Put in a new ceiling light?

Question

We have decided to swap the living room and dining rooms in our house, that is, use what is supposed to be a living room as the dining room, and visa versa. One problem is that the living room does not have an ceiling light. I would like to install some pendant lights in what is now the dining room for over the table.

My question is this... what is the best way to do this when there isn't an existing ceiling light?

The room has a wall socket that runs turns off/on using the light switch. I would like to tie it into that light switch, but don't want to have to cut into the ceiling and walls any more than is necessary.

Any advice would be great.

It is on the lower floor of a two story house.

Answer 1

If you are living in a single story house then it is not all that difficult. You will have to cut a 2-3 inch hole above the switch and another similar hole directly above this one that is near to the ceiling and then string your wire to the light. I have done this myself at least a dozen times in my life, and it is kind of a pain but not really difficult. Putting the wall back together so noone knows it was done might be the most difficult part.

Answer 2

If there is a circuit in the room you can junction off the existing circuit. If you've not done electrical before hire an electrician for a couple hundred bucks to run the wiring and boxes.. You can then have the lights yourself..

I do most of my own work, but I'd recommend against it if you don't know what you are doing.

Answer 3

Try hanging a swag light over the table area. Get one with a cord/chain long enough to drape over to the edge of the room and down to the wall socket.

Answer 4

if its a 1 story house it might be able to do with no electrical exposed but if its a 2 story that would be kinda hard with nothing exposed without alot of work. maybe you could try to get an estimate and see if this is something you can tackle on your own.

Answer 5

its hard to do and labor intensive. You best hire a electrician