The Complete Guide to Replacing Kitchen Lighting Yourself

Is your kitchen lighting outdated and leaving you in the dark? Replacing those old, dingy fixtures with new pendant lights, recessed lighting or under cabinet lighting can brighten up your kitchen and completely change the look and feel of the space. With some planning and the right supplies, you can replace your kitchen light fixtures on your own, without having to hire an electrician.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully replace your kitchen lighting, from choosing the right new fixtures to installing them safely. With these tips, you can easily upgrade your kitchen lighting and enjoy a brighter, more stylish kitchen.

Reasons to Replace Kitchen Lighting

There are several reasons you may want to replace or upgrade the lighting in your kitchen:

• Modernize outdated fixtures: If you have old, dated light fixtures, replacing them is an easy way to update the look of your kitchen.
• Increase brightness: New fixtures with better bulbs can provide brighter illumination for kitchen tasks like cooking.
• Fix non-working lights: Replace lights that are flickering, buzzing or have burnt-out bulbs.
• Match new kitchen decor: If you remodeled your kitchen, new lighting can complement the new finishes and styles.
• Improve ambiance: The right lighting can create a warm, inviting mood in the kitchen.
• Upgrade to more energy efficient options: Modern LED fixtures consume less energy.

Planning Your New Kitchen Lighting Layout

Assess Your Needs

Before selecting new kitchen lighting, assess how you use the space and determine what type of illumination you need. Do you primarily use your kitchen for cooking elaborate meals or for simple reheating? Are there specific tasks like food prep that need targeted lighting? Make sure to consider:

• Your main kitchen activities
• Spaces like counters, islands, and dining areas
• Determining if you need task, accent, or ambient lighting

Lighting Types

Choose the right mix of lighting fixtures to meet all your kitchen needs:

• Overhead/Pendant: Ceiling-mounted fixtures that provide overall ambient lighting. Island pendant lights are popular.
• Under cabinet: Task lighting under cabinets to illuminate countertops.
• Track: Versatile lights on tracks that can be aimed.
• Recessed: Subtle accent and task lighting recessed into the ceiling.
• Chandeliers: Elegant ambient lighting that makes a statement.

Create a Lighting Plan

Map out where new lights should go for maximum effectiveness. Consider:

• Marking exact ceiling locations for recessed and pendant lights
• How different lighting types will be used together
• Choosing the right mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting

Selecting New Fixtures

Choosing Lighting Styles

Choose fixture styles and finishes that align with your kitchen's decor, like:

• Modern, contemporary, traditional, rustic, etc.
• Finish colors like brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, black, copper

Consider Size and Scale

When selecting new kitchen lighting, ensure that:

• Fixtures are properly sized for the space
• You purchase enough lights for adequate illumination

Light Source

Look for energy efficient LED lights and consider:

• Lumens/brightness when replacing old fixtures
• Color temperature for warm or cool light

Safety Ratings

Ensure fixtures are:

• UL rated for damp/wet locations
• Listed for kitchen use
• Energy Star certified

Replacing Kitchen Light Fixtures Step-by-Step

Turn Off Power and Remove Old Fixture

Always start by turning off power at the circuit breaker. Then remove the old light fixture, being sure to:

• Use a voltage tester to confirm power is off
• Disconnect all wires and place them inside the electrical box
• Unmount the fixture and remove it from the ceiling

Install New Junction Box (if needed)

If the existing electrical box needs to be replaced:

• Anchor a new metal junction box to a ceiling joist
• Extend the supply wires from the old box into the new one

Connect Wires

Refer to the wiring diagrams in your new light's manual. Typically you will:

• Connect like-colored wires together using wire nuts
• Connect fixture wires to supply wires
• Tuck all wires neatly into the box

Mount New Fixture

Complete the installation by:

• Attaching the mounting plate to the junction box
• Hanging and securing the new fixture
• Making any final electrical connections
• Caulking gaps with silicone sealant

Turn Power Back On and Test

The final steps are to:

• Restore power at the circuit breaker
• Turn on the light to verify proper operation
• Enjoy your bright, new kitchen lighting!

To ensure a safe lighting replacement process:

• Use a fiberglass ladder for high ceilings
• Wear gloves and eye protection
• Make sure wires are fully inserted into wire nuts
• Don’t overstuff junction boxes
• Hire an electrician if you’re uncomfortable with any part of the wiring

With the right supplies and these simple tips, you can tackle replacing your outdated kitchen lighting. The result will be a kitchen that’s brighter, more stylish, and updated with modern lighting you installed yourself!