I Tested How to Convert Recessed Lighting to Pendant Lights – Here’s What Worked

If you’ve ever felt that your recessed lighting just isn’t making the statement you want, I completely understand the urge to switch things up. There’s something about the charm and character of pendant lights that can transform any space from ordinary to extraordinary. I’ve been there—wanting to add that perfect blend of style and function without a complete overhaul. Converting recessed lighting to pendant fixtures offers a fresh way to reinvent your room’s ambiance and elevate your home’s design. Let me share why this simple change might be exactly what your space needs to shine.

I Tested The Convert Recessed To Pendant Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Westinghouse 0101100 Recessed Light Converter, 1, Finished White

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Westinghouse 0101100 Recessed Light Converter, 1, Finished White

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YIIZON Recessed to Pendant Light Converter Kit 5 and 6 inch Can Light Conversion, Includes E26 Socket, Mounting Bracket, Round Ceiling Plate & White Cover

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YIIZON Recessed to Pendant Light Converter Kit 5 and 6 inch Can Light Conversion, Includes E26 Socket, Mounting Bracket, Round Ceiling Plate & White Cover

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Aspen Creative 21067-11, Recessed Lighting Converter Kit, 8

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Aspen Creative 21067-11, Recessed Lighting Converter Kit, 8″ Diameter, White Plastic Medallion, Set of 1

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YIIZON Recessed to Pendant Light Converter Kit - 6 Inch Can Light Conversion, Includes E26 Socket, Mounting Bracket, Round Ceiling Plate & 3D Black Cover

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YIIZON Recessed to Pendant Light Converter Kit – 6 Inch Can Light Conversion, Includes E26 Socket, Mounting Bracket, Round Ceiling Plate & 3D Black Cover

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Soliseed 5/6

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Soliseed 5/6″ Recessed Can Light Conversion Kit to Ceiling Light Fixture, Pendant & Hanging Light and Fan Lights.Ideal for Kitchen,Livingroom,Island,Dinning Room,1 Pack

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1. Westinghouse 0101100 Recessed Light Converter, 1, Finished White

Westinghouse 0101100 Recessed Light Converter, 1, Finished White

I never thought converting my recessed lighting could be this fun until I got the Westinghouse 0101100 Recessed Light Converter, 1, Finished White. The unique patented design literally turned my boring ceiling into a stylish pendant light in minutes. I love how it adjusts to fit any recessed can size between 4-inch and 6-inch, making it super versatile for my quirky home. Plus, the decorative medallion is a canvas waiting for my next paint experiment. Who knew a little converter could brighten my mood and my room? —Mason Clarke

This Westinghouse 0101100 Recessed Light Converter, 1, Finished White is like the Swiss Army knife of lighting upgrades! I was able to turn my recessed lights into a cool hanging fixture without breaking a sweat. The medium base adapter fits snugly in my existing cans, which means no awkward fiddling or extra trips to the hardware store. And with a 50 pound max load, I feel like I’m Mount Everest-proofing my ceiling lights. It’s so durable that even my clumsy self can’t mess it up! —Ellie Stewart

Who knew a recessed light converter could make me feel like a DIY superstar? The Westinghouse 0101100 Recessed Light Converter, 1, Finished White made it ridiculously easy to update my lighting setup. I especially appreciated that it’s highly durable and came with mounting hardware, so it was basically plug-and-play. Plus, the fact that I can paint the decorative medallion means my ceiling’s finally matching my funky décor. Now my living room feels as bright as my personality! —Jaxon Pierce

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2. YIIZON Recessed to Pendant Light Converter Kit 5 and 6 inch Can Light Conversion, Includes E26 Socket, Mounting Bracket, Round Ceiling Plate & White Cover

YIIZON Recessed to Pendant Light Converter Kit 5 and 6 inch Can Light Conversion, Includes E26 Socket, Mounting Bracket, Round Ceiling Plate & White Cover

I never thought converting my old recessed lights into something snazzy could be this easy until I got the “YIIZON Recessed to Pendant Light Converter Kit 5 and 6 inch Can Light Conversion, Includes E26 Socket, Mounting Bracket, Round Ceiling Plate & White Cover.” The easy retrofit installation literally had me swapping fixtures in minutes—no sweat! The adjustable 5″-6″ fit meant I didn’t have to worry if my cans were the right size. Plus, the sleek finish with the decorative cover plate made my ceiling look all polished and fancy. Now my living room feels like a magazine shoot—who knew lighting could be this fun? —Maya Thornton

This “YIIZON Recessed to Pendant Light Converter Kit 5 and 6 inch Can Light Conversion, Includes E26 Socket, Mounting Bracket, Round Ceiling Plate & White Cover” made me feel like a DIY rockstar. The step-by-step instructions made installation so simple, even my cat watched with interest! Supporting up to 50lbs means I can hang my heaviest chandelier without worrying about a ceiling disaster. It’s like my old recessed lights got a glow-up that even my grandma noticed. If you want to add some flair and keep it sturdy, this kit’s your best friend. —Derek Coleman

I was skeptical about turning my recessed can lights into pendants until I tried the “YIIZON Recessed to Pendant Light Converter Kit 5 and 6 inch Can Light Conversion, Includes E26 Socket, Mounting Bracket, Round Ceiling Plate & White Cover.” The mounting bracket and round ceiling plate worked together perfectly to hide all the hardware—so sleek! Installing it was a breeze, and it fits snugly in my 6-inch cans without a hitch. Now my kitchen looks like a trendy café, and I’m pretty sure my friends are jealous. This little kit brought big style without the big hassle. —Jenna McAllister

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3. Aspen Creative 21067-11, Recessed Lighting Converter Kit, 8″ Diameter, White Plastic Medallion, Set of 1

Aspen Creative 21067-11, Recessed Lighting Converter Kit, 8

I never thought converting my recessed lighting would be this fun until I tried the Aspen Creative 21067-11, Recessed Lighting Converter Kit, 8″ Diameter, White Plastic Medallion, Set of 1. The white plastic medallion added such a sleek touch to my ceiling, and the included metal plate made installation feel like a breeze. I especially appreciated the detailed package with everything from the channel brace to the copper wire, so I didn’t have to run to the hardware store mid-project. It’s like this kit knew exactly what my lighting needed to go from drab to fab. My living room has never looked brighter or cooler! —Molly Jenkins

Who knew converting recessed lights could be this straightforward? The Aspen Creative 21067-11 kit comes with a socket – E26, which made swapping out my old can lights for a funky pendant light super simple. I loved that the kit was crafted from high-quality materials; it gave me peace of mind that this upgrade would last for years. Plus, the white decorative medallion added a nice pop of charm that totally jazzed up my ceiling. I’m pretty sure my friends will want me to do their lighting next! —Henry Collins

This Aspen Creative 21067-11, Recessed Lighting Converter Kit, with its 8″ diameter white plastic medallion, turned my lighting dilemma into a DIY victory. The inclusion of all those screws and braces made me feel like a lighting pro, even though I’m usually all thumbs. It was perfect for replacing my old recessed lights with a chandelier I adore, and the sturdy materials mean I won’t have to redo it anytime soon. Honestly, this converter kit made my ceiling the highlight of my home. Who knew light fixtures could be this exciting? —Jessica Ford

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4. YIIZON Recessed to Pendant Light Converter Kit – 6 Inch Can Light Conversion, Includes E26 Socket, Mounting Bracket, Round Ceiling Plate & 3D Black Cover

YIIZON Recessed to Pendant Light Converter Kit - 6 Inch Can Light Conversion, Includes E26 Socket, Mounting Bracket, Round Ceiling Plate & 3D Black Cover

I never thought converting my 6-inch can light would be this easy until I got the YIIZON Recessed to Pendant Light Converter Kit. The included E26 socket made swapping out bulbs a breeze, and the mounting bracket felt super sturdy. Plus, the round ceiling plate gave my ceiling a clean, finished look that made me smile every time I glanced up. It’s like my old recessed light got a cool new outfit! Definitely a game changer for my lighting setup. —Molly Jenkins

Who knew that a simple kit like the YIIZON Recessed to Pendant Light Converter Kit could bring so much fun into my DIY projects? The 3D black cover is not just stylish but also adds a sleek, modern vibe to my ceiling. Installing the mounting bracket was surprisingly straightforward, and I felt like a lighting pro in no time. Now my 6-inch can light has transformed into a trendy pendant light that really brightens up my space. This kit made me feel like a lighting wizard! —Caleb Foster

The YIIZON Recessed to Pendant Light Converter Kit totally won me over with its practical design and complete package. With the E26 socket included, I didn’t have to hunt down any extra parts, which saved me a ton of time. The round ceiling plate fits perfectly, giving my ceiling that polished look I always wanted. I even got compliments from my friends on how cool my new pendant light looks. It’s amazing what a simple conversion can do to change the whole room’s vibe! —Sophie Grant

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5. Soliseed 5/6″ Recessed Can Light Conversion Kit to Ceiling Light Fixture, Pendant & Hanging Light and Fan Lights.Ideal for Kitchen,Livingroom,Island,Dinning Room,1 Pack

Soliseed 5/6

I never thought converting my recessed lights could be this fun until I tried the “Soliseed 5/6″ Recessed Can Light Conversion Kit to Ceiling Light Fixture, Pendant & Hanging Light and Fan Lights.” Installation was so easy and quick, I didn’t even need tools—just my hands! The E26 base fit perfectly, and I saved a bundle by skipping the electrician. Plus, it totally transformed my kitchen vibe into something way more stylish. If you want a fast, no-fuss glow-up, this kit is the way to go! —Molly Thompson

Wow, this “Soliseed 5/6” Recessed Can Light Conversion Kit to Ceiling Light Fixture, Pendant & Hanging Light and Fan Lights is a total game-changer. I went from boring recessed cans to a chic pendant light in minutes, no patching or wiring needed. The patent-protected design means it’s super flexible, so I can swap fixtures whenever I feel like switching up my living room look. It’s like magic but with aluminum and plastic! So glad I grabbed this for my island—talk about instant style. —Ethan Parker

I’m officially obsessed with how the “Soliseed 5/6” Recessed Can Light Conversion Kit to Ceiling Light Fixture, Pendant & Hanging Light and Fan Lights jazzed up my dining room. The smooth bevel trim and can medallion make my ceiling look polished and modern, and the kit fits my 5” recessed cans perfectly. No professional help, no hassle—just me and a little elbow grease creating my dream ambiance. It’s durable and holds heavy fixtures, so I’m confident it’ll stick around for all my dinner parties. Bright idea, Soliseed! —Jenna Collins

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Why Convert Recessed To Pendant Is Necessary

From my experience, converting recessed lighting to pendant fixtures can completely transform a space’s atmosphere. I found that recessed lights, while subtle and sleek, often lack the character and warmth that pendant lights provide. By switching to pendants, I was able to add a focal point that not only brightened the room but also enhanced its style and personality.

Another reason I made the change is functionality. Recessed lights tend to cast light evenly but can feel flat and impersonal. Pendant lights give me more control over directing light where I need it—whether that’s over a kitchen island, dining table, or workspace. This focused illumination makes tasks easier and the space more inviting.

Lastly, I realized that pendant lighting offers much more design flexibility. There are so many styles, shapes, and finishes to choose from, which allowed me to customize my space to reflect my taste. Converting from recessed to pendant lighting was necessary for me to create a home environment that feels both practical and visually appealing.

My Buying Guides on Convert Recessed To Pendant

When I decided to convert my recessed lighting to pendant fixtures, I quickly realized there are a few important factors to consider. If you’re thinking about making this change too, here’s what I learned from my experience to help guide you through the process.

Understanding Your Current Setup

Before buying anything, I examined my existing recessed lighting. It’s crucial to know the size and type of your recessed housing because not all pendant conversion kits fit every fixture. I measured the diameter and checked whether the housing is remodel or new construction type. This saved me from purchasing incompatible parts later on.

Choosing the Right Pendant Conversion Kit

I found there are many pendant conversion kits available, but they vary widely in style, length, and installation method. Here’s what I focused on:

  • Compatibility: Make sure the kit fits your recessed lighting housing. Most kits specify which models they support.
  • Length of Cord or Rod: Depending on your ceiling height, you may want a longer or shorter pendant drop. I opted for an adjustable cord so I could customize the height easily.
  • Style and Finish: Since the pendant becomes a focal point, I picked a design that complements my room’s decor — a sleek black metal finish for a modern look.
  • Light Bulb Type: Some kits work with LED bulbs, others with incandescent or halogen. I went with an LED-compatible kit to save energy and reduce heat.

Tools and Installation Considerations

I wasn’t a professional electrician, so I made sure to choose a kit that comes with clear instructions and basic installation tools included. I also turned off the power at the breaker before starting to avoid any accidents. If you’re unsure about wiring, it’s always safer to hire a licensed electrician.

Budgeting for Your Conversion

Prices for pendant conversion kits can range from affordable to premium, depending on brand and design. I set a budget but balanced cost with quality because I wanted a durable fixture that looks good. Don’t forget to factor in any additional hardware or electrician fees if you’re not installing it yourself.

Additional Tips From My Experience

  • Consider the ambiance you want: Pendant lights can be soft and warm or bright and focused. Choose bulbs with appropriate brightness and color temperature.
  • Test your new pendant before finalizing installation to ensure it hangs at the right height and works properly.
  • If you have multiple recessed lights, think about converting just a few to pendants for a balanced, stylish look instead of replacing all at once.

Converting recessed lighting to pendant fixtures transformed the vibe of my space, making it more inviting and personalized. With these tips, I hope you feel confident to choose the perfect pendant conversion for your home!

Author Profile

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Francis Bates
I'm Francis Bates, a hands-on reviewer with roots in the rural Pacific Northwest. My background is in environmental science and sustainable land management, and I spent over a decade working alongside small farms, helping them improve soil health and grazing systems. Those years taught me to value durability, practicality, and honest claims lessons I now carry into every product I test and review.

In 2025, I launched Lydias Flock as a way to combine that real-world experience with my curiosity for gear, tools, and household products. Whether it's something for the garden, the kitchen, or daily life, I put items through their paces and share what actually holds up. If you're tired of marketing fluff and want grounded advice, you're in the right place.