Replace Recessed Light With a Pendant Fixture

Add instant style to a room by replacing a recessed light fixture with a stunning pendant fixture.

Converted Outdoor Light Fixture in Bathroom

Convert a Recessed Light Into a Pendant Fixture

This outdoor lantern has been converted to a ceiling light in this bathroom. It provides dimension and illumination to the space.

By: Janell Beals

Materials Needed:

recessed-fixture converter kit
small ceiling medallion
hanging light fixture
circuit tester

Phillips-head screwdriver
painter's tape
ladder

Source Materials

Purchase a recessed-fixture converter kit, ceiling medallion and light fixture.

Materials for Recessed Lighting Conversion

Before beginning a recessed lighting conversion project, make sure you have the new light, wiring and proper hardware ready to go. Purchase a recessed-fixture converter kit, ceiling medallion and light fixture.

Select Recessed Light to Convert

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

Choose Recessed Light To Convert

Choose a recessed light that you want to convert and hang new light fixture. Turn off power for this location by switching off breaker.

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.

How To 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.

Install Recessed Fixture Converter

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

How To Install Recessed Fixture Converter

Follow kit instructions to install converter. Check the wiring of the recessed lighting to ensure safety before attaching new lighting fixture.

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.

How To Prepare Lantern Ceiling Light

To prepare new ceiling light, join wires of the converter kit to corresponding wires of new fixture, following light fixture directions.

Connect Wiring

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

How To Connect Wiring For Pendant Lamp

Before attaching a new lighting fixture to the previous recessed lighting structure, ensure that all the proper wiring is present and safely attached. Join wires of the converter kit to corresponding wires of new fixture, following light fixture directions.

Test Connection

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

How To Test Lantern Lighting

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

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.

Attach Lantern to Former Recessed Lighting Fixture

How To 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.

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.

How To Complete Installation of Pendant Lantern

To complete this look, follow the directions for the specific fixture used, complete installation and attach fixture cap flush to ceiling. Remove tape. Switch power on at circuit breaker.

Next Up

Easily Boost Bathroom Storage With Wall-Mounted Baskets

Storage is always an issue in small bathrooms. This quick and easy storage solution puts wire or wicker baskets to work to solve that problem in no time flat.

How to Install Wallpaper in a Bathroom

All bathrooms -- but especially small baths or powder rooms -- can be a challenge to decorate. But they're also a great place to be bold and add a lot of drama in a small space with a graphic wallpaper.

Upcycle PVC Pipe Into Budget-Friendly Bathroom Storage

Repurposed plumbing fixtures make modern storage for your toilet tissue or other bathroom accessories.

How to Swap Out a Bathroom Faucet

A budget-friendly way to customize your bathroom is by replacing a builder-grade or dated faucet with a shiny, new model that's better suited to your taste. This plumbing project may seem intimidating, but it's actually an easy DIY project that can be done, in most cases, in less than an hour.