Transform Your Recessed Can Light into a Stunning Pendant Light without Any Remodeling!

Transforming your recessed can light into an elegant pendant light is now a breeze! Upgrade your kitchen island vibe with stylish pendant lights that will elevate your home decor.

We recently moved into our 1891 avenues house, and I immediately knew that I wanted to switch up the kitchen lighting by installing pendant lights. In my opinion, lighting is the finishing touch that can add character to your living space.

Fortunately, our kitchen already had a series of recessed lights, which opened up the option for us to install pendant lights. Our 230-year-old home has lovely high ceilings that modern canned lighting complements beautifully.

If you're planning on updating your kitchen lighting, the first thing you'll need to do is determine what type of fixture you want. We chose to replace one row of recessed lights over the island.

Initially, I assumed that we would need professional help from an electrician to convert the lights properly. To my surprise, I discovered Westinghouse Recessed Light Converter Kit. This converter kit saved us a lot of money, time, and prevented us from going through expensive remodeling processes.

This impressive converter kit works with any 4-inch or 6-inch recessed light and can hold a light fixture weight of up to 50 pounds, including full-size chandeliers! The kit comes with easy-to-follow instructions and the only supplies you need are a screwdriver and a drill.

Additionally, the kit comes with a plain white medallion that you can paint any color to match your ceiling. The medallion is a great addition that covers up holes left by the recessed lights.

Switching to a pendant light has never been easier! Make a significant impact on your kitchen decor in just a few minutes with this simple and effective solution. Upgrade the look and atmosphere of your living space with new lighting that speaks to your unique style.

Self-penetrating Screws

Based on feedback from reviewers, inserting screws through the metal edges of the can housing was deemed problematic. Fortunately, the kit comes with self-penetrating screws to address this issue. However, we used our own screws of the same kind and did not encounter any difficulty in installation.

Avoid Rewiring Existing Wires

Our house is quite ancient, and inside our ceiling light fixtures are dated wires that have seen better days. One of the perks of this kit converter is the feature where you attach a socket pigtail into the can housing. This attachment connects the kit to the old wiring, while the new wiring runs from the kit to the new fixture.

Complete Illustrated Guide

Westinghouse supplies the comprehensive instructions along with the kit, but we have added pictures of each step and our particular process to help you transform your can lights to chic pendant lights.

The Conversion of Recessed Can Lights to Pendant Lights

Turn Off Circuit Breaker

The first and foremost step is to turn off the circuit breaker, as well as the light switch as an extra precaution.

Remove Existing Can Light

Extract the current can light from the ceiling, but leave the metal housing. The procedure for doing so depends on the type and brand of the recessed light. In our case, we had to pull the light several inches and press down on the brackets behind the fixture to remove it from the ceiling.

Insert Socket Pigtail

Screw the socket pigtail into the socket of the recessed can light. There is no need to touch the existing electrical wires.

Fit Brace to Recessed Light Opening

Remove the two 1/4” long side screws from the mounting bracket to allow for fitting the bracket to the size of the can light width in the ceiling. Position the brace into the recessed light opening. Adjust the brace to fit along each side of the opening.

Secure Channel Brace to Recessed Light Housing

The self-penetrating screws play a big role in this step. The kit includes screws, but we bought our own per recommendations from reviews. Screw the brace to the recessed light housing at each end of the brace, piercing through the metal of the metal recessed light housing.

Mounting Bracket Installation

To install the mounting bracket, first place it on top of the brace. Ensure you use the two side screws to secure the mounting bracket to the brace. In case you possess a 5 or 6 inch can, feel free to use a washer with the screw, but avoid using the washer if you have a 4 inch recessed light fixture.

Ground Wire Connection

Use the ground screw to connect the green ground wire to the side of the recessed can.

Cover Plate Installation

Place the cover plate over the can light opening and rotate it until it locks in place. Your metal cover plate should be secured by the mounting bracket, which has holes running through to the channel brace, enabling it to secure your fixture to the ceiling.

Fixture Attachment

The process of attaching your light will vary, depending on the type of fixture being installed. In case your light has a mounting bar, use the two long mounting screws provided to attach it.

Use of Medallion

The use of the medallion is optional. In case you want to use it, place the medallion over the cover plate and pull pigtail wires through the opening. The medallion doesn't attach to the ceiling, but is instead held in place over the top of the new lighting fixture, which secures it in place.

Wiring the Kit to Your Light Fixture

Connect the electrical connections of the socket pigtail to your new lighting fixture. Your fixture comes with twist-on wire connectors. If you are not familiar with installing ceiling fixtures, seek the help of a professional.

Installation of Pendant Light or Chandelier

Follow the instructions to install your new light onto the fixture, screwing the new light fixture mount into place. During our kitchen remodel, we decided to install globe pendant lights, which were perfect for the scale of the room. We used the Westinghouse converter kit to hang these giant pendant lights, and they have been hanging for about a year now, with no problems. We also used medallions to cover old recess openings, and love the way they look with the lights. Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions.

Join us on our journey as we revamp our cherished 1891 residence!

We've embarked on a home makeover venture that we're excited to share with you. Follow our progress as we transform this historical property into a modern masterpiece in real-time, exclusively on @tatertotsandjello on Instagram!

Save this tutorial on how to convert your recessed lights into pendant lights for future reference!

We've put together a pin that encompasses all the measures required to turn your recessed lights into pendants. Pin it to your boards for your upcoming DIY project!

Have a delightful day filled with joy and positivity!

Take care of yourself and those around you. xoxo