How To Change From Recessed Lighting to a Chandelier

Remove the Recessed Lighting Fixture

Photo: utlanov/ Adobe Stock

With the power off, set up a ladder so that it’s secure, and climb up. Remove the recessed light by removing the bulb, twisting off the housing, and releasing the clips that keep the fixture in place. 

When using a converter kit, you should be able to leave the light socket in place. Most kits have an adapter that screws in, so you don’t have to do anything with the existing wiring.

Install the Converter Kit

Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions when installing a converter kit. Most start with attaching the bulb socket adapter and then installing a mounting bar, which requires you to center the mounting bar across the ceiling hole and drill it into the can with the included screws. 

With the mounting bar in place, reattach the mounting bracket with screws where indicated. If your recessed lighting can is five or more inches across, you can use a washer with the screw. Most kits have a green ground wire that you need to attach from the mounting bracket to the side of the metal lighting can.

Attach the Cap

Conversion kits include a cap or plate that covers the ceiling hole that houses the old can light and your new mounting bar. The adapter wires should feed through the center hole of the cap, and the cap should simply twist to secure it in place. If the ceiling hole is wider than the provided cap, you can purchase a larger ceiling cap to use instead.

Prep the Chandelier

Most chandeliers are compatible with converter kits, but double-check the weight rating on the converter kit before continuing the installation. Conversion kits are generally rated for up to 50 pounds.

To avoid spending unnecessary time balancing on a ladder later on, assemble the chandelier before hanging it. With the chandelier resting on a table or on the ground, install the light bulbs, and attach any globes, shades, or other decorative parts.

Prepping the chandelier before connecting the wiring is ideal since you won’t risk the chandelier falling off. To prep the chandelier, rest it securely on the top of your ladder or have someone else hold it. Your chandelier should have a crossbar connected to a decorative medallion—screw the crossbar into the mounting bracket according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Connect the Wiring

Photo: Valerii Honcharuk/ Adobe Stock

Chandeliers usually come with an automatic wiring system, which means the lights are already connected to central wires that go into the junction box or adapter. Unless there are damaged wires that block electrical currents, you shouldn't need to do extra wiring for chandeliers with multiple lights.

Connect the wires of your new chandelier with the wires of the socket adapter. Most wires are color-coded, which means connecting black wires with black wires, white wires with white wires, and so on. Connect the wires using the twist caps or wire nuts that should be included with your new chandelier.

With the wires connected, turn the power on to see if the light turns on — if it does, turn the power back off, tuck the wires into the cap, and continue with the install. If the light doesn’t work, recheck your wiring.

Attach the Ceiling Medallion

To make this step easier, temporarily attach your ceiling medallion to the ceiling with clean-release tape. This keeps the ceiling medallion in place while you finish the installation but won’t peel off any paint or finish. From there, most ceiling medallions attach to the ceiling with a cap and threaded socket. With the medallion in place, you can strip off the tape and turn the power back on.