Ceiling Medallions
were created as fire barriers in the early 1800's when lighting was either
oil, gas, or candle power. To avoid fires they were made of non
combustible plaster. As a design precedent medallions are always larger
than the lighting fixture. If they are the same size as the light
fixture they simply look wrong and this effect is amplified the higher the
ceiling is.
Here is a
simple calculation to guide you
multiple
widest part of the chandelier by 38.2 %
Sizing
is based on the Golden Rule called PHi
This is the ratio calculation PHi (1.618)
Here is a
simple example calculation to consider
1- (.618) =
(.382) ie 38.2%
This keeps
within the Golden Rule of Phi
18" chandelier
(widest point) x 1.38 = a 25 inch medallion
No rules rule
so select 29", 25" or what ever matches your design
Always
remember that when you view the medallion mounted on the
ceiling it
will appear much smaller from your perspective at a lower level
By
selecting one that uses the golden rule calculation, it will appear
to
be the right size
with the correct visual distortion with higher ceilings
MartinRichardsDesign
