Asked on Jan 22, 2019
How should I replace old ugly light fixture in kitchen?
by Vicki P
+4
I am in a rental house, so not looking to spend a ton of money. These ugly light fixtures are all over the house on the ceilings and I would like some ideas on DIY replacements. Thanks - for all of you that mentioned permission from the landlord - we are here for another 5 years then the property will be sold and house torn down. So landlord allows total freedom in what we do.
Make sure you get permission from the land lord in writing before doing anything.
You can use some wooden slat and LED lights. Add them in the corner to have just a small light. But it depends, if you have other lights in this room
Nothing can be done without explicit perission from the owner of your home. Most will not allow changes such as an electrical one be done without their permission or hiring a professional. This woud more than likely be billed back to you for cost.
I'd also check with the landlord- maybe they were considering changing/removing them also. Or to get permission to change the track heads. They can be as inexpensive as $10. at Home Depot... The work can be tricky, so the landlord might insist on his pro contractors.
You might be able to get the bright LED bulbs to place in the track lights. Then glue wood slats as someone else mentioned to the outside of each "can" to dress it up and make it look different. That would be an inexpensive fix. You might also be able to fashion a lampshade frame into the mix and cover with fabric of your choice. Usually those track lights only have one power source (perhaps in the middle portion of the track and you could remove the entire track system and replace with a fixture of your choice that you could take with you when you move. What fun that the landlord has given you the freedom to decorate to heart's and pocketbook's content.
If you paint them to match the ceiling they will be less noticeable. Make sure that you choose a paint that can handle the heat from the bulb.
You can purchase a whole variety of style pendant light attachments for the track lights. This allows you to add color and place the light fixtures at various heights depending on the placement of the tracks.
Alternatively, but far more complicated, would be to remove the tracks completely and use the electric box connection to install either new ceiling lights or pendants. However, you'll have to put the lights in the same location or go above to fish the electric line to the new location.