What Are Drapery Medallions and Why Do They Matter?

Drapery medallions are decorative wall-mounted hardware pieces used to support, hold back, or fully install curtain panels without the need for traditional rods. While often mistaken for simple accents, medallions play a critical role in how a window treatment looks, functions, and integrates into a room’s design.

Unlike rods that create a continuous horizontal line, medallions allow fabric to be mounted at intentional points. This opens up creative possibilities—from soft swags to structured panels—while also giving the hardware itself a chance to shine as a design element.

Choosing the right medallion isn’t about decoration alone. It’s about scale, placement, finish, and how the piece interacts with light, fabric, and architecture.

Step 1: Match the Medallion to the Room’s Style

The first step is understanding the overall aesthetic of the space.

• Traditional interiors benefit from classic shapes, subtle detailing, and warm finishes.

• Contemporary spaces often work best with cleaner silhouettes that stand out without overwhelming the room.

• Coastal or beach-inspired rooms pair beautifully with organic textures, shell elements, and lighter finishes.

• Eclectic or bold designs allow for unique, sculptural medallions that act as focal points.

The medallion should feel intentional—like it belongs to the architecture, not like it was added as an afterthought.

Step 2: Choose the Right Size and Projection

One of the most common mistakes is selecting medallions that are too small.

• Larger windows and taller ceilings require larger medallions to maintain proportion.

• Heavier fabrics need more projection so the folds can fall naturally.

• Smaller windows benefit from scaled-down versions of the same design to maintain consistency throughout the home.

When hardware is available in multiple sizes and projections, it allows the fabric—not the hardware—to dictate the final look.

Step 3: Think About Function First

Before choosing a design, ask how the medallion will be used:

• Holdback only: pulling fabric to the side for light control

• Primary mounting point: installing full curtain panels without a rod

• Layered treatments: supporting sheers and decorative panels together

Medallions designed with structural integrity can do more than simply “hold back” fabric. They can support full installations while maintaining a refined appearance.

If You Choose Metropolis Iron, Here’s What Makes It Easier

Metropolis Iron medallions are engineered with both design and performance in mind.

• Solid iron construction for dependable support

• Scalable sizing and adjustable projections

• Signature bracket systems that simplify installation

• Hand-applied finishes for depth and durability

This combination allows designers and homeowners to focus on creativity rather than workarounds.

3 Design Tips That Make a Big Difference

Coordinate, Don’t Match
Let medallion finishes complement other metals in the room rather than copying them exactly.

Use Medallions as Jewelry
In minimal spaces, statement medallions act like architectural accents that elevate the entire window.

Repeat for Cohesion
Using the same medallion design in multiple sizes throughout a home creates a professional, cohesive look.

Why Metropolis Iron?

Metropolis Iron is the largest supplier of handcrafted iron drapery medallions in the United States. Every piece is made in Florida and designed to balance artistry, durability, and architectural flexibility.

• Hundreds of designs across multiple collections

• Over ten hand-applied finishes

• Custom fabrication available

• Exclusive designs not found anywhere else

Your Next Steps

Evaluate your windows—not just their size, but their role in the room. Consider how medallions could enhance light, balance, and visual interest.

Explore different finishes, projections, and styles.

Then browse the Metropolis Iron collection and choose hardware that frames your space with intention.

Your windows deserve more than support—they deserve design.