Light fixtures are important elements in any home. Find out how much it costs to install a light fixture based on factors like type, location, and labor.
How To Install a Ceiling Light To Brighten Up Your Space
Use your DIY skills to light up the room
Get quotes from lighting pros near you
No obligation · 100% free
Get quotes from lighting pros near you
No obligation · 100% free
SKILL LEVEL
Simple
COMPLETION TIME
2 hours
COST
$50–$120
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
- Screwdriver
- Non-contact voltmeter
- Wire stripper/cutter
- Ladder
SUPPLIES
- Ceiling light
- Light bulb
- Electrical tape
- Wire caps
Whether it’s a flickering light or a drab fixture, an old ceiling light can dim the mood. The good news is that installing a new ceiling light with existing wiring is a relatively straightforward DIY project. We’ll go through the steps for removing your old ceiling light and installing a new one so you can bring the sparkle back to any space at a great price.
Preparing To Install a Ceiling Light
If you’re wondering how to change a light fixture on your own, the best way to start is by preparing and removing the existing fixture so you’re ready to install the new one.
Turn off the power: Head to your breaker box, find the switch for the fixture you’re working on, and turn off the power to that room. If there’s anyone else at home give them a heads up not to turn it back on until you’re done.
Remove light bulbs and covers: The easiest way to remove a light fixture is to start by taking off smaller parts like the light bulbs and covers. It reduces the overall weight and minimizes the risk of anything slipping off and breaking.
Unscrew the old fixture: Unscrew the mounting plate and crossbar that keep the fixture attached to the ceiling. It’s best to do this with a helper—have them hold the fixture and gently lower it while you work the screwdriver.
Test the wires: Using your non-contact voltage detector, gently touch the tip near each wire that connects to the fixture. Make sure the light switch is turned on for this (if you’re not sure, run your detector twice with the switch in each position).
Detach the wires: Once you’re certain there’s no power to the wires, unscrew the cap that covers the connection. It’s a good idea to take a quick reference picture so you know how the fixture is wired, then unwind the wires to completely detach the old ceiling light.
Once you’ve removed the old fixture, installing a new light fixture is pretty straightforward—for the most part, you’ll just follow the same steps in reverse.
Prepare Your Hardware on the Ground
The best way to avoid sore arms is to assemble as much of your ceiling light as you can before you start the installation. This is also the time to make sure the wires are fed through the mounting hardware as well as to align the mounting plate and crossbar.
If you have a hanging fixture, you can also adjust the hanging length (but don’t cut anything until it’s up and you’re sure it’s hanging just right).
Prepare the Wires
Photo: VvoeVale / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesThe wires on your new fixture will likely have a protective coating. Using a pair of wire strippers, remove about an inch of this coating, so you can easily connect the wires once you lift up the fixture.
Attach the Wires
Your ceiling light should come with an instruction manual that gives guidance on how to match the wires. A general rule is that wires of the same color go together—connect black to black and white to white. The grounding wire is usually green and will connect to the grounding screw (generally green or copper) on the ceiling mounting bracket.
Twist the exposed wire on the ceiling fixture and your new ceiling light. Add the wire caps on the top as well as some electrical tape over the caps if you want extra protection. Tuck all of this into the light’s junction box to keep it tidy.
Test Before You Attach the Fixture
Now that the wiring is connected, screw a light bulb into your new fixture and turn the power back on. Test that the light turns on. If it doesn’t, you can turn the power back off and check for any visible loose connections, or call in an electrician if you’re not sure what the problem is.
Once you’re done testing, turn the power back off. Although you won’t be directly handling wires, it’s always better to be safe when you’re working with electricity.
Attach the Fixture
Photo: JU.STOCKER / Adobe StockHave your helper hold the ceiling light in place while you screw in the crossbar and mounting plate. Now you can adjust any hanging elements, put on the light cover, turn on the power, and enjoy your new ceiling light!
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
The cost to install a light fixture can range from $90 to $230 for ceiling lights, so a DIY job can be worth it if you feel confident in your skills. Installing a ceiling light on your own can be an easy DIY or a complicated safety hazard—it all depends on your existing wiring.
If you’re planning to install a ceiling light without existing wiring, you’ll need to bring in a pro. They can find the wiring in your walls and ceiling and run it to the new spot, then install a junction box so you can connect the ceiling light.
Many older homes have outdated wiring systems that aren’t compatible with new lighting fixtures. If your house was wired before 1985, there’s a chance that new fixtures can draw too much power and risk overheating the old wiring, posing a fire risk. It’s recommended to have older wiring inspected for safety before you install any new fixtures. Call in a local light fixture company near you to make sure your new fixture is compatible with your wiring or that it’s installed quickly and safely, so you don’t have to worry about any fire hazards or electrical concerns hiding under the surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lighting services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
4.5★ avg. • 13 total reviews
- Ronald A.
Custom Paint Jobs LLC gave our office a fresh new look. Clients love it!
Custom Paint Jobs, LLC - John S.
Best painters in the Greater Columbus, Ohio area. Quality of work second to none and customer service is head above shoulders than everyone else. I cant wait to work on another project with Silvio and Team!
- Lauren R.
The Mosby team went above and beyond for my project. They not only installed my light fixture; they also worked through an old, wonky, and as it turns out incorrect wiring issue from the work of prior contractors. Professional, thorough, conscientious, and kind. Five star experience. Thank you!
Mosby Electric - Locke M.
We had a 20+ year old landscape lighting system that needed replacement. Midwest Lightscapes worked with us to design a much improved lighting system, lighting the exterior of the house and the back yard. Installation of the 45 light system took one and one-half days, and went very smoothly....
Midwest Lightscapes - Stephen D.
Jeff was a consummate professional. Responsive, courteous, and focused on meeting our needs. I had a small project of installing and replacing two ceiling light fixtures. He responded to my Home Advisory inquiry within 24 hours and in a span of two weeks our light fixtures were installed. ...
- Stephanie S.
For several months I was looking for somebody to tile a wall in my master bath and move lighting fixtures, and could not find anybody who was responsive. I contacted Rowe through Home Advisor and within days they came by to assess the job and provide an estimate. The cost was very...
Rowe House Development - John E.
A team of 2 spent 5 hours, cleaning top to bottom (removed all light fixture and cleaned.... impressive!!!)
Luzia's Cleaning - Jessica E.
It went very well. I was able to select the color blocks I wanted and where they would be placed in the window. All of the employees were very pleasant and patient. The guys who installed the window arrived promptly, did their job, and there was nothing for me to clean up. The window looks...
Innovate Home Org - Columbus Glass Block - Sarah C.
The initial quoted price from a walk-through seemed high, but we discussed that the quote represented worst case scenario (re-wiring to two floors) and we were excited about the opportunity to have the work done in a timely manner with closing for fire safety reasons, etc. When the job was...
- Robb B.
Charlie recommended a separate fan with new lighting to clear steam from the room better. Several weeks ago I contacted Charlie via email to ask about pricing and scheduling, after one follow up he did reply with cost and said it would be about two weeks before he could do the work. I replied...
Settle Muter Electric
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