Ceiling rose
A ceiling rose is a central feature of a room, usually an ornamental moulding made of plaster fixed flush to the ceiling, with a central fixing point for a light or a feature chandelier. This point is also usually where the electrical cable for the central room light punctuates the ceiling.
It is said that roses have represented secrecy since the Roman Era, and that during the rule of King Henry VIII it symbolised the right to secrecy or freedom of speech when a meeting was held with a rose fixed directly above the table. During the Georgian period decorative plaster became a feature of most interiors, along with picture rail, architraves and so on. Even during the Regency era when decorative features were more muted that previously ceiling rose remained a fixture and feature of many rooms.
Today ceiling roses, often simpler in design and manufactured through a precasting process can feature in new houses.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Architrave.
- Architectural styles.
- Balustrade.
- Bas-relief.
- Classical orders in architecture.
- Corbel.
- Cornice.
- Dogtooth.
- Elements of classical columns.
- Entablature.
- Fillet.
- Fluting.
- Fret.
- Frieze.
- Greek Classical orders in architecture.
- Hood moulding.
- Keel moulding.
- Moulding.
- Pedestal.
- Pediment.
- Pilaster.
- Rinceau.
- Roman Classical orders in architecture.
- Running dog pattern.
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Changing expectations around competence and compliance
New information sheet from CIAT.
Grenfell investigation files passed to CPS
Angela Rayner apologises on behalf of the British state.
Electrical contractors need to understand the practical implications.
The real barrier to getting more value from digital technology.
Your guide to The Construction Reset at UKCW Birmingham.
Accommodating the Victorian and Edwardian working woman. Book review.
Rethinking passive fire protection in design
PFP demands the same level of design rigour as structure or services.
38% of Gen Zs feel safe when a fire door is wedged open.
Stunning images from around the world
Shortlist for CIOB’s Art of Building photography competition.
Guidance for conversion of traditional pre-1919 stone buildings.
Industrial heritage in the Ruhr
A marked difference to the fate of industrial landscapes in the UK.
Communities will be able to build their own clean energy.

















