Replace Recessed Lighting Projects – Before and After

Flip the switch and replace recessed lighting in your home with a recessed light conversion that you can easily customize to your own style. For example, just look at all the great project photos our customers have completed and submitted in their quests to replace recessed lighting! These real customer’s recessed light conversion makeovers will get you inspired with lighting ideas you can do yourself and answer the question “how to convert a recessed light into a hanging pendant?”, chandelier, track lighting, or even a ceiling fan.

Get DIY tips and design ideas from people just like you that have used The Can Converter to replace recessed lighting in their home.

Learn how to replace recessed lighting into a hanging pendant, chandelier, ceiling fan, or a string of swag lights. The Can Converter recessed light conversion kit gives you the freedom to explore which option will work best for your situation.

There are so many different types of lighting out there, why not create your own unique design? In just minutes and you can convert a humdrum can light into something chic and stylish.

One very popular spot for replace recessed lighting is the kitchen. You can easily learn how to convert a recessed light in a hanging pendant over a kitchen island or dress up your foyer with a recessed light conversion that transforms a boring canister light into a sparkling chandelier. Using The Can Converter, you can even replace recessed lighting for ceiling fans or track lighting in your den or family room, all without breaking your budget.

Congrats to our Most Recent Contest Winner,
Robert C.

We were able to literally transform the look of the kitchen by adding some drama and sparkle as well as more purposeful lighting.

Additional Before & After Recessed Light Conversion Photos using The Can Converter

Lighting on a piece of wall art in our family room.

Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56-RMF-STN recessed light kit.

Adapted my existing cans to 2 LED spot lights.

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56-RMF-STN recessed light kit.

“Artwork Spotlights – I was looking to improve the lighting on a piece of wall art in our family room. Why I used the Can Converter – In order to replace the fish-eye can lights I would have to crawl thru the attic (and the blown in insulation) to a point where the roof trusses are very low and provide only 2′ of headroom. So I decided to take a chance on the can converter (Model R56 Flat Medallion Satin Nickel) and they worked perfectly! It still required working from a ladder at 12′ ceiling height but the installation was straightforward and the converter easily adapted my existing cans to 2′ LED spot lights. Very impressed with the results. ”

John Z.

“Pendant light in kitchen”

Chris L.

Light in kitchen
Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56-RMB-MBK recessed light kit.
Designer pendant light

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56-RMB-MBK recessed light kit.

Pendant hung above my entryway door.

Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56-RMB-ORB recessed light kit.

My beautiful Mexican chandelier!

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56-RMB-ORB recessed light kit.

“A screw in pendant hung above my entryway door. It was always crooked and the canopy was held in place with pins!
I wired in the can converter and hung my beautiful Mexican chandelier!”

Allison M.

“We replaced recessed lights in the kitchen to great effect! We’d struggled before to match our updated kitchen, and this did the trick.”

Chandra A.

Recessed lights in the kitchen
Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R1 recessed light kit.
We replaced recessed lights in the kitchen.

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R1 recessed light kit.

Recessed lighting fixture

Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56 recessed light kit.

five-light hanging chandelier.

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56 recessed light kit.

“We replaced a recessed lighting fixture that was located over a kitchen island with a five-light hanging chandelier. The kitchen is modern farmhouse and the new light compliments the bead board backslash and butcher block countertops.”

Pete K.

“Replaced recessed lights on island with Sea Urchin pendant lights. The Can Converter was so easy to install it made my job much easier!!😎 ”

Fraser L.

Recessed lights on island.
Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R4 recessed light kit.
Sea Urchin pendant lights.

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R4 recessed light kit.

looking to replace ugly can lights with more appropriate and stylish lighting fixture

Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56-RMB-WHT recessed light kit.

Replaced the can light with a modern fixture

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56-RMB-WHT recessed light kit.

“Updating our main bath. New mirrors, counters, paint and replaced the can light with a modern fixture. This is the third can light I’ve replaced, using Can Converter. This is a high quality, easy to use product that allows you to replace ugly can lights with more appropriate and stylish lighting. It’s the right product for the job.”

Daniel N..

“Replaced recessed light over master bathtub with chandelier.”

Tiffany W.

recessed light
Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56-RMF-WHT recessed light kit.
master bathtub with chandelier

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56-RMF-WHT recessed light kit.

Ugly can light in main entrance.

Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56-RMF-WHT recessed light kit.

3 globe chandelier.

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56-RMF-WHT recessed light kit.

“Replaced ugly can light in main entrance with a 3 globe chandelier.
It really looks great and the converter was so easy to install! Really transformed our main entrance.
We already have two more can replacements planned.​”

Steven B.

“Front vestibule new pendant light”

David L.

Front vestibule
Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56-RMF-WHT recessed light kit.
new pendant light

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56-RMF-WHT recessed light kit.

Ceiling can light

Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56-RMB-WHT recessed light kit.

Can light to chandelier.

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56-RMB-WHT recessed light kit.

“Converted ceiling can light to accept chandelier.​”

Steve K.

“Converted old, stale space into an aviation themed bar. Used the can converter to change a single can light into a “chandelier” made out of a salvaged airplane tail and a spider light kit. It came out amazing and is the most amazing part of the whole bar!”

Julie K.

Stale space into an aviation themed bar
Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56 recessed light kit.
Can light into a "chandelier" made out of a salvaged airplane tail

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56 recessed light kit.

Front entryway

Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R4 recessed light kit.

Amazing stained glass pendant light

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R4 recessed light kit.

“My partner and I are big thrifters and love treasures at our local thrift shops here in San Francisco. This amazing stained glass pendant light was purchased about a month ago at the Goodwill on Mission St in the Excelsior for about $70. This a a LOT more than we pay for most things when we are thrifting but we both really like folk art, stained glass and thought this was special. The problem was that where we wanted to hang it was in our front entryway and there were only can lights in the ceiling there. Considering that our house is two flats and we had no attic space above this ceiling due to their being another flat above us I was a bit perplexed as to how I was going to hang this light.

I started searching the internet and Amazon and came across The Can Converter. There was one other solution I found (I don’t remember the name of it) but The Can Converter had the best ratings so I thought we would give it a try. To be honest I was a bit skeptical of if it would work and wasn’t sure if it would be sturdy enough for the job but I was so wrong! First, as a safety professional and Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional (through the National Fire Protection Association), I was pleasantly surprised to see that the device had a Underwriters Laboratory (UL) sticker; which I know means that it was submitted for testing to a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory to specific safety standards and conducted by a 3rd party independent entity. Then I was really impressed with the design, features and engineering and had no doubts that it would hold our piece of art. The Can Converter was super easy to install and I had everything changed out within an hour or so. Thank you The Can Converter for such an amazing product!.​”

Bill G.

“We changed our front entry recessed light to a chandelier. The kit comes with everything needed to do the conversion and is well thought out. Directions are clear and understandable. We purchased the can-conversion kit because we needed the medallion to cover the large hole from the can light. In addition, we added a washer (spray-painted bronze) between the canopy and collar loop that came with the chandelier. The collar loop width was smaller than the hole in the canopy and could slide right through the hole. Very happy with the can-conversion product.”

Tawny W.

Front entry recessed light to a chandelier
Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56-RMF-ORB recessed light kit.
Very happy with the can-conversion product.

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56-RMF-ORB recessed light kit.

Cold harsh canister island lights

Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R1 recessed light kit.

Warm hanging pendants.

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R1 recessed light kit.

“Replaced cold harsh canister island lights with warm hanging pendants.​”

Michele L.

“Replace lighting with a articka pendant light.”

Vincent H.

Recessed lighting
Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56-RMF-WHT recessed light kit.
Articka pendant light.

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56-RMF-WHT recessed light kit.

6" incandescent recessed lights

Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56 recessed light kit.

We were able to literally transform the look of the kitchen by adding some drama and sparkle as well as more purposeful lighting.

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56 recessed light kit.

“In our kitchen we replaced all but two of the 6″ incandescent recessed lights with LED flat recessed panels. For the remaining two recessed cans over the sink and island we wanted a more modern and stylish LED pendant lighting. This presented a problem because 1: most pendant lighting wouldn’t have a canopy large enough to cover the holes from the 6″ recessed lighting, and 2: the recessed light over the island wasn’t centered over the island so we also needed to not only accommodate a pendant canopy, but change to something that could be swagged so the island would be illuminated evenly. The can converter was the answer to both problems. I think the results speak for themselves. By simply swapping out contractor grade lighting we were able to literally transform the look of the kitchen by adding some drama and sparkle as well as more purposeful lighting.​”

Robert C.

“Replaced 2 recessed lights with hanging pendent lights​.”

William K.

Replaced 2 recessed lights
Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56 recessed light kit.
Hanging pendent light

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56 recessed light kit.

Swapping out the old recessed can lights.

Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56-RMF-WHT recessed light kit.

Can converters were perfect for this job.

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56-RMF-WHT recessed light kit.

“Swapping out the old for the new in family room. Can converters were perfect for this.”

David S.

“Swap out can look for pendant look above kitchen sink after new cabinets and counters.”

Jeff W.

Recessed can light above counter top
Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56-RMF-WHT recessed light kit.
pendant look above kitchen sink

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56-RMF-WHT recessed light kit.

can recessed lights

Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56-RMB-WHT recessed light kit.

Mini pendent lights.

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56-RMB-WHT recessed light kit.

“Replace can recessed lights with mini pendent lights. ”

Patti C.

“Replacing a recessed light with a fan. Real pain in the butt.”

Emory H.

Recessed light
Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56 recessed light kit.
Replacing a recessed light with a fan

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56 recessed light kit.

Flimsy pendant

Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56-RMF-ORB recessed light kit.

New pendant light

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56-RMF-ORB recessed light kit.

“Replaced 2 cheap and flimsy pendant conversion lights from big box store that were made for recessed lights. Bought new pendant lights and R56 kits, very well made and sturdy. Great product. ”

Mike J.

“After purchasing our new home in the mountains, I realized the ceilings were full of can lights. I decided to add pendant lights over the island in our kitchen to add a bit of change, but I wasn’t sure how to convert can lights to pendant lights. I found your Can Converter kit online, watched a video of how to install, read great reviews, and decided to give it a try! It was a simple installation, and I love the outcome! Can’t wait for my family to come over this weekend to see our updated kitchen!!!”

Jean R.

Convert or Replace Canister Lights - Winner
Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56-RMF-ORB recessed light kit.
Replace Canister Lights - Winner

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56-RMF-ORB recessed light kit.

Convert Canister Lights - Winner

Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56-RMF-WHT recessed light kit.

Replace Canister Lights - Contest Winner

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56-RMF-WHT recessed light kit.

“Replaced the hallway can light with an updated light fixture. We also decided to paint the white medallion Oil Rubbed Bronze to match the new light fixture finish.”

Patrick Mc.

“Change can lights to pendants. Your product is easy to use and saves the customer cost of an electrician.”

Deb H.

Convert or Replace Canister Lights - Winner
Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56-RMF-WHT recessed light kit.
Replace Canister Lights - Winner

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56-RMF-WHT recessed light kit.

Convert Canister Lights - Winner

Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56-RMF-ORB recessed light kit.

Replace Canister Lights - Contest Winner

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56-RMF-ORB recessed light kit.

“Front Porch Ceiling Fan – Although our front porch has been a relaxing place to sit and enjoy being outside, we thought the addition of a ceiling fan would make the porch more comfortable during the summer months. Not only do we now have a pleasant overhead breeze on the porch, the fan’s appearance adds a finishing touch to the seating area!”

Christine L.

“Replaced a 6″ can light with a pendant light ”

Darryl W.

Convert or Replace Canister Lights - Winner
Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56-RMF-WHT recessed light kit.
Replace Canister Lights - Winner

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56-RMF-WHT recessed light kit.

Convert Canister Lights - Winner

Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56-RMF-WHT recessed light kit.

Replace Canister Lights - Contest Winner

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56-RMF-WHT recessed light kit.

“We used the can converter kit to update our kitchen from a recessed light to a pendant light. Turned out great!”

Kelly M.

“We used the Can converters for placement of ceiling fans. Turned out great! ”

Carol M.

Convert or Replace Canister Lights - Winner
Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56 recessed light kit.
Replace Canister Lights - Winner

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56 recessed light kit.

Convert Canister Lights - Winner

Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56-RMB-WHT recessed light kit.

Replace Canister Lights - Contest Winner

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56-RMB-WHT recessed light kit.

“We wanted to replace a bland canned light in the entry foyer of our new home. Our lighting specialist recommended The Can Converter. We could not be happier with the results. We have more light, it’s chic and makes a statement when we welcome family and friends!”

Octavio B.

“Replace recessed can lighting over breakfast corner with hanging pendant lights.”

Gary S.

Convert or Replace Canister Lights - Winner
Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R4 recessed light kit.
Replace Canister Lights - Winner

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R4 recessed light kit.

Convert Canister Lights - Winner

Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56 recessed light kit.

Replace Canister Lights - Contest Winner

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56 recessed light kit.

“Replaced a can light with a ceiling fan to move air away from a stuffy area in a bedroom.”

Joseph F.

“Replaced can light with chandelier — master bath”

Lisa G.

Convert or Replace Canister Lights - Winner
Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56-RMB-CHR recessed light kit.
Replace Canister Lights - Winner

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56-RMB-CHR recessed light kit.

Convert Canister Lights - Winner

Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56-RMB-ORB recessed light kit.

Replace Canister Lights - Contest Winner

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56-RMB-ORB recessed light kit.

“Entry light for curb appeal”

Julio G.

“We converted two long recessed can lights to two gorgeous crystal pendants. So sparkly and bright! Thank you, The Can Converter people!”

Debra G.

Convert or Replace Canister Lights - Winner
Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56-RMB-STN recessed light kit.
Replace Canister Lights - Winner

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56-RMB-STN recessed light kit.

Convert Canister Lights - Winner

Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56-RMB-WHT recessed light kit.

Replace Canister Lights - Contest Winner

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56-RMB-WHT recessed light kit.

“Our 15 year old can lights needed an upgrade. So to make this place our own we brought in a dining set and some creative ideas for paint. But I would never have the pendant light I was dreaming of. Then, while watching interior design videos online I found out about The Can Converter. I ordered one before I even found a pendant I loved. Today I completed the process myself. So easy and so lovely. Thank you Can Converter! ”

Abbie T.

“We needed to update our Kitchen look with new Lighting over the peninsula switching the recessed lights to pendants. The Can Converter was the perfect and easy way to convert our recessed lights. The medallion options were what we liked as well.”

Ron W.

Convert or Replace Canister Lights - Winner
Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56-RMB-WHT recessed light kit.
Replace Canister Lights - Winner

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56-RMB-WHT recessed light kit.

Convert Canister Lights - Winner

Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56-RMB-WHT recessed light kit.

Replace Canister Lights - Contest Winner

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56-RMB-WHT recessed light kit.

“Replacing LED recessed can with decorative pendant fixture. ”

Leslie M.

“Our condo needed more flair and we chose this crystal chandelier to brighten up the dining room. We chose the Can Converter for its rugged construction and easy installation. The competing products are flimsy by comparison. There’s a sidewalk just outside the window and at night our chandelier looks awesome. 1,000,000% better than before.”

John D.

Convert or Replace Canister Lights - Winner
Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56 recessed light kit.
Replace Canister Lights - Winner

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56 recessed light kit.

Convert Canister Lights - Winner

Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56-RMB-WHT recessed light kit.

Replace Canister Lights - Contest Winner

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56-RMB-WHT recessed light kit.

“Converted two can lights over our island to pendant lights”

Debbie S.

“converted the can lights above the kitchen island to support custom glass pendant lights ”

Dave M.

Convert or Replace Canister Lights - Winner
Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56-RMF-ORB recessed light kit.
Replace Canister Lights - Winner

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56-RMF-ORB recessed light kit.

Convert Canister Lights - Winner

Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56 recessed light kit.

Replace Canister Lights - Contest Winner

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56 recessed light kit.

“We replaced a can light with a lovely light with crystals. We purchased the light fixture in Virginia and intended to use it in a new home in West Virginia. This is a light fixture that we had used in our powder room in the Virginia home and really liked it. So we bought another one, and put it in storage while our new home in WV was being built. However, after moving into our new home in WV we never installed it and after a couple of years sold the house. So we put the box in storage with the rest of our stuff and took off in an Airstream trailer to travel and eventually ended up in Arizona where we bought a new house. After moving all our stuff in storage to our new house in Arizona, we realized we still had this fixture that we really liked. So now, what to do with it? All the ceiling lights in our new home were can fixtures. So we did some research and found your product. The install went nicely and we are so happy now to have this light fixture that we liked so much in Virginia, that went into storage twice and moved from Virginia to West Virginia to Arizona, finally installed in the foyer of our new home. Would not have been possible without the Can Converter!.”

Steve J.

“Above the bed in our main bedroom we wanted to add some point of interest. Used the van converter to do just that ”

Kim P.

Convert or Replace Canister Lights - Winner
Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56-RMB-MBK recessed light kit.
Replace Canister Lights - Winner

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56-RMB-MBK recessed light kit.

Convert Canister Lights - Winner

Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56-RMB-WHT recessed light kit.

Replace Canister Lights - Contest Winner

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56-RMB-WHT recessed light kit.

“Greetings again from ND: I’d be remiss not thanking you again, Joe and your wonderful sales/customer service wife. We had the chandelier professionally hung yesterday. Despite it hung into a sloped Nora canister, there was no modification needed, i.e. bending L brackets. For assurance, we used larger self tapping screws into the brackets.
I need to also say that you two are absolutely the finest customer oriented people I’ve had the honor of working with. So patient, friendly and most of all specific on your products.
May God Bless both of you…blessed with good health, well being and success in your businesses.”

Chet P.

“Replacing recess light with Fandilier
I started with hard route by buying fan holder metal rod with various additions joints to cover the depth of the can, removing can light was such a pain, then I started looking for can converter then found your product which saved me extra cost I was planning to put on this. I saved at least 200$ bucks with your product
Awesome and thank you ”

Ali M.

Convert or Replace Canister Lights - Winner
Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56 recessed light kit.
Replace Canister Lights - Winner

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56 recessed light kit.

Convert Canister Lights - Winner

Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56 recessed light kit.

Replace Canister Lights - Contest Winner

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56 recessed light kit.

“Guest powder room. Replaced wallpaper, added custom mirror, changed lighting from can light to chandelier. All sink fixtures remained the same”

Lorraine L.

“My husband got rid of our dated can lights and used your bronze conversion kit to update and hang drop down lighting. We’re very happy with the results”

Angie L.

Convert or Replace Canister Lights - Winner
Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56-RMB-ORB recessed light kit.
Replace Canister Lights - Winner

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56-RMB-ORB recessed light kit.

Convert Canister Lights - Winner

Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56-RMF-WHT recessed light kit.

Replace Canister Lights - Contest Winner

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56-RMF-WHT recessed light kit.

“Change out of “Can” light over kitchen sink / island counter for a pendant 3 light fixture”

Richard L.

“Painting kitchen and updating the lights had empty cans feeding wire to four foot fluorescent and changed to pendent lights.”

John F.

Convert or Replace Canister Lights - Winner
Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56 recessed light kit.
Replace Canister Lights - Winner

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56 recessed light kit.

Convert Canister Lights - Winner

Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56-RMF-WHT recessed light kit.

Replace Canister Lights - Contest Winner

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56-RMF-WHT recessed light kit.

“Co vertical of ceiling light to the wire one over the island”

Lukasz L.

“After some decorating tips, we converted some 6′ can lights to pendants. We like the way they turned out. The Can Converter Kit was the exact solution for this project. So glad I found this product. It worked great. I highly recommend.”

Clayton B.

Convert or Replace Canister Lights - Winner
Recessed light before using The Can Converter, model R56-RMB-WHT recessed light kit.
Replace Canister Lights - Winner

Recessed light after using The Can Converter, model R56-RMB-WHT recessed light kit.