What if you finally locate the ideal pendant light only to find that it is too lengthy for your room? You must be asking yourself: “Can pendant lights be shortened?”
Well, yes, and we’ll explain how to do so securely and successfully in this article.
Adding flair and utility to any area, pendant lights are a popular choice for home decor. They can be used to illuminate a kitchen island, establish a focal point in a living space, or add a touch of class to a dining area. That’s why they are so practical and popular.
Can pendant lights be shortened?
Yes, pendant lights can be shortened by varying the length of the chord or chain holding the fixture in place.
Typically, the link that holds the rope or chain in place can be removed, or the locking mechanism or screw can be adjusted. It’s crucial to remember that before making any adjustments, the pendant light must be off and the bulb must be taken out.
To ensure that the light is shortened correctly and safely, it is also advised to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or to a licensed electrician before making any adjustments.
For some pendant lights, it gets tricky
Other pendant lights might need to be hardwired into the ceiling and might not have an adjustable cord or chain. It will be necessary for these situations to cut the cord and rewire the light. This procedure may be more difficult and call for an understanding of electrical installation and wiring.
Related article: Are Pendant Lights Going Out Of Style in 2023
Here’s one fast video on how to easily shorten a pendant light:
Now you know how can pendant lights be shortened, so let’s head into something trickier.
How do you cut a pendant light cord?
To shorten the pendant lights, follow these steps:
- Be sure to unplug or turn off the pendant light.
- Remove the light bulb from the fixture
- Measure the desired cord length from the top of the pendant lamp to the preferred hanging position
- Cut the cord to the desired length with wire cutters or scissors.
- To reveal the bare wires, strip the cord’s wires by around 1/2 inch on both ends.
- Replace the bulb and rejoin the cord to the fixture and the ceiling canopy to complete the light’s reinstallation.
- Turn the light on and check if it’s working properly.
It’s crucial to remember that these are merely guidelines, and the process may change depending on the precise type of light.
Before completing this task, it’s also essential to have knowledge of electrical wiring and installation; if you don’t, it’s best to seek the advice of a qualified electrician.
What length should pendant lights be?
Generally speaking, the distance between the table or countertop surface and the bottom of the pendant light should be between 30-36 inches.
For the majority of areas, this is a decent beginning point, but depending on the size of the room and the precise height of the ceiling, it could need to be modified.
High ceilings
If your ceilings are high, you might want to hang the light a little higher, between 60 and 80 inches off the ground.
Low ceilings
If your ceilings are low, hang the light about 24 to 30 inches lower from the table or countertop.
Related article: Pendant Lights vs Chandeliers
Should you shorten pendant lights yourself or hire a professional?
In some situations, you could shorten pendant lights yourself, in more complex ones you should hire a professional.
Although adjusting the length of a pendant lamp may appear to be a straightforward procedure, it’s vital to keep in mind that improperly done electrical work can be harmful. That’s why it’s wise to always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or get expert advice before shortening a pendant light.
When to do it yourself
There are some circumstances in which you might be able to change the length of a pendant light by yourself, including:
- If the pendant lamp includes a chain or chord that is adjustable, it may be made shorter by removing links, turning a screw, or changing a lockin
- If you yourself have proper knowledge and experience
When to hire a professional
Professional electricians have the skills and knowledge to guarantee that the light is shortened correctly and securely. Needless to say, it’s also important to know how to install pendant lighting properly.
Based on elements like the height of your ceiling, the size of your room, and the general layout of your area, they will be able to estimate the ideal length and height for your pendant light.
Licensed electricians can also provide you guidance on how to safely shorten it and the best manner to accomplish it.
Final words
Pendant lights can be shortened to meet the particular requirements of your room. When shortening a pendant light, it’s crucial to take the appropriate safety precautions, consult the manufacturer’s instructions, and get expert advice.
You can make sure that your pendant light is the ideal length for your space by measuring the desired cord length, taking into account the height of the ceiling, the size of the room, and the overall design of your space, as well as taking into account the scale of the room and the size of the pendant light.
Hope that this article managed to teach you how can pendant lights be shortened. If you have any questions regarding this topic, please let us know in the comments!
