What if you could easily change out your recessed lighting systems for under $50?
“I’d do it in a heartbeat,” said Sonia Gary. “I used to like them but I want to change and I’m stuck with them all over the house.”
Recessed lighting is a popular choice for illuminating a range of rooms from those with high ceilings to basements and attics with low overheads, but it has its drawbacks. The light cannot be redirected and the fixture resists change. It is what it is — an inflexible utility that can be a real design conundrum for those wanting to jazz up their lighting options with contemporary hanging fixtures without breaking the bank.
However, now recessed light systems can be transformed with conversion kits available on the shelf at home improvement stores in price ranges from $18 up. The adapter kits are so easy to install most homeowners can do it themselves, according to the packaging.
A recessed can or halo light can be converted in just minutes to accommodate pendants, chandeliers, track lighting, a ceiling fan or swag light.
Changing out a recessed light rather than using an adapter kit is a more drastic step that requires the skills of an electrician. Sarah Fretwell, principal designer at SJF Interiors in Rockville said “The cost can be about $120 per light just for the electrician.”
Adding to that cost is the repair of the necessary damage done to the sheetrock to redo the outlet. Then, there’s the need to hire a painter to redo the ceiling, Fretwell said.
“For those reasons the adapter is a good idea.”
It allows flexibility without damage to the ceiling or the light housing when changing light fixtures.
Not all adapters work for all recessed lights so selection is important. Frewell advised consumers “to do the research first and make sure the fixture and the adapter match.”
The can housing and exterior openings for recessed lights range from 4 inches to 6 inches. There are differences between the can and halo versions and there are flush mounts and semiflush mounts to consider. Make sure the adapter is a good electrical match with the new light to be hung.
The news seemed to brighten Gary’s spirits.
“If it’s really that easy I’ll be getting a pendant light for my dining area real soon,” she said.
