How to Hang a Pendant Light in an Apartment
Hanging a pendant light in your apartment can be simple to do when you know the proper steps. First, ensure an electrical outlet is close enough to where you want to hang it. You should also purchase the appropriate hanging kit for your specific type of pendant light.
After this, remove any existing light fixture and wire in the new one. If you are unsure about doing this yourself or want insurance that everything will go smoothly, read this blog post! Here we have discussed the procedure how to hanging a pendant light in an apartment. So let’s get started!
10 Ways on How to Hang a Pendant Light in an Apartment:
1. From a Ceiling Medallion:
A ceiling medallion is a round metal piece that covers the hole in your ceiling left by the light fixture. They cover the existing hole and make it bigger so you can hang your pendant light or chandelier.
2. Using Electrical Box:
If you’re looking for a safe and secure way to hang your new pendant light, try using the center of an electrical box. This method requires some minor drilling and the electrical box needs to be recessed into the ceiling if you’re using an old work fixture, but it’s definitely worth it!
3. Ceiling Plate:
This is a flat piece of metal you install directly on top of your ceiling. The wiring for this method requires some minor drilling, and the light needs to be recessed into the ceiling if you’re using an old work fixture as we did.
4. Wire Cage Clips:
These are great because they come in a variety of sizes. In addition, they hold your pendant light in place by attaching it to the ceiling plate and then clipping it onto the wires.
5. Mounting Plate:
This metal mounting bracket attaches the pendant light to the ceiling. The wiring for this method requires some minor drilling, and the fixture needs to be recessed into the top if you’re using an old work fixture as we did.
6. Electric Box:
An electric box allows you to mount your pendant light without any additional hardware. This method is for you if you’re using an old work fixture as we did.
7. J-Box:
A j-box is a junction box used by electricians, and it allows the pendant light to mount straight to your wall instead of needing ceiling support. This type of pendant light won’t require any additional hardware on your ceiling.
8. Surface Mount:
This is a great way to hang the pendant light if you’re renting an apartment because it doesn’t require any additional hardware in your ceiling or walls. We are using this method in our backyard.
9. Ceiling Support Clamp:
This clamp is a metal bracket that attaches the pendant light to your ceiling. This method doesn’t require additional hardware in your roof or walls, and it’s perfect for renters.
10. Hook & Screw:
This method doesn’t require any additional hardware and can hang a pendant light or ceiling fan. It gets secured to the wood beam with a hook and screw. This kit may not support large pendants, so make sure you check your weight capacity before installing it.
8 Benefits of Hanging a Pendant Light:
- No need to worry about electrical outlets; the pendant light will be its power source.
- The perfect centerpiece for any room, at varying heights and angles for different effects like ambient mood lighting (versus direct task lighting).
- Easy to install yourself, taking only minutes with the right tools.
- It can be placed over dining tables, sofas, or desks as task lighting for reading or studying.
- Dimmers can create the perfect ambiance for any nighttime room (some dangle cords come with dimmers built-in).
- An easy update for any room! Swapping out old pendant lights with new ones takes a few minutes.
- Most are inexpensive, about the cost of an energy-efficient bulb (and they last much longer).
- Because they’re incandescent or LED, they save lots on your electricity bill compared to other light bulbs.
Materials to Hang a Pendant Light:
- Pendant light kit
- Screw hooks
- Drill with a ΒΌ-inch drill bit
- Phillips screwdriver
Steps to Follow: How to Hang a Pendant Light in an Apartment
Step 1:
Purchase a new pendant light, cord kit, and related hardware. You’ll need a piece of lumber that’s about an inch thick by two inches wide. You can purchase this at any home improvement or hardware store. Make sure to purchase a drill with a Philips head screwdriver bit.
Step 2:
Turn off the circuit breaker supplying power to the light fixture you are getting rid of. Unscrew it from where it is mounted on the ceiling or wall.
Step 3:
Pull down the old light by using the wire still attached. Check if there is a ground wire and note it if you need to connect the new one to the same place with the grounding screw.
Step 4:
Unpack your new light and find where you want to hang it. Mark with a pencil where you will need to drill holes for your screws.
Step 5:
Drill into that spot and put in the new anchors. Tighten screws into them, making sure not to overtighten.
Step 6:
Connect one end of the wire to the matching wire on your new light and twist with a pair of pliers. Then put some electrical tape around it, so no one gets shocked when they touch the exposed part of the cord.
Step 7:
Connect the rest of your wires and ensure you don’t cross any. Once they are all connected, the light shines and turns the power back on.
Step 8:
Test it out by plugging in your new pendant light! If it works, then you’re all set for a brighter home with a new piece of light decor!
You Can Check It Out To Take Led Lights Off Without Ripping Paint
Conclusion:
The key to hanging a pendant light in an apartment is all about good lighting. To create the best ambiance, choose a fixture with bulbs that emit plenty of warm white or natural light and avoid those with LEDs since they produce too much blue light.
You may also want to consider your ceiling height to find a fixture that will hang at eye level from the center of the room without being too close to any walls for optimal viewing angles. Remember not to place it directly over your dining table if you plan to eat there!
We hope the guide on how to hang a pendant light in an apartment. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us!
You can check it out to Paint a Ceiling Medallion.
