Ceiling Light Conversions

[cdnsir]

Got a question for all the reno experts out there. I've got these pretty boring bowl lights on most of my rooms. I'm tempted to change it up a bit, but I'm a noob with electricals. So I was wondering if you guys can help me with some advices on this project.

Basically it will be going from these...
http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/300/00/00c11ab2-3fee-4c3a-8a44-d55bd5d39c4b_300.jpg


To multi-bulb draping lanterns like theses.
http://www.exitinteriors.co.uk/lighting-23/koziol-josephine-contemporary-acrylic-270-256.jpg


Or if the multi-bulb setup is too difficult, these would be a lot easier right?
http://image.become.com/imageserver/s3/700315143-150-150-5-0/zlite-flush-ceiling-light.jpg

[masoncgy]

The only time a light fixture change/upgrade becomes difficult is when dealing with large & heavy chandeliers, that need additional bracing/support to hold them up.

To change from your current fixtures to something like you have pictured is as simple as ensuring the power is cut to the junction box and then removal of the old and installation of the new.

The light fixture in the last picture would be easiest, of course, but if you are going for a fixture such as that one with the three pendants, it's installation is virtually the same.

I've changed out a ton of fixtures in my time... in the process of doing it again in my place, so if you need any specific questions answered, just post 'em!

[whiskas]

The electrics are simple. You have 2 screws 3.5" apart holding the lamps to the ceiling. Then you will see 2 wires, usually white and black (the black one could also be red). And it's also possible you'll have a 3rd wire which is a ground, and I've seen those be all sorts of colors. You pull off your ugly bowl lamp, attach the wires using twist on wire nuts, then attach the actual base to the ceiling using 2 screws. Make sure the light switch is off because electricity hurts.

When you're looking for a lamp, make sure the part that actually connects to the ceiling will cover the gaping hole where the wires come out. Some are recessed and won't fit if the hole is too small. The one you posted at the bottom will most likely fit the standard 4" hole most ceiling lamps have.

[cdnsir]

Sounds pretty straight forward. Shut the fuse, remove some screws then color match the wires. It does sound like something I can pull off. Thanks for the tips! If I run into any problems, I'll post some pics here. Thanks again!

[cdnsir]

Looking over the lights now and I think I might hang some paper lanterns for a bit of an Asian flare. So I'm trying to find I guess... a standard-sized base to attach to the ceiling, but with three cords hanging out from it? I can't seem to find anything like that from the Home Depot website. Has anyone seen these around?

I know the pic below are for wall sockets, but this is basically what i have in mind. Except with a base/transformer on the end instead of the AC. There are kits like this out there right, or am I completely out to lunch?

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/paperlanternstore_2090_275641180

[masoncgy]

You might need to go to a specialty lighting store like Carrington (in Deerfoot Meadows) or Cartwright Lighting (few locations in town).

I have seen them before, just not in the Home Depot/Rona type big box stores.