Are Drapery Medallions Outdated? Here’s What Designers Are Doing Instead

Misti St. Pierre on Feb 20th 2026

Introduction

Some homeowners quietly wonder: are drapery medallions outdated?

The short answer is no. But like any architectural detail, it depends on how they are styled, placed, and paired with your curtains.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how modern homeowners are using drapery medallions today, what makes them feel current instead of traditional, and how to style them correctly.

We’ll also share a special coupon code at the end to help you get started.

Modern drapery medallions styled in a contemporary living room.

1. The Problem Is Not the Medallion. It’s the Installation.

When drapery medallions feel outdated, it is usually because:

  • They are installed too low

  • They are too small for the window

  • The curtain fabric is too thin

  • The spacing feels cramped

Proper placement instantly changes the look.

If you are unsure about height or positioning, here is our guide: How to Position Curtain Holdbacks.

2. Designers Are Using Them Higher and Wider

Modern installations place medallions:

  • Slightly higher than the midpoint of the window

  • Wider from the frame to create drama

  • In proportion to ceiling height

This makes ceilings feel taller and windows feel larger. If you need help on where drapery medallions should be placed, we got you covered

3. The Finish Matters More Than Ever

The finish is what determines whether a medallion feels:

  • Traditional

  • Transitional

  • Modern

  • Rustic

  • Industrial

A sleek matte black or textured iron finish feels completely different from overly polished decorative hardware.

Ornamental Ivy Metropolis Iron Drapery Medallion Finish

4. They Replace Bulky Curtain Rods

One reason designers love drapery medallions today is because they remove visual clutter.

Instead of:

  • Long curtain rods

  • Finials on both sides

  • Extra brackets

You get:

  • A clean architectural anchor point

  • A sculptural focal detail

  • A more custom look

This minimal hardware approach is especially popular in modern homes.

6. When They Truly Don’t Work

To build trust, it’s important to acknowledge when they may not be the right solution.

Drapery medallions may not be ideal if:

  • You want sliding curtains opened daily across a rod

  • You prefer completely hidden hardware

  • You are using extremely sheer lightweight panels

In most other cases, they add structure, elegance, and personality.

7. New Metropolis Iron Coupon Code: SHIPFREE

If you’ve been considering upgrading your window hardware, now is a good time.

Use code: SHIPFREE
Free shipping on orders over $75.

This makes it easier to experiment with new drapery medallions or coordinate matching hardware without worrying about added shipping cost.

Closing Thoughts

Drapery medallions are not outdated. Poor placement and mismatched finishes are what make hardware look dated.

When sized correctly, installed properly, and paired with the right fabric, they create a refined, architectural look that designers continue to use in both traditional and modern interiors.

If you approach them thoughtfully, they elevate a room instead of overpowering it