DIY Sat. #143 – Converting Can Lights into Pendant Lights (Video)

Entry #2269, April 6, 2013

Happy DIY Saturday and welcome to Stagetecture’s new look! Today I thought it only fitting to talk about beautifying your kitchen or bath can lights with new pendant lighting. In many homes can lights may not be lending enough light or you might prefer the upscale look of a pendant fixture. Today – get easy steps to switch out the old pendants and install modern pendant lighting.

Why not vary your pendant lights?

Image via: Andrew Howard

Watch a video that shows you step by step how to change your lighting fixtures.

How to Convert a Can Light to a Pendant Light

Link to You Tube video –> How to Convert a Can light to a Pendant light

Step by Step – How to Convert a Can Light to a Pendant Light

Thanks HGTV for this step by step guide on how to change out a recessed can light to a pendant lighting fixture.

Install pendant lights to add directional lighting

Image via: ML Interior Design

Materials Needed:

recessed-fixture converter kit
small ceiling medallion
hanging light fixture
circuit tester
Phillips-head screwdriver
painter’s tape
ladder
Purchase a recessed-fixture converter kit, ceiling medallion and light fixture.

Directions:

1. Select Recessed Light to Convert

Choose a location to hang new light fixture. Turn off power for this location by switching off breaker.

2. Remove Recessed Fixture

Remove existing recessed fixture by twisting out light bulb, turning and removing casing and releasing clips that hold recessed light shell to socket. Leave existing socket in place.

3. Install Recessed Fixture Converter

Follow kit instructions to install converter. Use circuit tester to ensure power is off.

4. Prepare New Fixture

Prepare to hang new light fixture by connecting cap to fixture with chain link. Thread wires through fixture stem at cap and ceiling medallion center.

Creative pendant lights look great in a bathroom too!

Image via: DIY Network

5. Connect Wiring

Join wires of the converter kit to corresponding wires of new fixture, following light fixture directions.

6. Test Connection

Install light bulb and switch on power at breaker to test that wiring has been connected properly. Confirm and switch off breaker.

7. Tape Ceiling Medallion

Attach ceiling medallion with clean-release tape. This temporarily secures medallion in place while finishing installation of fixture. Tip: Typically the hole left by a recessed fixture is larger than most caps, making necessary the use of a ceiling medallion to cover difference. A medallion is not needed if installing a ceiling-mount fixture.

8. Complete Installation of Fixture

Following directions for specific fixture used, complete installation and attach fixture cap flush to ceiling. Remove tape. Switch power on at circuit breaker.

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, & Stagetecture’s YouTube Channel, click here.