By Misti St. Pierre

Window treatments are generally one of the most neglected areas of home decorating or remodeling. Individuals will spend their time choosing paint colors, furniture, or flooring, but curtain hanging can transform the mood of an entire room. Drapery medallions provide a fresh alternative to traditional curtain rods, adding not only functionality but actual design worth to your walls.

These are anything but generic curtain hardware. Drapery medallions have a twofold purpose as form and function. They are little pieces of decorative flair that hold your drapes in check, but they also add sculptural interest, charm, and personality to your room. If you’re looking for something to make your window treatments feel more personal and upscale, medallions are a good place to start.

What Are Drapery Medallions?

Drapery medallions are brackets that support fabric and are mounted on the wall. Instead of running across a window with a rod, these fittings have the curtain hanging from a single point. Some use them as a replacement for rods altogether, and others use them to hang swags or scarves for extra texture.

Most medallions are made of solid materials like strong iron or resin that will hold even the heaviest drapery textiles. Medallions exist in numerous styles. Some are simple discs, but others are more elaborate, with designs containing shells, scrolls, or even flowers. Some include mirrored or glass pieces that catch light and add a soft glimmer.

A medallion can be as understated or as dramatic as you desire. In the right environment, it’s the kind of detail folks remark on without even realizing consciously why the room is so well coordinated.

Why Select Drapery Medallions?

Ordinary rods are suitable for most areas, but occasionally they’re not the most effective solution. Below are some reasons why medallions might be the way to go:

• They’re perfect for problem corners or odd-shaped windows
• They take up less space and do not look as bulky in smaller rooms
• They offer the possibility of creative draping, i.e., scarves or layered swags
• They draw attention to architectural details rather than hiding them
• They serve as wall accent, creating interest at eye level

In a number of the homes I’ve done, medallions addressed issues rods simply couldn’t address. In one older home, we used iron medallions in a bowed sunroom where rods wouldn’t lie flat.

We inserted them in another house above a bay window where we wanted to maintain the molding in the exposed position. The medallions enabled the fabric to fold naturally while architectural personality remained in the foreground.

Where Do They Work Best

The great thing about drapery medallions is how versatile they are. These are some locations where they truly shine:

• In a dining room that is formal with velvet drapes for a rich finished appearance
• Above or over a bed or headboard with fabric panels for a peaceful background
• In children’s or nursery rooms with flower or novelty designs
• Above arched or rounded windows where rods would be an issue
• In hallways or entryways as creative fabric accent holders

They also work well as a match or a set. You can hang them lavishly along a wall to support static panels or scatter them randomly for a gathered, flowing appearance.

Selecting the Right Style and Finish

Choose medallions that are both your curtain material and existing room décor in consideration. A see-through linen curtain would work well with a little, brushed nickel medallion, whereas a rich velvet panel will be good with something larger and heavier like a black wrought iron medallion.

Finishes have a dramatic impact. Brushed bronze, renaissance gold, and blackened iron each bring unique personalities to a room. If your room is modern, use clean lines and stark shapes. To add a little more tradition or romance, look for floral, classic, or contemporary-style medallions.

Also important is the projection (how far the medallion protrudes from the wall). You’ll have more projection if you have heavy or stacked drapery that you’re draping so the curtain folds nicely and fully.

Small Detail, Big Impact

One of the best things about drapery medallions is how much bang they provide for so little effort. You do not need to rewire or refinish floors to create an upgrade in a room. Sometimes it

is a question of a change in the way your curtains hang that can make the atmosphere in an entire room make a difference.

I have also used shell-shaped medallions that mirrored the ocean in proximity in a beach house. We used mirrored pieces that reflected light and matched a crystal chandelier in a glam townhouse. In both cases, the medallions provided a sense of completion and function in a room.

They also make great conversation starters. Individuals notice them. They may not necessarily know their name, but they know what they look like.

Final Thoughts

There is a subtle sophistication to mastering the small things. Drapery medallions are one of those considerate touches that show you’re paying attention to the whole picture, not just the big furniture. Medallions offer a personalized touch, flexible mounting, and timeless elegance.

Whether you’re updating a whole space or merely refreshing one wall, consider how medallions can add some freshness and loveliness to your home.