Can you commission a bespoke plaster piece? How it works and what to prepare

Sometimes the right piece does not exist. A restoration needs a missing section of ornament; a room wants a custom diameter; a project needs a motif made to measure. A bespoke commission is how those problems get solved, and it goes more smoothly when you arrive prepared.

What bespoke can mean

• A custom size of an existing design
• A variation on an existing piece, such as a different centre opening or border
• A match to surviving period plasterwork
• A new design drawn for a specific room or project

What to send us

1. Photographs of the room, the ceiling or wall, and any existing ornament to match, taken straight on where possible
2. Measurements: diameter or width, ceiling height, room size and any obstructions
3. Context: the age and style of the house, and whether it is for a home or a project
4. References: sketches, images or a piece from our shop that is close
5. Timing and budget: even approximate ranges help us advise honestly

Matching old plasterwork

If you are repairing or extending period ornament, a clear photograph of an intact section and a measurement of its repeat are the most useful things you can send; original sections and photographic records are what let lost decoration be reproduced^[1]. Read repairing damaged plaster first to check the original can be saved, since retention and repair of traditional plasterwork should be the first consideration^[2], and our glossary of plaster terms if you need the vocabulary. If the building is listed, check with the conservation officer before commissioning anything that affects historic plaster^[3]. A good match starts with understanding how the original was made, whether lime, gypsum or fibrous plaster^[4], and the SPAB approach favours conservative repair over restoring to an assumed earlier state^[5]. Fibrous plaster ceilings need specialist assessment, because neglected ones can pose a collapse risk^[6].

How the work proceeds

Bespoke work generally moves from enquiry to a discussion of design and size, then to agreement on the details and cost, and then to making. Ask about timing early, because a bespoke piece takes longer than one cast from an existing mould. If you want to see how a piece is made, read how a plaster piece is cast.

Cheaper alternatives

Before commissioning, check whether a standard piece will do. Our shop has roses from 8 to 27 inches, and a different paint colour can change a standard piece substantially. Browse all ceiling roses and decorative trimmings.

Start an enquiry

Use our enquiries page or contact us with your photographs and measurements.

Bramwell Corner MouldingsBalmoral Ceiling Rose

Frequently asked questions

Can I commission a custom ceiling rose size?

Yes. Send photographs, the diameter you want and the ceiling height through the enquiries page.

Can you match existing plasterwork?

Often, with a clear photograph of an intact section and the measurement of its repeat.

How long does bespoke take?

Longer than a standard piece, because a mould must be made. Ask when you enquire.

Is bespoke more expensive?

Usually, as design and moulding are involved. Check whether a standard piece will do first.