Convert a Recessed Light Into a Pendant Fixture

Learn how to convert a recessed light into a stunning pendant fixture with our easy-to-follow guide. Transform your room’s ambiance by swapping out your old recessed light for a chic pendant light that adds style and character. Our step-by-step instructions and tips for a seamless update. A perfect DIY project for those looking to refresh their home lighting! #DIY

It seems we are constantly working on the inside of the home which means the outside sometimes gets neglected. We decided to switch out our outdoor lighting do away with our ugly old can light and install a beautiful chandelier which has made a huge impact!

We went with a European pendant-looking light, it is amazing how much brighter our porch is at night and it looks so pretty!

Since this post is over 10 years old, I know this light is a little dated for 2024, I’ve added some updated light fixtures for you below, however, the tutorial stands the same.

Modern Pendant Light
Modern Outdoor Light
Ratan Outdoor Light

This is a picture-heavy tutorial so you should be able to understand but let me know if you have any questions.

Materials

Light Converter Kit (or make your own)
Ceiling medallion
Phillips head screwdriver
Wire cutters
Pendant light fixture

IMPORTANT! Before you do anything, turn the power source off at the circuit breaker box, and then you can remove the existing recessed fixture. Disconnect the fixture wires from the corresponding house wiring by unscrewing the wire nuts and pulling the wires apart.

Most would install a Recessed Fixture Converter but my hubby decided to make his own. Instead of trying to give you the instructions on making your own, I would suggest buying the converter kit, they sell them at most home improvement stores.

Once your converter kit is installed, feed the cords and wires up through the hole in the middle and downward.

Take a wire stripper and cut about one inch of the plastic sheath off the ends of the wires on your new light.

Measure the height (from the ceiling) that you would like your pendant light to hang.

Take the cords and wires of your new pendant and feed them through the ceiling medallion, making sure that the right side of the medallion is facing the pendant.

Now it is time to start wiring your new fixture. Most likely there are three different kinds of wires you’ll be working with, read the materials that came with your pendant and it will tell you how to distinguish.

Twist like wires together and push a cap onto the ends, do this with all three wires. Wrap them with electrical tape to hold the wires and caps together.

Thread wires through the fixture stem at the cap and ceiling medallion center.Screw the metal disc back on, the ceiling canopy should be snug against the ceiling at this point.