A ceiling rose is designed to hold a light fixture and is a decorative element that spruces up the look of many homes. If you’re considering installing one or wondering whether yours is safe, you might be wondering how much weight a ceiling rose can reliably hold.
A ceiling rose can reliably hold 5 kg (11 lbs) of weight, if it is installed correctly and has not sustained any damage from heat or moisture.
The standard weight for decorative fixture elements is standardized in building codes across the world, but not all ceiling roses are created equal. The rest of this article will address how much weight a ceiling rose can take.
What Is a Ceiling Rose?
A ceiling rose is a decorative element on the ceiling that usually holds a light fitting. Modern UK and Australian wiring setups usually take advantage of a loop-in ceiling rose, which has the added benefit of serving as a junction box.
Historically, the ceiling rose has been associated with secrecy and confidentiality, hearkening back to the association with the Egyptian god Horus and the Scottish government’s Sub Rosa initiative.
The secrecy aspect of the rose when placed above a dining table is a symbolic way of saying that all who speak at the table are free to do so with impunity.
Over the years, a ceiling rose has become a standard feature of domestic veneer architecture and makes a pretty good way to hide the wiring for an overhead light fitting. Ceiling roses come in all shapes and sizes, but they are well-suited in rooms with high ceilings and in homes that have a more maximal design rather than minimal.
What Are Ceiling Roses Made from?
Ceiling roses are usually made from plaster, but brass, tin, and chrome ceiling fans are also common. Plaster roses tend to be quite fragile and will crack over time, while polymer-based designs allow for more intricate designs and better longevity.
Despite their higher quality design, polymer-based ceiling roses are often seen as less authentic than plaster ceiling roses.
How Much Weight Can a Ceiling Rose Handle?
A ceiling rose is capable of handling weights up to 5 kg (11 lbs), but it’s important to note that this is the weight that the rose itself can manage, not the fitting.
As such, the ceiling rose is capable of holding a 5 kg light fixture, but the setup might still be risky if the ceiling rose isn’t properly installed. It’s always ideal to suspend your ceiling rose by screwing it into a wood beam, not a plaster board.
The actual fixing of the rose is largely down to the fitter, but unfortunately, it’s extremely difficult to see whether the fixing has been installed properly if there is no access from above.
Can a Ceiling Rose and Pendant Support a 5 kg Load?
A ceiling rose and pendant are capable of supporting a 5 kg load with no problem, given that they have not been tampered with or experienced any structural damage.
Heavier weights may pose a problem if the ceiling rose has not been properly installed into a joist. The quality of the install plays a big role in determining how safe a ceiling rose is, and it’s not a big enough deal for a building inspector to be declared unsafe.
In all honestly, local codes vary on how ceiling roses are supposed to be installed, and as long as you’re not suspending a massive chandelier onto your ceiling rose, it’s safe as a decorative light fitting.
Should I Move My Ceiling Rose to a Beam?
A ceiling rose is always best and safest when it’s affixed to a beam, but if you’ve got a lightweight light fitting, then there’s probably nothing to be concerned about. If you see cracking or if the ceiling rose is pulling away from the ceiling, it’s better to replace the damaged rose with a new one. At this point, you can install it on the beam.
How to Install Plaster Ceiling Roses and Medallions?
If you’re looking to put in a new ceiling rose to decorate your home, then you can do it yourself if you have the right tools. You’ll need the following:
- Cornice adhesive
- Adhesive spreader
- Sponge
- Drill
- Nails
- Screws
- Measuring tape
- Knife
- Dust mask
- Sandpaper
To start, make sure the light fitting is done by a certified electrician. It’s extremely ill-advised to do this yourself if you have no experience working with light fittings since you run the risk of serious injury by tampering with a light fitting on your own.
Once done, put on your dust mask and drill the center part for the wiring line. Tidy up the ceiling for installation. For wallpapers, peel the area for installation. For painted ceilings, use sandpaper to rub it off.
Mix the cornice adhesive and use the spreader to apply it evenly on the back of the rose. Press the rose firmly where you want it, ensuring that you’re not blocking the central wiring hole. You’ll need to press the rose against the ceiling for several minutes to make sure it’s properly stuck on.
When the adhesive is dry, secure the rose by screwing it to the ceiling. As you’ll recall, it’s best to screw directly into the joist. Once done, use your sponge to clean any adhesive that’s leaked along the outside.
If you don’t want to install yourself, but you’re concerned about getting a good-quality, safe install, you can contact your local certified ceiling repair experts to have a ceiling rose safely and securely installed.
Final Thoughts
A ceiling rose can hold up to 5 kg (11 lbs), but this refers to the amount that the rose and pendant can hold, not the structural integrity of the light fitting.
Ceiling roses are always best when they’re installed into a wood beam, but ceiling roses that are only supporting a lightweight fitting don’t pose a risk unless the ceiling rose is showing visible signs of cracking.
