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If your decor ideas simply must have a chandelier but you have no overhead electrical box in the ceiling, then there are some options still available to you. The good news is you can still install chandeliers in your room without wiring and we’ll show you the types you can choose from and how best to install them.
As a lighting consultants, this is how we do it, with recommended modern wireless switching options.
The types of chandelier that do not need to be hard wired are:
Each of these types of lighting solutions offers a unique and creative way to light up your room without the need for any electrical wiring.
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| Outdoor Battery Operated Chandelier |
| This ‘firework’ chandelier light includes 60 branches of copper wire, with 180 warm Light SMD leds. Requires 4 x AA Batteries. |
| Check the Price |
Battery Powered |
When no direct power is required the places to hang a chandelier without wiring are limitless. A plug in swag chandelier can be hung from the ceiling or wall, on a porch or deck, inside your home or outside in the garden. Battery operated and solar powered chandeliers can also be hung anywhere you desire.
Keep in mind, when you have a battery operated or solar powered chandelier, the batteries will need to be changed or recharged from time to time and the solar panel will need direct access to sunlight in the day to recharge, but can be positioned under a canopy or awning on your deck or patio during the evening.
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| Solar Outdoor Candle Chandelier |
| Wireless solar powered flickering awarm LED iron frame outdoor IP44 chandelier, will illuminate for up to 5 hours on a full Charge. |
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Solar Powered Chandelier |
This is the process to follow:
The first step to hanging a chandelier without wiring is to choose the right type of light.
The most popular option for this type of installation is a swag light, which works by plugging into the wall and hanging from a chain or cord. These lights come in many styles, sizes, and finishes so you can find one that suits your style.
You may need a plug-in or battery-operated light fixture, as this type does not require an electrical box/junction box and electricity.
If you have one you have found in an antique store and still want to hang it, you can. If you want one to provide light still, you will need to convert it into a plug in version.
You’ll need to splice the wires of the light fixture to an extension cord long enough for you to reach from the ceiling positon to outlet. Choose a decorative cord that suits the light fixture.
The next step is to determine where you want to hang the chandelier. You may need to measure the ceiling if it’s not already marked with studs or other indicators. Once you have found the spot, mark it with a pencil or marker so you know where to place your light.
Plug in chandeliers swag the electrical cord across the ceiling and will need access to a low level power outlet, so should be hung reasonably near a socket.
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| Vintage Chandelier Ceiling Plate Canopy Kit |
| Max load is 22LBS, this ceiling plate has two mounting points, so is very strong for plug in chandelier |
| Check the Price |
Ceiling Canopy with Hook |
Now that you know where to hang the chandelier, it’s time to attach it. Install a hook to the ceiling for your new light to hang on.
It is very important that you use a good quality hook and anchor it to a joist or beam on the ceiling. You can find different types of hooks at hardware stores, but I like this easy install heavy duty ceiling hook.
A canopy kit will usually come with everything that you need and should include screws to attach it securely to the ceiling as well as an adjustable chain/cord for hanging purposes.
Ensure that your chandelier is ready to be hung. Depending on the type of light, you may need to attach a chain or eyelet to the fixture so it hangs on something stronger than the electrical flex itself.
Once you have your light and the ceiling hook put in, installation is simple by just hanging the light fixture. Now consider what the cord will look like, will you hide it or make a feature of it?
A basic electrical cord is best covered up and I like to use a velcro on chandelier cord cover so it does not show as much.
Next, you want to think about how your cord will go down the wall to an outlet. You can put it behind molding or you may need to paint it the same color as the wall its installed on.
A fun idea is to make the whole cord a feature in itself by using a constrasting color to the wall – have some fun with it. Sometimes pretending the cord isn’t there by painting it into the wall can look unsightly so I like to be honest with it and make it’s route from power outlet to light intentional.
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| Plug in Pendant Light White Fabric |
| Adjustable 15 ft hanging cord allows you to easily adjust the height and install into a low level electrical outlet. |
| Check the Price |
Plug in Ceiling Light |
Now the lighting in your room will be different as the switching of this chandelier may need to be independant to the other lights in the room that are wired in.
If you want to control the chandelier’s lighting with other lights in the room, install smart light bulbs in a plug-in version. The bulbs can be integrated into a preset scene that combines other lights, all switched via wireless bluetooth technology. Your chandelier can then be set to the right color temperature and dimmed to the perfect level for your chosen mood lighting.
Not as sophisticated but practical, you can turn on and off the new overhead light by plugging it in and unplugging it.
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| SONOFF S40 WiFi Smart Plug |
| Wireless control of your plug-in light fitting through your phone app via wifi. Just plug it in with an easy set up. |
| Check the Price |
Wireless Switching |
You can also buy wifi enabled electrical sockets and plug in adaptors to sockets that can be controlled via an app, enabling your phone to become a remote control. This gives your chandelier up to date modern control without being wired into the lighting circuit.
If your chandelier choice has the correct lamp base, there are products that allow a dedicated wall switch to act as a remote control to the bulb directly. You then have the convenience of a normal height wall switch that can turn the light on and off wirelessly.
Battery powered wireless chandeliers are often bought with a paired hand held remote control, allowing you to switch it remotely and without any wiring.
We also look at how to size a chandelier, so it makes the perfect statement in your room.
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