Guide On Installing Pendant Lighting

In kitchens, pendant lights have been referred to as the final piece of jewelry in the space. Installing pendant lighting can be a simple task depending on a few factors to consider first. For the record, most installation instructions do recommend having lighting installed by a licensed electrician. In this guide we will review standard practices, tools you will need, steps for hanging, and some frequently asked questions to understand common practices with installing pendant lighting.

Cord mounted pendant: In this installation the electrical cord has been tested and approved to provide electricity to the fixture but also mechanically supports the weight of the fixture. This is the easiest of the three installations to manipulate and change the overall height.

Chain mounted pendant: Chain mounted fixtures are supported by standard metal chains that can be of different gauges depending on the weight of the fixture. These chains will typically need to be shortened or sometimes lengthened depending on the ceiling height and installation preference. Chain opener pictured above or pliers can be used to open and close metal chains.

Stem mounted pendant: Stem mounted pendants or pole mounted pendants produce the cleanest of all installations as the electrical wire is hidden within the metal finished stem. Manufacturers typically include 6”, 12”, and 18” sections to utilize to get the desired length. If you require additional stem sections these can usually be ordered from the manufacturer and this should be understood prior to installation.

Hanging a pendant light from a wall is typically known as “swagging” a pendant or using a swag hook on a ceiling to swag a pendant or light. This entails getting a swag hook from a local hardware store that can support the weight of your pendant. Ideally there will be an electrical outlet close by.

1. Start with the final spot you would like to have your pendant. Look straight up and mount a hook directly above where you intend to hang your pendant. This can be done easily with a laser pointer.
2. Use the hook to mount your pendant at the desired height. The weight should be resting on the hook being used.
3. Run the cord along the ceiling and then down the wall using a few cord stays.
4. Plug the cord into the nearest receptacle and turn on!
5. Adding an in-line cord switch/dimmer is a better way to control your lighting vs. needing to unplug the cord when you want to turn off.

Do I need an electrician to install a pendant light? In most cases, electrical installations are always recommended to be done by licensed electricians. For the do-it-yourself crowd, a pendant light can easily be done if you have common knowledge of tools and understand how to turn off the power.

How far from the wall should a pendant light hang? Pendants should be at least 12’ away from the wall when mounted over nightstands or other furniture. Typically pendants are hung over a table that will dictate where you want the light to hang.

How do you install pendant lights over the kitchen island? Installing pendants over a kitchen island are an incredible way to add much needed task lighting to your kitchen counter as well as creating a supportive design element in your kitchen. Follow our steps for hanging a pendant light above and make sure to hang your pendants at least 30”-36” above the countertop.

Can I hang a pendant on a sloped or vaulted ceiling? Yes. Well it depends on the type of pendant and the mounting mechanism being used. Cord pendant installations are very easy on sloped ceilings as gravity will take hold of the fixture and it will hang straight down. Chain pendants operate just like cords in that they will hang straight down, the canopy can be mounted to a vaulted ceiling with no problem. The only issue might be with stem/rod/pole mounted pendants. If the stem/rod/pole is directly mounted to the ceiling canopy at a straight 90 degree angle then this will not work. In order to work with stem/rod/pole a slope adaptor mechanism is needed so that the stem can hang straight down with an angle into the canopy.

How do I install a universal bracket? Universal brackets can be a life saver for an electrical installation. Oftentimes the canopy bracket that you are trying to install will not align with the screw holes in the junction box in your ceiling. This can be frustrating. Do not fret, there is a solution in the form of a universal mounting bracket that can be found at a local hardware store. First take the bracket and align it with your light fixture to understand which holes will be needed to accept the screws coming from the light fixture and mark them. Next you can simply mount this bracket to the junction box in the ceiling using any combination of slotted openings. *It’s best to not use the screw holes to mount this bracket! As you are screwing through this universal bracket thread and into the thread on the junction box, this is not recommended. Once you have attached the universal mounting bracket, then continue to mount the fixture to the pre-marked holes.