How to Choose the Right Drapery Medallion Size in 2026 (Plus New Coupon Code for Free Shipping)
Misti St. Pierre on Feb 16th 2026
Choosing the right drapery medallion size may feel simple at first, but the decision impacts both function and style. Too small and the medallion may feel visually lost. Too large and it can overpower the window or interrupt the flow of surrounding architecture.
This guide walks you through the essential steps for selecting the right medallion size for your space. We’ll cover practical sizing tips, common mistakes to avoid, and how to make sure your hardware feels intentional and balanced.
Plus, we’re sharing a new coupon code to make your next Metroiron purchase even better.

1. Understand Window and Wall Scale
The first step in sizing is evaluating the proportions of your windows and surrounding wall space.
Smaller windows benefit from smaller medallions that complement without overwhelming. Larger windows and walls with tall ceilings often call for larger medallions that help anchor the space visually.
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Measure the width and height of your window
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Consider ceiling height and wall detail
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Allow room for heavier drapes if applicable
This approach ensures your medallion feels like an integrated element rather than an afterthought.
2. Match Medallion Size to Curtain Fullness
Heavily layered fabric needs space. Medallions that are too small can make heavy drapery look tight or bunched.
If you plan to use:
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Multiple layers of drapery
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Interlined or thick fabrics
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Large swags
Then err slightly larger with your medallion choice to allow fabric to fall naturally.

3. Avoid Size Imbalance With Adjacent Architecture
Your hardware should work with the architecture around it.
For example:
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Wide trim or wide casing means you may want a slightly larger medallion to visually balance proportions.
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Narrow trim may favor medium to small medallions so the hardware doesn’t overwhelm.
A good rule of thumb is that the medallion diameter should feel consistent with other architectural elements, such as crown molding, chair rails, or decorative trim.
4. Try Multiple Sizes Before Committing
If you are unsure, ordering two sizes and comparing them on the wall can make the decision easier.
This is where a little experimentation pays off:
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Try a medallion that matches trim scale
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Try one scaled to the curtain fabric fullness
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Stand back and observe from several feet away
Being methodical in this way cuts down on second-guessing.
5. How to Pair Medallions With Other Drapery Hardware
Choosing the right size is also about how the medallion interacts with other hardware.
For example:
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Coordinating your medallion size with matching holdbacks creates harmony
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Pairing medallions with the right projection depth ensures the fabric doesn’t collapse behind them
Want more step-by-step installation and placement help? Check out guides like Anyone Can Learn How to Install Curtain Holdbacks Like a Pro and How to Position Curtain Holdbacks.
6. Common Mistakes Homeowners Make
Here are a few sizing mistakes we see frequently:
Choosing by look alone
Don’t pick a medallion solely because it looks “cool.” Always check scale relative to window and wall.
Ignoring projection depth
A medallion that sits too close or too far from the wall may cause fabric to bunch.
Not considering fullness
The fullness of your curtain panels affects how a medallion reads visually.
For help with placement and projection, see How to Install Drapery Medallions and Curtain Holdbacks Like a Pro.
7. New Coupon Code: Free Shipping Over $75
To help make your next Metroiron purchase easier, we’re offering a new shipping promo:
METROIRON CODE: SHIPFREE
DETAILS: Free shipping on all orders over $75 for Metropolis Iron
APPLIES TO: Drapery medallions, holdbacks, and tieback
Choosing the right drapery medallion size is a blend of measurement, design sense, and practical understanding of how your curtains behave. Taking the time to size correctly leads to treatments that feel balanced, intentional, and stylish.
When in doubt, start slightly larger and visual impact often increases perceived craftsmanship and pulls a room together beautifully.