Installing a ceiling medallion is a great way to hide imperfections or dress up a ceiling. Medallions come in many styles and are both inexpensive and lightweight.

Take the room and the surroundings into account before choosing a medallion. When installing a medallion above a light fixture, choose one that is either larger or smaller than the fixture for a more aesthetically pleasing look. If painting is required, paint the medallion before installing it.

Materials:

- Medallion
- Measuring tape
- Needle-nose pliers
- Circuit tester
- Drill, with Phillips driver bit and countersink bit
- Putty knife
- Small paintbrush
- Safety glasses

Steps

1. Turn off the power to the chandelier at the circuit-breaker box.

2. Loosen and remove the escutcheon plate (figure B).

3. Disconnect the wire nuts, and test the wires with a circuit tester to be sure the power is off.

4. Use pliers to open a link in the chain supporting the chandelier. Remove the chandelier.

5. Use a countersink bit to drill pilot holes in the medallion. This will allow the screw heads to be recessed under its surface.

6. Thread the fixture chain and wiring through the medallion. Be sure the decorative side of the medallion is facing down.

7. Reconnect the wires, and secure the connections with wire nuts.

8. Hang the fixture on its chain, and close the gap in the chain.

9. Run a heavy bead of adhesive caulk onto the back of the medallion, and press the medallion into place against the ceiling.

10. Secure the medallion to the ceiling with the screws included with the product, but don’t overtighten. The screws just need to hold the medallion in place until the adhesive dries.

11. Caulk any gaps around the perimeter of the medallion.

12. Use patching or spackling compound to fill in recessed areas over the screw heads. Sand the compound when it dries, then touch up with paint.