(By Misti St. Pierre, Owner of Metropolis Iron)
When it comes to upgrading window treatments, many homeowners and designers go for old and reliable curtain rods and tiebacks. But for a truly elevated look and perhaps some old school elegance, drapery medallions are the design secret worth exploring.
In this post, I’ll share:
● What drapery medallions are and their historical roots
● How to select the right style, size, and finish for your space
● Creative ways to use them in modern, traditional, or unique decor
A Design Tool with Roots in Victorian Elegance
Originally called rosettes or curtain pins, drapery hardware dates back to the mid-19th century. These early versions were functional, often made of solid metal and attached to hold back fabric. Over time, their decorative potential emerged, and today medallions are both functional and ornamental. They’re a small but bold statement that’s hung by a wall bracket or ceiling mount.
While the basics haven’t changed much. It’s an iron stem, a bracket, and a decorative front. There are more styles and finishes available! Today’s medallions can reflect anything from antique country to sleek, classic minimalism, which makes them a timeless design.
What Is a Drapery Medallion?
A full drapery medallion set includes two parts: the decorative front piece and a solid iron stem that slots into a wall-mounted bracket. They’re small and fancy accents that replace or enhance typical rods or tiebacks. Usually available in size, they suit a wide variety of fabric and treatment styles.
In addition to their size and shape, drapery medallions can be customized or altered to reflect seasonal styles or interior design themes. Whether you’re looking for a subtle addition to a quiet reading room or a dramatic flourish for a formal dining room, there’s likely a medallion that fits your house.
Style, Projection & Finish: Picking the Right Medallion
1. Style & Size
Medallions come in styles ranging from traditional florals to unique and contemporary patterns. A floral rosette suits classic decor, while mirrored, seashell, or starfish options work well in coastal or outgoing interiors.
Tip: Choose extra large medallions for wide windows or for dramatic draping, and choose extra small if you want a subtle flair to normal-sized windows.
Matching the scale of your window and ceiling height is key. Tall ceilings may need larger medallions to keep visual balance, while low ceilings often benefit from smaller subtle pieces.
2. Projection
Projection is how far a drapery medallion extends from the wall. Standard brackets project about 3–5″, though custom options can reach up to 6–8″. Use the projection to gracefully clear blinds or curved walls and keep treatments looking flowing and intentional.
Projections can also help accommodate thick or layered fabrics. If you are hanging blackout curtains under a decorative voile fabric or linen layer, you’ll need that extra room so the medallions can hold everything without being crowded.
3. Finish
Choose metal finishes that harmonize with your hardware and room taste. Iron works well in contemporary and traditional rooms. Some medallions even come with glass or mirrored accents for extra shine.
Finishes like ‘brushed bronze’, ‘antique white’, or ‘frosted gold’ add warmth, while ‘blackened iron’ or ‘warm champagne’ can lend a more modern edge. For a subtle coastal vibe, sterling silver finishes or ‘ornamental ivy’ work beautifully.
Design Ideas That Work Anywhere
● Modern Minimalism with Contrast: Pair mirrored medallions against white drapes for minimalist spaces with some elegance. These clean medallions add sophistication and luxury without all the clutter that normal drapery holdbacks bring.
● Classic Interiors with Texture: Use decorative rosettes in matte bronze iron or colored floral designs alongside rich fabrics like velvet or linen. This combo gives a room that rich and cozy feel.
● Nautical or Coastal: Seashell medallions offer a subtle beachside nod. That makes them perfect for bright or airy rooms near the ocean. Even without an ocean view, they can bring a vacation feeling to your space.
● Going All In: Mix mirrored and floral medallions together for visual interest and a bold decorative statement. You don’t always need to match the medallions. Coordinating different styles can give your room personality.
Medallions also work beautifully in places people don’t usually think to decorate. For example, framing a bed canopy, hanging sheer panels between rooms, or dressing up arched windows or bay window corners.
Why Use Medallions Instead of Traditional Rods or Holdbacks? Aesthetic Precision
Medallions function as a decorative focal point. Even with stationary curtains, they draw the eye and feel like intentional design elements. This is without needing a full rod set!
They also eliminate the need for bulky center supports. They’re ideal when you’re working with awkward window dimensions or trying to keep sightlines open.
Functional Versatility
Whether you’re framing the window or pushing fabric to one side, medallions give you greater flexibility on corners, curved walls, or tricky geometry. They work with slouching, swaging, or curtain scarfing beautifully.
You can even use them on angled walls or above doors. These are areas where rods can’t go. They’re also great in homes with ceiling beams or decorative molding where traditional rods would interfere.
Easy to Install
Most medallions come with a bracket and stem. These allow for installation in minutes. They’re perfect for renters or DIY decorators who want big impact with small tools.
If you’re nervous about drywall or working with older plaster, low-profile mounting hardware and screw anchors can make installation even easier.
A Small Touch That Makes Rooms Shine
Sometimes it’s the smallest details that bring your room to another level. One pair of medallions can take plain drapes to polished finishes.
They show intentionality in design and an eye for detail that guests will notice.
About the Author Misti St. Pierre is the maker behind Metropolis Iron (metroiron.net), a US-based drapery hardware store specializing in medallions, tiebacks and holdbacks. With both standard and custom designs in iron, glass, seashell, and more, she has authored many articles to help decorators and DIYers use medallions in stylish and functional ways