replaced existing wall-mounted fixture with suspended low-wattage spot fights
by
Steve E
Removed existing industrial-looking light fixture and replaced with low-wattage decorative suspended spot lights.
*Options I considered for this project:
I considered another wall-mounted fixture, but I liked the look of the suspended fixtures.
*Questions and unexpected events that arose during the project:
Installing the project was tricky, because it is over stairs. I had to use cinderblocks to create a level surface for a ladder. don;t recommend this without someone to hold the ladder steady. The installation instructions provided with the IKA lighting kit are a bit cryptic, since they try to cover all possible conditions, and they do it with no written instructions (just pictures), but if you have any experience at all with home improvement projects, you should be okay.
* Cost Comments:
Pretty much everything needed was included in the IKEA kits (except tools, of course). I did some repainting after installation, but didn't count this as part of the project.
*My motivation to do this project:
The existing fixture was unattractive, and the lighting was harsh and unfocused. There is artwork that I wanted to light and I wanted to be able to direct the light on the stairs beneath the fixture.
*Project Steps:
1) Removed the old fixture, exposing the existing junction box in the wall.
2) Repaired drywall nicks and holes around the junction box
3) Installed transformer assembly over junction box.
4) Installed cable anchors in framed wall and wood beam. his was tricky because the two surfaces were not parallel to each other, so the anchors had to be carefully positioned to keep the cables parallel to each other. The anchors were level with each other on one wall, but couldn't be that way oin the other one, or the cables wouldn't end up parallel.
5) Installed the cables.
6) Installed the spot lights on the cables
Advice:
Do expect to purchase the spot lights separately, and check how many (minimum and/or maximum) can be installed. IKEA does sell some complete sets of fixtures, but the one I used was not one of them.
Materials:
Light kit - $80.00
4 Spot Lights - $60.00
*Options I considered for this project:
I considered another wall-mounted fixture, but I liked the look of the suspended fixtures.
*Questions and unexpected events that arose during the project:
Installing the project was tricky, because it is over stairs. I had to use cinderblocks to create a level surface for a ladder. don;t recommend this without someone to hold the ladder steady. The installation instructions provided with the IKA lighting kit are a bit cryptic, since they try to cover all possible conditions, and they do it with no written instructions (just pictures), but if you have any experience at all with home improvement projects, you should be okay.
* Cost Comments:
Pretty much everything needed was included in the IKEA kits (except tools, of course). I did some repainting after installation, but didn't count this as part of the project.
*My motivation to do this project:
The existing fixture was unattractive, and the lighting was harsh and unfocused. There is artwork that I wanted to light and I wanted to be able to direct the light on the stairs beneath the fixture.
*Project Steps:
1) Removed the old fixture, exposing the existing junction box in the wall.
2) Repaired drywall nicks and holes around the junction box
3) Installed transformer assembly over junction box.
4) Installed cable anchors in framed wall and wood beam. his was tricky because the two surfaces were not parallel to each other, so the anchors had to be carefully positioned to keep the cables parallel to each other. The anchors were level with each other on one wall, but couldn't be that way oin the other one, or the cables wouldn't end up parallel.
5) Installed the cables.
6) Installed the spot lights on the cables
Advice:
Do expect to purchase the spot lights separately, and check how many (minimum and/or maximum) can be installed. IKEA does sell some complete sets of fixtures, but the one I used was not one of them.
Materials:
Light kit - $80.00
4 Spot Lights - $60.00
View from below
Transformer assembly and anchors in drywall
Upper anchors (not level- see notes) in wood laminate beam
View at top of stairs
Old fixture can be seen behind my head
Frequently asked questions
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