Roses, particularly those with cornicing or coving, give rooms great character and are a surprisingly popular choice right now. Here are four considerations to keep in mind if you are going for this look.
1. Get the right design
Decorative roses are available in many different designs, so be sure to seek one that harmonises with the period of your home and the type of light fitting you plan to use.
For example, you’re unlikely to want a decorative Victorian-type rose with a modern ceiling light.
You should also think about the room proportions. A large room with a high ceiling is going to suit a big rose, while a smaller room may not. Take the type of cornicing or coving into account. Plain coving looks best with a simple rose – like one with concentric circles – while elaborate designs will match each other.
2. Try polystyrene
Roses come in many materials. A lightweight expanded polystyrene rose is easiest to fit as all you need is appropriate glue. However, polystyrene roses come in a rather limited range of styles.
There is advice on DIY plaster roses here: http://www.lets-do-diy.com/Projects-and-advice/Painting-and-Decorating/Plaster-ceiling-rose.aspx. You may be interested in ceiling roses.
3. Get a professional for plaster ones
Modern replicas of original plaster designs are available, but they’re heavy. If you have a plaster design, it is advisable to get a professional to put it up since there could be a lot of damage and an injury or worse if it falls because it’s not fitted properly.
4. Consider an electrician
Putting up decorative roses often entails moving an electrical rose, so get a qualified electrician if you lack the confidence.
Although it’s sometimes possible to apply the rose on top of the electrical rose by taking away the white cover, this isn’t recommended because the wires won’t be easily reachable should the light go wrong.
An electrician might be able to put in a junction box on top of the ceiling light (for example, in the loft) so there’s no requirement for an electrical rose, but again, it’s less easy to reach.
If you do decide to leave the electrical ceiling rose in position, be sure to choose a ceiling rose with a central hole; it should just slot right over the electrical one.
