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.
CIOB celebrates positive Ofsted report.
The Building Safety Regulator announces a call for evidence.
Government approach could undermine delivery and regeneration.
World's first mass timber data centre.
The overlooked environmental aspect of data centre development.
Introduction to radon awareness
New technical information sheet published by CIOB.
Updated supplier guide can help electrical contractors engage with NHP.
CIAT confirm the winners of the 2026 architectural technology awards.
Government launches a one stop shop for flood preparedness.
Sir Edwin Lutyens: Britain's greatest architect? Book review.
CIOB publishes free template to help assess and manage risks.
ECA's reflections on Party Conference season
Burnham wants to be confident of winning before asking for a fresh mandate.
New Chief Construction and Scientific Adviser
Sergio Cavalaro, Professor of Infrastructure Systems at Loughborough University.