Motif
Medallion
A self-contained ornamental unit repeats as a rounded, oval or shaped centerpiece.
Also searched as: medallion repeat
Open the interactive guide ↗How it is made
Designers build the unit from smaller lines, petals, dots or other elements. It may stand alone or repeat with open space around each figure.
How to recognize it
Look for an enclosed central focus inside each repeated motif.
Common uses
- Cushions
- Curtains
- Upholstery
What to distinguish
Medallion describes the motif’s organization, not damask construction. A printed medallion can resemble one woven into the cloth.
Sources & further reading
Research checked 2026-09-27. Descriptions are original summaries; references support terminology and construction, not every product sold under a name.