Ceiling roses: the Victorian accessory that lives on today

(Banner image courtesy of Victorian Cornice Company) 

From the railway to the electric telegraph, the Victorian era is famed for a great many achievements – not least the grandiosity of its design. One enduring legacy of the era still with us today is the humble ceiling rose.

What is a ceiling rose? For us, it’s an essential part of the lighting equation. Any light fitting that suspends from a ceiling, does so from an electric cable. The ceiling rose is the decorative element which obscures the fitting’s cable behind an attractive design.

Ceiling roses were symbolic of turn of the century opulence. Commonly known as 'centre flowers' during Victorian times, they were standard issue in all properties from the most ordinary terrace to the grandest country estate.

While the oversize, ornate varieties have fallen out of fashion with many homeowners, the ceiling rose has lived on, reinvented in a variety of styles and materials, ultimately cementing their place in the practice of interior design.

Generally speaking, ceiling roses can be split into two broad categories: plaster and lightweight.

Plaster ceiling roses hew closer to their original Victorian counterparts. Available at a variety of price points, and they are often considered by interior designers to be “must-haves” when renovating a Victorian property. They can range from flat patterned circles to sprawling floral or fluted designs, and can be created bespoke to match existing cornicing, for a dramatic look that evokes the style of grand stately homes.

Modern ceiling roses are altogether different. Available in a range of finishes, from simple matt black to lustrous brass to white gloss steel, today’s ceiling roses deliver a sleek and sophisticated look and feel.

When it comes to selecting a ceiling rose, size should be your first consideration. Larger rooms with high ceilings provide the space and scale to accommodate larger roses. Small or narrow rooms with low ceilings require the smaller roses. Both traditional ceiling roses and modern ones have their benefits, so the style you choose should be guided by your desired aesthetic and your new and existing décor.

But it’s important to keep an open mind. There are lots of interior designers who will pair a traditional plaster ceiling rose with an ultra-modern light fixture to stunning effect.

Gwyn Carless At The Light Yard, all of our pendants lights come with a matching ceiling rose – even our external pendants for pergolas and patios. This ensures that you can style every one of our lights beautifully. Each one of our ceiling roses is designed to perfectly complement its accompanying luminaire, so picking a ceiling rose is as simple as choosing the light that’s right for your space.

When it comes to bared-back luxury, our Beehive Ceramic Pendant Light with accompanying ceiling rose delivers on all counts. The rose’s brushed brass finish is a perfect match for the shade’s lustrous lamp holder – making a statement in any interior from industrial to modern. You can even match the rose and lamp holder on your pendants to the finish on your wall lights, for flawless continuity.

If you’re working with a cottagecore style, the Grand Ceramic Pendant Light makes a commanding addition to any room. Its size and unique shape are matched by an equally smart ceiling rose, which effortlessly elevates any space where your family gathers together to spend quality time.

Want to find out more about our lighting and accessories? Simply browse our pendant collections here

For more lighting commentary, design news and advice, follow Gwyn Carless At The Light Yard on  Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and/or LinkedIn. To speak directly with a member of the Gwyn Carless At The Light Yard team, call + 44 (0)330 223 3940.