After 1850, particularly in the South, ceiling medallions were often designed with cast ornament only; no plain-run surround was used. Repair of such medallions proceeds as described above but without bordering molding.

An important point needs to be made about adding ceiling medallions (or any other kind of ornamental plaster element) when there is a lack of historical evidence. If there is no ghost mark or other documentation, indicating a medallion once existed, then the room should remain unornamented as it was historically. Adding conjectural ornamentation of any type or material (i.e., shop-cast or glass fiber reinforced plaster or polystyrene foam substitutes) can create a false sense of historical development contrary to the preservation principles stated in The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. However, if there is clear indication that a ceiling medallion once existed, but there is inadequate documentation for its replacement, a medallion compatible with the room's historic character may be considered. Professional advice should be sought.

Coffered Ceiling. Like cornices and medallions, coffered ceilings suffer from poor maintenance practices and structural problems; however, these individually cast ceiling units are particularly vulnerable when a building is being rehabilitated and great care is not taken in executing the work. In the most serious of cases, portions of a roof can collapse, dropping heavy debris through the hanging coffering panels, and demolishing large portions of the ornamentation.

The Yiddish Arts Theater, New York City, c. 1920s. The concrete roof of this building had collapsed, damaging portions of the existing Moorish style coffered ceiling. The square coffer unit was easily identifiable and was removed to a casting shop for reproduction. Photo: David Flaharty.

But even this level of damage can usually be remedied by restoration professionals. Immediate action calls for shoring the areas adjacent to the damage, and inspecting the hanging apparatus for unforeseen detachment and deflection. New channel iron is used to stabilize the existing coffers and ties reinforced, as necessary. An intact coffering unit is then identified and carefully removed to a casting shop for molding and casting. When rehung, the units are painted to match the historic coffering.

Coffered ceilings appear with plain run or enriched cornices. In most cases it is recommended that the cornice be repaired first in order to achieve straight and level moldings. Then the damaged coffers should be replaced with the matching new coffers and the joints between pointed. Access from above is critical.