How to Customize Kitchen Pendant Lights
New pendant lights are a quick and easy way to update any kitchen. Pendant lights can be completely customized to match an existing decor, to modernize a kitchen remodel, or to add the final artistic touches to a new kitchen's design. Updating a kitchen by installing customized pendant lights is an economical and easy method to improve the value of your home. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Wires
- Breaker
- Saw
- Drill
- Screws
- Pendant light base (canopy)
- Pendant glass
- Light bulbs
- Computer
- Internet
- Printer
Instructions
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Determine the size and length that you desire for your new customized kitchen pendant lights. Use a measuring tape to measure the exact distance that you want your pendant lighting to hang. Also determine the spacing for your pendant lights.
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Determine whether your pendant lights will be turned on individually or in groups. Check your current breaker box to see if you have a breaker available for the new pendant light fixtures. If you are replacing old kitchen lights with pendants, you can use the breaker that was used for the old kitchen lighting.
If you are remodeling and installing a new set of lights, you might need another breaker or at least additional outlets and switches. Purchase the switch style that you desire, Your options will include standard switches, flat modern switches, and knobs or slides that will allow you to adjust the lighting of the pendants.
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3
Select the perfect pendant base, fixture or canopy that you desire for your new kitchen pendant lights. Bases are available in a variety of colors and materials, including white, black, silver, chrome, gold, platinum, brushed nickel and copper finishes. Pendant bases and fixtures can be further customized by painting or spraying additional colors or finishes before installation.
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Order a set of custom pendant glasses for your pendant light bases or fixtures. Many home remodeling stores have a small in-store selection in the lighting area. These stores will also offer special order pendant glasses in a greater variety. Online light and fixture stores will offer the greatest variety. There are also a few shops and artists who can create and sell one-of-a-kind blown pendants, too.
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Purchase the appropriate bulbs for your kitchen pendant lights. The pendant light manufacturer will recommend a bulb size and wattage. You will need to select the style (candle or round) and finish (frosted or standard), and choose between incandescent and fluorescent. The right style of bulbs can make your pendant lights look perfect. For instance, there are pendant glasses designed to look like flower petals; different bulb shapes and styles give these a totally different finish look.
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Tips & Warnings
Bring swatches of your paint or fabric to the store if you are trying to match a specific color.
Pendant glasses are reasonably priced. Don't be afraid to change them every few years or even to rotate several looks.
Candle bulbs sticking out of a shallow pendant will look odd and misplaced.
Don't try to run new wiring for kitchen pendant lights unless you are a professional electrician or well experienced in such projects. Hire a professional to add a breaker, if needed, and to run the wiring. Once the wiring is in place, it is easy to install the new kitchen pendant lighting.
Check with your local country or city residential construction permit department for information about local laws and construction codes. In some areas, a licensed electrician is required to do all the electrical work involved in installing the pendant lights.
