Ceiling centres have been a prominent design element in traditional homes for centuries. These decorative features, also known as ceiling roses or medallions, add a touch of elegance and charm to any room. With intricate designs and detailed craftsmanship, traditional ceiling centres have become a symbol of sophistication and luxury. From grand mansions to modest cottages, these stunning adornments have stood the test of time and continue to be a sought-after design element in modern homes.

In this article, we will explore the history and significance of traditional ceiling centres and how they can enhance the beauty and character of any living space. Whether you are a homeowner looking to add a touch of tradition to your home or an interior designer searching for the perfect finishing touch, join us in discovering the beauty and allure of traditional ceiling centres.  

Tip one: Avoid any old white  

Avoid the urge to simply choose any generic white for your ceiling—it’s worth putting in some thought. White has a fantastic ability to bounce light around and make a room feel larger, but the right shade can really elevate your entire space. While it might seem easy to find the perfect white, the options available can be overwhelming.

There’s a wide variety, from whites that have cool undertones of green or blue to those that incorporate warmer hints of red, pink, or yellow. To ensure you select the best white for your needs, I strongly advise testing out several samples.

By comparing different whites alongside the colours you’ve chosen for your walls, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of how distinct each shade can be. A clever tip is to mix a few drops of your wall colour into your ceiling paint. This can help to bridge the gap between the two colours, resulting in a more harmonious overall look.  

Make the most of your ceiling with these decorating ideas.

Tip two: Keep it simple with one colour.  

In a compact room, a stark white ceiling can highlight the junction between the walls and ceiling, which may give the illusion of a larger area. A simple way to address this is by painting the walls, trim, and ceiling the same colour. This approach creates a cohesive look and reduces visual distractions, making the room appear more spacious.

Keep in mind that this concept isn’t limited to light colours. Using darker, richer tones can create a warm and inviting atmosphere, making the space feel snug and intimate.  

  

Tip three: Play with shade.  

Not every home comes with the luxury of high ceilings. If you want to create a sense of height, consider painting your ceiling a lighter tone than the wall or woodwork colour. This subtle change will draw the eye upward, making the space feel taller.

On the flip side, if you have a very high ceiling and want to bring it down a bit for a cosier atmosphere, opt for a darker shade that complements your wall colour.

Just be mindful of the contrast; too stark a difference can give the impression that the ceiling is closing in on you. The key is to find a harmonious balance between the shades.  

Tip four: Don’t forget the frieze.  

Apply a bold hue to the ceiling and let it cascade down to the picture rail on the wall. By painting the area above the picture rail in the same colour as the ceiling, you’ll create an illusion of height, making your walls seem taller and your ceiling feels more expansive.

If you lack a picture rail, no worries—just create your own! Extend your selected colour three-quarters of the way up the wall, and choose a contrasting shade for the upper portion. Using frog tape will help you achieve clean, precise lines for a polished finish.  

Tip five: Pick polished plaster.  

For those looking to enhance small bathrooms, I highly recommend using a natural, lime-based plaster known as Tadelakt for both the walls and ceiling. This technique not only creates a cohesive look, but it also helps to visually elevate the space, making the ceiling appear higher and the overall area feel more expansive. Tadelakt offers a stunning aesthetic with its earthy, organic feel.

It adds a rich texture to the room, and its soft surface emits a warm glow due to its gentle sheen. One of the best features of Tadelakt is its versatility; it can be tinted in a wide range of colours, allowing you to customise the look to suit your individual taste.

Moreover, Tadelakt is incredibly functional. It forms a durable, waterproof surface that’s seamless—meaning no grout lines to worry about—and is resistant to mould. Plus, it’s free from harmful chemicals, making it a safe choice for both your health and the environment.  

  

Tip six: Wow with wallpaper  

For a unique twist using classic materials, consider painting your walls a neutral shade and then selecting a vibrant wallpaper to add some pattern, colour, and texture to your ceiling. Alternatively, you could choose a standout colour from the wallpaper and apply it to the walls for a cohesive look.

If you’re aiming to create the illusion of a larger space in a small room, try wallpapering both the walls and the ceiling. This technique can create a cosy atmosphere while also enhancing the sense of openness, as it becomes less clear where the walls end and the ceiling begins.  

ceiling centre

Tip seven: Introduce decorative ceiling mouldings.  

Enhance the look of your ceiling by incorporating coving or a ceiling rose. For a more refined touch. The selection of mouldings varies from sleek, minimalist styles to lavish designs.

A key piece of advice is to ensure that you choose designs that complement the architectural style and era of your home.  

Hand-crafted traditional ceiling centres in Devon by Abby Mouldings  

At Abby Mouldings, located in Devon, our workshop is home to a talented team of artisans dedicated to crafting outstanding ceiling centres. We take great pride in our attention to detail, ensuring that each piece is made with the highest level of care and precision. Our focus on traditional craftsmanship means we work exclusively with genuine plaster materials.

Unlike standard coving, our cornices stand out due to their impressive size and intricate decorative elements. Our designs draw heavily from the architectural beauty of ancient Greek and Roman cultures, featuring elegant dentil, egg, and dart cornices that celebrate their enduring charm. Additionally, we offer a selection of striking geometric cornices inspired by the bold designs of the Art Deco period. These stunning pieces have been incorporated into many heritage and period homes, adding a timeless elegance to their interiors.

Buy Online with Confidence

Our products are manufactured using the highest quality materials and traditional techniques, methods and plasters, hessian and timber lathes by our master craftsmen so you can be assured of receiving the highest quality products.

Restoration Specialists

For over 30 years Abby Mouldings have been proudly restoring, manufacturing and fitting quality plaster mouldings for domestic and commercial period, listed and heritage properties across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and beyond.  

Traditional Plastering Services

Our plastering service includes all types of internal wall and ceiling plaster, external plastering including lime plaster, ceiling repair and restoration of heritage ceilings including strapwork and ornate plaster ceilings and insurance work.