Easy DIY Ceiling Medallion

Use paint and a picture frame to create a one-of-a-kind ceiling medallion that highlights a chandelier.
Iron Chandelier

Iron Chandelier with Ceiling Medallion

Use paint and a picture frame to create a one-of-a-kind ceiling medallion that highlights a chandelier.

Use paint and a picture frame to create a one-of-a-kind ceiling medallion that highlights a chandelier.

Materials Needed:

  • large picture frame
  • pencil
  • paintbrush
  • painter's tape
  • 1 pint of water-based primer
  • 1 pint of semi-gloss, latex paint
  • nail gun
  • 1-1/2" finish nails
  • protective eyewear

Choose a Picture Frame

Choose a picture frame that's large enough to maneuver around a dining room chandelier.

Chandelier and Wooden Frame

Wrought Iron Chandelier and Wooden Frame

For your DIY medallion, choose a picture frame that's large enough to maneuver around a dining room chandelier.

Draw an Outline

Center the picture frame on the ceiling around the light fixture. Use a pencil to draw a line around the inside edge of the frame. Tip: Find a friend to hold the frame. It will be much easier to draw the line without having to hold the frame also.

Positioning DIY Ceiling Medallion

Positioning DIY Picture Frame Ceiling Medallion

Center the picture frame on the ceiling around the light fixture. Use a pencil to draw a line around the inside edge of the frame. Tip: Find a friend to hold the frame. It will be much easier to draw the line without having to hold the frame also.

Tape It Off

Apply painter's tape to the ceiling on the outside edge of the pencil lines.

Taped Off Area on Ceiling

Taped Off Area in Painting Preparation

Apply painter's tape to the ceiling on the outside edge of the pencil lines where the ceiling medallion will go.

Prime and Paint

First, prime the ceiling inside the tape lines. Then, paint the area with two coats of latex, semi-gloss paint and remove the painter's tape before the paint has a chance to dry. Tip: Always wear protective eyewear when painting ceilings.

Removing Painter's Tape

Removing Painter's Tape From Ceiling

To prep the ceiling for the medallion installation, first, prime the ceiling inside the tape lines. Then, paint the area with two coats of latex, semi-gloss paint and remove the painter's tape before the paint has a chance to dry. Tip: Always wear protective eyewear when painting ceilings.

Attach the Frame

Use a nail gun and several 1-1/2 inch finish nails to attach the picture frame securely to the ceiling. Tip: It's nice to have a second person available for this step. One person can hold the frame, while the other drives a small finish nail through the frame and into the ceiling.

Installing DIY Ceiling Medallion

Installing Wooden Frame Ceiling Medallion

Use a nail gun and several 1-1/2-inch finish nails to attach the picture frame securely to the ceiling. Tip: It's nice to have a second person available for this step. One person can hold the frame, while the other drives a small finish nail through the frame and into the ceiling.

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