Can you shorten chandelier chain?

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Chandeliers or or swag lamps are often suspended from chains with the electric cord woven in and out between the links. Shortening the chain, for whatever reason, is a simple process involving no electrical knowledge. Find a helper to hold the weight of the chandelier or light fixture while you are working.



Regarding this, can you shorten a chandelier?

It may seem like your destiny: Every chandelier or light fixture you've ever purchased must be shortened so that someone doesn't bang into it head-first. Chandeliers typically come packaged with more chain and wire than you need -- because it's more convenient to shorten a chain rather than to lengthen it.

Furthermore, how do you adjust the length of a pendant light? Feed end of the pendant cord through the cap, and cord grip into the canopy. Adjust the fixture height (from bottom of the fixture shade to top of the canopy) by moving the cord up or down. When desired height is achieved, slightly tighten the cap.

In this manner, how long should a chandelier chain be?

A chandelier's chain should be 3 inches long for every foot of ceiling height. For example, for an 8 foot ceiling, the fixture should hang 30 inches to 36 inches above the table, depending on the size of the chandelier.

How do you open the chain on a chandelier?

Inspect the chain link to determine if it has a fastener that threads the two ends of the link together. If there is one, hold the link tightly with a pair of pliers and use another pair of pliers to turn the fastener counterclockwise to loosen it. Once the fastener is loose enough, completely unscrew it by hand.

37 Related Question Answers Found

How do you swag a chandelier?

Take your ceiling hook and screw it into the hole where your pin was. Pull down to test the strength. Hang your chandelier onto the hook at the desired height. Rewire your fixture to the electrical box (you can follow my tutorial for installing a light fixture if you need to.)

How do you update a chandelier?

Upgrade an Outdated Chandelier
  1. Apply Spray Paint. If you have a dated chandelier (Image 1) that you'd like to give a distinctive and classic look, begin by spray-painting the chandelier using a nice antique paint finish (Image 2).
  2. Add Decorative Candle Sleeves.
  3. Add Hanging Crystals.

Can you put a round chandelier over a rectangle table?

A chandelier, pendant/suspension, or non-linear multi-pendant light fixture make sense over a round table. A linear suspension or linear multi-pendant light fixture make sense over a rectangular table. While you wouldn't want a linear light over a round table, you could use two round lights over a rectangular table.

Does my chandelier have to be centered over table?


A chandelier makes as much of a decorative statement as a functional one, setting the tone for the room where it is placed. While a chandelier may be centered over a table, in some situations it may not be over a table at all, such as when used in a foyer.

How do you size a chandelier?

A simple way to determine a chandelier size is to add the dimensions of the room together in feet and then convert the answer to inches. The answer in inches should equal the diameter of the fixture. So if your room measures 10' x 14' the diameter of the fixture should be about 24".

How big of a light fixture do I need?

A general rule of thumb formula can be used to determine an appropriate diameter for ceiling fixtures. To determine this, measure the length and width of the room. Add those two numbers together and then convert the total into inches. So if your room is 10 feet by 12 feet, the ceiling fixture should be 22 inches wide.

How do I choose a pendant light?

Choosing a Kitchen Pendant Light
A general rule: The larger the area you want to light, the bigger the pendant light should be. A small pendant light is effective over a sink or desk area. Cluster small pendants or choose a pendant with three or more lights over a dining room table or kitchen island.

How do you install a pendant light?

Part 2 Installing Your Pendant Light
  1. Attach the power wires.
  2. Attach the ground wire.
  3. Secure the wires.
  4. Install the mounting bracket and/or mounting screws.
  5. Hang the light.
  6. Install a bulb.
  7. Turn the power back on.
  8. Complete installation.

How much does it cost to install pendant lights?


Cost of Pendant Lighting
Pendant Lighting Costs Zip Code
Basic Best
Pendant Lighting – Material Prices $55.00 - $125.00 $200.00 - $245.00
Pendant Lighting – Installation Cost $65.00 - $85.50 $125.00 - $150.00
Pendant Lighting – Total $120.00 - $210.50 $325.00 - $395.00

Can a chandelier be too big?

A chandelier that is too large can easily overpower a room and its inhabitants; one that is too small becomes insignificant and decreases the perceived value of the entire space. By following a few interior design guidelines for choosing the correct size, you will maximize the impact of the fixture.

How do you lengthen a chandelier chain?

Attach one end of the chandelier extension to the end of the chandelier chain, securing it with pliers. Lift the chandelier and connect the chain you added to the chain on the ceiling. Close the link with pliers. Carefully release the chandelier and allow it to hang.

How do you break a steel chain?

How to Cut Chain Links
  1. Turn the set screw on the bolt cutters to adjust the width of the blades to accommodate the size of the chain links.
  2. Center the chain link between the blades.
  3. Grip one handle of the bolt cutter in each hand.
  4. Push both handles down at the same time to cut the link.