Refreshing your space can be as simple as updating your lighting. Installing a new ceiling light fixture can add style and personality, whether you’re aiming for a bold statement piece or just trying to make a rental feel more like home.

While installing a light fixture may seem daunting at first, we’re here to simplify the process. Whether it’s a pendant light, flush mount, recessed lighting, or another ceiling fixture, this guide will walk you through it step-by-step. Here’s how you can install a ceiling light yourself.

Important Safety Reminder:
If you're unfamiliar with electrical work or installing light fixtures, we strongly recommend hiring a licensed electrician. Professional installation ensures your safety and guarantees a smooth process. You can even select professional installation during checkout for many of our light fixtures, and we'll help you schedule a convenient appointment! Whether you’re replacing an old ceiling light, adding a new fixture to an existing wired location, or relocating wiring, we’ve got you covered.

In This Guide:

• How to Install a Hanging Light

• How to Install Recessed Lighting

• How to Install Track Lighting

Before You Begin

Before you dive into installation, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Choose the Right Ceiling Light

From chandeliers to pendants to flush mounts, different spaces suit different fixtures. For example, pendant lights work beautifully above a kitchen island, while semi-flush mounts are ideal for hallways. Need help deciding? Our guide, Types of Ceiling Lights: How to Choose the Right One, covers all the options and their benefits.

Tip:
Curious about pendant lights? Check out our guide Your Guide to Pendant Lights: How to Choose the Right Fixture to learn everything you need to know.

Measure for the Right Size

Once you’ve chosen a style, sizing is key. Read our How to Measure for a Ceiling Light guide for tips on getting the proportions and placement just right for your room.

Know the Parts of a Ceiling Light

Before installation, get familiar with the different parts of a ceiling light. This knowledge will make the process much easier.

How to Install a Hanging Light

![Wood hanging ceiling light on a nickel chain downrod]
(Shop this look: blue grass cloth wallpaper, wood chandeliers, wall-mounted storage hooks)

The process for installing hanging light fixtures — like chandeliers, flush mounts, or pendants — follows similar steps.

What You’ll Need:

• Phillips head screwdriver

• Flat head screwdriver

• Wire caps

• Electrical tape

• Wire stripper

• Safety glasses

• Wire connectors

• A friend (to assist with lifting)

• Step stool or ladder

• Lightbulbs

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Turn Off the Power
Locate your circuit breaker and switch off the power to the room. If circuits aren't labeled, keep the light on and switch breakers until it turns off. Don’t forget to flip off the wall switch too.

Step 2: Remove the Old Fixture
If you're replacing an existing light, first remove the cover, shade, or mounting plate, and disconnect the wires. Remove any bulbs, then take down the fixture’s base. It helps to have a friend assist you during this step!

Tip:
If you're installing a light where there was no previous fixture, it's best to consult a professional electrician to connect your new fixture to a power source.

Step 3: Tighten the Screws
Check the electrical box and mounting bracket for stability. Tighten any loose screws with a screwdriver.

Step 4: Connect the Wires
Follow your fixture’s instructions carefully. Typically, black wires connect to black, white to white, and green grounding wires to the grounding screw. Use a wire stripper to expose about an inch of wire, twist wires together, secure with wire connectors, and wrap with electrical tape for added protection.

Step 5: Attach the Base
Carefully tuck the wires into the electrical box and use the provided hardware to mount the base.

Step 6: Install the Bulbs
Use the recommended wattage for your fixture. LED bulbs are a great choice for energy efficiency.

Step 7: Add the Trim and Cover
Attach the trim or shade. Adjust the hanging chain or rod length if needed. For best results, refer to our How to Measure for a Ceiling Light guide.

Step 8: Restore Power
Turn the power back on at the circuit breaker and test your new light. Congratulations — your room just got a major glow-up!

How to Install Recessed Lighting

![Modern kitchen with floral wallpaper, green ceiling, and recessed lighting]
(Shop this look: floral wallpaper, stainless steel ranges, swing-arm sconces, wood cheeseboards)

Recessed lighting is perfect for adding brightness while keeping a sleek, minimal look. Read Types of Recessed Lights: How to Choose the Right One for Your Home to learn more. Here’s how to install recessed lighting yourself.

What You’ll Need:

• Stud finder

• Hole saw

• Tape measure

• Drill and drill bits

• Recessed light housings

• Recessed light trims

• Wire connectors

• Electrical tape

• Lightbulbs

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Understand Your Ceiling
Check above the ceiling for insulation. If insulation is present, you’ll need insulation-compatible recessed lights. Also, ensure you have at least 8" of clearance above the ceiling (between floors) by drilling a small hole and measuring depth with a wire. Mark joists using a stud finder and avoid placing lights over them.

Step 2: Turn Off the Power
Switch off the power at your circuit breaker and turn off the wall switch too.

Step 3: Mark the Locations
Use the mounting templates to trace where each recessed light will go. For optimal placement, check out our Recessed Lighting Calculator: 5 Steps to Figuring Out Your Lighting Layout guide.

Step 4: Cut the Openings
Use a hole saw to cut out the openings for your light housings.

Step 5: Disconnect Old Fixtures
If there's an old fixture in the way, safely disconnect it from the power source.

Step 6: Set Up Electrical Connections
Pull the wiring from your power source to the first recessed light, then continue to the next if installing multiple.