances.