How to Put Up a Ceiling Rose

Last Updated: February 4, 2023 References

Turn a flat ceiling into a focal point by installing a ceiling rose beneath your light fixture. Plaster ceiling roses and medallions can be installed at home or by a professional. Take time to secure it properly, and it can last for decades in your home.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Preparing the Ceiling

1
Call an electrician to outfit your ceiling with the proper light fittings to secure and hang a light from the ceiling.^{[1]
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2
Purchase your light fitting and ceiling rose. Drill a hole in the center of the rose with an electric drill and bit. The electrician can tell you how big the hole in the center must be.

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3
Sand the surface of the ceiling, where the rose will be. Use a 120-grit sandpaper pad and hand sander. The sanding process will scuff the ceiling so that it adheres more fully to the surface of the ceiling.
- Always wear a ventilation mask when sanding.
4
Wipe the surface with a tack cloth. Set up your ladder. Have someone hold the ceiling rose in the position you desire, and then outline the area with a pencil.^{[2]
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- Remove the rose, so that you can apply the glue.
- You may need to set up two ladders so that both the person holding and the person outlining can access the ceiling rose.
5
Use a stud finder or electrician’s instructions to mark where the ceiling joists are. You can draw small perpendicular lines outside where the rose is to use as guidelines.^{[3]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Gluing the Rose

1
Use cornice adhesive from your local hardware or home improvement store. You will need to mix it before you place the rose on the ceiling.^{[4]
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2
Set the ceiling rose face down on a worktable nearby. Apply the cornice adhesive with a one-half inch (12mm) notched spreader. Don’t apply it within a few inches (5cm) of the edges, because it will spread toward the ends.^{[5]
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3
Step on your ladder, lift the rose and thread any electrical cord through the center hole in center. Push the rose against the ceiling, paying attention to your marked guidelines. Hold it in place for three minutes, or however long the adhesive package suggests.^{[6]
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4
Use your electric drill to screw plaster screws through the ceiling rose and into the ceiling joists. Screw it in three to four places.^{[7]
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5
Wipe excess cornice adhesive from the side of the rose with a sponge.
6
Consider caulking around the edges in a color that matches your rose.^{[8]
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Research source} You can also use a small amount of matching paint to cover the screw heads.^{[9]
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7
Allow it to dry completely and then finish connecting and hanging your ceiling light fixture.

Community Q&A

Question

What is a stud finder?

Community Answer

The usual stud finder has a short range metal detector that's powered by a battery. You simply press the switch on the side of the unit and move it side to side on the drywall. It will flash (some beep as well) when you pass the detector over a nail head or anything metal. (Nails are usually nailed into studs.) It's a great tool to have in your box, and you don't need to spend a lot of money for a good quality product.