by JR Wondra

Created on: January 08, 2009   Last Updated: August 12, 2011

Choosing and Installing Ceiling Fixtures for Your Home

You may not notice them often, or at all, but ceiling light fixtures can enhance the ambience and enjoyment of your home.

Whether you are moving in to a new place and want to add your own "statement," or just want an easy and economical way to bring new life or add a certain feeling to your home or apartment, replacing an old, dated light fixture is a relatively simple and greatly rewarding project.

Our condominium was built in 1974 and when we purchased it in 2003, it reflected the 70s lifestyle and mentality. Needless to say, it was not our "cup of tea."

After selecting new paint colors for the various rooms where we'd be spending most of our time or entertaining our guests (we like small dinner parties and movie nights), we turned our attention to ceiling light fixtures.

The kitchen light was your standard globe over a tarnished brass-plated base. We selected a moderately-priced fixture that evoked a sense of "Art Deco" and fit with the existing appliances and colors. After removing the globe (you loosen three set-screws), the base is exposed to reveal the mounting screws. Loosening the screws releases the base from the electrical mounting plate and exposes the wiring (one black and one white wire, plus a bare copper ground wire.

With the power "OFF," you disconnect the fixture from the house wiring, usually by unscrewing plastic wire nuts, but sometimes but cutting the wires as close to the connection as possible. Depending on the size, shape and style of the new and old fixtures, you may need to add a flat decorative trim plate to cover exposed mounts or connections. These usually just slip between the electrical box and the new base.

Once the wires are free, you simply attach the corresponding wires from your new fixture and secure them with solder or wire nuts. Electrical tape over each separate connection adds security and safety. The bare copper ground wire is attached to the electrical mounting plate with a screw (either the one already in the plate or using one provided with your new fixture).

The new base can then be secure to the plate with new screws (provided) or using the old screws if you are lucky. Once the base is secure, you then attach your glass, reflector, or globe as provided in the new fixture hardware. Replace the bulb, and you're done.  Voila: A new fixture in about half an hour!

You can then turn your attention to other needy rooms: dining, living, hallways, baths. These are the places you and your guests will be exposed to most often, and where new lighting can affect the overall appearance and ambience of the area.

Over the course of a single weekend, and for about the cost of a nice dinner out, you can drastically change you home's appearance, and you and your guests' enjoyment simply by changing the ceiling light fixtures to reflect your lifestyle, preferences and times.

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