Lighting is the most overlooked part of any room. It can make or break a space, so it’s crucial to choose fixtures that are well-suited for your needs. One way to do this is by replacing recessed lighting with flush mount lighting.
Flush-mount lights are an excellent choice if you’re looking for more overhead light because they have a larger surface area than recessed lights, which makes them perfect for illuminating large spaces.
If you want to know how to replace recessed lighting with flush-mount lighting then this blog post will be helpful for you.
Summary: Replacing recessed lighting with flush mount lighting is an excellent way to update the appearance and functionality of a room. Before starting the project, gather the necessary tools and materials, such as a screwdriver, wire stripper, wire nuts, a voltage tester, and the new flush mount light fixture. Additionally, ensure that the new fixture is compatible with the existing electrical box and wiring. Always prioritize safety by turning off the power to the room at the circuit breaker before proceeding with the installation.
Begin by carefully removing the existing recessed light fixture, which typically involves unscrewing or unclipping it from the housing. Disconnect the wires from the old fixture by unscrewing the wire nuts and separating the wires. Carefully remove the recessed lighting housing and any brackets or mounting hardware from the ceiling. Next, install the new flush mount light fixture according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
This often involves attaching a mounting plate or bracket to the electrical box, connecting the wires from the new fixture to the corresponding wires in the box using wire nuts, and securing the fixture to the bracket or plate. Once the flush mount light is in place, restore power to the room and test the new fixture to ensure proper functionality.
What Are Recessed Lighting?
Recessed lighting is a smart way to add more lighting while still maintaining ceiling height. As a result, the roof above and the ceiling below are lit.
Recessed lighting fixtures are most often found in kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, hallways, and bedrooms. In addition, electricians frequently install lighting fixtures using the help of a professional.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Recessed Lighting
Recessed lighting has been a staple for homeowners to install in their homes for over 50 years. They are hidden lights that are easy to install, provide great light distribution, and can be used without covering up other fixtures.
However, the biggest disadvantage is the way they are installed; recessed lights need to be cut into ceilings or dropped down from above.
This requires a lot of remodeling and construction to put them in. In addition, because they are hidden from view, the aesthetic quality is reduced for many homeowners.
However, as time has gone on, other alternatives have emerged that deliver similar benefits with less hassle.
The biggest problem with recessed lights is the way they are installed. Instead of simply screwing them into place like can light, recessed lights are cut into ceilings or dropped down from above.
This requires a lot of construction work to install, and the final appearance is not always desirable for most people.
What Are Flush-Mount Lighting?
Flush-mount lights have become much more popular in recent years because they offer many benefits over traditional recessed lighting.
These lights are much easier to install, do not require much expertise, and can be replaced quickly. Flush-mount lighting is most often found in kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, and bedrooms.
The lights are attached to the ceiling and wired directly into the house’s electrical system.
Why Should You Replace Recessed Lighting With Flush-mount Lighting?
Flush-mount lighting can be installed without having to worry about special tools or removing the ceiling drywall.
Flush-mount lighting has a sleeker design, allowing for a wider variety of colors and sizes to choose from. They also have a better light distribution.
Depending on the size of your room, you may need to install many lights to get the same effect as recessed lighting provides.
If that is an issue, you should consider putting up a dimmer switch to the lights to vary the light output to meet your needs.
Replacing recessed lighting with flush-mount lighting will also allow for better design features, an expanded range of colors and sizes to choose from, and improved light distribution.
In addition, the installation process can be accomplished in one day but will require wiring knowledge.
If you are thinking about replacing recessed lighting with flush-mount lights, look for those that are dimmable.
This will make it easier to vary the light output as needed and provide a more functional lighting solution.
What Tools and Supplies You’ll Need
- Screwdriver
- Tin snips
- Drill and drill bits
- Stud finder
- Level
- Electrical tape
- Wire connectors
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Replace Recessed Lighting With Flush-mount Lighting
Step 1: Determine the Location
Use your stud finder to determine the location of the wiring and framing. You will want to make sure you can access the junction box or other wires before continuing with this project.
If there are obstructions such as a beam, insulation, pipes, or ductwork, make sure those will not interfere with the flush-mount light.
Step 2: Drilling the Holes
Using your drill with an inch bit, make holes through the drywall to access each anchor bolt. Once you have drilled the hole, insert the bolt into the studs.
After inserting all bolts into their respective studs, use your screwdriver to tighten them until they are flush with the wall.
Step 3: Check the Opening
Take your flush-mount light fixture box and check the opening to ensure it fits appropriately into each hole you drilled.
Use your level to ensure the top of the fixture is straight before proceeding with the installation. Mark where the mounting holes are on either side of each drill hole, remove the fixture from its box, and drill holes through each marked spot.
Step 4: Securing the Fixture Box
Put the fixture box that was inside into the hole on your wall. You should secure it with screws that came in your flush-mount light’s original packaging.
If they are missing, you can use drywall anchors before screwing them into place with a screwdriver.
Step 5: Make Sure the Power Wires Are Accessible
After your fixture box is secure, you will need to make sure the power wires are still accessible by removing the junction box cover. After checking for access, put it back in place and strap it down with electrical tape.
Step 6: Re-install Your Junction Box
Run all of your wirings through the junction box before attaching each wire to its corresponding screw on the fixture.
After connecting the wires, you can reinstall your junction box cover and enjoy your new flush-mount light fixture.
What Type of Bulb Should You Use With Flush-mount Lighting?
You will need to choose the type of flush-mounted lighting when choosing a bulb because the installation will depend on the type of lighting you choose.
LED, fluorescent, and incandescent are common types of lighting that work with flush-mounting.
Recessed lighting fixtures require a specific type of bulb, a small incandescent halogen one. Where flush-mount lighting fixtures accept the regular household bulb.
The typical household bulb is larger, offers more wattage options, and can be found anywhere from 60 to 150 watts. It also emits better distribution patterns than the recessed light bulbs do.
Speciality lights like neon lights cannot be used with flush-mount light fixtures. If you’re interested in adding this type of interest to your home, hiring an electrician to put wiring in place is the best way to get the lights installed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Replace a Recessed Light With a Light Fixture?
There are a few considerations that need to be taken into account when replacing a recessed light with a light fixture. For example, the type of light fixture and how it will be mounted will affect the look of the room.
A typical recessed light can be replaced with a standard light fixture such as a chandelier or pendant. These fixtures can be mounted in many different ways, such as on the ceiling, on the wall, or on a post. The choice of where to mount the fixture will depend on the style of room and the decor.
Another consideration is how bright the new light will be. If the recessed light is small and is not providing enough light, then a replacement light may be necessary. Larger recessed lights may not need to be replaced, but may need to be supplemented with additional lighting.
When replacing a recessed light with a light fixture, it is important to consult with an electrician or lighting specialist to ensure that the new fixture is installed properly and provides the desired level of illumination.
How Do You Modernize Recessed Lighting?
Recessed lighting is a popular fixture for use in both residential and commercial settings, and it can be a great way to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room. Recessed lighting is typically installed below ceiling level, behind a wall or other surface, and is accessed through a hole in the wall or ceiling.
To modernize recessed lighting, it is important to consider the current trends in interior design. This includes using more natural materials and textures, favoring minimalist designs, and focusing on cleaner lines and silhouettes. It is also important to keep in mind the function of the room – for example, whether the recessed lighting is used primarily for aesthetic purposes or for functional purposes such as adding ambient light or accenting features. Finally, it is important to select the right type of recessed lighting for the specific application. This will involve taking into account the size and shape of the hole in the wall or ceiling, as well as the type of light fixture desired.
By following these simple tips, you can modernize your recessed lighting without having to replace or upgrade any hardware or fixtures.
Does Adding Recessed Lighting Add Value to a House?
Adding recessed lighting to a house can add value in a few different ways. Recessed lighting can provide a natural and elegant look to a room, enhancing the appearance of the walls and ceiling. It can also add brightness and depth to a room, making it more comfortable and inviting. Finally, recessed lighting can help reduce energy costs by providing more light during the evening or night hours. Therefore, adding recessed lighting to a house can be a cost-effective way to improve the overall look and feel of the property, while also reducing energy costs.
Where Should You Not Put Recessed Lights?
It is generally not recommended to place recessed lights near any areas that are likely to be wet, such as the basement or the bathrooms. This is because moisture can cause the lights to corrode and malfunction. Additionally, recessed lights should not be placed near any window or door openings, as they can cast a bright and unwelcome light into these areas. Finally, it is important to avoid placing recessed lights in high-traffic areas, as they can be difficult to access and may become damaged or displaced over time.
Final Thoughts
Recessed lighting is a type of ceiling light fixture that’s been around for many years. However, these fixtures have two major drawbacks: they can be difficult to install, and the design options are limited.
In contrast, flush-mount lights offer an improved range of colors and sizes as well as a more diverse selection of styles.
For these reasons, it’s time you should replace recessed lighting with flush-mount lighting in your home or office!
Replacing recessed lighting with this kind of fixture will allow you to create better designs without costly remodeling projects while improving the quality of the light distribution within your space.
The installation process may seem daunting at first but don’t worry; we have already discussed the step-by-step guide on how to replace recessed lighting with flush-mount lighting. So be sure to check this out to get a better understanding of the process.
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