What kind of light treatment can I do for these cam lights

Jane H Rapp
by Jane H Rapp
These are the 3 areas, next to each other where I have cam lights and I really would like to hand Pendant Lights. The first photo shows the 2 cam lights in the family room (left of the fan) Then there is the fan (over our couch). The other 2 cam lights are over the kitchen eating table. Then in the 2nd photo there are 5 cam lights in the kitchen cooking area. The areas of the ceiling are peaked and so except the 2 over the kitchen table they would hang at an angle. HELP!!! I need to add beauty and stability to these areas.
  13 answers
  • Robyn Garner Robyn Garner on Jan 13, 2018

    First, they're called "can" lights lol! You can wire new pendants directly into the existing can light connections but will need to be sure you can cover the openings. You can purchase various can light opening covers so that should not be an issue.


    One thing to bear in mind doing this is that some of the lights may be chain wired together so they all turn on via the same switch. This will still be the case if you merely replace can lights w/ pendants.


    However, if you want to relocate pendants so they are not hanging from the existing can light wiring, you'll need to 'fish' the electrical lines to the new location. It may possible to fish some of the lines through your attic space or through the a/c vents I see in your ceilings.


    If you want to DIY this, it may be helpful for you to call in a couple of electricians to pick their brains for ideas and helpful hints!


    I am NOT an electrician wizard so these are just my thoughts.

  • Jane H Rapp Jane H Rapp on Jan 13, 2018

    Thanks for the correction "can" lights. Sounds like it is going to be impossible. Between the ceiling peak, and we can't get up in the attic in that area.

    If I could, how would I decide on the pendant lights and where. All the same?

  • William Saunders William Saunders on Jan 14, 2018

    You could make your own hanging lights that would screw into existing can light socket. Actully just thought of this when I read your question!

    Useing a cord swag kit ( without switch ) or make your own and secure it with a thin cable or decoritve chain screwed into inside of can and hang light from can. You could use a decorative bulb or some type of light weight globe.

    Here are some that are store bought.

    https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&hl=en-us&tbm=isch&q=plug+in+hanging+light&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiIk8L8uNfYAhVi9YMKHYULDA0QrNwCCOYBKAE&biw=375&bih=621&dpr=3

    Just make sure they are secured well to the can support so they don’t pull out of ceiling!


  • Mary Mary on Jan 14, 2018

    adding to the previous post by William, you could hang at different heights. I would use the same glass covers. I wouldn’t use clear glass as you will need to clean these often and that’s a pain. The Home stores have lots of choices for glass shades that hang on those hanging light kits. Will be very nice, bet.

  • Jane H Rapp Jane H Rapp on Jan 14, 2018

    I am getting great technical help. I'm looking more for decorating help.

    Do I do all the pendants the same? Differnt but coordinating? Very different. What about them not being the same level/angle because of how our ceilings and formed?

  • Linda Sikut Linda Sikut on Jan 14, 2018

    I think the decorating part is dependent on your likes and dislikes. I personally, would like them to be the same and all at the same length in each area. But I'm sure there are others who would disagree. One of the wonderful things about Hometalk is that we share what we like, but we are all different. So what looks wonderful to me, might be boring to you. I think you need to look at what's available or what you can make (as William wrote about) then project it in your mind to your home. Maybe some simple drawings of the layout and the lights would work. You could even make copies of the picture and put cut-outs of the lights on it. I wouldn't worry about the angle of the lights, personally, because they will all still hang straight from where they are attached. Wishing you the best.

  • Mad29883817 Mad29883817 on Jan 14, 2018

    Home Improvement catalog has various pendant lighting choices

  • Michelle Powell Michelle Powell on Jan 14, 2018

    Our kitchen is similar to yours. I plan on only replacing the light over the island/sink area with a screw in one. I think too many pendant lights in the kitchen will start to look too busy. Personally, I would leave the lights in the family room and focus on getting a lower light fixture over the dining table. Like Linda said, don't worry about the angle, the cord will still be straight. Here are some more examples of screw in lights, so you don't have to replace the whole set up. https://www.google.com/search?q=replace+can+light+with+screw+in+pendant+light&client=safari&hl=en-us&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjZ063w39fYAhUNleAKHWs1BsIQ_AUICygC&biw=1440&bih=735

    Best of Luck!

  • V Smith V Smith on Jan 14, 2018

    Since all of these areas are open to each other I think I would keep the fixtures similar to each other, ie. same color metal. Different sizes, especially over dinning table. Also, if not already on dimmers, add dimmers. There are many retro fit fixtures for can lights.

  • Tas31268095 Tas31268095 on Jan 14, 2018

    this helps Lowe's has this which I used in my kitchen.

    ://m.lowes.com/pd/Portfolio-Polished-Nickel-Pendant-Light-Conversion-Kits/388165

    And home depot has this

    https://www.homedepot.com/p/Westinghouse-Recessed-Light-Converter-for-Pendant-or-Light-Fixtures-0101100/204785596

    Which allows you to change the can light into a pendant or semi or flush mount fixture. I've used both....and bow home depot has a variety of the light bulb conversion kits. Hope

  • Axel Soldwedel Axel Soldwedel on Jan 14, 2018

    there are pendent lights that just screw in the existing can light like a lightbulb


  • Sharon Sharon on Jan 14, 2018

    Sorry to say, I think the can lights are so poorly placed, I don't see hanging pendants which are mostly used to light task areas in the can's current locations because say a pendant light in the living room would only serve to show the assymetry of the pot lights which are closer to peak on one side versus the other side is way farther down the slope.

    The kitchen, I would have an electrician place two=three pendants over the island because the pot lights didn't come out far enough.

    In living room would instead focus on getting some great floor lamps and table lamps to provide pleasing lighting.

    If you want to try.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEAxl8s2PmA

  • Dianne Montgomery Dianne Montgomery on Jan 14, 2018

    Personally I would not convert any of the can lights to pendants. With your ceiling fan, it might just be too busy. You might consider converting your existing can lights to LED and put them on a dimmer. This would allow you to control the mood of the rooms. I also agree with whoever suggested just putting pendants over your peninsula. We have a similar set up with the peninsula and I absolutely love my pendants (also on a dimmer). Your electrician should be able to fish power to pendants such that they could be on a separate switch so you could just illuminate them whenever you want. My very favorite time to light mine is in the morning as it adds a nice glow to the room when I don't need much light. We also have can lighting in the kitchen (sadly not LED - someday maybe) but on a dimmer which I rarely have on full blast (nice and warm in the winter but downright hot in the summer). Whatever you choose, I'm sure you will love it.