Replacing a pendant light cover is a simple way to give your home a new look. With just a few essential tools, you can have your new cover installed in no time.
If you are looking for a simple way to change the look of your pendant light, all you need is a new light cover. These covers come in many different shapes and sizes, so you can find one to fit your light perfectly. Plus, they are easy to install to have a new look in no time! Keep reading for instructions on how to change pendant light cover.
Summary: Changing a pendant light cover is a simple yet effective way to update or refresh the appearance of a lighting fixture in your home. Pendant light covers come in a variety of materials, shapes, and styles, offering numerous possibilities for customization. To change the cover, you’ll need to safely access the fixture, remove the existing cover, and install the new one without damaging the fixture or surrounding area. It is crucial to follow safety precautions and use appropriate tools during the process.
Before you begin, switch off the power supply to the pendant light to minimize the risk of electrical shock. Next, carefully position a ladder or step stool beneath the pendant light to ensure secure and stable access to the fixture. Carefully remove any light bulbs from the fixture to avoid accidentally breaking them during the process. Depending on the design of the pendant light, the cover may be secured with screws, clips, or a twist-lock mechanism. Identify the attachment method and carefully loosen or release the securing mechanism to remove the existing cover. If the cover is heavy or fragile, ask for assistance to avoid accidental damage or injury.
With the old cover removed, prepare the new pendant light cover for installation. Ensure the cover is compatible with your existing fixture, and follow any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer. Attach the new cover to the pendant light using the appropriate securing mechanism, ensuring it is firmly and correctly in place.
Reinstall any light bulbs that were removed earlier, and restore power to the fixture to test the new cover’s functionality and appearance. By following these steps and exercising caution, you can successfully change a pendant light cover and refresh the look of your lighting fixture.
Tools you’ll need
- Screwdriver
- Pliers
- Wire cutters
- New light cover
How to Change Pendant Light Cover in 3 Methods
Method 1: How to Change Pendant Light Cover that Has a Screw
1. Get a Sturdy Step Ladder, Stool, etc.
If you need to change a pendant light cover, you’ll first need a step ladder, stool, or something to help you reach the light. Once you have access to the light, unscrew the old light cover and screw on the new one. Be sure to test the light before replacing the ladder or stool!
2. Consider Wearing Gloves
Wearing gloves is a good idea if you consider the pendant light fixture to be dirty, or there’s a chance that your fingers may end up on any dirt or grime once you touch it. Any such dirt and grime will be transferred to the new light cover when you screw on the new one; wearing gloves will help protect your hands from touching this.
3. Hold the Glass with One Hand:
If the light fixture has a glass cover, be extra careful when handling it. The last thing you want is for the glass to shatter in your hand. Hold the glass with one hand and unscrew the light cover with the other to avoid this.
4. Unscrew the Knob with Your Other Hand:
If there is a knob on the light fixture, unscrew it with your other hand. Once the knob is unscrewed, pull it off and place it to one side. This will give you easier access to the light cover.
5. Once the Knob is Free, Look for a Washer:
Once the knob is free, look for a washer. The washer is what holds the knob in place. If you can’t find it, don’t worry – the knob will likely come off with the light cover. Once the knob is off, look for a set screw on the stem. The stem is the part of the knob that protrudes from the cover and goes down into the valve.
There are usually two set screws, but sometimes there is only one. To remove the stem, unscrew the set screws with a Philips head screwdriver or an Allen wrench. Remove the stem from the knob by pulling it straight out.
6. Remove the old washer
If you can’t find the washer, don’t worry – the knob will likely come off with the light cover. You need to remove the old washer and replace it with the new one.
7. Remove the Glass Cover
Method 2: How to Change Pendant Light Cover Without Screws
1. Get a Sturdy Step Ladder, Stool, etc.
If your pendant light doesn’t have screws to hold the cover in place, you’ll need a way to reach it. You can use a sturdy step ladder, a stool, or even climb up on your counter. How high you need to be will depend on how big your light is and what kind of cover it has.
2. Consider Wearing Gloves
If you are going to be changing your light cover, it is a good idea to wear gloves. The cords and wires can be sharp, and the pendant light cover could break while you’re removing it, which could cause shards of glass to fall. This will protect your hands from any sharp edges on the cover and keep them from getting dirty.
3. Turn Off the Power:
Before you can replace your pendant light cover, you need to turn off the power supply feeding the fixture by turning off the circuit breaker powering it. Make sure that nobody in your home uses that outlet until you’re done with this project and have turned on your lights again.
4. Disconnect the Wires:
Next, you need to disconnect all of the wires that are attached to your pendant light. If it has one, start by removing the globe, be careful not to drop any glass shards on yourself or anyone below. After removing the top part of your fixture, remove the wire nuts that hold the wires in place by either cutting them off or loosening them with pliers. Once you have removed all of the nuts, remove each wire from its terminal on the bulb.
5. Rotate Left (Counter Clockwise):
Now that all of the wires are disconnected, you can rotate the cover left (counterclockwise). You may need to use a screwdriver or pliers to get it started. Keep rotating until the cover comes off completely. If it is difficult to get the cover off, you may not have turned it far enough.
6. If Stuck, Lightly Bump with a Shoe
If the cover is stuck and will not rotate, you can try lightly bumping it with a shoe. This will help to loosen it up and make it easier to remove. After you bump it once or twice, try rotating it again.
7. Remove the Pendant Light Cover:
Now that your pendant light is free of its cover examine it to see how it’s held in place. If it is held in place with screws, take out the screws and remove the cover by lifting up. If there are no screws holding your pendant light cover in place, you can just pull on it gently to loosen it enough that it falls off without breaking.
Method 3: How to Change Pendant Light Cover With Clips
1. Get a Sturdy Step Ladder, Stool, etc.
It is important to have a safe way to reach the light cover. If you are unable to reach the fixture, have someone else change the light cover. Make sure whatever you use is stable and will not wobble while you are trying to change the light cover.
2. Consider Wearing Gloves:
If the current light cover is dirty, it may be best to wear gloves, so you do not get fingerprints all over the cover.
3. Hold the Glass with One Hand:
Once you have the light cover in your hand, hold it with one hand.
4. Use the Other Hand to Remove the Clips:
With the other hand, use your fingers or a screwdriver to remove the clips. There should be at least two clips on each side of the light cover.
5. Remove the Old Light Cover:
Gently lift up on one end and then pull the cover off. Be careful not to break the glass if it is still attached to the wires.
6. Find the “Loose” Clip and Pull Out:
There should be at least two clips on each side of the light cover. Find the “loose” clip and pull it out. It should come out easily if it is loose.
7. Firmly, but Gently, Pull the Glass Out:
If the light cover is still attached to the glass, firmly but gently pull the glass out. Again, be careful not to break the glass.
Tips and Warning
Tips:
- If the light cover is too tight, try using a lubricant such as WD-40.
- If the light cover is difficult to remove, try using a hammer and chisel to pry it off.
- If the light cover is broken, replace it with a new one.
WARNING:
- If the light cover is broken, do not remove it. Replace it with a new one.
Frequently Asked Question
Can you just replace the shade on a pendant light?
If the shade on your pendant light is in good condition, you may be able to replace it without having to replace the entire light. First, remove the screws that hold the shade in place. Some shades may have a hook that you need to unhook before removing the screws. Once the screws are removed, gently pull the shade off of the light. If there is a lightbulb in the socket, be sure to unplug the light from the wall before removing the bulb.
Then, insert the new shade and reattach the screws or hook. Be careful not to overtighten the screws, or you may damage the shade.
Can you change the glass on a pendant light?
If the glass on your pendant light is in good condition, you may be able to replace it without having to replace the entire light. First, remove the screws that hold the glass in place. Some glasses may have a clip that you need to unhook before removing the screws. Once the screws are removed, gently pull the glass off the light.
If there is a lightbulb in the socket, unplug the light from the wall before removing the bulb. Then, insert the new glass and reattach the screws or clip. Be careful not to overtighten the screws, or you may damage the glass.
Are pendant shades interchangeable?
Pendant shades are often interchangeable and can be replaced with other shades that are the same size. However, it is important to ensure that the new shade is made for a pendant light and is not too small or too large.
You Can Check It Out to: Make Pendant Light Hang Straight
Conclusion Paragraph:
If you’re tired of looking at your old, outdated pendant light covers and want to give them a new look that matches the rest of your decor, then this post is for you. We cover how to change out those plain white or brown plastic covers with something more stylish, so it’s easier on the eyes – not just when they are lit up! This process can be done in less than 10 minutes without any tools needed.
The first step is removing the cord from its socket, so no one gets hurt as we work on our project. Next, please take off the old cover by unscrewing it counterclockwise until it pops right onto your floor! Thanks for reading our post about how to change pendant light cover.
